The Train Street at the Phung Hung section in Hoan Kiem Ward is crowded with visitors at around 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11.
Many could be seen standing close the rail track waiting for the train to pass, although cafe owners continued reminding them to come inside and take a seat.
Hanoi currently has two railway streets: one in Phung Hung in Hoan Kiem Ward and the other on Le Duan Street in Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam Ward.
A one-minute video shared by Seniworld Travel on Oct. 7 showed a train passing through Hanoi popular trackside café street and crashing into tables placed too close to the tracks as startled diners looked on.
Authorities from both wards have arrived at the crash site for inspection and imposing necessary measures.
Coffee shop owners on Phung Hung Street often arrange tables and chairs 80–100 cm away from the railway tracks to ensure safety for customers.
Leaders of the People’s Committee of Hang Bong Ward, which manages part of the Phung Hung railway street, have repeatedly stated that businesses are seriously violating railway safety corridor regulations.
Despite repeated crackdowns on these businesses, the situation often returns to the same conditions within two to three days.
British tourist Alex (center, second row) said he had seen the train pass by once and found it "quite dramatic".
He wanted to come back and see it again before leaving Hanoi for Sa Pa.
On Oct. 11, the train arrived about an hour later than the shop owners had announced.
Many tourists rushed back when they heard the train whistle.
Authorities have erected barricades at both ends of the street to create a safe corridor.
However, rows of tables are still set up outside the barricades, dangerously close to the passing train.
“Sit closer, sit closer,” a shop owner repeatedly urged customers as the train passed by.
According to a Phung Hung Street shop owner, they view the train street as their “bread and butter,” so they try to prevent customers from acting recklessly and creating dangerous situations.
A train passes through a long line of tourists sitting close to the tracks on Oct. 11, 2025. Video by Anh Tu
The Train Street on the Le Duan section near Hanoi Station sees fewer visitors than the Phung Hung area.
Shop owners there also place tables and chairs close to the railway tracks.
Unlike Phung Hung Train Street, this section is not widely promoted by international media or frequented by foreign tourists.
Train Street, lined with makeshift coffee shops just feet from the tracks in the Old Quarter, was officially closed in September 2022 due to safety concerns.
Despite barricades and checkpoints, several cafes continue to operate, drawing large crowds of mostly foreign tourists, especially on weekends.
