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Train journeys combined with tourism experiences are becoming a popular choice, especially on weekends and holidays, adding a new appeal to Hai Phong’s tourism.
Different kind of experience
Early in the morning, the train from Ha Noi to the port city of Hai Phong attracts a large number of passengers of all ages. As the train departs, the carriages fill with lively chatter and eager eyes gazing out the windows at the changing scenery along the nearly 100 km route.
“I’ve been to Hai Phong many times by car, but traveling by train feels completely different. The space is open and comfortable, and watching the countryside pass by the window is really enjoyable. We chose this mode of transport to experience the railway and join Hai Phong’s food tour,” said Nguyen Thu Trang from Ha Noi.
On September 8 alone, the Ha Noi – Hai Phong train served nearly 2,000 passengers, not only regular commuters but also groups of young people, families, and travel clubs who saw the train as part of their travel experience. For many, time spent on the train offers a rare moment to relax, chat, and enjoy a peaceful, unhurried pace of life.
Hai Phong station, the final stop on the line, is more than 120 years old, featuring distinctive French architecture and a favorite check-in spot for young travelers and foreign visitors. The Ha Noi – Hai Phong railway, whose construction begun in 1901, is one of the oldest lines in Vietnam, serving not only as a vital transportation route but also as a historical witness to the port city’s development.
The combination of train travel with tourism activities is breathing new life into the century-old railway. A major boost came with the launch of the high-end “Hoa Phuong Do” (Red Flamboyant) tourist train on May 13, 2025. The 20-car train features a modern design and vibrant décor reflecting the colors of the port city.
At the Exhibition of 80 Years of National Achievements in late August and early September 2025, three “Hoa Phuong Do” carriages were displayed outdoors, attracting an average of 1,000 visitors per day and up to 1,500 – 2,000 on weekends. Many queued for the chance to step aboard, and numerous visitors remarked that the train felt “both classic and modern, truly fascinating.”
Toward premium products
Statistics show clear growth in railway passengers: 4.5 million in 2022, 6.1 million in 2023, and more than 7 million in 2024. The Ha Noi – Hai Phong route alone has seen an average annual increase of about 10%, reaching over 1.5 million passengers in 2024. These impressive figures confirm the growing appeal of railway tourism.
Alongside this growth are significant investments in infrastructure and services, including refurbished carriages, upgraded stations, improved landscapes, and high-quality coaches dedicated to the Ha Noi – Hai Phong route. Hai Phong station has been renovated and expanded to make passenger access more convenient.
After nearly five months of operation, the “Hoa Phuong Do” train welcomed over 60,000 passengers, with weekend trips often fully booked. Tran Thi Hoang Mai, Director of Hai Phong Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasized: “The ‘Hoa Phuong Do’ train is not just a means of transport but a unique tourism product. Passengers can enjoy Ha Noi – Hai Phong cuisine right on the train and receive discounts for food tours and sightseeing activities in the city. This is a sustainable direction that makes effective use of existing infrastructure.”
At the same time, the city and the railway sector are working to connect train travel with river, sea, and inner-city tours, creating more diverse tourism products. Coordinated promotional activities aim to make railway tourism a highlight in Hai Phong’s tourism development strategy for the new phase.
HAI HAU
