Railway operators suspended North-South trains on August 25 due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic across the country.

The first North-South train resumes operation on October 13 following several local authorities easing COVID-19 restrictions.

Only one North-South train departs from Hanoi railway station on October 13

A number of passengers head to the station early in order to purchase train tickets to return to their hometowns

A student shows his joy at being allowed to return to his hometown of Ho Chi Minh City following the long social distancing period

Passengers are required to be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 pandemic at least 14 days before departure.

Passengers have their body temperatures measured before boarding.

They must write a commitment on implementing COVID-19 prevention and control measures before leaving.

Those without the necessary certificates showing negative COVID-19 tests are required to undergo a rapid antigen tests at the railway station.

The train is kept hygienic to prevent the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Passengers maintain a safe distance to avoid the pandemic.

Only 162 of a total of 378 seats are sold in the first North-South train in a bid to ensure safety for passengers during Vietnam's COVID-19 fight.

Many people wear protective gears during their trip.

Children join their families as they head back to their hometown after several months being left stranded in Hanoi.

SE5 train departs from the Hanoi railway station at 3:20 p.m. on October 13, with the train scheduled to arrive at Saigon railway station at 5:20 a.m. on October 15.