Hanoi 'Five Gates' Sightseeing Train Guide: October Extra Trains, Seat Selection, and Booking Process
Depart from Hanoi Station and travel by double-decker train to Tu Son, Bac Ninh, and Long Bien Station. Everything you need to know about schedules, fares, cabin levels, official QR electronic tickets, and half-day tour planning.
Quick Answer: Is the Hanoi 'Five Gates' Train Worth It?
It is ideal for travelers who want to experience a double-decker sightseeing train, Hanoi's railway scenery, Bac Ninh's culture, and traditional performances all within half a day. The total duration is about 3.5 hours, starting and ending at Hanoi Station. This is not just a commuter train to Bac Ninh, but a package tour that includes transport, guided tours, and cultural experiences.
October 2026 Schedule: Morning and Afternoon Trips
The operator confirmed 2 additional trips in October. The table below represents the status as of October 5, 2026, based on the public calendar and booking page. Seats may sell out, and schedules may change due to maintenance, weather, or operational adjustments. Please check the official booking page again before departure.
| Date | 08:00 Morning | 13:30 Afternoon | Planning Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/1 | No service | No service | Past date |
| 10/2 | Available | No service | Past date |
| 10/3–10/4 | Available | Available | Past date |
| 10/5–10/6 | No service | No service | Article update date |
| 10/7 | Available | No service | Morning only |
| 10/8 | No service | No service | Plan Hanoi city tour |
| 10/9–10/11 | Available | Available | Both slots open |
| 10/12 | No service | No service | Plan Hanoi city tour |
| 10/13 | Available | Available | Both slots open |
| 10/14 | No service | No service | Plan Hanoi city tour |
| 10/15 | Available | Available | Both slots open |
| 10/16 | Available | No service | Morning only |
| 10/17–10/18 | Available | Available | Both slots open |
| 10/19 | No service | No service | Plan Hanoi city tour |
| 10/20 | Available | Available | Both slots open |
| 10/21 | Available | No service | Morning only |
| 10/22 | Available | Available | Both slots open |
| 10/23 | Available | No service | Morning only |
| 10/24–10/25 | Available | Available | Both slots open |
| 10/26 | No service | No service | Plan Hanoi city tour |
| 10/27 | Available | Available | Both slots open |
| 10/28 | No service | No service | Plan Hanoi city tour |
| 10/29 | Available | Available | Both slots open |
| 10/30 | Available | No service | Morning only |
| 10/31 | No service | No service | Plan Hanoi city tour |
Route Details: More Than Just a Hanoi Loop
The official tour is titled "Thăng Long – về miền Kinh Bắc," stringing together the Hanoi railway, Tu Son, traditional Bac Ninh culture, and Long Bien Station into a half-day experience. The sequence is typically as follows (activities may vary based on scheduling):
The package typically includes round-trip train travel, on-board cultural performances and snacks, local transfers in Tu Son, and guided activities. Content and sequence subject to daily operational notice.
Seat Selection: Lower, Intermediate/Upper, and VIP
Lower Deck
550,000 VNDLowest price, no stairs to climb, ideal for budget-conscious travelers, seniors, or those avoiding mobility issues.
Intermediate/Upper Deck
650,000 VNDHigher vantage point, great for photography and views. Note: consider the accessibility of stairs for elderly or large luggage.
Ô Chợ Dừa VIP
750,000 VNDLower capacity, offers a more spacious feel. Booking does not guarantee specific seating direction or privacy; check checkout screen for details.
| Carriage | Public Seats | Configuration | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ô Cầu Dền | 64 | Lower 24/Intermediate 6/Upper 34 | More upper deck options |
| Ô Quan Chưởng | 65 | Lower 25/Intermediate 10/Upper 30 | General travelers/families |
| Ô Cầu Giấy | 58 | Lower 24/Intermediate 10/Upper 24 | Balanced distribution |
| Ô Chợ Dừa VIP | 44 | Lower 18/Intermediate 10/Upper 16 | Quiet/Spacious feel |
| Ô Đống Mác | 56 | Lower 20/Intermediate 12/Upper 24 | Small groups/Intermediate |
Carriage configurations may change. For group seating, book early as changes cannot be made on-site.
Quick Selection Advice
- Seniors/Mobility issues: Choose lower deck; confirm assistance needs with the operator.
- First-timers/Scenery: Choose upper deck; if prone to motion sickness, select more stable spots.
- Families: Check child age policies and safety regarding stairs.
- Groups of 4+: Verify carriage, deck, and seat numbers for grouping before payment.
- Train photography: Arriving early is more important than the seat location; never cross safety lines on the platform.
Official Booking: 5 Steps to Your QR Ticket
Avoid Scams: Recognize the Official Domain
The operator has issued warnings about fake websites. The official booking entry is booking.hanoitrain.vn, and the official customer service hotline is 1900 2695. Never send money to personal accounts for "priority booking," and do not provide passport details on suspicious forms.
One transaction can book up to 10 tickets; for larger groups, contact the operator directly.
2026 Refund Rules
- 15+ days before departure: 10% fee; 7 days before: 20%; 72 hours before: 30%.
- Under 72 hours: No refunds permitted.
- Name changes: Allowed once, 12+ hours before departure; fee 50,000 VND per ticket.
- Wrong date/train: No direct changes; must refund according to policy and rebook.
Day-of-Departure Checklist
Children under 3 are free (no seat, max 1 per adult); 3 to under 8 years: 10% discount; seniors 60+ (Vietnamese citizens): 5% discount.
Itinerary Planning: Connecting the Trip
Returns ~11:30. Afternoon free for Hoan Kiem Lake, French Quarter, or puppet theater. Ideal for first-timers.
Morning free for Temple of Literature or brunch, returns ~17:00. Long Bien light may be softer.
Do not book tight connections to Halong Bay cruises or outbound flights on the same day.
Customized North Vietnam Travel
Purchase train tickets directly from the operator. Chung Ta Travel provides airport transfers, private car charters, Northern Vietnam itineraries, and Chinese-speaking guides to complement your train journey.
Related Reading
Hanoi Five Gates Train FAQ
Is the Hanoi Five Gates train a double-decker?
Yes, primary carriages feature double/multi-level seating concepts with themed photo carriages.
Where does it go?
Hanoi Station to Tu Son (for cultural activities at Đền Đô) with a return stop at Long Bien Station.
Duration?
Approx. 3.5 hours.
Are there extra trains in October 2026?
Yes, 2 extra trips are confirmed; check official system for specific availability.
Can I select seats together or specify a direction?
Available selection depends on the seat map at the time of booking. For groups, please verify the carriage, floor, and seat numbers one by one before payment; train configuration, direction of travel, or on-site seat changes cannot be guaranteed based on general expectations.
Which one is the official booking website?
The only official booking portal is booking.hanoitrain.vn, and the operator's official hotline is 1900 2695. Do not make payments to fake fan pages, unofficial forms, or personal accounts.
Do I need a passport and a QR code to board?
You are required to carry a passport or valid ID matching the e-ticket information and have the e-ticket QR code ready. Please check in at Entrance 1C of Hanoi Station and arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Are there discounts for children and seniors?
Current rules: children under 3 years old are free if not occupying a seat (maximum one child per adult); children aged 3 to under 8 receive a 10% discount. Vietnamese citizens aged 60 and over and other specific policy groups are entitled to a 5% discount; actual eligibility is subject to official verification.
Can I get off at Bac Ninh and not return to Hanoi?
This is a cultural tourism package that departs from and returns to Hanoi; it is not intended to be used as regular one-way transportation. If you wish to stay overnight in Bac Ninh or leave the tour group, you must confirm with the operator in advance; you cannot assume that you can end the trip mid-journey on your own.
Can Chung Ta assist with booking train tickets?
It is recommended that passengers purchase train tickets through the operator's official system. Chung Ta International Travel can assist with planning airport transfers in Hanoi, transportation from hotels to the station, car charters in Northern Vietnam, Chinese-speaking guides, and customized pre/post-trip itineraries. Service scope is subject to confirmation by customer service.
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