Vietnam To Transform Major Hanoi Train Stations Like Long Bien And Co Loa Into Cultural Hubs As Part Of A New Heritage Rail Tourism Initiative

Vietnam is set to debut a groundbreaking cultural railway experience in Hanoi with the launch of a night tourism train connecting the capital’s historic core to the heritage-rich province of Bac Ninh. Designed as part of the “Hanoi Five-Gate” project, the route will include stops at iconic stations such as Long Bien, Gia Lam, and Co Loa, offering passengers a three-hour journey that blends illuminated cityscapes, traditional performances, and culinary delights. The initiative, developed by the Hanoi Department of Tourism and Vietnam Railways Corporation, aims to revive interest in Northern Vietnam’s history while boosting domestic travel and tourist arrivals ahead of National Day on September 2. With integrated trams, future cultural station hubs, and a proposed railway museum, the project positions Hanoi as a model for experiential rail tourism in the region.

Hanoi Launches “Five-Gate” Heritage Railway Tour Connecting Capital to Bac Ninh’s Cultural Heartland

Hanoi is preparing to launch a new heritage railway tourism product that blends tradition with modern infrastructure, taking visitors on a unique cultural journey through time. This initiative aims to recreate the atmosphere of the Old Quarter and give travelers a window into the capital’s historical lifestyle, all while traveling aboard a modern-day train.

Set to be the first of its kind, the route will connect the urban center of Hanoi with the neighboring province of Bac Ninh, famous for its rich cultural sites and traditional villages. The train will stop at Tu Son Station in Bac Ninh, opening a direct route to popular attractions like Do Temple—dedicated to the eight kings of the Ly Dynasty—and the bustling traditional markets of the countryside. By bridging the historical districts of the capital with cultural landmarks in the north, the new rail service promises a fresh way to experience northern Vietnam.

The route will feature two daily departures, each lasting around three hours. The daytime journey begins at Hanoi Station and ends at Tu Son Station. From there, passengers will be transported by tram to nearby historical and cultural sites. The route has been designed to provide easy access to key locations while allowing tourists to enjoy an immersive, guided cultural experience. In the evening, the second trip takes a different approach. The train will operate along the capital’s ring road, offering a leisurely ride that showcases Hanoi’s vibrant cityscape at night. Passengers on this evening tour can enjoy traditional music, curated performances, and regional cuisine while watching the city lights pass by.

The project is a joint effort between the Hanoi Department of Tourism and Vietnam Railways Corporation. It is part of a larger strategy to develop themed railway routes that integrate the capital’s historical infrastructure with its tourism potential. The flagship project of this collaboration is the “Hanoi Five-Gate” tourist railway route, which draws inspiration from the ancient city gates of Hanoi. The route is expected to include stops at five key locations: Hanoi Station, Long Bien Station, Gia Lam Station, the historic Gia Lam Railway Factory, and Co Loa Station—located near the ancient Co Loa Citadel, once the capital of Vietnam in the third century BCE.

The selection of these stations is not incidental. Each one plays a role in Hanoi’s historical and industrial development. Long Bien Station, with its French colonial architecture, and Gia Lam Station, located near the Gia Lam Railway Factory, symbolize Hanoi’s role in shaping Vietnam’s rail history. Meanwhile, Co Loa Station serves as a gateway to one of the country’s most important archaeological and cultural sites.

To ensure the success of the new railway tourism program, several proposals have been submitted by local travel agencies. These include bundling railway tickets with accommodation and sightseeing services to create seamless, full-service tour packages. In addition, agencies are requesting better coordination between the railway sector and heritage site management. Adjusting train departure times and aligning them with the opening hours of key cultural and historical landmarks would help optimize the tourist experience.

Beyond offering transportation, the project also seeks to transform parts of the rail network into cultural destinations themselves. Renovation plans are being discussed for Long Bien, Gia Lam, and Co Loa stations. These would see the stations converted into multipurpose venues, with dedicated spaces for exhibitions, cultural performances, traditional handicraft displays, and tourism-related events. The Gia Lam Railway Factory, once a major hub for train maintenance and production, may also be repurposed to house a dedicated railway museum. This museum would preserve and showcase the country’s railway heritage, offering yet another attraction for visitors.

The introduction of the Hanoi Five-Gate railway tour is expected to boost tourism significantly, especially around key national holidays. With National Day falling on September 2, officials hope to launch the full experience in time to accommodate an influx of both domestic and international tourists. The timing is strategic, as Hanoi’s tourism sector has already shown strong signs of recovery in 2025. According to data from the city’s tourism authorities, Hanoi welcomed approximately eighteen million three hundred sixty thousand visitors by the end of July. This figure underscores the growing demand for innovative, culturally immersive tourism experiences.

The rail tourism project is not only expected to help diversify Hanoi’s offerings but also to enhance the capital’s appeal as a year-round destination. By combining the charm of heritage travel with the efficiency of modern rail infrastructure, the city is crafting a distinctive narrative that appeals to both foreign travelers and Vietnamese citizens interested in reconnecting with their history.

As Vietnam continues to modernize, the preservation and celebration of cultural identity remain a national priority. This new train tour offers a powerful platform to educate visitors about the depth of Vietnamese history while simultaneously supporting local economies, artisans, and communities along the route.

Vietnam is launching a new night tourism train in Hanoi that will take travelers on a cultural journey through the capital’s historic districts and into Bac Ninh, featuring art, heritage, and iconic landmarks. The project is part of the Hanoi Five-Gate railway route aimed at boosting tourism ahead of National Day.

With coordinated planning, creative tourism packaging, and the backing of both public and private sectors, the Hanoi Five-Gate railway initiative is positioned to become a signature offering within Vietnam’s growing cultural tourism portfolio.

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