More than 1,000 tourists "inaugurate" Lao Cai Station
Lao Cai Station in the early days of the new year 2026 became the busiest destination in the border region. The loudspeaker calling for trains echoed continuously, the stream of passengers flocking up and down created a vibrant atmosphere right from the morning of January 1st.
More than 1,000 passengers on the first day of the year is an exciting start signal, opening up expectations for strong growth of the railway and tourism industry in Lao Cai in the coming time.
To create a beautiful impression on tourists, Lao Cai Station coordinated with local authorities to organize a welcoming ceremony for the first group of visitors at the beginning of the year. Fresh flowers and souvenirs from brocade were presented as a thank you, imbued with the highland identity. The warm and thoughtful image surprised and delighted many tourists.
I felt the friendliness of the people here from the first minute. Lao Cai is so close and warm," Ms. Maria Sanchez - a Spanish tourist shared and excitedly prepared her journey to explore Sa Pa, Bac Ha.
According to Ms. Do Thi Gam, Head of Lao Cai Railway Transport Station, in 2025 there were more than 365,000 passenger arrivals and departures at the station, an increase of more than 100,000 compared to 2024. Notably, nearly 80% are international visitors - a figure that shows the increasing attractiveness of Lao Cai to international friends.
Sitting on the train to admire the scenery from the plains to the mountains and forests is a very different experience. The service on the train is much more comfortable than before," shared Mr. Nguyen Hoang Nam - a tourist from Hanoi.
To serve better, the railway industry has upgraded train cars, improved sanitation, supplemented utility services and trained staff in a professional direction. The goal is to turn the journey into a memorable experience.
Opening the way for breakthrough tourism
This year's New Year holiday, the number of passengers increased sharply, causing the railway industry to proactively increase the number of train pairs at peak times on December 31, 2025, January 1st and February 1st, 2026. At the same time, cooperation with Chapa Tourism Joint Stock Company to put 5-star standard train cars into operation helps passengers have more choices of high-end services on the Hanoi - Lao Cai route.
According to Mr. Vu Xuan Han, representative of Chapa, compared to more than 9 million visitors to Lao Cai each year, the number of people traveling by train is still quite modest.
The growth space is still very large. If continued investment and close linkage with tourism products, the railway will play a leading role in the flow of tourists to Lao Cai," Mr. Han assessed.
In addition to businesses, local authorities also determined to accompany and promote the development of the railway industry.
Mr. Nguyen Van Nhat, Chairman of Lao Cai Ward People's Committee emphasized: "We will coordinate to improve service quality, promote the local image, and bring tourists the most safe and friendly feeling.
New year trains are full of passengers, services are constantly being improved, and the companionship of the government and businesses is an important driving force for the railway industry to regain growth momentum.
Not just simply a means of transportation, the Hanoi - Lao Cai ferry route is affirming its role in connecting trade, opening the way for tourism to break through in 2026.
