Brian Jeffrey
During this late autumn season, the narrow lane next to the railway, dotted with cafes, has seen an influx of visitors, mainly from abroad.
A local vendor commented that most international tourists come to enjoy a beer or coffee while watching trains pass by. In contrast, young Vietnamese visitors are more focused on taking pictures than drinking coffee or watching the trains.
“Fall is always busy for us. Business is thriving,” shared one of the cafe owners.
International travel articles highlight Train Street as one of the must-see spots in Hanoi. Hien Kim, Business Director of Best Price Travel, mentioned that many foreign tourists request visits to this unique location on their itineraries.
The area becomes particularly lively between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. when tourists unwind after their dinners, enjoying drinks and walking along the tracks.
Despite being officially closed since 2019 for safety reasons, the street still attracts free access. A Malaysian tourist named Li expressed surprise at the prohibited status of the location, saying, “Everyone else was here, so we thought it was fine to take some pictures.”
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Some vendors even set up shop directly on the tracks, while others actively encourage tourists to purchase drinks or souvenirs.
At the entrance near Dien Bien Phu Street, visitors often climb over barriers to capture photos as trains go by, getting as close as one meter to the tracks, despite safety regulations stipulating a three-meter distance for safety.
In October 2019, the Hanoi People’s Committee initiated measures to clear Train Street of gatherings and prevent cafes from operating on the railway. A renewed enforcement effort was launched on September 14, 2022, resulting in a sweeping clearance.
Nevertheless, despite ongoing efforts, the cafes continue to spring back, attracting tourists seeking a novel and adventurous experience.
Cong Huan
