Exploring Hanoi by Public Transport: Cultural Train, Metro Line 2A, and Green Tourism

Hanoi tourism is entering a new era as the city turns public transport into unique cultural and travel experiences. With the launch of the “Hanoi Five City Gates” cultural train, new tourism products on Metro Line 2A, and expanded electric bus services, visitors now have more eco-friendly ways to discover the capital.

Cultural Train Brings Hanoi’s Heritage to Life

Launched on September 3, 2025, to mark the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the “Hanoi Five City Gates” cultural train connects Hanoi with Bac Ninh – the land of Quan ho (love duet) folk music.

Onboard, passengers enjoy:

• Performances of xam (wandering musicians’ songs), cheo (traditional opera), and Quan ho singing.

• Hanoi specialties like green rice (cốm) and lotus tea.

• Carriages decorated with cultural themes, from the Long Bien Bridge to Hanoi’s subsidy-era lifestyle.

Tickets for the first trips sold out, showing strong tourist demand for innovative cultural products.

Metro Line 2A: Linking Hanoi’s Top Attractions

In August, Hanoi Metro Line 2A (Cat Linh–Yen Nghia) became part of the city’s tourism offerings. Stretching 13 km with 12 stations, the line connects major landmarks such as:

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

• Temple of Literature

• National Cinema Center

• Royal City shopping mall

• Van Phuc Silk Village

• Van Quan Lake

Tourists can also tour the metro control centre, experience a train-driving simulator, and take photos along the journey.

Eco-Friendly Bus Routes for Tourists

Hanoi is also expanding its bus network to serve tourism:

• Electric buses connect the city centre with Bat Trang Pottery Village.

• During the national exhibition celebrating Vietnam’s 80-year independence, 20 free electric bus routes carried thousands of visitors.

These services highlight Hanoi’s commitment to green, sustainable tourism.

Experts Call for Long-Term Tourism Strategies

• Tran Trung Hieu, Deputy Director of Hanoi’s Department of Tourism, said public transport products not only ease congestion but also create modern, eco-friendly tourism experiences.

• Nguyen Van Ngoc, Deputy General Director of Hanoi Metro, described the initiative as “creative reuse” of urban infrastructure for cultural and economic development.

• Truong Quoc Hung, Chairman of the Hanoi UNESCO Travel Club, suggested package tours that combine metro or train tickets with accommodation and sightseeing.

• Nguyen Tien Dat, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi Tourism Association, emphasized the need to diversify destinations, enhance culinary stops, and build on global best practices.

Hanoi Tourism Moving Towards a Green Future

According to Dang Huong Giang, Director of Hanoi’s Department of Tourism, more pilot programs will be launched to design and improve public-transport-based tourism products. The aim is to make Hanoi a leading destination for sustainable, cultural, and urban travel.

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Source: Vietnam Insider