The 8.5km elevated section from Nhon Station on the Hanoi Urban Railway’s Line 3 to Cau Giay Station officially opened for service in August 2024. The underground section is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in 2027. In this issue, we explored eight stations along the elevated section by taking the Line 3 train.
Symbol marks at each station! The charm of Hanoi that you haven't seen yet
When using Line 3, you might be surprised to see abstract patterns applied to each station. In fact, this line is designed not only as a means of transportation, but also with the intention of showcasing Hanoi’s culture. It incorporates symbols that represent culturally and socially valuable spots within walking distance of the station.
S1: Nyon Station / Ga Nhon
Station symbol mark
Magnetic waves and atoms symbolizing the educational and research fields of the University of Industrial Technology in Hanoi (Dai Hoc Cong Nghiep Ha Noi)
The first station bustling with young energy
Located at the end of Bac Tu Liem District, which connects to the suburbs of Hanoi, this station is the busiest station in the area with restaurants lining up in front of it. During rush hour, students and staff from the many schools and government agencies in the area are often seen getting on and off the train.
S2: Minkai Station / Ga Minh Khai
Gear and tools reminiscent of the Tu Liem Industrial Complex
Expectations for future development are growing
There are many automobile and maintenance-related facilities and factories in the vicinity, and there are not many places to enjoy restaurants and activities. On the other hand, there are several temples, churches, and ponds, creating a calm townscape.
S3: Fujien Station
Ga Phu Dien
There is a good balance between nature and the local community.
The station is located at the intersection of the railway dedicated to transporting goods that runs across the ground in the suburbs west of Hanoi. It is the area where the administrative agencies of the Back-Tu Le District, such as the court and the civil judgment enforcement office, the People's Committee, and others, are located.
Station symbol mark
Green trees growing in the Hanoi Botanical Garden (Vuon Thuc Vat Ha Noi)
S4: Cau Dien Station / Ga Cau Dien
A romantic view overlooking the river
There are also a 20-year-old supermarket called Thanh Do, with stylish cafes nearby and affordable products on display. Outside the station, a bogenbiriya display has been set up, creating a stunning landscape.
Station symbol mark
A whirlpool inspired by the Nhue River visible from the station
In recent years, modern restaurants have been popping up that have adapted Chinese cuisine to the modern era.
We introduce restaurants and cafes that are perfect for taking photos, perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal in a stylish atmosphere.
S5: Le Duc Tho Station / Ga Le Duc Tho
Connecting Namtuerieum District to Kaoyai District
This station is starting to feel a change towards a more vibrant atmosphere. In addition to the traditional opera "Tuong," the area is home to many art-related schools, including the Hanoi Theatre and Film University, the Hanoi Ballet Academy, and the Circus Arts School.
Various sports competitions held at the My Dinh National Stadium (San Van Dong Quoc Gia My Dinh)
S6: Hanoi National University Station / Ga Dai Hoc Quoc Gia Ha Noi
A symbol of the Hanoi Foreign Language University, a sign that writes "Metro" in various languages
Cheerful students passing by
There are numerous prestigious universities and vocational schools in the vicinity, as well as the Japanese-run cram school "Eikoku Seminar" in Hanoi, and the station is close to a street where high-tech companies are located. In addition to restaurants, there is also a full range of luxury hotels, making this an ideal area for stays when traveling or to experience the local lifestyle.
S7: Chuarh Station / Ga Chua Ha
Tourist spot "Chua Ha" located 5 minutes' walk from the station
A modern district surrounded by high-rise buildings
This station is located in a bustling area that is home to office buildings, condominiums, shopping malls, shops, and restaurants. It is one of the stations with the most passengers on the same line, and is used by people of all ages every day.
S8: Cau Giay Station / Ga Cau Giay
Convenient connections in the future
Located at the intersection connecting Kaoyai District and Bardiin District, this is the final elevated station on the line. It is located right next to the Japanese-style residential area, and it is expected to become a highly convenient station as it will be extended to the downtown station of Hanoi in the future.
The animals at the Hanoi Zoo (Vuon Thu Ha Noi), next to the station
A green and relaxing place within walking distance from the station
In addition to Tu Le Park near Cau Giay Station, where the Hanoi Zoo is located along Line 3, there are several other parks where you can easily take the family for a quick break. Take the metro and go find a nice place to walk.
Location: Thanh Thai, Cau Giay
Open: 6:00 ~ 22:00
Price: Free
Cau Giay Park / Cong Vien Cau Giay
Enjoy nature in the middle of the hustle and bustle
The park is located approximately 15 minutes on foot from the Chuarah Station. With a total area of 6,540 square meters, it is one of the largest parks in Hanoi and was built with the aim of contributing to the improvement of air pollution in the western part of Hanoi, which is rapidly developing. It is divided into three areas: a square, a children's playground, and a sports area. There are two entrances: the main gate on Thien Thai Street has an impressive hemispherical shape.
There is a large lake in the center, where you can exercise while enjoying the fresh air or take a break on the bench.
The trees and colorful flowers in the garden are well-maintained.
Magic Adjustment Pond Park / Cong Vien Ho Dieu Hoa Mai Dich
The local people's reliable "green lung"
Opened in 2018 and located about a 10-minute walk from the Leeduck To Station, this park covers a total area of over 15 hectares. The 5-hectare lake, which is created to regulate the air around it, is intended to create a clean environment for the area. In addition to trees, walking paths, and fountains, spacious open spaces are also available for various activities such as skating and dance practice, as well as exercise.
There is a large lake in the center, where you can exercise while enjoying the fresh air or take a break on the bench.
The trees and colorful flowers in the garden are well-maintained.
Location: Ho Tung Mau, Cau Giay
Open: 24 hours
Price: Free
Easy access! Exciting shopping guide
When you go by taxi, you might worry about the traffic; when you go by bike, you might have to pay for parking. But with the Hanoi Metro, you can get to your shopping destination without worrying about any of that. Here are two popular shopping malls that are close to the station and easy to access.
The Loop Shopping Center
Renovated shopping mall
This shopping mall is located right in front of Hanoi National University Station (Dai Hoc Quoc Gia). Opened in 2012, the facility was previously known as the IPH Building. In 2023, it underwent renovation and transformed into a new commercial space called The Loop. It is a four-story building that houses various brand shops, coworking spaces, restaurants, and a movie theater. It also houses a wide variety of companies and stores. Regular events and promotions are held, allowing you to enjoy local culture and trends.
Address: 241 Xuan Thuy, Cau Giay, Hanoi
Phone: 024-3795-4001
Open: Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
FB: The Loop Shopping Center
URL: https://loop.com.vn
A famous bookstore chain in Vietnam. You can read books while sipping coffee in a quiet space.
A chocolate shop well known to Japanese people. They offer handmade chocolate made with Vietnamese cocoa.
Spacious coworking space. The modern space is attractive and many individuals or companies are already living here.
Handcrafted items such as embroidery and bead embroidery are for sale. A mosaic painting workshop is also available for experience.
The Zephyr Plaza／The Zei Plaza
Innovative commercial facilities on a high-end line
Located about 7 minutes’ walk from Le Duc Tho Station, this modern facility is inspired by Japanese high-rise building design. It is divided into two areas: the lower three floors are home to restaurants and brand shops, while the upper floors are luxury apartments for foreigners. It is also close to renowned educational institutions such as the Japanese University of Hanoi and the National University of Hanoi, and it is also about 35 minutes by car from Noi Bai International Airport.
Address: 8 Le Duc Tho, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi
Phone: 086-690-6661
Open: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
FB: The Zei Plaza
URL: https://thezei.vn
The Guide to Getting Around on Line 3 on the Road to New Discoveries
When taking the train, for Japanese people, I sometimes worry that the purchase method of the ticket might be complicated or that the English might not be understood.
This section provides an easy introduction to the steps leading up to becoming a train. Once you experience it, even children will be able to ride it easily.
① Buy a ticket
For one-way trips, select the destination station from the ticket vending machine. The price is between 80,000 VND and 12,000 VND. Only paper bills of 50,000 VND or less are accepted, and a dedicated token-type ticket will be issued upon payment. You can choose between Vietnamese or English display.
For one-day or one-month unlimited ride tickets, you can purchase them at the counters located at each station. The prices are VND 24,000 for a one-day ticket and VND 200,000 for a one-month ticket. As with the Hanoi Metro 2A line, you first receive a dedicated paper ticket, and by presenting it at the counters at each station, you will receive a token for a one-way ticket each time you board the train.
If you purchase a one-month unlimited ride ticket, you can also purchase a charge-based card. When your balance is low, you can recharge it at the counter. Additionally, children under 6 years old and those over 60 years old are free to ride.
② Pass through the ticket gate
You can pass through by touching the ride ticket token on the ticket gate.
③ Arrive at the destination
If you place the boarding pass token in the designated location, the ticket gate will open. For charge-based cards, you simply need to place the card in the designated location when entering, and the gate will open.
