With just a few days left until the Lunar New Year (Tet) 2025, the festive spirit has already filled Hanoi Railway Station with vibrant decorations. Notably, Vietnam Railways Corporation is organizing its first-ever “Spring Train,” running through the New Year’s Eve, offering passengers an unforgettable experience.
Tet Atmosphere at Hanoi Railway Station
Hanoi Railway Station is beautifully adorned with peach blossoms, apricot flowers, and red lanterns, creating a lively spring ambiance. Beyond being a hub for travelers, it has become a popular photo spot for many young people.
Workers are putting the final touches to ensure the station radiates the joyful spirit of the traditional Lunar New Year.
Highlights: Two Community Train Cars with “Spring Train” Theme
The standout feature this spring is two community train cars designed with the “Spring Train” theme. One car will be on the SE1 train departing from Hanoi Station at 10:10 PM on January 28, while the other will serve passengers on the SE4 train leaving Saigon Station at 7:30 PM the same day. This timing marks the sacred transition between the old and new year as the train crosses into the New Year.
Unique Designs Reflecting Vietnamese Tet Culture
The two train cars are uniquely decorated, showcasing Tet traditions from different regions of Vietnam:
- Train from Hanoi: Decorated in the pink hues of peach blossoms – a symbol of Northern Vietnam. The peach branches are artistically rendered and embossed, combined with traditional cloud motifs, creating the feel of walking through a blooming peach forest.
- Train from Ho Chi Minh City: Featuring golden apricot blossoms, a symbol of Southern Vietnam. The decorations evoke images of warm, family reunions during Tet.
According to artist Truong Trong Quyen, all designs on the train were inspired by traditional Dong Ho folk paintings, using simple yet meaningful lines. From images of sticky rice cake wrapping, calligraphers writing poetry, to traditional games like tug-of-war and lion dancing, everything vividly recreates the traditional Tet atmosphere.
Exciting Activities on the Spring Train
Throughout the journey, passengers will enjoy various engaging activities, making their experience memorable:
- Live painting sessions: A group of artists, including painter Tran Trieu Tuyet, will accompany the SE1 train, painting live and gifting artwork to passengers.
- New Year countdown program: At the stroke of midnight, passengers will participate in a sweet snack party, lucky draws, and traditional games.
- Traditional Tet cuisine: Passengers can savor iconic Tet dishes, fully immersing themselves in the flavors of spring.
Significance of the “Spring Train”
This marks the first time Vietnam Railways Corporation has organized a “Spring Train,” showcasing innovation in enhancing passenger experiences. After over a month of preparation, the two community train cars are ready to serve passengers on the North-South railway routes.
The train is not only a mode of transportation but also a bridge connecting passengers with the traditional Tet atmosphere, creating unforgettable memories during the New Year journey.
Conclusion
The “Spring Train” is not just a unique initiative but also reflects the railway industry’s attention to passengers’ cultural experiences. Get ready to enjoy this special journey and fully embrace the Tet spirit aboard these cross-country trains.
Source: Dan Tri
