Thai Nguyen heritage train connects Hanoi to tea culture

A new heritage train service, titled ‘Journey to the Land of Tea’, is being piloted to connect Hanoi and Thai Nguyen province. The initiative is part of the preparations for the 2026 Thai Nguyen International Tea Festival, scheduled for October 30 to November 7, 2026.

The six-carriage train includes five passenger carriages and a dedicated community carriage designed for cultural engagement. During the two-hour journey from Hanoi Railway Station to Luu Xa Station, passengers can experience traditional folk performances, such as Then singing and gourd lute music, as well as tea tastings and local specialty snacks.

Beyond the festival, provincial authorities and the Vietnam National Railway Group have entered a cooperation agreement for 2026–2030 to integrate this rail service into long-term tourism development. The goal is to create a sustainable tour package that connects travelers to tea plantations, such as Tan Cuong, and cultural sites like Nui Coc Lake and Thai Hai village.