The trip was more emotional than expected
Hanh Hanh shared that at first she had absolutely no intention of taking the regular train. With a distance of more than 170km, the high-speed train was the most ideal means of transport: it took less than 2 hours, had continuous departures and tickets could be easily booked through applications such as 12306 or Trip.com.
"At first, I planned to take the high-speed train, because it only took about 1 hour and 50 minutes. But because I booked the ticket too close to the date, all the express train tickets were sold out. I had to switch to the regular train, which took a little more than 4 hours," Hanh Hanh recounted.
It may sound regretful, but for Hanh Hanh, every choice on the journey is part of the experience. The train is often not fast, but in return, it is slow and leisurely - something that rushed trips sometimes cannot bring.
In Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
The train departed early in the morning. The space inside was not too crowded, everything was quiet, typical of a “normal train”. Contrary to her initial imagination that the trip would be tiring or boring, Hanh Hanh took advantage of that time to rest, admire the scenery through the window, and even write a few lines in her diary.
Not only a means of transportation, the train trip is also a necessary pause for Hanh Hanh to slow down in the midst of the hectic travel life. She said that if she has flexible time, the regular train is also a choice worth trying, especially during peak season when high-speed train or plane tickets sell out quickly.
Another reason why Hanh Hanh prefers to travel by train in China is the price and convenience. Train tickets are often much cheaper, only from 145,000 to 500,000 VND for Business Class. For short distances like Suzhou - Hangzhou or Hangzhou - Shanghai, this is a reasonable and economical choice.
"Green" scenery in Hangzhou
In addition, trains in China have a very simple boarding process, not requiring you to arrive early like planes. “Just arriving 30-45 minutes early is enough to check your ticket, scan your luggage, scan your passport and find the right gate,” Hanh Hanh shared.
However, she also reminded everyone to book tickets at least 2-3 days in advance, especially on weekends or during peak tourist seasons. Whether tourists or locals, the number of people traveling between major cities is always very large.
Based on her experience, Hanh Hanh advises that if possible, people should choose high-speed trains for trips between major cities, because the convenience and speed are undeniable. But if you fall into a situation where there are no other options, don't worry too much because trains are usually not as bad as many people think.
For those who are coming to China for the first time, Hanh Hanh also suggests using the Amap app (GaodeMap) - a Chinese map app with integrated English instructions, very useful when taking the train, bus or renting a bicycle.
When a train opens up new emotions
At the end of the 4-hour train ride, Hanh Hanh arrived in Hangzhou with a completely relaxed mood. She quickly immersed herself in the green, poetic and quiet space of this city. During her journey of discovery, the place that made her "wow" the most was Luu Lang Van Oanh, a beautiful scene in the West Lake complex, standing out with a crescent bridge and tree shadows reflecting on the water.
In addition, Yunqi, the bamboo path that appeared in the movie “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”, also left a lasting impression on her. Although she had to walk a lot, the peaceful scenery here made all her fatigue disappear.
Street in Hangzhou
The special thing about this trip is that Hanh Hanh traveled alone. No companions, no noise. And that is what allowed her to truly enjoy the atmosphere of the places she visited. From the ancient town of Shaoxing, Lu Xun's hometown, to the early morning walks around the lake, Hanh Hanh found joy in every little moment.
Not only stopping at emotions, Hanh Hanh also does not hesitate to share useful tips for those who want to have a complete trip like her. When choosing a hotel, Hanh Hanh always prioritizes reading reviews carefully, especially comments from international travelers and choosing places near train stations for convenient travel. With a schedule that involves a lot of walking, you should wear sneakers, bring water and take breaks at cafes or convenience stores along the way. In the city, Hanh Hanh's favorite means of transportation is the bus because it is clean, punctual and has a network that covers most major attractions.
Hanh Hanh's "solo trip" was more than she expected.
"Poetry - Green - Silence" are three words Hanh Hanh uses to describe Hangzhou. That is the feeling that pervades from the moment she steps off the train, walks through the ancient, tree-lined streets, until she sits sipping a cup of coffee looking out at the gentle river - a very unique, very gentle Hangzhou in her heart.
And perhaps, the most beautiful moment, as Hanh Hanh said, is when: “I walk under the beautiful green trees, or when I sit in the middle of the ancient town sipping a cup of coffee. That is when I see most clearly the reason why I travel”.
A slow train does not delay the journey. On the contrary, it opens up a different pace of life, where people have time to see, to feel and to truly live with simple things. For Hanh Hanh, it is not just a journey from Suzhou to Hangzhou, but a journey to a slower and deeper version of herself.
