In the widely circulated footage, the female tourist is seen casually posing near the tracks as a train approaches. Only when the train comes dangerously close does she abruptly stand up and retreat.

The video has attracted nearly a million views and thousands of comments, many expressing concern over public safety.

The location in the video has been identified as part of the Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam ward area.

Speaking with VietNamNet, Lieutenant Colonel Quach Anh Tuan, Chief of Police for Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam ward, confirmed that the footage was recorded some time ago. Based on the condition of the railway shown in the video, authorities concluded it predates recent safety improvements.

“The railway surface in that area has since been renovated to prevent people from getting too close to the tracks,” he said.

He also added that access to Hanoi’s train street café zone is now strictly controlled. Security personnel are stationed during all scheduled train times to prevent residents and tourists from entering the track area when trains are operating.

All businesses along the railway have signed formal agreements pledging compliance, and violations are subject to strict penalties.

Besides the local police force, the area now has added surveillance through community groups including war veterans, youth unions, women's associations, and neighborhood committees.

In June 2025, another clip went viral showing a foreign tourist who, while distracted filming a train, slipped and fell toward the tracks. Bystanders rushed to pull him away just in time, though tables and glasses were knocked over in the chaos.

Earlier, in June 2024, a separate video showed a female tourist stepping directly onto the tracks to pose for a photo as a train approached.

Hanoi’s train street has long been a magnet for both locals and foreign tourists drawn to the thrill of sipping coffee inches from active railway lines. However, the area has also raised persistent safety concerns.

A photo taken in November 2025 shows the popularity of the area, with crowds gathering near the tracks despite growing restrictions.

Earlier this month, in January 2026, Hanoi’s People's Committee submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Construction requesting changes to current train operations.

Under the proposal, trains coming from the south would stop at Hanoi Station, while northern trains would terminate at Gia Lam Station.

If approved, the section of track between Hanoi Station and Long Bien Station would no longer carry passenger trains - directly impacting the train street area.

Linh Trang