New train helps tourists explore landmarks of Hanoi, Bac Ninh province

The Hanoi Train officially began operation on Saturday, offering visitors a new way to explore the capital’s landmarks and travel to Tu Son in Bac Ninh province.

As the latest product of the tourism sector in collaboration with Vietnam Railway Corporation (VNR), the train was first introduced with trial runs on August 19.

It is expected to popularize the local cultural and historical values as well as lure more people to come and visit the capital city with a unique way of traveling.

Accordingly, two trains will depart every day from the Hanoi Station via Gia Lam, Yen Vien to reach the Tu Son Station before returning to Hanoi. Tourists can check in 30 minutes prior to the departure times at 8 a.m. and 1.30 p.m. and will arrive at the destination at 8.41 a.m. and 2.32 p.m.

In the opposite direction, trains will depart from Tu Son at 10.30 a.m. and 4.20 p.m., and are expected to arrive at the Hanoi Station at 11.33 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The Hanoi Train, operated by BHL Tourism Service Trading Joint Stock Company, draws inspiration from the ancient Thang Long Citadel. Its carriages are named after five historic gates — Cau Den, Quan Chuong, Cau Giay, Cho Dua, and Đong Mac — each evoking the thousand-year legacy of the capital and the cultural heritage of the Red River Delta.

The train consists of five luxuriously designed double-decker seating carriages and two carriages reserved for check-in. The carriages' interiors are made according to different themes and have from 40 to 60 seats each.

Through their about-40-minute trip, customers will enjoy national traditional cultural music and dance performances such as quan ho (love duet folk singing), ca tru (ceremonial singing), cheo (traditional opera), and xam (blind buskers’ singing).

In addition, the journey also offers traditional handicraft experiences such as making Dong Hôo paintings -- a folk painting genre famous for its colours from natural materials; and making Phu The cakes, a symbol for eternal love, family happiness.

They will also be served Hanoi's typical cuisine such as young sticky rice, jasmine-scented lotus tea and seasonal snacks.

Arriving at the Tu Son Station, visitors can visit Do Temple, one of the most important historical and cultural relics of Vietnam. It is a place of worship for eight kings of the Lyy dynasty, associated with the golden age in the nation's history.

There, they will not only visit the relics but also listen to explanations and learn about the origins of the dynasty that leaf a profound mark on Dai Viet's culture and politics. Many other local cultural activities are available to entertain them before returning to Hanoi.

Visitors can book their tickets through hotline 19002695. The ticket sale system will be expanded at the official counters of VNR at the Hanoi Station, website www.hanoitrain.vn, as well as through the network of domestic and foreign travel agents.

Ticket prices range from VND550,000-750,000 ($28.4) to suit all customers. Children and group bookings will have promotions and discounts.