In the heart of Hanoi's busy Old Quarter, French-built railroad tracks have become a hotspot for tourists seeking the perfect Instagram selfie, and for cafe owners serving up hot coffee and cold beer, according to an article by the Paris-headquartered AFP news agency.
French-built railroad tracks have become a hotspot for tourists. (Photo: AFP)
Hanoi (VNA) - In the heart of Hanoi's busy Old Quarter, French-builtrailroad tracks have become a hotspot for tourists seeking the perfectInstagram selfie, and for cafe owners serving up hot coffee and cold beer,according to an article by the Paris-headquartered AFP news agency.
Though picturesque, they are also perilous: the tracks are still in use andmost days visitors must scramble for safety as the daily train rumbles throughthe narrow streets.
But for many, the thrill ofdodging a speedy train is part of the appeal.
"It was amazing but scary in the same sense, a little bit overwhelmingbeing so close to the train," Australian tourist Michelle Richards toldAFP.
The tracks were first builtby former colonial rulers France who used the railway to transport goods andpeople across Vietnam, which was then part of Indochina, along with Laos andCambodia.
During the war against US imperialists, parts of the railway were badly damagedby American bombs that rained down on the communist-ruled north.
Today the originalmetre-gauge tracks are still a mode of transport for tourists and travellersseeking a cheaper option.
But in the past few years, visitors to Hanoi have seized upon theirphotographic possibilities.
Hemmed in by houses and cafes, the tracks offer a unique charm for buddingtravel photographers and a business opportunity for makeshift cafe ownerswho have set up shops.
"It's got a really weird charm. You've got flowers from the balcony comingdown, you've got buildings which are very old and close to each other. You seepeople here living close to the train tracks,” Hong Kong tourist Edward Tsimsaid.
As the train rumbles into view, everyone clears the tracks and pulls theirphones out to capture the scene.
"It𝓀 felt like waꦫiting for Christmas... and when it arrived, wow, it wassomething else," British tourist Paul Hardiman said. "Well worth thewait."-VNA
A new bus route carrying passengers from Noi Bai International Airport to Hanoi’s My Dinh bus station and vice versa was launched by the Transport Corporation Hanoi (Transerco) last weekend.
The Department of Tourism of Hanoi, in cooperation with the Vietnam Post and Telecoms Group (VNPT), launched the new telephone switchboard 1800556896 to receive inquiries on the city’s tourism on October 24.
Traffic jam continue to be a big issue for Hanoi despite heavy investment in transport infrastructure in the city. The problem was the focus of a workshop held in Hanoi on October 24.
The number of passengers using monthly-paid bus passes issued by the Hanoi Transport and Services Corporation (Transerco) rose 6.6 percent so far this year, while the rise of this group of passengers throughout the capital city was recorded at 5.4 percent.
Located at an altitude of over 1,500 metres above sea level, Sapa is dubbed the “Switzerland of Vietnam” for its temperate climate, breathtaking scenery, and European-inspired architecture.
A quick search for “Vietnam is calling” on TikTok reveals a myriad of clips capturing the excitement of visitors setting off for Vietnam, with short videos showing tourists holding their passports, wheeling their suitcases through airports or exploring Vietnam’s scenic landscapes, diverse cuisine and unique culture - all set to upbeat, catchy soundtracks.
The number of visitors increased by 4.1% compared to the same period last year, while total tourism revenue surged by 48.8%, or nearly 88% of the year’s target.
“There is no more atmospheric way to haul into Vietnam’s twin metropolises as this train rattles through historic cities and swooshes beside spectacular coastlines,” according to Lonely Planet.
All the 240 households in Thieng Lieng hamlet once knew only salt production and aquaculture, but now welcoming tourists has become a source of their joy and income.
The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Mu Cang Chai is home to nearly 83,000 hectares of forest, including almost 60,000 hectares of unspoiled natural woodland. Recognising this potential, local authorities have embraced a holistic strategy that protects biodiversity while promoting tourism.
Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the city each year for medical treatment. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical tourists to Seoul.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
The programme is organised by the Khanh Hoa provincial Youth Union and the “Khanh Hoa people speak English” Project, and aims to promote the culture, history, cuisine and other tourism products of Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa to international visitors.
VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
During the first five months, China continued to be Vietnam's largest source market of tourists, followed by the RoK, China’s Taiwan, the US, and Japan.
After more than three months of operation, the popularity of the free tours in Bac Ninh province shows no signs of cooling down. Many tourists return every week in hopes of experiencing all the tours and visiting every destination.
Typical products of Phu Tho are being showcased at the Lao Cai International Travel Mart 2025, held in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai from June 5-8.
French-built railroad tracks have become a hotspot for tourists. (Photo: AFP) 
