For a long time, the train in Vietnamese people's minds has become a symbol of nostalgia. The fleet of ships is associated with long trips, the slow pace of life of a not-so-distant time. But in the midst of a bustling modern life, Hanoi has breathed new life into the seemingly old train cars.
No longer a simple means of transportation, Hanoi 5 Cua O has been created into a mobile cultural museum, an art stage on the railway, where every meter of wheel is a slow-motion film about history.
This is the result of nearly 5 years of hard work, of thousands of hours of hard work from dozens of architects, artists, cultural experts and more than 300 skilled workers. From the old train cars, the three train factories have joined hands to "revive", putting on them a new coat, a new mission: Carrying Vietnamese culture far and wide.
The first chosen route is the Thang Long - Kinh Bac route, a deep symbolic connection. If Thang Long - Hanoi is the heart of the whole country, where the quintessence converges and the sediment accumulates for thousands of years, Kinh Bac - Bac Ninh is like a cultural source that has nurtured the land of the capital.
For thousands of years, Kinh Bac has not only been the northern gateway of the capital but also the cradle of the Ly Dynasty, the dynasty that opened the brilliant Dai Viet civilization. This place preserves 7 heritages honored by UNESCO, and especially the smooth, shy Quan Ho songs that have become a heritage of humanity.
The train leaves Hanoi station, starting a time travel. Each train car is not just a sitting space, but a door opening into a unique story of Hanoi. 5 passenger cars are named after 5 ancient gates: O Quan Chuong, O Cho Dua, O Cau Den, O Dong Mac, O Cau Giay. Each name is a souvenir, and each interior design is a vivid representation.
Entering the O Cau Den car, we thought we were lost in a black and white film about Hanoi during the subsidy period. The rusticity and simplicity are present in every detail, from the familiar cement walls and cotton brick umbrellas to the simple set of tables and chairs. Somewhere in the space, people can imagine the sound of announcing small gifts, the sound of children playing in an old apartment complex.
Leaving that memory, the cars of O Quan Chuong and O Cau Giay opened up a lyrical but heroic picture. The image of Long Bien Bridge - a historical witness - is cleverly integrated on the ceiling, door frame, and back of the chair. The pattern of the Red River waves winding like the breath of a city that never rests.
toa O Cho Dua brings a different feeling, with a luxurious neoclassical style, enhanced by the charm of French architecture, reminiscent of an elegant, luxurious Hanoi. Meanwhile, O Dong Mac carriage is an interesting surprise when recreating the space of the apartment complex with brilliant walls of Dong Ho folk paintings. It tells the story of a very simple, honest but also proud Hanoi.
Perhaps most special are the two check-in cars designed to be completely open. No more barriers, the space seems to blend in with the earth and sky outside. Standing here when the train runs through Long Bien Bridge, visitors can feel the cool breeze of the Red River, watch the water flowing slowly and catch the eye of an ancient and dynamic Hanoi. Any corner of the ship can become an artistic check-in spot, a place where memories and the present blend together.
The journey on The Hanoi Train is not just a visual experience. It is a harmony of the senses. The Vinh is awakened by the quintessential dishes of Hanoi served seasonally, from fragrant green rice sticky rice wrapped in herring, rich fish cakes to hot pho bowls, hot rice cake bowls.
Hearing the applause of artistic minishows, where the national instrumental sound blends with modern symphony. To fully convey the cultural story, the multilingual explanation system (English, French, Chinese...) helps international tourists understand more deeply the core of Vietnamese heritage.
The convoy officially welcomed guests from September 3. Each train trip is a complete journey lasting about 3 hours. During the day, the train will take tourists from Hanoi Station to Tu Son Station, where electric cars are ready to welcome them to continue the journey to explore local cultural sites.
When the city is lit up, the train brings a completely different experience: A romantic adventure on the beltway, for passengers to both admire a sparkling Hanoi at night and enjoy fine art and cuisine on the train.
On the railway connecting the past and present, the two heritage areas of Thang Long and Kinh Bac have been connected by a unique train, continuing the heritage village song, bringing Vietnamese culture to spread, touching the hearts of Vietnamese people and tourists from near and far.
