Inspired by the iconic clang of Hanoi’s five historic tram lines that operated from 1900 to 1991, the so-called Tram Line 6 was created to help preserve and promote the capital’s cultural heritage through an immersive, accessible format.
Located around Truc Bach Lake in Ba Dinh Ward, the two-storey carriages have quickly become a new attraction for both locals and tourists. Each carriage is designed as a miniature museum, offering interactive spaces that engage visitors through sight, sound and taste.
The Pho-Noodles carriage traces the story of Vietnamese noodle dishes from north to south, with a particular focus on Hanoi’s pho, widely regarded as a national culinary symbol.
Visitors can learn how to enjoy pho properly while exploring the cultural stories behind each dish.
Tran Phuong Huyen, 21, said she was impressed by the lifelike displays and the opportunity to sample a full bowl of pho identical to the models on show. “It really feels like stepping into a small museum of food memories,” she said.
The central carriage recreates daily life in the subsidy era, from weddings to leisure, while the nearby Kitchen-Cupboard-Tray carriage showcases traditional household items reflecting family life in difficult times.
Outside, visitors can taste simple traditional snacks and iced tea at old-style newspaper stalls, bringing back everyday memories.
The Rice carriage immerses visitors in Vietnam’s wet-rice civilisation, guiding them through the journey from sowing to harvest.
Inside, displays range from rice mills and pounding tools to straw scarecrows and traditional meal settings, each revealing stories and customs linked to Vietnamese family meals.
Nguyen Thi Luyen, 40, said each carriage offered a different memory. She suggested adding recommendations for long-established eateries to help visitors further explore Hanoi’s culinary traditions.
The Tea and Refined Pastimes carriage showcases Vietnamese tea culture inspired by the elegant pursuits of scholars in old Thang Long, featuring the traditional “eight refined arts” in a calm setting.
Tram Line 6 is part of the Hanoi-Touching Memories walking tour, showcasing the cultural, historical and spiritual life of the Ngoc Xa-Truc Bach area. The route also links sites such as Quan Thanh Temple and Thuy Trung Tien Temple.