During late autumn, the narrow street lined with cafes along the railway tracks saw a surge in visitors, primarily foreign tourists.
A local vendor noted that most international guests come to enjoy beer, coffee, and the experience of watching passing trains. Meanwhile, young Vietnamese visitors are often more interested in taking photos than in sipping coffee or observing trains.
“We’re never short of customers in the fall. Business here has been booming,” said one cafe owner.
Train Street has been lauded by international travel publications as one of Hanoi’s most unique and unmissable attractions. Hien Kim, Business Director of Best Price Travel, shared that most foreign clients on Hanoi tours specifically request visits to Train Street.
The area is especially crowded from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., with tourists relaxing after dinner, sipping drinks, and strolling along the tracks.
Despite the street being off-limits since 2019 due to safety concerns, visitors continue to access it freely. A Malaysian tourist, Li, expressed surprise upon learning the area was technically prohibited. “Everyone else was allowed in, so we decided to join and take some pictures,” he said.
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Some vendors even lay out souvenirs for sale directly on the railway tracks, while others aggressively solicit tourists to buy drinks or trinkets.
At the entrance near Dien Bien Phu Street, visitors frequently climb barriers to take photos as trains pass, standing as close as one meter from the tracks. This practice violates railway safety regulations, which require a minimum safety corridor of three meters.
In October 2019, the Hanoi People’s Committee ordered a crackdown on activities along Train Street, emphasizing the need to clear gatherings and prevent the operation of cafes on the tracks. A renewed effort to enforce these measures began on September 14, 2022, when local authorities organized a full-scale clearance.
However, despite repeated interventions, the Train Street cafes continue to resurface, fueled by their appeal to tourists seeking a unique and thrilling experience.
Cong Huan
Vietnamnet.vn
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