In a fresh initiative blending tradition with tourism, Vietnam’s first dedicated cultural train, known as the Hanoi Train or “Đoàn tàu di sản văn hóa 5 cửa ô,” is captivating visitors by showcasing Hanoi’s rich heritage along its scenic routes. Operated by BHL Tourism and Services Joint Stock Company in partnership with Vietnam Railways, this innovative service transforms everyday rail travel into an immersive cultural experience, connecting the capital to nearby heritage sites and boosting both tourism and sustainable transport.
The Hanoi Train draws inspiration from Hanoi’s historic “5 cửa ô” (five gates), symbolizing the city’s ancient fortifications and cultural legacy. This project marks a significant shift in rail usage, turning traditional transport lines into vibrant tourism products that revive historical memories and attract a diverse audience. According to Mr. Tào Đức Hiệp, Chairman of the Board of Directors at BHL Company, the train is designed to offer a cultural and experiential journey along the Hanoi-Từ Sơn route in Bắc Ninh province, linking the capital to the nearby Kinh Bắc heritage region. This approach not only revives cherished cultural values but also positions rail travel as a key element of modern tourism packages.
While rail lines have long served basic commuting needs, their integration with cultural tours is redefining their role in Vietnam’s travel industry. By combining transportation with local exploration, these routes are becoming comprehensive tourism offerings that enhance visitor engagement. Hanoi, in particular, is leveraging its urban rail systems to promote eco-friendly travel and cultural discovery, making trains more than just a means of getting from point A to point B.
The Rise of Rail-Based Tourism in Hanoi
Hanoi’s metro and rail networks are at the forefront of this transformation, serving as both practical transport options and cultural highlights. The city boasts two key urban rail lines: Metro Line 2A (Cát Linh-Hà Đông) and Metro Line 3 (Nhổn-Ga Hà Nội, elevated section). These lines have already inspired two specialized tourism products: the “Hanoi Metro Green Journey to Vạn Phúc Silk Village” and the “Hanoi Metro Green Journey to Văn Miếu-Quốc Tử Giám and Phú Lương Depot Experience.” These tours allow travelers to explore iconic sites while riding the metro, effectively turning the journey into a seamless part of the sightseeing adventure.
Mr. Khuất Việt Hùng, Chairman of the Members’ Council at Hanoi Metro Company, explained that the goal is to develop signature products that position Hanoi’s rail system as a long-term attraction. “We’re expanding connections to shopping areas, food spots, and hotels, so visitors can enjoy the city without high central costs,” he said. To enhance the experience, the company is introducing apps, informational brochures, daily and weekly passes, and easy access to cultural, historical, and entertainment sites along the routes. For instance, Metro Line 2A enables travelers to hop off at various stops to visit landmarks, all while reducing traffic congestion and promoting environmentally friendly travel.
This synergy between tourism and rail not only offers safe, convenient options for visitors but also optimizes the rail network’s operations. Mr. Trần Trung Hiếu, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, highlighted the mutual benefits: “Tourism and rail support each other, providing comfortable, secure, and enriching experiences for travelers while expanding markets for the rail sector.” He emphasized that creative integrations, like themed tours, could serve as a model for inter-industry collaboration, driving economic and social gains while enhancing Vietnam’s image as a welcoming destination.
Enhancing Rail Services for a Modern Audience
Vietnam Railways is actively upgrading its services to meet growing demands, focusing on comfort, culture, and connectivity. The corporation has revamped passenger cars with modern features, including automatic doors, LED screens, free Wi-Fi, and designs that incorporate local architecture and traditions. These improvements aim to elevate the travel experience for both locals and tourists.
In addition to these upgrades, Vietnam Railways has introduced premium trains such as SE19/20, SE21/22, the Hoa Phượng Đỏ (Red Phoenix) train on the Hanoi-Hải Phòng route, the heritage Huế-Đà Nẵng train, the Sjourney cross-Vietnam train, and the La Reine line from Đà Lạt to Trại Mát. Special services include chartered cars and luxury options like The Vietage on the Đà Nẵng-Quy Nhơn route. These initiatives also feature all-inclusive tours by rail to destinations like Huế, Đà Nẵng, and Quảng Bình, blending travel with cultural immersion.
The Hoa Phượng Đỏ train, for example, has quickly become a hit on the Hanoi-Hải Phòng line. Compared to 2024, when only faster passenger trains operated, passenger numbers have risen by 8%, and revenue has surged by 46%. In May 2025, during Hải Phòng’s 70th liberation anniversary celebrations, the Hanoi-Hải Phòng route saw 263 train trips, carrying over 142,000 passengers and generating more than 14 billion VND in revenue. This represents a 17% increase in trips and a 52% jump in revenue from the previous year. The primary users are young people, students, and international tourists seeking day trips for food tours and city explorations.
Mr. Hoàng Gia Khánh, General Director of Vietnam Railways, noted the broader impact: “These innovations are boosting revenue and expanding our customer base, while building the Vietnam Railways brand around heritage, culture, and memorable experiences.” He added that future plans involve collaborating with local governments to develop region-specific products that cater to market needs and stimulate tourism.
Transforming Stations into Cultural Hubs
Beyond the trains themselves, Vietnam Railways is reimagining station spaces to enhance the overall experience. Stations like Long Biên, Gia Lâm, and Cổ Loa are being repurposed into cultural venues, such as exhibition spaces and event halls. For instance, the Gia Lâm locomotive factory is set to become a railway museum, turning these sites into storytelling hubs that reflect the “pulse” of the city.
This evolution aligns with the rising demand for unique travel experiences, breathing new life into historic rail lines while paving the way for emerging routes. The partnership between railways, local authorities, and travel companies is diversifying tourism offerings, promoting Vietnam as a destination for heritage, innovation, and eco-friendliness, all while ensuring the sustainability of this longstanding transport mode.
Finally, adding to the allure, more than 1,000 special editions of newspapers from the Vietnam News Agency (TTXVN) are now available on the Hanoi Train, providing passengers with quality entertainment and information throughout their journey.
This initiative exemplifies how rail and tourism can collaborate to preserve cultural heritage while driving economic growth.
