In central Hanoi, foreign tourists turn train track into outdoor studio

By Giang Huy   May 21, 2018 | 11:03 pm PT
It’s a front yard for locals and an attraction for tourists.
Michael, an American tourist, takes photos of his wife and daughter on the rail. He said he is very curious in this rail, which runs so close to peoples houses.

Michael, an American tourist, takes photos of his wife and daughter on the trans-Vietnam railway that runs through a residential area in downtown Hanoi, lying just inches from houses. Many foreigners have big interest in the track given the fact that it runs so close to people’s doors.

And although it might look dangerous, locals here have made full use of the tracks and the space, making it a very strange and interesting scene for visitors. After appearing more than a few times on international sites, the rail has lured more and more tourists, who mostly come here to take photos.

Although it looks dangerous, locals have made full use of the track and the little space along it, and the blurred lines have become an interesting strange sight to foreign visitors. After appearing more than a few times on international sites and travel blogs, the rail has become an attraction.

Pose and say cheese, before the train comes.

A foreign woman stands on the track as she poses for the camera.

Or just sit down for a group photo. The railway route was built by the French more than 100 years ago to transport passengers and goods to the up north province of Lao Cai.

A group photo.

Here comes the train.

Here comes the train.

While waiting for the train to come, you can grab some drink at coffee shop along the rail.

Tourists grab a drink at one of many coffee shops along the railway.

Tourists to Hanoi said they find the way to this place thanks to guidance of locals and travel bloggers.

Tourists walk the narrow lane between the rail line and houses.

The section across the residential areas runs from Dien Bien Phu to Phung Hung streets in Hoan Kiem District.

The railway was built by the French more than 100 years ago to transport passengers and goods to Lao Cai Province four hours to the northwest. The section across the residential areas runs from Dien Bien Phu to Phung Hung Streets in Hoan Kiem District.

The trans-Vietnam train runs through a residential area in downtown Hanoi, lying just inches from houses.

Local families treat it as their front yard.

 
 
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