Tourists will have a unique way to explore the capital of Vietnam and the nearby province of Bac Ninh during the holidays aboard the country’s first double-decker train.
The train tour, organized by Hanoi’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and the Vietnam Railway Corporation, introduces a new tourism product alongside various music, art performances, and exhibitions celebrating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and Vietnam’s National Day (September 2).
Five-gate themed tourist train
The Hanoi Train features 10 carriages, including five passenger cars designed around the theme of the city’s five ancient gates: Quan Chuong, Cau Den, Dong Mac, Cau Giay, and Cho Dua, as reported by Vietnam News.
The interior is luxuriously arranged with a bar, a stage for traditional folk performances such as xam (blind busker’s singing), cheo (traditional opera), and chau van (ceremonial singing), as well as a skylight roof for sightseeing.
“The Hanoi Train or Hanoi Five-Gate Train is boldly and creatively designed to serve tourists,” said Tao Duc Hiep, chairman of the board of directors of BHL Tourism Investment Company, the project investor.
“Of the 10 carriages, seven will be completed first and brought into operation. Five are named after the city’s ancient gates, while the rest are for checking-in.”
“In the second phase, we will continue to put to use the remaining three carriages, which will be decorated in the style of old restaurants and cafes of Hanoi,” Hiep said.
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Vintage-inspired design
“For this double-decker train, we have been working on the design for two years and spent about six months building it,” said Mai Van Ngoc, director of the Gia Lam Railway JSC’s carriage workshop.
“We have carefully crafted every detail to ensure its aesthetic appearance. We also have to make up the interior so that passengers can both enjoy the scenery outside and check-in with the interior which evokes old images and turns memories into a living part of the modern space.”
Daily trips to begin August 19
The train will officially operate from August 19, with three daily trips departing from Hanoi Station via Long Bien, Gia Lam, Yen Vien, and Tu Son stations, before returning.
Departure times are 8am, 2pm, and 8:30pm, offering passengers choices between daytime and nighttime travel with scenic views.
Alongside the cultural designs featured on the train’s exterior and interior, the journey will include activities such as music performances, mini exhibitions, and conversation spaces to bring Hanoi’s memories to life.
Previously, Hanoi also attracted visitors with the “Tram Line No.6-Hanoi Street Museum” at Truc Bach Lake.
That project showcased eight carriages under the theme of “Heritage Echoes,” each recreating a unique aspect of culture, history, and cuisine.
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