HANOI — The Hanoi Train officially began operation on Sept 6, 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 the Vietnam Railway Corporation (VNR), the train was first introduced with trial runs on Aug 19.

It is expected to popularise 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.

It demonstrates the efforts of related units to innovate and improve service quality and their dedication in bringing the railway back to urban life in a close and lively way, contributing to promoting and developing tourism and spreading traditional cultural values.

Accordingly, two trains will depart every day from Hanoi Station via Gia Lam, Yen Vien to reach Tu Son Station before returning to Hanoi.

Tourists can check in 30 minutes prior to the departure times at 8am local time and 1.30pm and will arrive at the destination at 8.41am and 2.32pm.

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

The Hanoi Train, operated by BHL Tourism Service Trading Joint Stock Company, draws inspiration from the ancient Thăng Long Citadel. Its carriages are named after five historic gates — Cau Den, Quan Chuong, Cau Giay, Chợ Dua, and Dong 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 40-minute trip, customers will enjoy national traditional cultural music and dance performances such as quan ho (love duet folk singing) ca tru (ceremonial singin...