Description

Recording Vietnam train sounds from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi

This unique & authentic train sound effects library contains 43 sound files recorded all over Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi! In January 2019 I spent two months traveling the length of Vietnam on my motorbike with the intention of capturing as many authentic sounds as possible.

You will hear many situations from the sounds of trains passing by to interior ambience. The train stations included are Dalat, Da Nang, Hue, the main station of Hanoi (plus sounds from the old Long Biên Bridge train station including train pass by on the bridge!)

Trains in Vietnam are quite old especially the locomotive in DaLat which was a Russian D4H, D4R diesel model from the 1970s. I was happy to have recorded the engine starting, powering down, refilling diesel, and idling.

Another highlight of this sound library is the train pass by in Hanoi’s old quarter! I went to the famous train street where trains passing through a very small street. This area is getting more and more famous because of social media like Instagram however rarely does anyone record the sound there! I spent several hours on the train line not only capturing sounds but just sitting there and enjoying the atmosphere (while drinking way too much tea.)

Long Biên Bridge

As I mentioned earlier I recorded at the Historical Long Biên Bridge in Hanoi. This old metal bridge survived several attacks and about half of the bridge is still in its original state. You can listen to the amazing squeaking and rumbling sounds while the train drives along the bridge.

Later that day I recorded at the Long Biên railway station. The station begins where the bridge end and I recorded the arrival of a train, idiling, honk and the engine shutting off. The locomotive was an old D12E model from the Czech Republic and probably from 1970.

Many architects from Vietnam have urged the government to stop train traffic on the bridge and be made into a history museum. I walked the full length back and forth on this bridge and it gave me goosebumps just thinking about what all happened here. It was truly beautiful even if the bridge has had little upkeep and maintenance.

I hope you enjoy all these train sounds! Remember they are royalty-free and can be used for personal or commercial use!