As of November 2025, the Government of Vietnam has made the decision to approve the construction of a 2nd high-speed railway that would stretch and connect the well-known Vietnamese cities, Hoan Kiem located in Hanoi and Halong in the Quang Ninh province. This new decision engrosses on the development of the new high-speed rail in the national railway masterplan for the northeastern region of Vietnam. Stretching 124 kilometres, the high-speed railway would open a new economic zone, making travel and tourism significantly easier.
Construction of an upgraded train line would extend from the Co Loa station located in Hanoi, toward to the new Halong Xanh station located on the Halong side, where the line would stretch and connect to the planned new metro line. People would be able to travel in a fast and effective alternative way which would highly economise the expenditure in present-day transportation.
The high speed rail will provide tourists with the ability to visit both Hanoi and Halong Bay in one day, within the predicted travel times, very easily. These investments come in light of the growing popularity of the northern region, which has well-preserved culture, beautiful beaches, magnificent landscapes, and a plethora of tourist activities. With the current pace of construction to be concluded before the year 2030, the rail plans will play a pivotal role in the future travel plans of the tourists across the region.
Impacts of Tourism on Halong Bay and Quang Ninh Province
Attracting millions of visitors on a global scale, Halong Bay is home to beautiful and surreal limestone Seascapes which consist of over 1600 different islands and islets. A portion of Quang Ninh province features Cat Ba Island and Yen Tu Mountain along with other nature reserves, which are popular with tourists searching for peaceful, adventurous, and cultural leisure.
At the moment, the main mode of transportation to travel from Hanoi to Halong is by land, and takes up to 3 to 4 hours depending on the road conditions. Passengers on the other hand are able to indulge in a relaxing and comfortable experience once the high-speed rail is up and running, as the travel time will be cut significantly. The introduction of the high-speed rail may also make Halong Bay more accessible to foreign tourists as it is a very popular sight in Vietnam.
Moreover, the new railway’s closeness to the Gia Binh International Airport, alongside the Haiphong and Mong Cai connections, will enhance the region’s accessibility to tourists. This is particularly advantageous for foreign tourists wishing to travel to Vietnam’s China border and for those wanting to more easily visit northern Vietnam.
A Strategic Investment for Local and Regional Tourism
The railway will be constructed by Vingroup, a Vietnamese multinational corporation that has made considerable investments in the real estate and infrastructure sectors in Vietnam. Vingroup’s plans include a route that will enable trains to run at 350 km/h. This will provide tourists with a much shorter travel option to one of Vietnam’s prime tourist locations. In addition to improving the overall tourism experience, the new railway is expected to enhance economic growth in the region by supporting local businesses, hotels, and tour services.
Key Stations and Connectivity
Co Loa and Halong Xanh Station are two main stops serving the new rail line along with a possible station at Gia Binh which would connect to the new international airport being built. New stations will also be built at Haiphong, Yen Tu, and Dai Yen Forest Park, expanding the ITX line and improving the tourism infrastructure in Quang Ninh Province.
Yen Vien Station will also be important for the integration of the bullet train with the surrounding buses and local rail services. It will open new regions and nearby towns for exploration to tourists. This will allow for seamless travel around the multi-faceted culture, nature and heritage of Northern Vietnam.
Investment and Economic Growth
Building the high-speed rail line is expected to generate 5.4 billion dollars and will take about 308 hectares of land. It will create a significant number of construction jobs while yielding long-term advancements in the tourism and transportation industries. Additionally, the capital will enhance infrastructure in the area, improving the appeal of northern Vietnam to foreign tourists.
Sustainability and Environmental Considerations
The government of Vietnam is ensuring modern standards are met as it practices sustainable economic growth. The new rail system will serve as a more eco-friendly alternative to cars, as well as reduce traffic. This in turn, will mitigate carbon emissions, in line with Vietnam’s smart city development goals, and long-term environmental efforts.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s construction of a second high‐speed railroad from Halong Bay to Hanoi will greatly enhance the country’s tourism infrastructure because of the railroad will connect the two important locations. This not only benefits residents, as it will create new opportunities for international tourists. One of the most famous natural wonders of the world, Halong Bay, will now be within easier and more comfortable reach for tourists wishing to see it. With new policies targeting the improvement of transport systems and the advancement of sustainable tourism, the new high‐speed railroad will transform the country’s tourism for years to come.
Source: Travel and Tour World
