Vietnam Railways unveils Hanoi heritage train, smart ticketing
The biometric ticket authentication system using chip-based ID cards enables passengers to verify tickets with electronic identification data without carrying physical ID cards.
Biometric ticketing system deployed at Hanoi Railway Station. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnam Railways Corporation (VRC) on August 19 launched the “Hanoi Five City Gates” Train (The Hanoi Train) and a biometric ticket control system at Hanoi Station, as part of the 250 projects inaugurated or staring construction nationwide to mark the 80th National Day anniversary.
From August 19, the biometric ticket authentication system using chip-based ID cards is officially operational at Hanoi Station. The system will later be integrated with the VNeID app, enabling passengers to verify tickets with electronic identification data without carrying physical ID cards.
Initial results during the trial period from August 1 to 10 show an average processing speed of 3–5 seconds per passenger, about 50% faster than QR code scanning, with a recognition rate of above 98%. Passenger surveys revealed 92% satisfaction, citing greater convenience.
ꦉ The system reduces pressure on ticket inspectors, especially during peak hours, while enhancing safety, transparency, and efficiency for railway management. Once fully integrated with VNeID, the VRC aims to establish a nationwide and fully electronic ticket verification system.
Vietnam Railways unveils Hanoi heritage train, smart ticketing. (Photo: VNA)
The same day, the corporation also introduced the Hanoi Train, inspired by the historic gates of Thang Long – Hanoi. Its five carriages are named after the gates – O Cau Den, O Quan Chuong, O Cau Giay, O Cho Dua, and O Dong Mac, recalling the capital’s thousand-year heritage.
The train features five double-decker seating carriages and two others designed for check-in experiences. Each carriage, seating 40–60 passengers, is fitted with panoramic windows and themed interiors. Passengers can enjoy traditional cultural performances such as quan ho, ca tru, cheo, and xam singing throughout the journey.
🅺 The Hanoi Train is expected to enter service in September 2025, contributing to the promotion of cultural tourism and reaffirming the VRC’s efforts to blend heritage preservation with modern innovation./.
The 10-car train features five themed passenger coaches inspired by Hanoi’s historic gates, including O Quan Chuong, O Cau Den, O Dong Mac, O Cau Giay and O Cho Dua.
Amid the hustle and bustle of Hanoi, the capital’s central railway station has long been a familiar departure point for travelers. But today, its waiting area is no longer just a place to wait for the next train. Once cold and utilitarian, the space has been transformed—infused with the warmth and vibrancy of art.
Hanoi’s tourism sector has activated a package of 80 new tourism offerings to showcase its cultural heritage while celebrating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2), according to the municipal Department of Tourism.
Renowned for its unspoiled beauty — from pristine white-sand beaches to a refreshing climate and dozens of picturesque islets — much of the island’s potential had remained untapped.
Since 2011, the title “Vietnam Tourism Ambassador” has been conferred on several distinguished figures, each of whom has played a part in carrying the country’s image onto the global stage.
The operation of the cultural train, Metro Line 2A, and bus routes not only eases traffic congestion but also opens new opportunities to explore Hanoi in a modern, eco-friendly way.
The initiative seeks to foster linkages between tourism products across different regions while preserving and showcasing ethnic cultural identities. It also aims to enhance Lam Dong’s tourism brand in both domestic and international markets, contributing to sustainable socio-economic development.
As part of the programme, around 250 international guests enjoyed destination and culinary experiences across the city from September 4 to 8, creating memorable impressions of the southern hub.
The event offers visitors a vivid “miniature journey” through Vietnam’s diverse regions. Inside halls H5, H6, and H7, every booth is a dazzling deep dive into a locality’s culture, history, and economic potential.
The National Day holiday highlighted Vietnam’s growing appeal as a safe and adaptable destination, laying a positive foundation for the year’s final months.
The four-day holiday, which began from August 30, not only brought huge revenues to the tourism sector but also boosted domestic consumption, with strong demand for dining, shopping, and travel.
A series of major trade and tourism connectivity events opened on September 4 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, featuring Vietnam International Sourcing (VIS) 2025, the Ho Chi Minh City Export Forum, and the International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC) 2025.
As the host of the grand parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of National Day and the Exhibition on national achievements, Hanoi welcomed more than 2.08 million visitors during the holiday, triple the figure from the same period in 2024.
The 12th Tourism Promotion Organisation for Global Cities (TPO) General Assembly, which is taking place in HCM City, encourages environmentally friendly solutions, climate-conscious practices, and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage.
Hanoi received around 2.08 million visitors during the four-day National Day holidays from August 30 to September 2, three times higher than the figure in the same period last year, the municipal Department of Tourism reported.
Vietnam’s national tourism strategy to 2030 identifies golf tourism as a priority to enhance competitiveness. With natural advantages, growing infrastructure, and cross-sector cooperation, Vietnam is poised for a breakthrough. Long-term success, however, depends on diversified products and top-tier experiences that secure Vietnam’s place on the global golf map.
This year, demand for historical, heritage, and experiential tourism in Tuyen Quang province is expected to rise among both domestic and international travellers. Travel companies have responded by developing new tours and routes to serve visitors.
Phu Quoc special zone in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang is cementing its position as a prime destination for visitors in Vietnam and the world, expecting to welcome more than 7 million tourist arrivals this year.
According to statistics from the Chinese side, in the first seven months of 2025, the number of outbound tourists through the Youyi Guan border gate reached 61,800, an increase of 85.31% compared to the same period last year, particularly amidst the booming summer tourism season.
As the four-day National Day (September 2) holiday is approaching, Ho Chi Minh City is stepping up preparations to welcome an anticipated surge of visitors, with travel companies, hotels and tourist attractions upgrading services and offering new experiences to meet growing demand.
For the eight months of this year, the total number of visitors to Hanoi reached 21.58 million, up 13.9% year-on-year. Of the total, international tourist arrivals were 4.96 million, a year-on-year increase of 25.8%. Total revenue from tourism in the period hit an estimated 85.8 trillion VND, up 17.1%.
