This is the train’s first official spring season, offering visitors a new Tet experience.
According to Vietnam Railways Corporation, the Hanoi Five Ancient Gates cultural train, branded the Hanoi Train, will operate from February 17 to March 8, providing a moving spiritual pause to reconnect with Hanoi’s heritage on a Thang Long-Kinh Bac journey.
Five carriages named after historic gates of the former imperial capital, O Cau Den, O Quan Chuong, O Cau Giay, O Cho Dua and O Dong Mac, are decorated to resemble traditional Hanoi family living rooms.
Departing from Hanoi Station, the train travels to Tu Son Station in Bac Ninh Province, gateway to the cultural heartland of Kinh Bac-cradle of the Ly Dynasty and of quan ho folk singing.
During the roughly 3.5-hour journey, passengers sample traditional Tet fare while watching performances of quan ho, ca tru, cheo, xam and trong quan from the Red River Delta.
The itinerary includes a stop at Den Do Temple, dedicated to eight Ly kings, recalling the capital’s relocation to Thang Long and a flourishing era of Dai Viet. Visitors offer incense for peace and prosperity in line with New Year traditions.
On the return leg, the train stops for about 20 minutes at Long Bien Station, where travellers can view the century-old bridge and take photos from two open-air carriages overlooking historic Hanoi.
The train comprises five double-deck seating carriages and two open-air cars, with capacity for 287 passengers. Each carriage seats 44 to 65 people and features wide-opening windows to maximise views along the route.
Ticket prices remain unchanged during Tet. Fares range from VND 550,000-650,000 (USD 20.91-24.71) by seating tier, while the VIP O Cho Dua carriage costs VND 750,000. Children under three travel free, with discounts for families and groups.
Organisers say the Thang Long–Kinh Bac route is envisioned as an annual spring fixture, bringing heritage into contemporary life in line with Vietnam’s push to expand its cultural and creative industries.