Weekend train service launched to link Hanoi and Thai Nguyen

Under a newly-issued plan of the Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR), starting November 14, it will operate the QT1/QT2 train pair every Saturday and Sunday, combined with road transport services to create a new tourism product connecting Hanoi and northern  Thai Nguyen province. 

The QT1/QT2 trains will stop at Hanoi, Long Bien, Dong Anh, Pho Yen, and Luu Xa stations. The train consists of five air-conditioned soft-seat passenger carriages and one community carriage.

On board the community carriage, passengers can enjoy cultural performances, tea-tasting activities, and a variety of culinary products made from green tea, highlighting Thai Nguyen's renowned tea culture. The tourism program has been developed in coordination with the Thai Nguyen Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, linking key attractions with local cultural and culinary experiences.

According to the timetable, train QT1 will depart Hanoi Station at 6:25 am and arrive at Luu Xa Station in Thai Nguyen at 8:25 am. Upon arrival in Thai Nguyen, passengers can continue their journeys by car to visit attractions and tourist destinations, either independently or through pre-arranged tour packages.

For the return journey, train QT2 will depart Luu Xa Station at 8:50 am and arrive in Hanoi at 10:50 am, serving passengers traveling from Thai Nguyen to the capital.

With the integrated rail-and-road transport model, travelers can choose between day trips and overnight stays. Visitors departing from Hanoi may return the same day by car or stay overnight in Thai Nguyen and take the train back to Hanoi the following morning. Similarly, passengers traveling from Thai Nguyen to Hanoi can either return by car on the same day or stay overnight in the capital before taking the train home the next morning.

“The operation of the QT1/QT2 train service will not only strengthen transport connectivity between Hanoi and Thai Nguyen but also open up new opportunities for developing joint tourism products between the two localities,” a VNR representative  said.

“With its combination of rail travel, tea culture, local cuisine, and destination experiences, the journey promises to offer travelers fresh, convenient, and memorable weekend getaways.”