Despite a warning sign at the entrance cautioning about the dangerous area—prohibiting crowds, sitting on the railway, and placing chairs on both sides of the railway—tourists were still able to freely enter and exit the "railway cafe street" area at noon on June 23.

Many people moved calmly between the railway tracks, posing for photos.

About 45 minutes before the train passed, coffee shops were packed with tourists. Those with second-floor views were full of customers 1-1.5 hours in advance.

Approximately 15 minutes before the train passed, the authorities appeared, continuously blowing whistles to warn tourists to stay off the tracks. Coffee shops also cleared their tables and chairs, reminding customers to stand inside their porches. Tourists adhered to these regulations to ensure safety.

At 11:45 a.m., when the signal announced the train's approach, hundreds of tourists eagerly prepared their recording equipment. "I came here at 9:30 a.m. The locals said the train would pass at 11:45 a.m. I really wanted to capture this moment, so I was willing to wait 2 hours, even though the weather was sometimes rainy and sometimes sunny, quite unpleasant," a female Russian tourist shared.

She said that she entered the area easily, with no one stopping her. "I read some travel experience articles and learned that at times, this neighborhood prevents visitors from entering. But today, it seems I'm lucky," she added.

A week ago, a video spread on social networks showing a female tourist risking her life by jumping onto the tracks to pose as a train approached. A man on the side of the road rushed over and pushed her onto the sidewalk just in time. The short video made many viewers "scream with fear."

Following the video's release, many people argued that the railway cafe street should be closed due to potential accidents and railway traffic safety risks.

According to a coffee shop owner, authorities inspected the area regularly after the incident, especially when the train passed. "We have been in business here for many years and find such actions by the female tourist to be rare. We also hope the government will have a suitable plan to ensure the street is both safe and welcoming to guests," said the shop owner.

The railway cafe street, from Tran Phu to Phung Hung (Hoan Kiem district), attracts many domestic and international tourists and has appeared on numerous foreign travel sites.

From September 15, 2022, authorities set up barriers and blocked both ends of the entrance to the railway cafe street on Tran Phu and Phung Hung streets, following a directive from the Vietnam Railway Corporation to "thoroughly handle the situation of trading and taking photos at railway cafe spots."

In April 2023, the Hanoi Department of Tourism issued a document requesting units to stop bringing tourists to the railway cafe street, but many tourists still visit independently.

In August 2023, Hoan Kiem district directed the strict implementation of document No. 1612, which requested enhanced enforcement against business violations in the railway traffic safety corridor in the district.

Hoan Kiem District requested Hang Bong, Cua Nam, Cua Dong, Hang Ma, and Dong Xuan wards to mobilize households living in the railway traffic corridor to comply with the Railway Law, ensuring the security and safety of the railway traffic corridor.

Simultaneously, forces were organized to be on duty at checkpoints, ensuring the effective suspension of all businesses violating the law and strengthening inspections and strict handling of activities violating railway traffic safety regulations, including allowing tourists to eat, drink, film, and take photos in the area.

Minh Khoi