Hanoi (VNA) – Hanoi’s Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the Vietnam Railways Corporation (VRC), has launched a survey aimed at developing a new inner-city and suburban railway tourism product that connects the capital’s key cultural and historical sites.
The proposed route will include stops at Hanoi Station, Long Bien Station, Gia Lam Station, the Gia Lam Train Factory, and Co Loa Station. These locations span cultural, historical, and creative industry hubs across the city, and are expected to form the backbone of a distinctive heritage rail experience.
The route is designed to offer visitors a deep dive into Hanoi’s cultural heritage while also enabling exploration of nearby attractions.
Along this route, each stop will be transformed into a cultural space with live performances and interactive experiences that tell the distinct stories of each destination. Travel companies have proposed incorporating Hanoi’s cultural elements, such as traditional music performances, signature dishes, and craft stalls, directly into the train itself, creating a mobile cultural exhibition.
Tour operators also suggested bundling rail travel with accommodation and sightseeing services to offer comprehensive packages. They recommended adjusting train schedules and aligning the operating hours of heritage sites to better serve tourists.
To support the initiative, the railway sector is considering the renovation of Long Bien, Gia Lam, and Co Loa stations into cultural spaces and venues for exhibitions and public events. A dedicated railway museum is also planned at the Gia Lam Train Factory.
The new inner-city and suburban heritage rail route is expected to offer an innovative and engaging way to experience Hanoi. A double-decker tourist train named “Hanoi – Five City Gates” is scheduled to debut on August 19 to mark the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2), as well as the 71st anniversary of Hanoi’s Liberation Day (October 10)./.
