The Hanoi Train features 10 double-decker carriages with vintage décor and modern comfort, each themed after Hanoi’s five iconic historic gates.
This August 2025, just in time for Vietnam’s National Day celebrations, Hanoi will welcome a spectacular new addition to its tourism scene — The Hanoi Train, also known as the Five Gates Train. More than a mode of transport, it’s a rolling cultural showcase, offering passengers a journey through the heart of the city’s history, art, and charm.
A Tribute to Hanoi’s Historic Gates
Launching on August 19, the train boasts 10 double-decker carriages, each thoughtfully styled with vintage décor and modern comfort. Inside, travelers will discover five themed compartments, each dedicated to one of Hanoi’s legendary gates: Quan Chuong, Cau Den, Dong Mac, Cau Giay, and Cho Dua. Wooden interiors, soft amber lighting, and traditional decorative motifs evoke the romance of old Hanoi, while panoramic windows frame the city’s evolving skyline.
The design fuses nostalgia with modernity — plush seating and contemporary amenities ensure comfort, while each detail, from hand-carved woodwork to subtle historic references, keeps the city’s soul alive on board.
Daytime Discovery, Nighttime Magic
Operating three daily departures from Hanoi Railway Station — 8:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 8:30 PM — the train glides through Long Bien, Gia Lam, and Co Loa stations before looping back to the starting point. While the daytime rides highlight bustling streets and vibrant markets, the evening trip is a star attraction.
At night, Hanoi transforms into a shimmering stage. From the upper deck’s glass-roofed observation area, passengers can watch tree-lined boulevards, colonial façades, and ancient pagodas glow under warm streetlight. Onboard entertainment enhances the mood, with live performances of traditional folk arts — xam ballads, cheo opera, and chau van ritual singing — filling the air.
Culinary treats bring a taste of the city’s heritage to the table: delicate pho cuon, fragrant banh com, and lotus tea served alongside creative cocktails at the train’s bar.
Linking Landmarks and Legacies
The route itself is a curated timeline of Hanoi’s heritage. Hanoi Station, built in 1902 during the French colonial era, sets the historical tone. Long Bien Station sits beside the iconic Long Bien Bridge, a 120-year-old iron structure that survived wars and remains a city symbol. Gia Lam Station offers a glimpse of the historic Gia Lam Train Factory — soon to be transformed into a railway museum — while Co Loa Station connects passengers to the Co Loa Ancient Citadel, a reminder of Vietnam’s earliest kingdoms.
At each stop, travelers can step off to experience cultural pop-ups: live craft demonstrations of Van Phuc silk weaving, exhibitions of Dong Ho folk paintings, and displays of Hanoi’s OCOP (One Commune, One Product) handicrafts.
The Hanoi Train – A Moving Cultural Space
This ambitious project is a collaboration between Hanoi’s Tourism Department and the Vietnam Railways Corporation. For Tran Trung Hieu, the department’s Deputy Director, the vision is clear: the train and its stations should be more than transit points. “It isn’t just transport,” he says, “but a moving museum.”
Plans are already in motion to reimagine Long Bien, Gia Lam, and Co Loa stations as cultural and exhibition hubs, integrating performances, markets, and interactive displays into the railway experience.
Elevating Hanoi’s Night Tourism
The launch of The Hanoi Train is part of Hanoi’s broader strategy to enrich its nighttime tourism portfolio, with 20 new experiences set to debut by the end of the year. From night markets and illuminated heritage walks to art performances in historic courtyards, the city is aiming to make its after-dark offerings as dynamic as its daytime attractions.
With demand for travel surging ahead of the holiday, tickets for the inaugural runs are expected to sell quickly. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time Hanoian, this journey promises a rare perspective — blending history, artistry, and the unmistakable energy of the capital under the stars.
Source: hanoitimes.vn
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