A cup of ginger tea to warm the heart in the middle of the night
The story originated with a heartfelt letter of appreciation from passenger Duc Thuan, from Ninh Binh Province, addressed to the Viet Nam Railways Corporation. In his letter, Thuan recalled an unforgettable experience aboard train SP3, which departed from Ha Noi for Lao Cai on the night of June 27, 2026.
About an hour into the journey, Thuan’s wife suddenly fell ill, suffering from dizziness and persistent nausea. As the family battled growing anxiety, they heard a polite and caring voice ask, “Is there anything I can do to help your family?” The voice belonged to Nguyen Manh Hung, the train manager of SP3.
Drawing on his extensive experience, Hung quickly assessed the situation and calmly reassured the family. Just a few minutes later, he returned carrying a steaming cup of ginger tea and a bottle of medicated oil. His prompt and thoughtful care helped stabilise the passenger’s condition within just 10 minutes.
Before returning to his duties, the train manager advised the family to rest easy, assuring them that the onboard crew remained on duty and ready to provide any assistance they might need.
Though seemingly a small gesture, it left a lasting impression on the passenger. In his letter, Thuan wrote: “At that moment, I truly felt his kindness and his strong sense of responsibility towards his work... These may have been small acts, but they reflected his wholehearted dedication to passengers and his willingness to care for others. For me, it was an immensely meaningful experience.”
A versatile and exemplary trade union representative
Within his unit, Nguyen Manh Hung is known not only as a responsible train manager but also as an exemplary trade union representative. As deputy chairman of the unit’s trade union, he acts as a unifying figure, fostering a cheerful and close-knit working atmosphere through his friendly and good-humoured personality.
Hung embodies the image of the modern railway employee: versatile and committed. Whether participating in cultural performances, repairing electrical wiring, plumbing, and sound equipment, or carefully tending flowers and ornamental plants at the station, he is always willing to lend a hand. His culinary skills have also significantly improved catering services on long-distance journeys.
His enthusiasm and dedication have inspired the entire SP3 crew. The same team successfully served a special group of former British railway workers during their week-long exploration of northern Viet Nam.
Efforts to promote the image of a “Civilised Railway”
The greatest challenge in serving international visitors lies not only in delivering impeccable service but also in ensuring that every meal meets international standards, all while the crew serves as ambassadors for Vietnamese culture.
Nguyen Manh Hung and the SP3 crew created a rich culinary experience on board, impressing international guests who were knowledgeable about railway services and had high standards.
The praise received from overseas visitors, together with sincere letters of appreciation from domestic passengers, clearly highlights the transformation of Viet Nam’s railway sector.
It confirms that today’s railway is no longer simply a mode of transport but is becoming a “mobile cultural bridge,” showcasing the finest aspects of the country to international friends through professionalism, flexibility, and continuous innovation.
Role models such as train manager Nguyen Manh Hung are helping to spread a spirit of solidarity while strengthening public confidence in a new generation of railway employees who are civilised, welcoming, and compassionate.
Every safe journey and every act of kindness reinforces the positive image of the Vietnamese people and the nation in the eyes of visitors from both near and far.
