Connecting train journeys from Hanoi with cultural and historical experiences in Ninh Binh was the focus of a familiarization survey held on September 28, 2026. The activity helps prepare for the formation of railway tourism tours, giving visitors more ways to discover the Ancient Capital region.
The program was organized by the Ninh Binh Department of Tourism in coordination with Vietnam Railways Corporation, BHL Tourism Services and Trading Joint Stock Company, and other related units. The delegation included representatives from the railway sector, the Department of Tourism, the provincial Tourism Association, the Hanoi UNESCO Travel Club, travel businesses, and national media outlets.
After the journey from Hanoi, the delegation was welcomed at Ninh Binh Railway Station and traveled to the Thung Ui Tourist Area. From this stop, groups of delegates took part in an incense-offering ceremony at the Kinh Thien – Kinh Dia Altar, visited the Muong cultural space, and explored the Prehistoric People Cultural Space at Boi Cave, following separate itineraries. The program also included an incense-offering ceremony at the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, linking the survey trip with the historical values of the Ancient Capital region.
These experiences gave travel companies direct access to local products, services, and culture. It was also an opportunity for operators to consider how to organize the journey from Ninh Binh Station to each destination, select sightseeing content, and arrange schedules suited to rail travelers. Drawing on these firsthand experiences, businesses have a stronger basis for designing tours that combine rail transport with exploration of local landscapes, culture, and history.
According to the plan, the Hanoi – Ninh Binh tourist train is expected to have 14 carriages, including 10 passenger cars and 2 dining cars. The pre-operation survey is a preparatory step that allows the parties to study and refine their products and strengthen coordination between onboard services and activities at the destination.
To create a convenient itinerary, a destination's appeal must be matched by well-connected services. During the program, the provincial Tourism Association and Xuan Truong Construction Enterprise jointly supported reception, guiding, and the organization of experiential activities. The participation of local organizations alongside travel companies lays the groundwork for developing seamless tour programs, from transportation to sightseeing and use of services.
The survey trip has opened up new opportunities for cooperation between the railway and tourism sectors in Ninh Binh. With its approach of pairing the mode of transport with experiences at the destination, the Hanoi – Ninh Binh route is expected to add a new product to local tourism, making the journey along the rails a memorable part of exploring the Ancient Capital.