According to statistics, there are nearly 400 train trips, about 100,000 visitors experiencing The train Hanoi - Hanoi 5 Cua O, reaching an average capacity of about 80% after 1 year of operation, showing the strong attraction of the railway tourism product connecting the two heritage regions of Thang Long and Kinh Bac.
It is known that on August 19, 2025, The Hanoi - Hanoi 5 Cua O train will make its first trip on the occasion of celebrating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day September 2nd. From September 6, 2025, the train will officially be commercially operational with an average frequency of one trip per day, following the route Hanoi Station, Tu Son Station, Long Bien Station and then returning to Hanoi Station.
According to assessment from Mr. Tao Duc Hiep - Chairman of the Board of Directors of BHL Company, the operating unit of Hanoi 5 Cua O train, the journey from the idea to when the train started took nearly 6 years, of which the project was almost overturned for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite having a capacity of 278 passengers, the train proactively does not maximize the number of seats to reserve space for passengers to move, enjoy art, socialize and take photos. Passengers who buy tickets in one car can still explore other spaces. Seats are arranged interspersed so that tourists can easily chat and connect.
Mr. Tao Duc Hiep added: "The train has contributed to the Capital with a different cultural tourism product, where each trip becomes a meeting between people, between today and the memories of the two heritage regions of Thang Long and Kinh Bac".
The product is built on the historical connection between Thang Long, the center of Dai Viet civilization, and Kinh Bac, a land rich in historical, cultural and artistic traditions. Therefore, the journey from Hanoi to Tu Son has the meaning of transcending a geographical shift.
At Tu Son Station, tourists visit Den Do, the place commemorating the eight Ly dynasty kings, thereby feeling more clearly the source connecting the land of the Ly dynasty's origin with Thang Long capital. "The Thang Long journey to Kinh Bac region, connecting two heritage regions" becomes the xuyên suốt orientation of the product, taking the railway as a bridge, culture as a foundation and tourist experiences as the center.
The Hanoi 5 Cua O train has also served many groups of passengers, from domestic, international, family to group, business and cultural experience lovers. Among them, international visitors account for about 40%, equivalent to nearly 40,000 arrivals, mainly from France, Australia, China and Korea.
Tourists appreciate the space with Hanoi identity, the experience of combining railway and cultural tourism, the journey connecting Thang Long with Kinh Bac region, Den Do sightseeing spot, art programs, cuisine and dedicated service style.
To expand the international market, train tickets are distributed through travel businesses, agents and online travel platforms. The upgraded multilingual audio explanation system is provided free of charge, helping tourists learn about Hanoi Railway Station, train coffee area, Long Bien Bridge, Red River and the locations the train passes through before arriving at Den Do.
The spirit of "you get what you eat" is incorporated into the gifts, melodies, layout and stories on the train, creating more reasons for tourists to return. In the next phase, the Hanoi 5 Cua O Train aims to improve service quality, deepen cultural and historical content; strengthen connections with destinations, travel businesses and local communities; continue to expand the international tourist market, group tourists, and family tourists.
