Heritage Train to Connect Hanoi with Thai Nguyen Tea Culture

Developing tourism via railway on the Hanoi-Thai Nguyen route is opening up new connectivity opportunities for the tea-growing region. This idea has been researched and tested for many years and is now being concretized through a cooperation program for the period 2026-2030.

The 2026 Thai Nguyen International Tea Festival is an opportunity for this product to enter practical exploitation, linking the railway route with tea culture, heritage, and destinations of the province.

The development of the Hanoi -Thai Nguyen railway line for tourism purposes has been under study since the end of 2024. The province is coordinating with the railway industry to survey models, conduct trial train operations, and develop exploitation plans linked to tea culture.

The train journey on December 28, 2024, and the "Spring Journey - Returning to the Land of Tea" program in March 2025 are concrete test steps. Through these, the plan for organizing tours, promoting tea culture, and connecting destinations will continue to be refined.

On September 16, 2026, the People's Committee of Thai Nguyen province and the Vietnam National Railway Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in developing railway tourism products between Hanoi and Thai Nguyen for the period 2026-2030.

Both sides agreed to coordinate in finalizing the plan for developing tourist boats. The planned route will pass through Gia Lam, Dong Anh, Pho Yen, Luu Xa, and connect with tourist areas and attractions in the province.

The cooperation program aims to develop integrated railway tourism products, incorporating cultural, artistic, culinary, and tea-drinking activities on trains; introducing OCOP products and specialties at train stations and destinations; and connecting transportation, sightseeing, experiences, and accommodation services.

Luu Xa Station is envisioned as a visitor reception point, a cultural space, and a gateway connecting to the province's destination system. Tea culture is identified as a recurring theme, creating a unique mark for the Hanoi - Thai Nguyen journey.

The 2026 Thai Nguyen International Tea Festival provides an opportunity for this idea to be put into practice. The "Heritage Train", planned to operate on the Hanoi - Thai Nguyen route and vice versa, will contribute to promoting the Festival, tea culture, and distinctive tourism products.

After a period of research and testing, this is the opportunity for the product to directly reach tourists and be validated through practical use.

For railway tourism to be effective, transportation, sightseeing, experiences, accommodation, food, and guided tours need to be integrated into a unified itinerary.

Travel agencies and local service establishments play a crucial role in developing tours and integrating tea products and OCOP (One Commune One Product) into the experiential chain. Experience gained from the survey and trial operation since the end of 2024 serves as a basis for Thai Nguyen province and the railway industry to further refine the product and expand connections between the Hanoi market and the tea culture, heritage, landscapes, and unique values of the tea region.

The 2026 International Tea Festival - Thai Nguyen marks a milestone in the operation of the Hanoi - Thai Nguyen railway tourism product. Once established, this railway line will create additional connections in transportation , tourism, and services, helping to bring the unique values ??of the tea region closer to visitors. This will form a distinct tourism product, creating an attractive destination for exploring Thai Nguyen.

Tailormade Vietnam Tours (TVH) is a professional tour operator focused on inbound leisure tourism and customized travel experiences across southeast Asia including Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. With a range of services including private family tours and Mice, TVH ensures quality and innovation in planning your perfect holiday.

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