Scene of the Conference

Attending the signing ceremony were Ha Van Sieu, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism; Nguyen Chinh Nam, Deputy General Director of Vietnam National Railway Group; Dinh Quang Tuyen, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial Fatherland Front Committee; Duong Van Luong, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; leaders of the Hanoi and Thai Nguyen Departments of Culture, Sports and Tourism; and representatives of the Tourism Association and tourism and service businesses.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding, the two sides will coordinate in researching and completing the Scheme for development of the Thai Nguyen tourist train and operating the product on the Hanoi - Gia Lam - Dong Anh - Pho Yen - Luu Xa route and vice versa, with connections to tourist attractions and destinations in the Province. The product is envisioned with a distinctive identity associated with tea culture and Thai Nguyen's local character, combining cultural, artistic, culinary, tea and OCOP activities with experiences at stations, on board the train and at destinations.

In the immediate term, the two sides will coordinate to complete the necessary conditions for putting the Hanoi - Thai Nguyen tourist train into operation in conjunction with the International Tea Festival - Thai Nguyen 2026, providing a basis for continued refinement and long-term operation. One-day and multi-day tourism programs will be studied with a view to combining train tickets with transfer, sightseeing, experiential activities, accommodation and dining services, and developing coordinated tours and packages integrating rail travel with the tourism service system at destinations.

Director of Thai Nguyen Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism reporting on coordination results between Thai Nguyen Province and Vietnam National Railway Group during 2024-2026

Another important area is the development of infrastructure, rolling stock and services along the route. Vietnam National Railway Group will review conditions relating to infrastructure, stations, platforms and signaling systems; study options for deploying railway cars and for investing in, repairing and upgrading them, as well as improving passenger reception and departure areas; and coordinate in developing operating plans, fares, ticket sales and onboard services.

The two sides will also coordinate in organizing passenger reception spaces, product identity and promotion at Hanoi, Gia Lam, Dong Anh, Pho Yen and Luu Xa stations. In particular, Luu Xa Station will be developed into a passenger reception point, a cultural space and a gateway connecting railway tourism products with Thai Nguyen destinations; tourism services will be developed and tea culture, OCOP products and the Province's distinctive products introduced at the station; and restoration of the “Red Rain” film set will be studied, with connections to Luu Xa Station and related destinations to develop cultural-historical and experiential tourism products.

Regarding tourism communications, promotion and marketing, the two sides will coordinate in building a common brand, identity and communications plan for the Hanoi - Thai Nguyen tourist train product; promoting it at stations, on trains, on digital platforms, through media outlets and at appropriate events; and organizing fam trips, press trips, conferences, seminars, festivals and business networking programs to introduce the product, develop markets and mobilize resources.

Comrade Ha Van Sieu, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, addresses the Conference

Addressing the Conference, Comrade Ha Van Sieu, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, congratulated Thai Nguyen Provincial People's Committee and Vietnam National Railway Group on signing the cooperation Memorandum of Understanding. He proposed that the two sides focus on innovation and creativity in destination-based experiences, make effective use of the distinctive story of Luu Xa Station, and develop products with a unique identity; step up promotion and marketing; and implement appropriate tourism stimulus and promotional programs so that the product can be launched soon, create long-term value and develop sustainably. He affirmed that the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism would support the promotion and marketing of the Hanoi - Thai Nguyen tourist train product in the coming period.

Comrade Duong Van Luong, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, addresses the Conference

Comrade Duong Van Luong, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, emphasized that the signing provides a basis for the two sides to capitalize on tourism, cultural, historical and ecological resources, especially Thai Nguyen tea culture, combined with the advantages of the national railway network to create a new tourism product and attract visitors to the Province. He expressed the expectation that launching the Hanoi - Thai Nguyen tourist train during the International Tea Festival - Thai Nguyen 2026 would make a strong impression from the outset; he also proposed that Vietnam National Railway Group accelerate progress and gradually move toward regular, stable and efficient operations.

To turn the cooperation arrangements into action, he proposed that immediately after the Conference, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism take the lead and coordinate with specialized agencies of Vietnam National Railway Group to develop a specific implementation plan with a clearly defined schedule. Relevant departments, sectors and localities should proactively coordinate within their functions and responsibilities and facilitate the early launch of the product. He also expressed the hope that the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism would continue supporting the Province's promotion and marketing efforts, helping introduce the Hanoi - Thai Nguyen tourist train product to more domestic and international visitors.

Leaders of Thai Nguyen Provincial People's Committee and Vietnam National Railway Group signing the cooperation Memorandum of Understanding for the 2026-2030 period

At the Conference, leaders of Thai Nguyen Provincial People's Committee and Vietnam National Railway Group signed the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in developing the Hanoi - Thai Nguyen railway tourism product for the 2026-2030 period.