Hai Phong Station Becomes a Tourist Attraction

Hai Phong, a dynamic port city in northern Vietnam, has recently made headlines with the official recognition of Hai Phong Railway Station as a tourist attraction. This 123-year-old station is not just a transportation hub—it’s a living heritage site, now opening its doors wider to travelers seeking both historical and cultural experiences.
 

A 123-Year-Old French Colonial Station with Historical Significance
 

Built in 1902, Hai Phong Station is one of Vietnam’s oldest railway stations. The structure is a classic example of French colonial architecture, with arched windows, red-tiled roofs, and vintage charm. Beyond its architectural beauty, the station holds a key place in Vietnamese history—it was here that President Ho Chi Minh returned to Hanoi on October 21, 1946, after attending the Fontainebleau Conference in France.
 

Recognizing the station as a tourist site helps preserve its heritage and invites visitors to explore a tangible piece of Hai Phong’s rich past. It is now not only a gateway to the city but also the perfect starting point for discovering Hai Phong, famously known as the City of Flame Flowers.

Introducing the “Hoa Phuong Do” (Poinciana Flower) Tourist Train

Coinciding with this announcement, Vietnam Railways has launched a brand-new tourist train called "Hoa Phuong Do"—named after the flamboyant red flower that symbolizes Hai Phong. This new train is a product of modern innovation blended with local identity and is designed to enhance the tourism experience while promoting green, sustainable travel.

The train features 20 newly built carriages, including two VIP carriages styled in Indochine (French-Indochina) design. The interiors combine natural wooden floors, wood-grain nano PVC wall panels, and fabric ceilings with floral patterns, creating a nostalgic yet luxurious ambiance. Each VIP carriage offers a bar counter, private sofa lounge, and live music performances, delivering a boutique hotel-like experience on rails.

Other carriages include 56-seat cars with 180-degree rotating seats and 64-seat cars offering flexible pricing options. All carriages are equipped with semi-automatic doors, LED screens, free Wi-Fi, spacious hand-washing areas, and clean modern restrooms.

Tech-Enhanced Travel Meets Cultural Storytelling

The “Hoa Phuong Do” train is more than just transportation—it’s an immersive journey. Each carriage features interactive touch screens that serve as digital tour guides, helping passengers learn about the culture, history, and top attractions of Hai Phong throughout the ride.

Inside, passengers will notice intricate lighting systems inspired by the flamboyant flower, beautifully reinforcing the city's identity. Digital signage across the train provides up-to-date travel information, upcoming stops, and safety instructions, ensuring a smooth and informed journey.

Visually, the train is painted in a trio of colors—blue, white, and red—symbolizing the vibrant energy of Hai Phong and paying homage to its namesake flower. It’s a moving postcard that tells the story of the city from the outside in.

Celebrating 70 Years of Hai Phong’s Liberation with New Momentum

This transformation marks a milestone for the city, especially as it prepares to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Hai Phong's Liberation (May 13, 1955 – May 13, 2025). The launch of the "Hoa Phuong Do" train and the recognition of Hai Phong Station as a tourist destination reflect the revitalization of Vietnam’s railway industry after the pandemic and its alignment with global trends in green and cultural tourism.

By turning a historical railway station into a living museum and launching a state-of-the-art tourist train, Hai Phong is setting a new benchmark for railway tourism in Vietnam. This initiative brings together past and future, offering travelers a unique way to discover the essence of Hai Phong—through both heritage and innovation.

Whether you're a history buff, a fan of classic architecture, or simply looking for a memorable and scenic route between Hanoi and Hai Phong, this new experience promises to be a highlight of your northern Vietnam journey.