The Hanoi Train is a special excursion train that travels from Hanoi to neighbouring Bac Ninh province and back again. The trip takes three and a half hours with some stops on the way.
There are two trains per day, and I took the afternoon train. Here is my review, including train details and what to expect onboard.
Trains and tickets
The two trains are:
BHL1/BHL2: 8:00-11:30
BHL3/BHL4: 13:30-17:00
The two numbers on each trip represent the outbound and inbound sections of the journey.
The ticket prices (as of November 2025):
Deck 1 seat: 550,000 VND
Deck 2 seat: 650,000 VND
VIP carriage seat: 750,000 VND
Tickets can be booked at hanoitrain.vn or at the special booking desk at Hanoi Station.
I booked Deck 1 (the lower deck) and I took the afternoon train (BHL3/BHL4). I tried to book a morning train but that service was booked out on the days I was available to go.
Hanoi Station
The train departs from Hanoi Station, and the train service is shown on the departure board alongside regular train services.
[Train BHL3 on the Hanoi departure board.]
The train uses double-decker carriages with The Hanoi Train livery.
Each carriage is named after one of Hanoi’s 5 gates:
– O Quan Chuong
– O Dong Mac
– O Cho Dua
– O Cau Den
– O Cau Giay
Train staff hold a sign indicating the carriage gate name.
Onboard The Hanoi Train
The carriages are split into upper and lower decks with stairs to each deck at the entrance. Like the regular train services in Vietnam, The Hanoi Train does not have accessibility features for mobility needs.
The carriages are set up like a lounge, with some seats at tables and some seats facing the windows. Each carriage has different seat styles, but they all looked comfortable.
Some people have commented that the seats look dangerous, but they are bolted to the ground and not moveable. The train is travelling through urban areas for most of the way, so the train is not very fast either.
A sweet snack and iced lotus tea is offered after the train departs.
There is a band playing traditional music that roams between the carriages.
Some local newspapers in Vietnamese and English are offered upon boarding.
Another snack is offered on the return journey.
The toilets are much nicer than what you find on the regular train services.
The sink area is outside the toilet.
Long Bien Station
The first stop is not long after leaving Hanoi Station at Long Bien Station.
This station is on the Old Quarter side of the Long Bien Bridge. There is enough time for a photo opportunity at the bridge entrance.
The train also has an open carriage at the end of the train which you can visit when the train stops.
Tu Son Station and visit the Do Temple
After crossing the Long Bien Bridge, the train follows the route of the Hanoi-Dong Dang Railway, passing through Gia Lam Station and Yen Vien Station in Hanoi.
[Crossing the Long Bien Bridge.]
The main stop for this excursion train is at Tu Son Station in Bac Ninh province. There are coaches waiting next to the platform to take passengers to the Ly Bat De Temple.
The Ly Bat De Temple (or Do Temple) is in the city area but not close enough to walk to.
The temple compound is where the Lý dynasty emperors were buried.
There is a concert in the grounds, and performers on a boat in the lake.
You are free to walk around the temple complex for the 1-hour stay.
Train Street
An unintended tourist attraction is Hanoi Train Street. Images of trains passing through a narrow urban laneway in Hanoi has become globally famous, and if you are reading this website then you are probably someone who is interested in going.
There are two main section of “Train Street”, and The Hanoi Train passes through the section on the edge of the Old Quarter.
Passengers who booked seats in the upper deck came down to watch the spectacle of people outside that were watching us.
The Hanoi Train in summary
Overall this was a good afternoon out, and it’s a suitable option if you are visiting Hanoi but don’t have other train trips planned in Vietnam. I also found that the festive atmosphere and seat layout made it more conducive to mingle with other passengers. I met a Malaysian man who shared a similiar interest with me in transport and infrastructure in Southeast Asia, and a fellow Aussie who was with a group that was visiting Hanoi for a wedding.
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That makes for a rather cool ½ day excursion for sure. Will be checking an 8 hour train in February myself. in Mexico of course. A country with almost no train infrastructure though plans are in place for many.
I would like to return to Mexico to see the Tren Maya!