Hundreds of local and foreign tourists gathered at the railway section along Phung Hung Street, which connects Dien Bien Ward in Ba Dinh District with Cua Nam and Hang Bong in Hoan Kiem District, on Monday.
Hanoi Train Street, home to makeshift coffee shops nestled along the tracks just feet from buildings in the heart of the Old Quarter, has become a tourist attraction in recent years. However, it was closed in September 2022 due to safety concerns.
Despite the closure, several cafes continue to operate in the area, often filling up during weekends.
Though authorities have set up barricades and checkpoints at both entrances to the railway alley on Tran Phu and Phung Hung streets, many tourists still manage to enter.
Both sides of the street are decorated with eye-catching colors and lights to attract tourists, especially in the evening.
Most of visitors are foreigners. Before the train arrives, they often go onto the tracks to take photos.
"I knew about the Train Street through social media, but I didn’t know that it had been closed to tourists because of danger. So, I still came there with my friends," said Noah (L), an American tourist.
Many locals also don’t want to miss the unique scenery of the "Train Street, only in Hanoi."
Although Le Quang had visited in the morning to see the train pass, he still lingered in the evening, just before his flight back to Ho Chi Minh City, to see it one more time.
"It’s very beautiful. My family and I will definitely come back because this is a cultural feature of Hanoi," he said.
For many tourists, the experience of watching the train pass just one meter away from their seats is fascinating.
"I found out about this place on social media, it's a special experience, I will come back in a few years," said Milena, a German tourist.
When the train bell rings, shop owners rush out to instruct tourists to move away from the tracks. Many also use loudspeakers or blow whistles to warn them.
The busiest times on the street are from 11 a.m. to noon and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day, as this is when trains pass by frequently.
Every day, tourists can observe 7-10 trains from morning to late night.
During holidays or weekends, the number of trains could increase.
Despite the bilingual signs at the entrances that prohibit "gathering, filming, taking photos, walking, and sitting on the tracks," overcrowding has become a common issue.
