Some months ago, the Hanoi municipal authorities set up barricades to prevent people and tourists from filming, taking photos, and drinking coffee near the railway that runs along Tran Phu Street. However, despite the ban, coffee shops are still running and after old shops shut down, new ones appeared.

The new section of the Train Street is located opposite the old railway section, connecting the Tran Phu road-block to Dien Bien Phu Street, belonging to Ba Dinh District.

In the area, there are signboards warning of risks and prohibiting gathering, filming, taking pictures, walking, standing and sitting on the railways. However, as there are no police and no check-point, people are opening coffee shops.

Some local people said the railway section is under repair and there are piles of building materials. However, coffee shops still operate and attract clients.

Amy, a British traveler, and her boyfriend tried to get into the Train Street (the section from Tran Phu to Phung Hung Streets) which has become famous in international mass media. However, they were prevented from entering the area.

“I read in the newspaper that people and travelers are banned from entering the area, but some travelers told me they still could penetrate the train area,” Amy said.

“We were also invited to the cafes there. Some people said they could help us reach the shops by taking a shortcut and walking on small alleys. However, we refused the invitation,” she said.

The couple found that there were other cafes alongside the railways nearby and decided to go there.

The two sections of the Train Street are just one road apart, but they belong to two different districts. The section from Tran Phu to Phung Hung streets is under the control of Hoan Kiem district.

On August 15, Hoan Kiem district authorities instructed to strictly observe Document No 1612, which intensifies the sanctions on doing business within the railway traffic safety protection corridor.

Agencies have the right to handle violation cases, and revoke business registration certificates. Barricades and signboards have been hung to warn visitors from entering the area, while the police are on 24/7 duty to handle the illegal opening of coffee shops.

The ban imposed by Hoan Kiem district raised controversy. Many people warned the ban would affect Vietnam’s tourism.

Linh Trang