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The rare and unmissable experience that is Hanoi Train Street

The rare and unmissable experience that is Hanoi Train Street

Origin of Insta Famous Street

Located in the neighborhoods of Kham Thien, Le Duan and Phung Hung, Train Street dates back to 1902. It is part of a railway line built during French colonial rule to connect the north and south of Vietnam. While the railway lines were originally located far from the urban area, the town grew over time and more people began to build houses, cafes and shops nearby, transforming making the area a real tourist attraction.

In the beginning, Train Street was a hidden gem for any foreigners who happened to stumble upon it. There were no dazzling lights and the number of cafes and shops was fewer than the number of fingers on your hands, but it captured the beauty of an ancient city in the most picturesque way possible.

And then came social media.

Train Street’s growing popularity began in 2018, when social media sites like Instagram and travel blogs began showcasing the unique and exciting experience of watching trains pass just inches from cafes and shops. One of the things you can regularly find on Train Street is people with a camera or phone waiting for a train to arrive to take a photo. Social media, particularly platforms like Instagram and YouTube, have played a significant role in the street’s fame.

In 2019, the street went from a hidden gem to an Instagram sensation, with nearly 20,000 photos tagged with #trainstreethanoi or #hanoitrainstreet in September alone. This rise of social media has led to a sharp increase in the number of tourists visiting the area, eager to experience and photograph the unique scene of trains passing through a narrow street lined with cafes and houses.

Nightlife on Hanoi Railway Street. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Giang

Tourist photo of Hanoi train street. Photo courtesy of Joel West Barish on Instagram

This quickly became a phenomenon as tourists from all over the world flocked to this place, making it one of Hanoi’s most popular destinations.

Unfortunately, the euphoria did not last long.

In October 2019, the government closed the street for security reasons. Authorities set up barriers and checkpoints, but tourists find ways to sneak into the streetattracted by the unique experience of sitting just inches from passing trains.

The cafes still operate, especially on weekends, attracting visitors wanting to capture the cinematic scene. The lively atmosphere, especially in the evening when the street is lit up, adds to its appeal, making it a must-see despite restrictions.

What made this place so special?

The thrilling experience of passing trains

One of the main reasons why Hanoi Railway Street has become a spectacle for foreign tourists is the distance from the railway tracks. Like nowhere else in the world, this narrow street allows you to sit comfortably in a cafe along the railway tracks, sipping a cup of Vietnamese coffee, while a train passes just inches away. The sight of a train squeezing through such a tight space, surrounded by people taking photos and sipping coffee, is truly one of a kind. The thrill of feeling the rush of the wind, hearing the deafening sound of the train and observing its immense size up close offers an exhilarating and unforgettable experience.

Recently, a reader named Horizon commented under a VnExpress article about thousands of tourists flocking to the street despite the ban: “I once visited Train Street, where I drank beer and coffee to feel the unique atmosphere. At the beginning of the street, where it crosses the main road, there was a barrier, and people sat watching the trains go by. The trains moved extremely slowly in this area, watching the giant train approach under warm yellow lights, with the rumbling on the tracks almost sounding like an earthquake. It was a very interesting experience.”

Tourists take photos of a train on Train Street in March 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Thanh

Tourists take photos of a moving train on Hanoi Train Street in March 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Thanh

Blend of old and new: nostalgic charm in the midst of modern Hanoi

Hanoi Train Street is also a captivating mix of ancient and modern Hanoi. For decades, this narrow street has been home to residents who have adapted their daily lives to the rhythm of passing trains. Generations have lived here, building their homes inches from the railroad tracks, hanging out laundry and preparing meals as trains passed. This traditional way of life, where trains are a natural part of daily routine, reflects the resilience and ingenuity of Hanoians.

But in recent years, Train Street has become a bustling hub for both locals and tourists: the once-quiet trackside is now lined with trendy cafes, charming restaurants and small souvenir shops, offering visitors the chance to discover modern life in Hanoi in this historic setting. Tourists can sip traditional egg coffee or enjoy a bowl of pho while seated at colorful makeshift tables just inches from the train tracks. The aroma of fresh coffee mixes with laughter, chatter and the distant rumble of an approaching train, creating an atmosphere that is as lively as it is unique.

Nightlife on Hanoi Railway Street. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Giang

Nightlife on Hanoi Railway Street. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Giang

What you need to know for your first visit to Train Street

Trains run several times a day, usually in the morning and late afternoon (9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.), but times may vary.

Check local listings or ask locals about train times. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit early in the morning or on weekdays when the place is less crowded.

You can see the train arriving from anywhere on Train Street. There are several cafes along the tracks, such as Train Street Coffee and Cafe Trains, which offer great views of the trains. Make sure you choose a location with a clear view of the slopes for the best experience.

There are some things you should be aware of during your visit. Expect the train to pass incredibly close to where you are sitting. Although it is an exhilarating experience, remember that it can be dangerous. Always remain vigilant and listen to locals to ensure safety. When the train bell rings, shopkeepers often rush to ask tourists to move away from the train tracks. Many also use loudspeakers or whistles to warn them. Some might even scream.

You can try many different activities while visiting Train Street. One of the most popular is taking photos while a train passes by. Being able to take a photo of a train just inches from where you’re sitting isn’t something you can do every day.

The area is also known for its lively cafes. Be sure to try Vietnamese coffee (egg coffee or traditional iced coffee) while waiting for a train to arrive.

After exploring Hanoi’s Railway Street, take time to wander the nearby streets and alleys, which teem with the vibrancy of local life. These lanes are dotted with street food vendors offering a range of classic Vietnamese dishes like banh mi, pho and bun cha, which offer visitors authentic flavors in the heart of the city.

Souvenir shops line the streets, selling handicrafts, traditional textiles and unique trinkets that make perfect souvenirs or gifts.