On the last train of the Year of the Dragon departing from Hanoi Station, many families opted to bring their own bánh chưng (square sticky rice cakes) and giò lụa (Vietnamese pork sausage) aboard to celebrate New Year’s Eve in a unique setting.

Nguyen Ngoc Ha, 43, from Bac Giang City, shared that his family traditionally spends Tet at home.

This year, however, his extended family of 13 people spanning three generations - ranging from a 70-year-old elder to a nine-year-old child - decided to celebrate in an unprecedented way: welcoming the Lunar New Year aboard a train.

"Taking advantage of the Tet holiday, we decided to take a train trip to Quy Nhon.

We brought all the essentials for Tet - bánh chưng, giò lụa, and more - to ensure that we celebrated the holiday in full," Ha said.

Nguyen Ngoc Anh, a fourth-year student at the University of Natural Sciences, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, couldn't hide her excitement.

She recalled her first train journey when she was in second grade and described her anticipation for this special trip.

"This time, I’m incredibly thrilled because it’s such a unique experience - traveling by train on New Year’s Eve - and I get to do it with my entire family," Ngoc Anh said.

Seventeen-year-old Nguyen Ngoc Thuy Linh expressed hope that she wouldn’t miss the fireworks display, even while on the train.

She shared that her family chose this cross-country journey to give her grandparents a chance to relax, her younger cousins an opportunity to enjoy their childhood, and her parents a moment to bond with all generations.

Artists join the final train of the year for creative inspiration

The last train of the year wasn’t just for families.

It also featured a special group: artists who used the journey as inspiration for creative work.

Phan Thi Minh Bach, an artist, shared her joy in being part of this initiative.

In March 2024, a group of over 20 Vietnamese artists painted train carriages with images depicting the "Hue-Da Nang Heritage Journey."

In just three days, vivid scenes from the heritage-rich areas of Hue and Da Nang came to life on the train cars.

Continuing this creative momentum, a team of 12 artists joined the New Year’s Eve train departing at 10:22 p.m. to produce artwork inspired by the journey.

Many of these artists brought their children along for the ride.

For instance, artist Dao Tuan divided parenting responsibilities with his wife, taking one of their children along while she cared for the other at home.

Other artists, with fewer family members, brought all their children on board.

Balancing their creative work and family responsibilities, these artists viewed the experience as a meaningful opportunity to share their craft with the community.

By the end of the journey, they aim to complete at least 100 paintings, which will be displayed at Hanoi Station on the sixth day of Tet.

Railways embrace cultural experiences for Tet

Dang Sy Manh, Chairman of the Members' Council of Vietnam Railways, highlighted the unique appeal of the New Year’s Eve train.

He explained that the company has consistently operated trains throughout New Year’s Eve to meet passenger demand.

"This year, we recognized a growing trend among families wanting to experience Tet in a unique way through travel.

So, we organized the New Year’s Eve train with community-focused elements, including cultural and entertainment activities to enhance the experience for passengers," Manh said.

Manh emphasized that these trips prioritize community service over profitability.

Many passengers on these trains travel due to special circumstances, such as missing connections or being unable to return home during peak travel times.

This year, Vietnam Railways aimed to provide these travelers with a meaningful Tet experience.

"In addition to cultural activities on board, we are transforming train stations into destinations and trains into experiential journeys.

For peak periods like Tet, we organize both onboard and station-based activities, and we also beautify the scenic routes so passengers can enjoy sightseeing and even capture memorable moments," Manh shared.

On the 29th day of the lunar month, 22 trains were in operation, including 17 Thong Nhat trains (north-south routes) and five local trains.

On New Year’s Eve alone, ten trains ran, including the Thong Nhat SE1 from Hanoi Station, which carried 430 passengers, 113 of whom boarded in Hanoi.

Meanwhile, the SE4 train departing from Saigon Station carried 995 passengers throughout its journey.

N. Huyen