Vietnam Railways unveils innovative heritage railway tour to explore Hanoi’s iconic sites

Vietnam Railways has introduced a new heritage railway tour route that it says will allow international visitors to experience the cultural essence of Hanoi in a unique way. 

The programme aims to link several of the city’s most important sites, such as Hanoi Station, Long Bien Station and Gia Lam Station and Co Loa station, with a separate railway route that helps introduceanlow these former to modern generations who are hungry to discover capital rich history and quintessential culture. With the conversion of every station into a cultural space, the tour via many stops gradually turns both local and foreign sightseers through a combination of transportation with historical tracing in what is considered an incomparable destination for those interested in discovering Hanoi heritage.

An innovative initiative — the blended magic of culture, history and travel is changing the face of Hanoi tourism symbols landscape. Public-private partnership opportunities Tuyen noted that in collaboration with Vietnam Railways Corporation (VRC), Hanoi’s Department of Tourism is gearing up to launch an inner-city and suburban railway tourism product connecting several of the capital city’s important cultural, historical, and creative sites. This move will promise local residents and international tourists yet another intriguing way to enjoy Hanoi’s valuable legacy.

The train will take passengers to major destinations providing an insight into the city’s culture and history. The planned route will feature important stops at landmarks such as Hanoi Station, Long Bien Station, Gia Lam Station, the Gia Lam Train Factory, and Co Loa Station. Together, these sites embody a mixture cultural and historical treasures as well as centers of creative industry that will characterize the unique heritage rail experience.

This initiative aims to offer a fully-integrated travel experience so that visitors can immerse themselves in the living heart of ancient Hanoi’s cultural heritage while receiving the convenience and charm of a heritage rail journey. The stops will be converted into vibrant cultural hubs featuring live performances, interactive installations and experiential activations that connect to the rich history of a given stop area.

Key Features of the Heritage Railway Tourism Route

A Journey Through Hanoi’s Rich History

The proposed railway route is designed to connect some of Hanoi’s most iconic cultural and historical landmarks. Each station along the way will offer tourists a glimpse into the city’s past, bringing the sights, sounds, and stories of the area to life in new and engaging ways. Here are some of the key stops on the route:

• Hanoi Station: The bustling heart of Hanoi’s transportation network, Hanoi Station is an iconic symbol of the city’s past and present. It will serve as the starting point of the railway journey, offering tourists a chance to explore the station’s rich history and cultural significance.
• Long Bien Station: Long Bien Station holds historical importance due to its role in the French colonial period. Located near the Long Bien Bridge, one of the oldest bridges in Vietnam, this station will offer travelers a fascinating window into Hanoi’s past, complete with stories from the Vietnam War and the city’s urban development.
• Gia Lam Station: Known for its historical and architectural significance, Gia Lam Station will offer an opportunity to explore the architectural beauty of Hanoi’s early 20th-century rail infrastructure. The station’s location near several historic sites makes it an important stop on the route.
• The Gia Lam Train Factory stands as a pivotal industrial site, showcasing the rich legacy of Vietnam’s railway history and its significant contribution to the nation’s transportation development. The factory will play a pivotal role in the tourism initiative, as visitors will be able to witness the craftsmanship and history behind Vietnam’s train manufacturing.
• Co Loa Station: This station is located near the ancient Co Loa Citadel, one of Vietnam’s most important archaeological sites. Co Loa offers a blend of history, legend, and natural beauty, making it an ideal location for tourists interested in exploring Vietnam’s cultural heritage.

Immersive Cultural Experiences Onboard

One of the most unique aspects of this heritage railway tourism project is the plan to integrate Hanoi’s cultural elements directly into the train experience. Travel companies and tour operators are proposing to transform the train itself into a mobile cultural exhibition. Passengers will be treated to traditional music performances, craft displays, and local delicacies served onboard, offering a true sense of Hanoi’s cultural vibrancy while on the move.

Each stop along the route will offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the local culture. At various stations, passengers can explore interactive exhibits that reflect the unique heritage of the area. This could include traditional performances, such as folk music and dances, as well as the opportunity to try signature Hanoi dishes or purchase locally crafted goods.

Bundled Packages for an All-in-One Experience

To make this heritage rail experience more comprehensive, tour operators are considering bundling train travel with accommodation and sightseeing packages. These packages will offer a seamless experience, where tourists can explore Hanoi’s key attractions, including historical sites, cultural exhibitions, and natural wonders, all while staying in local accommodations. By aligning train schedules with the opening hours of heritage sites and landmarks, the project will ensure that tourists can make the most of their visit without having to rush or worry about missing out on key experiences.

Cultural Spaces at Key Stations

As part of the initiative, there are plans to renovate several key stations to further enhance the visitor experience. Long Bien, Gia Lam, and Co Loa stations will be transformed into cultural spaces that can host exhibitions and public events. The goal is to create a vibrant and engaging environment at each stop where visitors can enjoy art, history, and culture in an immersive setting.

In addition to these stations, a dedicated railway museum is planned for the Gia Lam Train Factory. This museum will serve as an educational space, offering insights into the history of Vietnam’s railways, the development of the train industry, and its role in shaping the nation’s modern transportation infrastructure.

A Historic Debut for the New Railway Route

In celebration of this groundbreaking initiative, a unique double-decker tourist train, “Hanoi – Five City Gates,” is scheduled to make its debut on August 19, 2025. The debut coincides with significant dates in Vietnamese history, including the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19), National Day (September 2), and the 71st anniversary of Hanoi’s Liberation Day (October 10). This historic train will offer a special journey through Hanoi’s past, offering passengers a chance to reflect on the city’s history while enjoying the stunning scenery of the surrounding areas.

The Future of Hanoi’s Heritage Railway Tourism

The launch of this new inner-city and suburban heritage railway tourism product marks a significant milestone in the development of Hanoi’s tourism industry. By combining transportation with cultural exploration, this initiative will create a unique tourism offering that showcases the capital’s rich history and vibrant culture. It is expected that this route will attract both domestic and international tourists, helping to boost Hanoi’s position as a leading cultural destination in Southeast Asia.

In the coming years, Hanoi’s tourism sector is likely to see even more innovations and developments as the city looks to tap into its untapped cultural potential. With heritage railways, cultural exhibitions, and immersive experiences, Hanoi is poised to become a key player in the region’s tourism industry.

The tour with a heritage railway to discover the great cultural and historical values of Hanoi initiated by Vietnam Railways was officially launched on October 5. Connecting Hanoi Station and Long Bien Station, the new route is expected to offer passengers an exciting experience as they travel between major locations, bringing together traditional culture and modern transport services whilst taking in some of the wonderful sights that Hanoi has to offer tourists for a more engaging journey.

This is also a notable cooperation as Hanoi Department of Tourism and Vietnam Railways Corporation are working towards promoting cultural tourism in the capital. This new inner-city and suburban heritage railway tourism product will not only offer a unique opportunity to discover Hanoi’s cultural and historical legacy, but serve as a launching pad for more future tourism innovation. This initiative is designed to enhance the experience of visitors to Hanoi through immersive experiences that provide historical insights based on a new paradigm for deeper cultural heritage exploration.

Travel And Tour World – August 6, 2025