HANOI, VIETNAM — Vietnam is charting a new course in cultural tourism with the launch of a heritage rail tourism experience that promises to blend history, modern travel, and immersive local culture. Set to debut ahead of National Day on September 2, the project will feature a scenic train route connecting central Hanoi to Bac Ninh Province, with iconic stops at Long Bien, Gia Lam, and Co Loa—turning traditional train stations into vibrant cultural hubs.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Hanoi Department of Tourism in partnership with Vietnam Railways Corporation, is part of the ambitious “Hanoi Five-Gate” project. Its goal: to transform historical rail infrastructure into a platform for storytelling, local experiences, and sustainable tourism.
A Journey Through Time: Hanoi’s Past Meets Modern Rail
The new heritage railway line will offer two daily services—a daytime journey from Hanoi Station to Tu Son Station (Bac Ninh) and a nighttime cultural tour looping around Hanoi’s urban core. The three-hour rides will combine scenic travel, cultural performances, and authentic Vietnamese cuisine served onboard.
- Day Tour: Starts at Hanoi Station and ends at Tu Son in Bac Ninh. Travelers will then continue by tram to historical sites such as Do Temple, local villages, and craft markets.
- Night Tour: Travels around the Hanoi ring route, showcasing the city’s skyline. Passengers will enjoy live traditional music, regional specialties, and cultural storytelling.
Cultural Hubs at Key Historical Stations
The route passes through five major stations:
- Hanoi Station
- Long Bien Station
- Gia Lam Station
- Gia Lam Railway Factory
- Co Loa Station
Each station is being reimagined as a multi-use cultural venue, offering travelers more than just a departure point. From traditional handicraft exhibitions to folk dance shows, the train stops will become immersive tourism hubs, reflecting Hanoi’s rich past and evolving identity.
Long Bien Station, famous for its French colonial design and location near the historic bridge of the same name, will host heritage showcases and art installations.
Gia Lam Station, near Vietnam’s historic railway factory, will offer access to a proposed railway museum, preserving and celebrating the country’s train travel legacy.
Co Loa Station, near the ancient Co Loa Citadel, connects visitors directly to Vietnam’s earliest capital from the 3rd century BCE—a powerful historical anchor for the route.
Trams, Museums, and Integrated Experiences
As part of the broader tourism vision, tram services will link stations with local landmarks, making access smoother and more eco-friendly. A railway museum is also being considered at the Gia Lam Railway Factory, designed to educate future generations about Vietnam’s transport history and showcase vintage train models, archival documents, and engineering achievements.
Travel packages are being designed to bundle train tickets with accommodation, meals, and guided tours, making for a seamless experience. Local travel agencies are urging synchronized schedules between train services and attraction opening times, ensuring that tourists can make the most of each cultural stop.
Boosting National Tourism with Innovation
The launch is timed to capitalize on the National Day travel peak. With the domestic tourism market rebounding, and 18.36 million visitors to Hanoi by July 2025 (according to the Hanoi Department of Tourism), the heritage railway project is poised to capture interest from both Vietnamese travelers and international tourists.
By diversifying the city’s tourism offerings, Hanoi is emerging not just as a historical capital, but as a model for experiential travel in Southeast Asia. The Hanoi Five-Gate rail tour exemplifies how heritage preservation and tourism can be intertwined for economic, educational, and cultural benefit.
Elevating Hanoi’s Global Appeal
The Hanoi heritage rail tour supports multiple national objectives:
- Cultural preservation: Revives interest in historical landmarks, especially for younger Vietnamese generations.
- Tourism diversification: Moves beyond traditional city tours into immersive regional experiences.
- Economic support: Benefits local artisans, small businesses, and cultural performers.
- Sustainability: Promotes rail over road travel, reducing emissions and easing traffic in central Hanoi.
From architectural storytelling at Long Bien Station to culinary showcases onboard, each element of the tour is crafted to make Vietnamese heritage accessible, engaging, and dynamic.
What Travelers Can Expect
Itinerary Highlights:
- Explore Do Temple and ancient villages in Bac Ninh.
- Walk the grounds of Co Loa Citadel—Vietnam’s ancient royal capital.
- Enjoy live music and local dishes aboard a beautifully restored train.
- Visit proposed exhibits at Long Bien and Gia Lam stations.
- Experience Hanoi by night, lit by the city’s vibrant energy and history.
Ticketing and Packages:
- Tickets available via Vietnam Railways’ booking portal.
- Bundled cultural packages through local tour operators.
- Tram and ground transport included in premium packages.
Final Thoughts
The Hanoi Five-Gate Heritage Railway is more than a train ride—it’s a mobile cultural corridor, reconnecting the past with the present. With its innovative blend of travel, history, and entertainment, the initiative offers a unique alternative to conventional sightseeing.
As Vietnam continues to elevate its tourism strategy, projects like these highlight the country’s dedication to sustainable cultural tourism—driven by storytelling, supported by infrastructure, and designed for the global stage.
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