Thailand high-speed train to connect three airports
Thailand will launch a high-speed train to connect three airports by 2029.
After a five-year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project will connect Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports in Bangkok and U‑Tapao Airport, which serves Pattaya and Rayong.
Existing infrastructure and the current Airport Rail Link system, including extensions to and from the airports, will be used for this project, known as the Don Mueang–Suvarnabhumi–U-Tapao high-speed railway, according to Travel + Leisure.
The railway line will be 220km long and pass through five provinces – Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Chachoengsao, Chonburi and Rayong – with trains reaching a top speed of 250km/h.
Hanoi launches historical train tours
The Hanoi Department of Tourism and Vietnam Railway Corporation will launch a special train tour in August, highlighting cultural and historical aspects of the city.
The double-decker train will stop at the city's stations and allow passengers to visit historical sites in the area. The train is expected to make its first trip on August 19.
The tour will make the following stops:
- The Hanoi Railway Station: Built and opened in 1902, with a Western-style design by Henri Vildieu. Part of it was damaged in the war in 1972 and rebuilt in 1976 in a modernist style, while preserving some original aspects.
- Long Bien Station: Also in operation since 1902 and the second historical station within the old inner city. It is located next to one of the city's landmarks, Long Biên Bridge.
- Gia Lam Station: About 5km from the city centre and a terminal for international trains. It is next to the Gia Lam train factory founded in 1905, which is now a heritage site for tourism and events.
- Co Loa Station: 18km from the city centre and built in 1902 with French architectural styles. Tourists can explore the Co Loa Citadel, the most ancient citadel in Vietnam.
Halls at all the stations will host storytelling workshops, music and dance performances, and exhibitions about each station’s history. The seven train carriages will also offer entertainment and experiences that reflect Vietnamese culture, according to Vietnam News.
