The Hanoi – Bac Ninh route

After just three months of operation, the “Hanoi 5 Cua O – The Hanoi Train,” which follows the “Thang Long – Kinh Bac” cultural route, continues to captivate both domestic and international tourists. Weekend tickets frequently sell out shortly after being released.

According to Tao Duc Hiep, a representative of the train’s operator, the New Year’s Day departure on January 1 is nearly fully booked, with the train’s 280-seat capacity nearly reached. Some international tourists have even reserved tickets in advance as part of their cultural experience for the holiday in Hanoi.

Following the announcement of a four-day New Year holiday starting from January 1, demand is expected to surge for the additional departures scheduled from January 2 to 4.

During the holiday season, the train will run its usual eight trips per week. The cabins will feature subtle festive decorations and small seasonal gifts, adding a warm and intimate atmosphere for passengers.

Unlike traditional holiday travel experiences, this train avoids loud festivities. Instead, it prioritizes a slower, more refined journey.

The carriages combine classic and modern design, with warm wood interiors, soft lighting, and vintage-inspired motifs, creating the feeling of stepping back in time to old Hanoi.

Large panoramic windows offer expansive views of the capital’s streetscapes, from timeworn tiled rooftops along the tracks to bustling neighborhoods and the serene Red River.

Passengers don’t just watch the scenery-they are immersed in a cultural journey. Live performances of traditional Vietnamese music genres such as Quan Ho, Ca Tru, Cheo, and Xam transform the train into a mobile stage for folk art.

A highlight of the trip is a visit to Do Temple in Bac Ninh-a Special National Heritage Site honoring eight kings of the Ly Dynasty. Visitors can take part in hands-on cultural activities such as Dong Ho folk painting, making traditional wedding cakes (banh phu the), and enjoying Quan Ho singing sessions.

Return ticket prices vary by carriage:

550,000 VND (approx. $22.50 USD) for first-floor seats

650,000 VND (approx. $26.50 USD) for second-floor seats in carriages named after old Hanoi gates like O Cau Den, O Quan Chuong, O Cau Giay, and O Dong Mac.

Premium seats in the O Cho Dua carriage cost 750,000 VND (approx. $30.50 USD), regardless of floor.

Children under 6 travel free, and those aged 6 to under 10 receive a 10% discount. Each journey lasts 3.5 hours, departing at 8:00 AM and 1:30 PM.

The Hanoi – Hai Phong route

The “Hoa Phuong Do” luxury train to Hai Phong features 20 Indochine-style carriages that blend modern comfort with Eastern aesthetics. Many travelers have already secured tickets for New Year’s Day 2026.

Passengers can enjoy a day trip that includes a food tour of Hai Phong’s central district or choose to stay overnight.

According to the operator, nearly 1,000 passengers have booked seats for January 1, with ticket sales expected to rise further as travelers often purchase close to the holiday date. The recent announcement of a longer break is also fueling last-minute bookings.

To meet the growing demand, the company is preparing to add more carriages. New Year ticket prices mirror weekend rates:

VIP cabins: 350,000 VND (approx. $14.25 USD)

Soft seats: 180,000 VND (approx. $7.30 USD)

Standard seats: 150,000 VND (approx. $6.10 USD)

One standout feature is the 56-seat cabin with next-generation rotating seats that can pivot 180 degrees, eliminating the discomfort of riding backward. All cars include modern washrooms and clean, well-equipped hand-washing stations. The train also features standard 64-seat cars with flexible ticket pricing to suit diverse travelers.

Once in Hai Phong, visitors can rent a motorbike to explore the city’s famed culinary spots, enjoying local favorites such as crab noodle soup (banh da cua), stir-fried snails, spicy fish noodle soup (bun ca cay), Chinese-style rice cakes (banh duc tau), and spicy breadsticks (banh mi cay).

With a full-day itinerary, visitors can also explore photo-worthy spots like Hai Phong Train Station, the City Opera House, and the City Museum-before heading back to Hanoi.

Linh Trang