It would be big regret if Hanoi's Train Street is closed to foreign tourists

"I once visited Train Street, where I drank beer and coffee to experience the unique atmosphere. At the beginning of the street, where it intersects with the main road, there was a barrier, and people were sitting to watch as the trains passed by. The trains moved extremely slowly in this area. Sitting there, watching the giant train approach under warm yellow lights, with the rumbling sound on the tracks that felt almost like an earthquake, was a very interesting experience," a reader named Horizon wrote following an article about thousands of tourists flocking to the street despite the ban.

The reader continued: "In terms of space, the cafes there are beautifully decorated. During the winter, especially at Christmas, sitting down for a cup of coffee feels very 'chill.' The prices aren't too expensive. I had a bottle of cold beer, and my friend had a mango smoothie, and we paid just over VND100,000 (US$5). Overall, the experience was very satisfying and impressive. I have many foreign customers. Whenever I talk about Hanoi, I always introduce them to the Train Street, show them videos, and invite them to visit one day. My customers are always very excited. So, if the street is banned, it would be a big regret."

Train Street, home to makeshift cafes just feet from the tracks in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter, was closed in September 2022 due to safety concerns. Although barricades and checkpoints have been set up at both entrances on Tran Phu and Phung Hung streets, several cafes continue to operate in the area, attracting large crowds of tourists, particularly foreigners, especially on weekends.

"It's just a small train track with a few simple cafes, but it’s truly a key to opening up opportunities for tourism development. With international visitors from many countries and continents coming there, it clearly demonstrates the attraction of this area," another reader namely Hai shared.

"When international visitors are impressed by or see videos about the street shared around the world, they’re drawn to it and start to explore all the other tourist destinations in Vietnam for a longer trip. Clearly, even a small, attractive feature like this can have a significant positive impact on the entire tourism industry."

Another reader namely Steelfirebat commented: "If it is not possible to prevent tourists from visiting the Train Street, then they should be allowed to visit it in a safe way. To do so, I think the following should be done:

First, draw a yellow line at a safe distance from the train so that tourists could avoid being hit by the train. Then, functional forces can disseminate it to tourists so that they comply.

Second, trains passing through this area usually have to run very slowly, so there will be enough time for tourists to leave the tracks to a safe location before the train arrives.

Third, businesses in this area must be responsible for reminding their customers to comply with the above safety regulations. If they violate, even just once, their shops will be closed immediately."

*Readers' opinions are personal and do not nesssarily match VnExpress's viewpoints.