A joyful homecoming on trains filled with love
“Being able to return home on this train makes us very happy and deeply moved. Compared with last year, coming home for Tet this year feels even more joyful,” Mr Nguyen Van Hung, a passenger on the “Happiness Train”, shared emotionally as the train prepared to depart Ha Noi Railway Station on the morning of February 2.
For the couple, the journey was not only a trip home for family reunion, but also a special experience filled with joy and sharing on the threshold of the New Spring.
The “Happiness Train” – Where happiness is more than a destination
On the morning of February 2, 2026, the “Happiness Train” officially rolled out of Ha Noi Railway Station. The programme carries profound humanitarian significance, aiming to spread compassion, inspire trust and national pride, and promote the image of Viet Nam and its people.
The “Happiness Train” was launched with the aspiration of creating a positive start to the New Year 2026, where happiness is present in every journey and every moment of the homeward trip. It represents the crystallisation of social responsibility and the spirit of dedication of Nhan Dan Newspaper and the Viet Nam railway sector in strengthening community bonds and connecting regions across the S-shaped country.
For the first time, a train adorned with the red flag bearing a yellow star—together with the symbolic imagery of Nhan Dan Newspaper and vibrant spring colours—has officially run along the North–South railway line. More than a means of transport, the “Happiness Train” has become a mobile cultural space, where each carriage tells stories of people, regions, cuisine and Vietnamese identity, contributing to the promotion of Viet Nam’s tourism to domestic and international passengers.
Speaking at the ceremony, Le Quoc Minh emphasised: “The idea of building the ‘Happiness Train’, with carriages painted in the colours of love and featuring the Nhan Dan Newspaper logo, stems from our reflections on the need for renewal and creativity, so that each journey is not only convenient but also brings passengers a sense of comfort and joy.”
A representative of the Viet Nam Railways Corporation noted that the programme is not merely symbolic, but also reflects efforts to innovate, improve service quality, and link transport operations with cultural values and community responsibility. Meanwhile, a representative of Coteccons affirmed that its participation in the “Happiness Train” comes from a desire to contribute to safe, humane and sustainable journeys, where people are placed at the heart of all connections.
At the launch ceremony, the organisers presented 100 gift packages to passengers on this special train, spreading a warm and sharing atmosphere in the days leading up to Tet. Notably, the “Happiness Train” will continue to run on New Year’s Eve, becoming a sacred space of reunion, where gifts, New Year wishes and the joy of togetherness are shared with passengers throughout the journey.
Nguyen Thu Ha, from Nghe An province, said that although she has travelled by train many times, this was her first experience on a train decorated in such a warm and intimate way. The atmosphere made the Tet homecoming journey lighter and more joyful, while helping young people better appreciate the meaning of family reunion.
“It is truly happiness—a very special train. I felt the warmth and affection of this journey home for Tet from the moment I stepped on board. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Nhan Dan Newspaper and the Viet Nam railway sector,” Ha shared.
Foreign tourists were also delighted to be on the special “Happiness Train”
John Miller, a visitor from Australia, said: “I am very impressed and surprised by the atmosphere on this train. Everyone is so friendly and cheerful, and I even received a meaningful gift. This is a very special experience, and I will definitely tell my family about it when I return home.”
Departing from Ha Noi Railway Station, the “Happiness Train” carries trust, love and aspirations to spread positive values, contributing to affirming the social responsibility and distinctive imprint of Nhan Dan Newspaper, the Viet Nam railway sector and partner organisations in the new era.
In addition to the inaugural journey on February 2, 2026, the “Happiness Train” will continue to operate on the Lunar New Year’s Eve of the Binh Ngo Year, becoming a space of reunion where passengers exchange New Year wishes, joy and sharing. On this occasion, passengers on the train will also receive lucky money gifts from leaders of the organising units.
