Travel faster: Vietnam’s new high-speed railway to Halong Bay will boost tourism

Posted on November 5, 2025

As of November 2025, the Government of Vietnam has made the decision to approve the construction of a second high-speed railway line extending and connecting the famous Vietnamese cities, Hoan Kiem located in Hanoi and Halong in Quang Ninh Province. This new decision addresses the development of new high-speed railways in the national railway master plan for the northeastern region of Vietnam. The 124-kilometre high-speed railway would open up a new economic zone, making travel and tourism much easier.

The construction of an upgraded train line will extend from Hanoi’s Cu Lua station, towards the new Halong Xanh station on the Halong side, where the line will extend and connect to the planned new metro line. People will be able to travel in a fast and efficient alternative way that will significantly save expenditure on transportation nowadays.

The high-speed railway will provide tourists with the ability to visit both Hanoi and Halong Bay in one day, within expected travel times, very easily. These investments come in light of the growing popularity of the northern region, which has a well-preserved culture, beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes and a wide range of tourism activities. With the current pace of construction completed before 2030, the railway plans will play a pivotal role in the future travel plans of tourists throughout the region.

Impacts of tourism on Halong Bay and Quang Ninh Province

Halong Bay attracts millions of visitors on a global scale and is home to a beautiful and surreal limestone seascape made up of more than 1,600 different islands and islets. Part of Quang Ninh Province features Cat Ba Island and Yin Tu Mountain along with other nature reserves, which are popular with tourists seeking quiet cultural entertainment and adventure.

Currently, the main mode of transportation to travel from Hanoi to Halong is by road, taking up to 3 to 4 hours depending on road conditions. On the other hand, passengers can enjoy a convenient and convenient experience once the high-speed rail is put into operation, as the travel time will be greatly reduced. The introduction of high-speed rail may also make Halong Bay more accessible to foreign tourists as it is a very popular sight in Vietnam.

Furthermore, the new railway line’s proximity to Gia Binh International Airport, along with connections to Haiphong and Mong Cai, will enhance tourists’ accessibility to the area. This is especially useful for foreign tourists who want to travel to Vietnam’s border with China and for those who want to visit northern Vietnam more easily.

Strategic investment for local and regional tourism

The railway will be constructed by Vingroup, a Vietnamese multinational company that has made significant investments in Vietnam’s real estate and infrastructure sectors. Vingroup’s plans include a route that will enable trains to run at speeds of 350 km/h. This will provide tourists with a much shorter travel option to one of the main tourist sites in Vietnam. In addition to improving the overall tourism experience, the new railway is expected to boost economic growth in the region by supporting local businesses, hotels and tourism services.

Main stations and communication

Co Loa Station and Halong Xanh Station are two major stations serving the new railway line along with a potential station in Gia Binh which will connect to the new international airport being built. New stations will also be built in Haiphong, Yen Tu and Dai Yen Forest Park, expanding the ITX line and improving tourism infrastructure in Quang Ninh Province.

Yen Vien Station will also be important for the integration of the bullet train with surrounding buses and local rail services. It will open new areas and neighboring towns for tourists to explore. This will allow seamless travel around the multi-faceted culture, nature and heritage of Northern Vietnam.

Investment and economic growth

Construction of the high-speed rail line is expected to generate $5.4 billion and will take about 308 hectares of land. It will create a large number of jobs in construction while achieving long-term progress in the tourism and transportation industries. In addition, the capital will strengthen the infrastructure in the region, improving the attractiveness of northern Vietnam for foreign tourists.

Sustainability and environmental considerations

The Government of Vietnam is working to ensure that modern standards are met as it practices sustainable economic growth. The new railway system will serve as a more environmentally friendly alternative to cars, as well as reduce traffic. This, in turn, will lead to carbon emissions mitigation, in line with Vietnam’s smart city development goals and long-term environmental efforts.

conclusion

Vietnam’s construction of a second high-speed railway from Halong Bay to Hanoi will greatly boost the country’s tourism infrastructure because the railway will connect the two important locations. This will not only benefit residents, but will create new opportunities for international tourists. Halong Bay, one of the world’s most famous natural wonders, is now more accessible and convenient for tourists who want to see it. With new policies aimed at improving transportation systems and promoting sustainable tourism, the new high-speed railway will change tourism in the country for years to come.