On the evening of April 29, 2025, train SE 4, one of two trains belonging to the "Reunification Train" organized by Vietnam Railways Corporation on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the country's reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025) departed from Saigon station to Hanoi station.

On the same day, train SE1 departing from Hanoi station will arrive at Saigon station at 6:50 a.m. on May 1, 2025. The two trains are expected to meet at Da Nang station at 12:40 p.m. on April 30, 2025, the 50th anniversary of the country's reunification.

These two trains are decorated with the theme “Unification Railway – A united country”. Passengers can also enjoy the festival atmosphere with art programs featuring revolutionary songs praising the homeland performed by the Railway Assault Art Team at the stations.

PHOTO: NGUYEN ANH

Passengers on the “Reunification Train” will also receive special gifts at the farewell ceremony organized by Vietnam Railways. In addition, they will enjoy live music on the train from Hue station to Da Nang (for SE1) and from Tam Ky - Da Nang (for SE4). Upon arrival at Da Nang station, there will be a special welcome ceremony for passengers on the train.

PHOTO: NGUYEN ANH

Buying a ticket to go home for the holiday, Ms. Hanh Nguyen from Binh Dinh was very surprised to receive a special welcome when she arrived at the departure gate. “I was very happy and surprised when the train arrived at the station, the atmosphere was very bustling, seeing everyone wearing red flag shirts with yellow stars made me feel very happy and proud. Getting on the train also received very special gifts such as red flag shirts with yellow stars”, Ms. Hanh Nguyen shared.

Also choosing the train as a means of transportation to Da Nang for the April 30 - May 1 holiday, Ms. Thu Hien was moved when traveling on a special train. "My first feeling about this train was very happy, secondly I was very proud because at this moment I was witnessing the historic moment of 50 years of the country's unification," Ms. Hien shared.

PHOTO: NGUYEN ANH

According to Mr. Nguyen Chinh Nam, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Railways Corporation, the Thong Nhat train has many meanings, especially on April 30, not only as a north-south journey, but also as a vivid symbol of history, patriotism and national solidarity. "Vietnam Railways wants to send a message to young people to preserve the tradition of 'When drinking water, remember its source' and be grateful to the previous generations who sacrificed for independence and peace," said Mr. Nam.

Vietnam Railways Corporation said that as of April 28, 2025, the number of tickets sold for the April 30 and May 1 holidays this year was over 137,600. The number of passengers concentrated on taking the train on April 29 and 30 at Hanoi and Saigon stations to tourist destinations. On the return trip, passengers mainly took the train on May 3 and 4 to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.