The train track cafe is once again attracting many customers.
Việt Nam•27/11/2024
Despite numerous warnings and bans on its operation, Hanoi's railway street remains a popular attraction for both domestic and international tourists.
The railway-side coffee street, located at the border of three wards – Dien Bien (Ba Dinh district), Cua Nam, and Hang Bong (Hoan Kiem district) – has become crowded again despite a ban in 2019. While it was once sparsely populated, it is now bustling again. On November 24th, hundreds, and at times thousands, of tourists flocked to the cafes on the street to take photos whenever a train passed by. The railway-side coffee street has been rated by many international newspapers as a must-visit destination when coming to Hanoi. Local residents utilize their family spaces to run businesses selling drinks and snacks.
In 2019, the Hanoi city government demanded a decisive solution to the problem of businesses encroaching on the railway tracks, which posed a safety and security risk in the area. No-entry signs and barriers were erected in many places, but the area would only become crowded again after the initial emptiness subsided.
Both sides of the street are decorated with colorful and eye-catching lights to attract tourists , especially in the evening. Most of the tourists were foreigners. Before the train passed, tourists freely went onto the tracks to take photos.
"I learned about the train street through social media, but didn't know it was closed due to the danger, so I still visited with my friends," said Noah (left), an American tourist.
Many domestic tourists also don't want to miss the unique scenery of the train street "only found in Hanoi". Although he had already visited to see the train running in the morning, Mr. Le Quang still lingered in the evening, right before his flight to Ho Chi Minh City, to see it one more time.
"It's very beautiful, a very unique and interesting experience. My family and I will definitely come back because this is a cultural highlight of Hanoi," he said.
The seating areas at these eateries are made up of windowsills and sidewalks, with many spaces less than 20 cm wide, yet packed with customers standing or sitting.
For many tourists, the experience of watching trains just one meter from their seats is exciting and draws them to this street. "I learned about this place through the internet, it's a special experience, I'll be back in a few years," said Milena, a German tourist.
When the train alarm sounds, shop owners run out to guide tourists to sit out of the train's path. Many people use loudspeakers and whistles to remind tourists.
The busiest times on the train street are 11 am-12 pm and 3 pm-7 pm daily, as this is when many trains arrive continuously.
The arrival of the train is the moment tourists have been waiting for, with many pointing their phones and cameras at the tracks to get the perfect picture. The lower decks are more popular with tourists than the upper decks, despite the crowds.
Every day, visitors can observe 7-10 trains from morning until late at night; the number of trains may increase during holidays or weekends.
The railway line intersects with other roads where authorities have posted signs prohibiting public access, but many tourists still approach it. The railway line passing through the Tran Phu - Phung Hung intersection is marked with numerous barriers and prohibition signs. Despite warnings and public awareness campaigns, locals and tourists still enter the area, especially after the police leave.
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