Hanoi unveils two new railway tours
Two newly launched railway tours are set to enrich Hanoi’s tourism offerings, aiming to attract more domestic and international visitors.
THE HANOI TIMES — As part of the 80 Unmissable Hanoi Experiences During the Historical Festive Season initiative developed by the Hanoi tourism sector, two railway tours of The Hanoi Train and Green Journey with Hanoi Metro have officially launched in the capital.
A passenger aboard Hanoi’s Cat Linh–Ha Dong Metro Line. Photo: Vince Ruan
According to Tran Trung Hieu, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism , these routes combine modern public transport with cultural heritage experiences, aligning with Hanoi’s goals for green and sustainable tourism development.
Hanoi Metro’s Green Journey – tradition on track
This innovative tour makes use of the Hanoi Metro Line 2A (Cat Linh–Ha Dong), which stretches 13 kilometers and includes 12 stations. The line connects numerous historical sites, tourist attractions, and major shopping centers. Two curated tour models have been developed by the Hanoi Department of Tourism in collaboration with Hanoi Metro and local travel agencies.
According to Nguyen Ven Ngoc, Deputy Director of Hanoi Metro, the Green Journey - Van Phuc Silk Village tour takes visitors from Cat Linh Station to Ha Dong Station, followed by a cycling excursion to Van Phuc Silk Village. Highlights include visits to Van Phuc Pagoda, the silk market, and the communal house; hands-on silk weaving experiences; photography on the vibrant umbrella street; and sampling local cuisine.
Meanwhile, the Green Journey- Van Mieu- Phu Luong Depot tour starts at the Temple of Literature, where guests explore its rich history and architecture, take part in traditional cultural activities, and ride the elevated train to Van Khe.
A station of Hanoi’s Cat Linh- Ha Dong Metro Line. Photo: Nguyen Vuong
“Thanks to convenient connections, visitors can access cultural, historical, culinary, and entertainment sites at every station. Moreover, using the metro contributes to emission reduction, environmental protection, and encourages public transport use,” said Kieu Viet, Head of Travel Management at the Hanoi Department of Tourism.
The Hanoi Train- journey into memory
The Hanoi Train marks the capital’s first inner-city tourist train route, co-organized by the Hanoi Department of Tourism, Vietnam Railways Corporation, and BHL Trading, Service and Tourism JSC.
As explained by Dao Duc Hiep, Chairman of BHL, the tour Hanoi Five Gates - The Hanoi Train features a double-decker train with five passenger cars, each named after a historic city gate: Cau Den Gate, Quan Chuong Gate, Cau Giay Gate, Cho Dua Gate, and Dong Mac Gate. The train’s design evokes memories of old Hanoi, blending nostalgic elements with local culture, art, and cuisine to create a space where visitors can “walk and live in a Hanoi story.”
A glimpse of old Hanoi inside a carriage of The Hanoi Train. Photo: Vu Thanh Hoa
The tour operates in three time slots: from 8 AM to 11 AM, and from 1:30 PM to 5 PM. The train departs from Hanoi Railway Station, passes through Gia Lam and Tu Son stations, with stops at Do Temple in Bac Ninh Province and the iconic Long Bien Bridge.
In the evening, from 8 PM to 11 PM, the route includes Long Bien, Dong Anh, Phu Dien, Ha Dong, and Giap Bat stations.
Beyond transportation, each train offers a curated cultural space with live music performances, traditional Hanoi cuisine, handicraft displays, and immersive urban history experiences.
A key highlight is Bac Ninh, known as a “sacred land of talented people,” home to the Quan ho folk singing heritage, skilled craft villages, and ancient temples and pagodas. Notable among them is Do Temple, the resting place of eight kings of the Ly Dynasty (1138 - 1175), linked to the historic relocation of the capital to Thang Long or present-day Hanoi in 1010.
Toward a thriving railway tourism future
International visitors to Van Phuc Silk Village. Photo: Duy Khanh/ The Hanoi Times
Along with the launch of these two new routes, several initiatives to promote railway tourism were proposed at a conference on Connecting Tourism Businesses with the Railway Industry in Hanoi held on August 13. The event gathered leaders from the Hanoi Department of Tourism, Hanoi Railway Co. Ltd, and local travel enterprises.
Nguyen Manh Hung, Deputy General Director of Hanoi Tourism Corporation, proposed enhancing the railway tourism experience with fast food and souvenir stalls, culturally themed station decor, curated tours like Four Hanoi Seasons and Weekend Night Train, digital marketing, KOL collaborations, and regular events at stations.
Meanwhile, Truong Quoc Hung, Chairman of the Hanoi UNESCO Travel Club, suggested adding stops like Ha Dong Market and the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum, introducing QR-coded check-in maps, flexible ticket options, better integration with buses and city tours, and extended hours for the tour of Hanoi Five Gates - The Hanoi Train.
The Hanoi Train is launched to enrich the city’s tourism offerings. Photo: Vu Thanh Hoa
Responding, Khuat Viet Hung, Chairman of Hanoi Metro, said the company is developing a passenger app and printed guides, with daily and weekly tickets already in place. It also partners with accommodation providers to offer more budget-friendly stays.
In celebration of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day, Hanoi Metro will host a four-day event with food kiosks, free tickets, and tours to outer-city destinations, while also improving tourist information and encouraging local vendors to set up near stations.
The launch of these two railway tours highlights Hanoi’s rich cultural heritage while offering visitors a fresh, immersive way to explore the city. By combining modern transport with meaningful storytelling and sustainable practices, Hanoi is paving the way for a vibrant and eco-friendly future in urban tourism.
