The Hanoi Train: Cultural Day Journey from Hanoi to Bac Ninh

Tour Route: Hanoi – Long Bien Bridge – Bac Ninh (Tu Son) – Hanoi

Tour Highlights

Travel through history: cross the iconic Long Bien Bridge, watch the Red River flow beneath, and see peaceful villages drift by your window.
Enjoy onboard cultural showcases: Quan Ho folk songs, traditional handicrafts, and local snacks.
Hands-on: try mini craft workshops like Đông Hồ painting or learn the stories behind Vietnam’s folk arts.

Categories: Hanoi Classic Tours, Hanoi Local Tour

Description

Ride the brand-new Hanoi Train - a double-deck, themed cultural train launched in September 2025 - for a unique slow-travel experience across Long Biên Bridge to Tu Sơn (Bac Ninh). Onboard performances, mini-workshops, and local snacks turn a short ride into a moving cultural showcase.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Tour Route: Hanoi – Long Bien Bridge – Bac Ninh (Tu Son) – Hanoi
Duration: Half-Day (round trip)
Date: Daily departures (fixed train schedule – see below)
Start/ End: Hanoi Railway Station / Hanoi Railway Station

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS EXPERIENCE

Ride the brand-new Hanoi Train – a two-deck cultural train officially launched in September 2025.
Travel through history: cross the iconic Long Bien Bridge, watch the Red River flow beneath, and see peaceful villages drift by your window.
Enjoy onboard cultural showcases: Quan Ho folk songs, traditional handicrafts, and local snacks.
Hands-on: try mini craft workshops like Đông Hồ painting or learn the stories behind Vietnam’s folk arts.
Perfect for those seeking slow travel vibes and a cultural connection just outside Hanoi.

FULL ITINERARY

Meet & Board - Hanoi Railway Station
Arrive 30 minutes before departure to check in and get your seat assignment. The train’s carriages are themed after Hanoi’s historic city gates - a great photo op as you settle in.

Departure & Scenic Ride (~40 minutes)
The train crosses Long Biên Bridge and rolls past suburban lanes, rice paddies and riverside views - a short, scenic window into the Red River region.

Onboard Cultural Program
During the ride you’ll enjoy curated cultural content: live Quan Ho folk singing (Bac Ninh’s signature art), artisan demonstrations (Đông Hồ, lacquer or other regional crafts), and complimentary local snacks/tea. Some departures (especially evening runs) include more intimate, illuminated performances onboard.

Arrival - Tu Sơn (Bac Ninh)
You can either:

Enjoy a short guided walk (optional add-ons available) to local heritage sites like Đền Đô Temple, or
Stay near the station for a quick cultural stroll before boarding the return train. (We can arrange full-day extensions on request.)

Return to Hanoi
Board the scheduled return and arrive back in Hanoi within the half-day window - or book a later return if you extended your visit.

SCHEDULE & DEPARTURE TIME

The Hanoi Train now operates two daily departures from Hanoi Railway Station to Bac Ninh (Tu Son):

Morning Departure – 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Perfect for travelers who want to arrive in Bac Ninh early and have time to explore landmarks such as Đền Đô Temple or join a Quan Ho folk music session. Morning light makes the journey across Long Bien Bridge extra photogenic.
Afternoon Departure – 1:30 PM - 5:00PM
A golden-hour ride, where the countryside is bathed in warm, soft light. Ideal for slow travelers and photography lovers who want to soak up Vietnam’s rural beauty at its most picturesque.

PRACTICAL TIPS

Best seats: Upper-deck window seats for Long Biên Bridge views and countryside shots. Book early.
Timing: Morning = more exploration time at Bac Ninh; Afternoon = best light; Evening = unique onboard atmosphere.
Family friendly: Suitable for families but evening rides may be louder due to performances.
Accessibility: Check with us for mobility assistance and carriage layout (some themed carriages may have stairs).