Here is one of the particularities of the city of Hanoi in Vietnam: The train street. A street where the train passes every day and brushes past homes. The train street has gradually become very famous in Vietnam and many tourists now come to see the passing train while drinking Vietnamese coffee.
Where to find the train street?
Generally speaking, the train street crosses the capital from Hanoi Central Station to the Long Bien Bridge (former Paul Doumer Bridge). The train crosses many roads and there are no residents living along the entire street.
Indeed, the inhabitants who have decorated their houses with lanterns and offering coffees are located in a very particular segment of the rue du train. It is after a passage and at a bend near Tran Phu street that you can access this extremely photogenic spot which can feed your Instagram account.
To access TRAIN STREET: 74A, đường tàu, Trần Phú, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
When does the train come?
The train crosses this street twice a day, at specific times, and local residents are well aware of its passage. It is important to note that trains pass at a relatively slow speed, allowing residents to organize themselves and take safety precautions.
When the train approaches, residents often move their belongings and move out of the way of the train. This has created a unique scene where visitors can closely observe the daily lives of local residents and how they interact with the regular passage of the train.
However, it is important to respect residents’ privacy and be sensitive when visiting this location. Caution is also required due to the proximity of the train. You can take advantage of this unique experience to discover an authentic side of urban life in Hanoi.
How to get on the train street in 2024?
There are several entrances to enter this famous railway bend. The first entry point is at the level crossing. There, you will see a guard who will block your way with a large sign warning of the dangerousness of the street. However, it is possible to bypass this guard provided you are accompanied by a resident of the street who will take you to their café so that you can have something there.
The second entry point is not far from there up the train street towards Long Bien station. As you walk along the street, you will see a first staircase with a guard. This is where you can go up accompanied by a resident to have a coffee. It is at this entry point that you can go to the cafes which have the best view of the street.
The third entry point is a little further on. Once again, a staircase will allow you to access the street. However, we do not recommend this entry as the cafes do not have the best view. Indeed, on this side of the street, there are houses on only one side of the street and the other side is open to the road which makes the experience less impressive.
Also, it is in the evening that the street is most beautiful with many lanterns and lights. You will definitely appreciate the atmosphere of the street while waiting for the 10 p.m. train to pass which heads towards the northern mountains: Lao Cai and then to Sapa.
Finally, it is possible that, if there are a lot of people on the street taking photos or videos as the train passes, the police will intervene to evacuate the street. You will then also have to leave the café in which you will be seated. This is a way to make the most of the train street which has become a “tourist trap” attraction.
Why do people live on the train street?
Historically, the railway was built by the French at the beginning of the 20th century. A large number of Vietnamese workers participated in the construction site. It was then that, to thank them for their dedication, the government offered them a small piece of land next to the railway line. The new owners of this land then took the opportunity to build small, modest houses there. People who live on this street will tell you that they are not bothered by the noise of the train. In all cases, the development of tourism in this street thanks to social networks has allowed them to develop a rather lucrative business.