On September 28, Vietnam Railways, in coordination with the Ninh Binh Department of Tourism, organized a trial run of a dedicated tourist train service between Hanoi and Ninh Binh.
Under the theme “Connecting Heritage Regions,” the Hanoi–Ninh Binh journey aims not only to connect two destinations but also to link two spaces of heritage, culture, and landscapes. From the historical and cultural values of Hanoi to the heritage sites, natural landscapes, and local way of life of Ninh Binh, the train creates an integrated journey in which transportation itself becomes part of the travel experience.
The trial program provided tourism authorities, the railway sector, and travel businesses with an opportunity to directly assess the entire service chain, from travel time and operational quality to onboard services and the potential for connections between Ninh Binh Railway Station and local tourist sites and attractions.
The train has been designed and organized as a premium, comfortable, and experience-oriented service, featuring high-end passenger carriages and a restaurant carriage. The product is being further studied and refined with a view to providing regular daily service in both directions between Hanoi and Ninh Binh. The combination of transportation, services, cuisine, and onboard experiential spaces is expected to create a seamless travel experience, with the journey beginning as soon as passengers depart from Hanoi.
Upon arrival at Ninh Binh Railway Station, the delegation will visit several scenic spots and historical sites in the province, including the Muong cultural space in Thung Ui, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, and Tuyet Tinh Coc. In the coming period, Ninh Binh's tourism sector is expected to incorporate a range of suitable tours and itineraries to provide visitors with enhanced travel experiences.
This program provides a practical basis for the relevant parties to further refine the product, develop suitable tour programs, strengthen linkages among the railway sector, travel agencies, and destinations, and promote the “Hanoi–Ninh Binh: A Journey Through Heritage Regions” itinerary.
The development and operation of a premium Hanoi–Ninh Binh tourist train is expected to diversify ways of accessing destinations, improve the quality of the travel experience, and enhance the appeal of the journey between Hanoi and Ninh Binh. The product opens up a new direction for railway tourism by combining transportation, culture, cuisine, and experiential travel, contributing to the development of green, convenient, and sustainable tourism.