HANOI TRAIN STREET
Hanoi Train Street is one of the destinations Hanoi uniquely offers. A narrow alley or should we say a railway running through Hanoi’s old section of the city that offers a different and dangerous style of travel and dining. Hanoi Train Street is composed of old houses with cafes and restaurants that cater to locals and mostly to tourists but with an additional feature of a fully functional train passing through the railway. Yes. it’s dangerous but it adds up to its allure.
Hanoi Train Street was closed in 2019 due to the danger it posed. With the flock of tourists, the area becomes crowded and tourists sometimes forget safety which made this site a center of concern for authorities. There was an instance when a traveler was hit by a train and the impact sent her into the wall, fortunately, she only had scratches.
COFFEE AND TEA AT HANOI TRAIN STREET
This 2023, Hanoi Train Street opened again and we had the opportunity to visit the place. We arrived during the quiet times when no trains are passing so we did not experience the adrenaline rush. There were few tourists and most were having coffee and taking pictures along the railway. We stayed at a cafe called Coffe 68. The owner met us at the entrance of the street, she was very persistent so we decided to stay in her cafe. She was very welcoming and accommodating.
We already had coffee at Tranquil Books and Coffee but I also wanted to try the coffee at one of the cafes in Train Street. It was hot at that time so we ordered cold coffee and tea and rested in front of her cafe facing the railway. It was quiet and the drinks were refreshing. We stayed there for a while then we explored the railway. There are a lot of cafes to choose from and some have better ambiance. Most had seats just a few inches from the tracks which can be dangerous when the train comes. The locals and authorities put up some warning signs and implemented one-way entry and exit for foreigners to follow.
It could have been more fun if we saw a train passing by but experiencing Hanoi Train Street and seeing the local way of life and its environment is something I will remember. Not just for its persistent locals but also for its unique and creative way of attracting tourists.
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TRAVEL GUIDE & TIPS
LOCATION:
HOW TO GET THERE:
a. BY WALKING:
- If you are staying at one of the accommodations in Old Quarter, you can walk to P. Phùng Hưng Street and you can see the entrance going to Hanoi Train Street.
b. CAR RENTAL:
c. TRAVEL TOURS (include round-trip transfers, lunch, and tour guides):
ACCOMMODATIONS:
- ACCOMMODATIONS IN HANOI
- Madelise Palace Hotel & Spa
- Hanoi Graceful Hotel
- Ha Noi Memory Central Hotel & Spa
- Amira Hotel Hanoi
- Le Chanvre Hotel & Spa
POWER PACK:
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- [Route 1+2] 3D2N Halong Bay Deluxe Cruise from Ha Noi by Phoenix Cruise
- Hoa Lu, Tam Coc/Trang An, and Mua Cave Day Tour from Hanoi
CONNECT:
- Facebook Page (Tourism Information Center): trainstreet.HN
NOTES:
- ARRIVAL OF TRAIN HOURS: 7:00 P.M. ; 7:45 P.M. ; 8:30 P.M. ; 10:00 P.M. (From Mondays to Fridays); 6:00 A.M. ; 9:00 A.M. ; 11:20 A.M. ; 3:20 P.M. ; 5:30 P.M. ; 6:00 P.M. ; 7:00 P.M. ; 7:45 P.M. ; 8:30 P.M. ; 9:00 P.M. ; 11:00 P.M. (Saturdays & Sundays)
- Hanoi Train Street closed last October 2022 but is now open again for tourists since January 2023.
- Always take caution when the train is near. Don’t be reckless and observe safety.
©CHASEJASE
