The tourist train "From the 5 City Gates to the Land of Quan Ho" will officially begin operation on September 6, 2025, introducing a unique tourism product that connects the thousand-year-old capital of Hanoi with the culturally rich land of Kinh Bac. This is not merely a railway journey, but also a special cultural experience for both domestic and international visitors.
The Journey of the Tourist Train "From the 5 City Gates to the Land of Quan Ho"
The train departs from Hanoi Station, passing through Long Bien – Gia Lam – Yen Vien – Tu Son (Bac Ninh).
The journey lasts about one hour, giving passengers time to enjoy both sightseeing and cultural performances onboard.
Detailed schedule:
- Hanoi – Tu Son: Departs at 8:00 AM and 1:30 PM, arriving at 8:41 AM and 2:32 PM.
- Tu Son – Hanoi: Departs at 10:30 AM and 4:20 PM, arriving at 11:33 AM and 5:01 PM.
There are two pairs of tourist trains daily, ensuring visitors have a complete and fulfilling experience.
The Cultural Space on the "Hanoi 5 City Gates" Train
A highlight of this route is the "Hanoi 5 City Gates" train, inspired by the ancient Thang Long Citadel.
The train features five double-deck passenger carriages and two check-in carriages.
Each carriage is named after one of Hanoi’s historic city gates: O Cau Den, O Quan Chuong, O Cau Giay, O Cho Dua, and O Dong Mac.
With elegant interiors and wide panoramic windows, the train offers passengers a comfortable sightseeing experience.
Unique Cultural and Artistic Experiences
Throughout the journey, travelers will be immersed in a vibrant cultural atmosphere:
- Traditional music performances: Quan Ho folk songs, Ca Tru, Hat Xam, Hat Cheo…
- Artistic interaction: Live performances by artisans and artists, with opportunities for passengers to join in.
- Hanoi cuisine: Specialties such as young green rice (com), lotus-scented jasmine tea, and seasonal local snacks.
Exploring Kinh Bac – The Land of Quan Ho
The journey ends at Tu Son Station (Bac Ninh), where visitors can explore famous sites like Do Temple, take part in local cultural activities, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the Quan Ho region.
The Significance of the New Tourist Train
The "From the 5 City Gates to the Land of Quan Ho" tourist train is not only a new and unique product for Vietnam’s tourism industry but also:
Contributes to preserving and promoting traditional cultural values.
Connects Hanoi and Kinh Bac, showcasing the heritage of the Red River Delta.
Revitalizes railway travel, making it a lively and engaging part of urban life.
The tourist train "From the 5 City Gates to the Land of Quan Ho" offers a distinctive journey of culture, art, and cuisine. It promises to become a new highlight for Northern Vietnam tourism. For those wishing to admire the scenery while immersing themselves in traditional cultural spaces, this is truly an experience not to be missed.