Hanoi Train Street left desolate as foreign tourists ask for better security following crash

"We felt scared," said the tourist from Indonesia who traveled with her sister.

The street is highly recommended by international travel sites and tour agencies, but safety concerns made the experience less than enjoyable for them, she said.

The place was left almost empty on Friday, with fewer than 10 tourists waiting to capture images of the approaching train around noon, a strong contrast to the usual crowds.

No extra barriers have been put up or security guards added after the recent crash, but most coffee shops have cleared chairs and tables they used to place close the track to serve the thrill-seeking tourists.

A tourist uses his phone to record an approaching train on Hanoi's Train Street on Oct. 10, 2025. Photo by Phan Anh

Train Street, known for its railroad track closely flanked by cafes and homes, was closed to tourists in September 2022 due to safety concerns, but barriers and security checkpoints have failed to deter crowds, especially on weekends, and many cafes continue to operate.

A one-minute video shared by Seniworld Travel on Tuesday showed a train passing through the popular trackside café street and crashing into tables placed too close to the tracks as startled diners looked on.

Food and drinks went flying and people jumped up in panic.

 

 

Hanoi Train Street left desolate as foreign tourists ask for better security following crash

Tàu đâm nát bàn ghế ở phố đường tàu Hà Nội

Sitting at a café on the Train Street on Friday, 58-year-old Peter from Switzerland said that while it is safe to stay within the boundaries of the cafés themselves, it can be dangerous to come closer.

While it is a popular tourist destination, it could become more dangerous as more tourists come to the area.

"Security is important," he said.

John Nay of Myanmar, who visited the street last Sunday, said: "The train passes extremely close to the houses and cafés. Tourists often stand too near the tracks to take photos, which makes it dangerous."

Nay almost experienced a crash himself while recording an approaching train. He noticed the train's door opening and jumped away in time, but not a woman sitting next to him and she was injured, he said.

But he said authorities should manage the situation better rather than close it altogether.

A foreign tourist captures a passing train on Hanoi Train Street on Oct. 10, 2025. Photo by Phan Anh

Many tourists also think the street should remain open with proper safety measures.

One netizen named Yogesh Kumar Nguyen commented: "Don't close it. But an official government warning should be issued to all visitors. Any incidents occurring at this location will be the sole responsibility of the café owner and the concerned clients."

Some called for looking at international examples.

British tourist Chris Chop said: "I do not think Train Street should be closed for safety reasons. It is similar to a train railway market in Thailand, where I haven't heard of similar problems."

The most he would countenance was keeping inebriated people away.

"It's a big attraction for tourists."

Thailand's Maeklong Railway Market, once considered hazardous, now thrives after authorities adjusted train schedules, installed safety barriers and posted guides.

In Sri Lanka, the Ella train line running through tea plantations is monitored using warning signs, surveillance cameras, trained guides, and insured tour operators.