To mark the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (September 2), the railway sector has launched the “Hanoi’s Five Gates” train, offering a truly unique experience.
Hanoi has long been associated with the image of its historic city gates—*ô*—which have inspired poetry, music, and the memories of generations. Now, that imagery is vividly brought to life in a new tourism product: the “Hanoi’s Five Gates” train. It is a special cultural experience where the past and present harmonize right on the railway tracks.
The Significance of the Name “Five Gates”
The train’s name evokes the five historic gates that once served as entryways to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long: O Cau Den, O Quan Chuong, O Cau Giay, O Cho Dua, and O Dong Mac. Each gate represents a fragment of memory and stands as a historical witness to the Capital.
Stepping aboard the train, passengers feel as though they are traversing cultural landmarks. This is the message the railway sector wishes to convey: every trip is a journey of return, where the Hanoi of old is recreated amidst the rhythm of modern life.
A Special Launch Event
On the morning of August 19, 2025, at Hanoi Railway Station, the Vietnam Railways Corporation officially launched the “Hanoi’s Five Gates” train. The event coincided with the 80th anniversary of National Day (September 2) and was part of a nationwide series of activities celebrating over 250 projects and initiatives.
Concurrently, the railway sector unveiled a biometric ticket-checking system. This marks the first time such technology has been widely implemented, signifying a major step forward in the digital transformation of the transport sector. Unique Design and Structure
The train consists of five double-decker passenger carriages and two dedicated “check-in” cars. Each carriage accommodates between 40 and 60 passengers, offering a total capacity of over 100 seats.
The most striking feature is the interior design, themed around Hanoi’s historic “Five Gates” (*Ngũ Môn Quan*). Expansive windows running the length of the train allow passengers to fully admire the scenery of Hanoi—from the Old Quarter and Long Bien Bridge to the rural villages on the city’s outskirts.
With an elegant color palette that blends modern aesthetics with nostalgic charm, each carriage serves as a miniature “gallery of memories.”
Onboard Cultural Experience
The “Hanoi Five Gates” train journey offers a unique cultural experience. Throughout the trip, passengers can immerse themselves in live performances of traditional Vietnamese genres such as *Quan Họ*, *Chèo*, *Ca Trù*, and *Hát Xẩm*.
This artistic atmosphere transforms the train into a “mobile stage,” bringing Vietnam’s intangible cultural heritage closer to the public—especially international visitors.
Route and Schedule
Operations are set to begin in September 2025 with three trips daily: morning (8:00 AM), afternoon (2:00 PM), and evening (8:30 PM).
– Daytime: Departs from Hanoi Station, crosses Long Bien Bridge, passes the Old Quarter, travels alongside suburban villages to Tu Son Station (Bac Ninh), and returns to Hanoi.
– Evening: The train circles the inner city, passing through stations such as Long Bien, Gia Lam, Dong Anh, and Ha Dong before returning to Hanoi Station. Passengers can enjoy traditional art performances right on board the train.
During the journey to Tu Son Station, passengers have 90 minutes to visit Do Temple and participate in local cultural activities before the train departs for the return trip to Hanoi Station.
Ticket prices set by the railway operator are 550,000 VND for first-floor seats, 650,000 VND for second-floor seats, and 750,000 VND for seats in the VIP carriage.
