Gastronomy - Tonkin Express

L'Amant De Tonkin Salon

A cultural salon on rails

Inspired by the traditional houses of Northern Vietnam and the craftsmanship of Chàng Sơn Fan Village, L’Amant de Tonkin Lounge is envisioned as the heart of the train, a vibrant communal space where culture, art, and human connection come together throughout the journey.

The design takes inspiration from the Vietnamese hand fan, an object deeply rooted in local culture and long associated with festivals, traditional performances, and everyday life. This spirit is translated into a lively and welcoming environment filled with positive energy, inviting guests to gather, converse, relax, and create memorable moments while traveling across the country.

As the train’s main social hub, L’Amant de Tonkin Lounge hosts a variety of curated cultural and artistic activities, offering travelers opportunities to engage with Vietnam’s rich heritage in an immersive way. It is also an ideal place to enjoy a drink, unwind, and admire the ever-changing landscapes unfolding beyond the train windows.

Throughout the interior, decorative elements inspired by Đông Hồ and Hàng Trống folk paintings bring vibrant colors and cultural symbolism into the space. Combined with handcrafted details influenced by the traditional art of fan-making, these features reinterpret the artistic heritage of Northern Vietnam through a contemporary lens. The result is a lively, dynamic atmosphere that enriches the overall journey experience.

In addition to the main lounge area, the carriage features a dedicated smoking room, thoughtfully designed to accommodate different guest preferences while maintaining the comfort of the shared spaces. The combination of modern amenities, cultural experiences, and breathtaking scenery transforms L’Amant de Tonkin into a destination in its own right, a place where guests can fully embrace the journey rather than simply travel from one destination to another.

More than just a lounge carriage, L’Amant de Tonkin is a cultural salon on rails, where stories are shared, memories are created, and the spirit of Northern Vietnam accompanies guests every mile of the journey.

Hanoi Station

A Story in Waiting

Located on the 2nd Floor, Hanoi Railway Station

120 Le Duan Street, Hoan Kiem District

Club Lounge

Located at the heart of Hanoi Railway Station, Club Lounge is where countless journeys across Vietnam first come to life. From here, travelers set out for the misty mountains of Sapa, the imperial heritage of Huế, the vibrant coastline of Đà Nẵng, and many new destinations that will unfold in the years ahead. Long before the train departs, the journey has already begun.
Conceived as the opening chapter of every adventure, Club Lounge captures the excitement of departure through a lively and contemporary atmosphere. Inspired by the historic symmetry of Hanoi Railway Station and enriched with colors, textures, and patterns drawn from the cultural identity of Vietnam's Northwest Highlands, the space celebrates both the legacy of rail travel and the spirit of exploration.
Designed with a youthful and energetic character, Club Lounge reflects the anticipation that accompanies every new destination. Every detail invites guests to imagine the experiences ahead: terraced rice fields cascading across mountain slopes, hidden villages emerging through the morning mist, vibrant local cultures, and unforgettable encounters waiting beyond the rails.
More than a waiting lounge, Club Lounge is a place where excitement builds, curiosity awakens, and journeys begin. It transforms the moments before departure into part of the travel experience itself, ensuring that the first memory of every adventure starts here, at the very heart of Hanoi Railway Station.

Club Lounge Features

• Exclusive Access for Tonkin Heritage & Chapa Express Passengers
• Open Daily: 08:00AM - 10:40PM
• Comfortable Lounge Seating
• Welcome Tea & Light Snacks
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Charging Stations
• Complimentary Luggage Storage
• Beverage Menu Available for Order
• Cultural Activities
• First Aid Kit Available
• Boutique Area for Unique and Local Items
• Credit Cards Accepted

Grand Lounge

Located at the heart of Hanoi Railway Station, Grand Lounge is where every rail journey begins. From this historic departure point, travelers set off towards Sapa, Huế, Đà Nẵng, and many future destinations yet to be introduced. More than a waiting lounge, it marks the first moment of every journey where anticipation quietly unfolds before the train departs.
Unlike the vibrant and energetic atmosphere of Club Lounge, Grand Lounge offers a calm, refined, and contemplative experience. It is designed as a place to pause, unwind, and appreciate the timeless character of Vietnam's railway heritage before embarking on the journey ahead.
What distinguishes Grand Lounge is its respectful approach to preservation. Rather than altering the century-old architectural structure dating back to the French colonial era, the design carefully integrates contemporary interventions into the existing framework, preserving its original proportions, rhythm, and historic character. The result is a refined hospitality experience that celebrates the station's architectural legacy while responding to the needs of contemporary travelers.
Traditional Vietnamese roof forms are introduced above the central openings of the lounge, while gently curved timber-clad elements frame the space without affecting the original structure. These carefully integrated interventions soften the architecture, creating a greater sense of warmth, intimacy, and human connection while reinforcing themes of cultural identity, tradition, and community. A palette of neutral tones establishes a calm and elegant atmosphere, complemented by interior details inspired by traditional Vietnamese patterns. Reinterpreted through a contemporary design language and combined with original railway architectural elements, they create a dialogue between Vietnamese heritage, the station's history, and modern hospitality.
Every intervention has been carefully considered to ensure that the building's historic soul remains intact while meeting the expectations of contemporary travelers, a thoughtful balance between preservation and renewal, where history continues to serve the journeys of today and tomorrow.

Grand Lounge Features

Step aboard Tonkin Heritage Express…

Where culture travels forward, and every journey becomes memory.

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Lao Cai Station

Where journeys awaken,
and memories linger

Located at Waiting Room 02, Lao Cai Railway Station

Khanh Yen Street, Lao Cai City

Highland Lounge

Inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Northwest Vietnam, Highland Lounge is envisioned as a gateway to the mountains, a place where guests can begin or conclude their journey immersed in the spirit of the region.
The space draws deeply from local identity, reinterpreting traditional motifs and indigenous craftsmanship through a contemporary design lens. Handcrafted materials such as brocade textiles and beeswax paintings are thoughtfully woven into the interiors, evoking familiar images of mountain villages, local traditions, and the enduring artistry of the ethnic communities of the Northwest.
Warm textures, natural materials, and carefully curated details create an atmosphere that feels both refined and welcoming. More than a waiting lounge, Highland Lounge offers a sense of place, allowing guests to connect with the cultural essence of Sapa before setting out to explore its landscapes or carrying those memories with them on the journey home.
For added comfort, guests may also enjoy shower facilities to refresh after a day of exploration or before boarding the overnight train back to Hanoi, ensuring a seamless and relaxing travel experience from beginning to end.

Highland Lounge Features

• Exclusive Access for Tonkin Heritage & Chapa Express Passengers
• Open Daily: 06:00 – 21:30
• Comfortable Lounge Seating
• Welcome Tea & Light Snacks
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Charging Stations
• Complimentary Luggage Storage
• Restroom Facilities
- Bath Towel
- Hot shower
- Shampoo, Bath Gel
- Hair Dryer
• Food & Beverage Menu Available for Order
- Breakfast Set:
Hours: 06:00 – 07:30
Note: Advance booking required (At least 12 hours in advance)
- Lunch & Dinner À La Carte: Available upon request throughout the day
• Cultural Activities
• First Aid Kit Available
• Boutique Area for Unique and Local Items
• Credit Cards Accepted

Highland Pavilion

Inspired by the vibrant atmosphere of Bac Ha Market, one of the most iconic cultural gatherings in Northwest Vietnam, Highland Pavilion is conceived as a communal space where stories, traditions, and local craftsmanship come together. More than a venue, it serves as a celebration of the cultural richness and creative spirit that define the region.
The design draws inspiration from the terraced landscapes that have shaped life in the mountains for generations. Layers of bamboo screens, framed elements, and stepped compositions echo the rhythm of cascading rice terraces, creating a space that feels both grounded in its surroundings and contemporary in expression.
Throughout the pavilion, hand-painted motifs, oversized wooden frames wrapped in natural woven materials, and extensive displays of traditional brocade textiles showcase the artistry of local craftspeople. These carefully curated elements transform the interior into a living gallery, honoring the skills, stories, and cultural heritage of the ethnic communities who have preserved these traditions through generations.
Warm, inviting, and deeply rooted in place, Highland Pavilion offers guests an opportunity to engage with the cultural identity of the Northwest in a meaningful way. Whether gathering, relaxing, or simply taking in the surroundings, visitors are immersed in a space that celebrates the people, landscapes, and enduring traditions of Vietnam’s highlands.
Beyond its role as a cultural and communal space, Highland Pavilion is also designed as a relaxing retreat for guests before and after their journey. Here, travelers can enjoy a cup of tea, unwind in a welcoming atmosphere, and take a moment to slow down amid the rhythm of travel.
The pavilion is also equipped with private shower facilities, offering guests the comfort of refreshing themselves before boarding the train to Sapa or after a day exploring there . By combining modern conveniences with a strong sense of local identity, Highland Pavilion becomes more than just a waiting area, it is an integral and memorable part of the travel experience itself.