Hanoi train rides into Lunar New Year

By Ngoc Thanh   January 22, 2023 | 02:46 am PT
Hanoi’s last train of 2022 left Saturday evening carrying 94 passengers for Ho Chi Minh City, which it will reach Monday morning.
Hanoi train rides into Lunar New Year

At 7.20 p.m. the crew of SE1 was getting it ready for the last cross-country ride of the lunar year, which ended Saturday.

Hanoi train rides into Lunar New Year

It took 20 minutes to replace a rail car due to a technical difficulty.

Hanoi train rides into Lunar New Year

Some foreigners showed up at the last minute to buy tickets, and the counter clerks speeded up things so that they could board.

Hanoi train rides into Lunar New Year

Kitchen crew decorate the dining area where passengers later counted down the new year.

Hanoi train rides into Lunar New Year

“15 minutes before midnight the staff will invite passengers to the dining area to celebrate the new year,” crew member Nguyen Xuan Khanh said.

Hanoi train rides into Lunar New Year

A group of nearly 30 foreign passengers get on board. They were traveling to Thua Thien Hue Province.

Hanoi train rides into Lunar New Year

“This will be the first time my family celebrate the New Year on a train,” Tran Trung Kien of Nghe An Province said. “I hope we can still see fireworks at midnight.”

Hanoi train rides into Lunar New Year

Train conductor Pham Van Thuc, 51, said he has celebrated the New Year 10 times on the train.

“I am sad I have to work while most people are spending time with their family. The staff will celebrate the New Year together.”

Hanoi train rides into Lunar New Year

A Ministry of Transport official came on board to give customers and staff li xi (red envelope), a traditional gift of cash to wish good luck to the recipient.

Hanoi train rides into Lunar New Year

At 10.15 p.m. the train departed.

Hanoi train rides into Lunar New Year

Passengers, mostly traveling short distances or tourists wanting to experience Tet, wave goodbye to station staff as the train leaves.

Across the country, hundreds of staff have been deployed at grade crossings through the holiday to ensure safety.

 
 
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