Hanoi - Lao Cai Railway is full of customers, signaling optimism for tourism growth

More than 1,000 tourists "break ground" at Lao Cai Station

Lao Cai Station in the first days of the new year 2026 has become the busiest destination in the border area. The loudspeaker calling the train rang repeatedly, the large stream of customers poured up and down, creating a vibrant atmosphere from the morning of January 1.

More than 1,000 passengers on the first day of the year is an exciting start, opening up expectations of strong growth for Lao Cai's railway and tourism industry in the coming time.

To create a good impression on tourists, Lao Cai Station coordinated with local authorities to organize a welcoming ceremony for the first group of tourists of the year. Fresh flowers and souvenirs from brocade are given as a gratitude, imbued with the identity of the highlands. The warm and thoughtful image surprised and delighted many visitors.

I felt the friendliness of the people here from the first minute. Lao Cai is so close and warm, said Maria Sanchez, a Spanish tourist, and excitedly preparing for the journey to explore Sa Pa and Bac Ha.

According to Ms. Do Thi Gam, Head of Lao Cai Railway Transport Station, in 2025, there will be more than 365,000 visitors coming and going at the station, an increase of more than 100,000 compared to 2024. Notably, nearly 80% are international visitors - a number that shows Lao Cai's growing attraction to international friends.

"Sitting on a boat to admire the scenery from the plains to the mountains and forests is a very different experience. The service on the train is much more comfortable than before, said Mr. Nguyen Hoang Nam - a tourist to Hanoi.

To better serve, the railway industry has upgraded train cars, improved sanitation, added utility services and trained staff in a professional manner. The goal is to turn the journey into a memorable experience.

Opening the way for breakthrough tourism

This year's New Year's Day, the sudden increase in the number of passengers has caused the railway industry to proactively increase the number of trains at the peak of December 31, 2025, January 1 and February 1, 2026. At the same time, cooperation with Chapa Tourism Joint Stock Company to put into operation 5-star train cars helps passengers have more high-end service options on the Hanoi - Lao Cai route.

According to Mr. Vu Xuan Han, Chapa representative, compared to more than 9 million visitors to Lao Cai each year, the number of people traveling by train is still quite modest.

"There is still a lot of room for growth. If we continue to invest and closely connect with tourism products, the railway will play a leading role in the flow of visitors to Lao Cai, Mr. Han assessed.

In addition to businesses, local authorities have also determined to accompany in promoting the development of the railway industry.

Mr. Nguyen Van Nhat, Chairman of Lao Cai Ward People's Committee emphasized: "We will coordinate to improve service quality, promote the local image, and bring visitors the safest and most friendly feeling".

The trains are packed with passengers at the beginning of the year, services are constantly improving, and the support of the government and businesses is an important driving force for the railway industry to regain growth momentum.

Not just a means of transportation, the Hanoi - Lao Cai train route is affirming its role as a trade connection, opening the way for breakthrough tourism in 2026.

Read the original here