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 Salon is the vibrant social heart of the train, where guests gather to relax, connect, and enjoy curated cultural experiences throughout the journey.

Inspired by the traditional houses of Northern Vietnam and the craftsmanship of Chàng Sơn Fan Village, L’Amant de Tonkin Salon 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 Salon 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.

Gallery

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 begin. From here, travelers set out for the misty mountains of Sapa, the imperial heritage of Huế, the vibrant coastline of Đà Nẵng, and many more destinations waiting to be discovered.
Designed with a youthful and contemporary spirit, Club Lounge captures the excitement of departure. 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 the legacy of rail travel while inspiring a sense of exploration.
Every detail evokes the experiences that lie ahead, from cascading terraced rice fields and mist-covered mountain villages to vibrant local cultures and unforgettable encounters along the way.
>

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 more destinations, while the quiet anticipation of the journey unfolds long before the train departs.
Unlike the vibrant energy of Club Lounge, Grand Lounge offers a calm and refined atmosphere designed for relaxation and quiet reflection. Respecting the station's century-old French colonial architecture, the design preserves its original proportions and historic character while thoughtfully introducing contemporary hospitality elements that enhance, rather than transform, the existing space.
Traditional Vietnamese roof forms, gently curved timber details, and motifs inspired by Vietnamese craftsmanship are carefully integrated into the historic setting, creating a harmonious dialogue between architectural heritage, cultural identity, and modern comfort.
>

Grand 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

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.
>

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 Bắc Hà Market, one of Northwest Vietnam's most iconic cultural gatherings, Highland Pavilion is a welcoming communal space that celebrates the region's rich traditions, craftsmanship, and cultural identity.
Drawing inspiration from the rhythm of terraced rice fields, the pavilion features layered architectural elements, hand-painted motifs, natural woven materials, and vibrant displays of traditional brocade textiles, creating a contemporary space deeply rooted in the heritage of Vietnam's ethnic communities.
Designed as a relaxing retreat before and after the journey, Highland Pavilion invites guests to unwind with a cup of tea, refresh in private shower facilities, and immerse themselves in the culture, landscapes, and enduring traditions of Vietnam's Northwest.
>

Highland Pavilion 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

Gastronomy - Tonkin Heritage Express