Train street: the unique attraction of Hanoi

A hundred-year-old railway line built by Vietnam's former French colonial rulers in 1902 runs through the heart of bustling neighborhoods in Hanoi's Old Quarter. In recent years, the daily life of the locals has become one of the most emblematic tourist attractions in the city, BGNES reported.
For years, the Vietnamese authorities have been concerned about what is happening on "Tran Phu", where trains pass literally centimeters from people's homes. Since the 1990s, when the country began to enjoy a tourist boom, thousands of tourists choose the so-called Train Street as your first destination in Hanoi.
The street is so narrow in some sections that locals have to put away their personal belongings, bicycles, laundry and… their children before the train passes. They often sit quietly on the rails, eating and drinking tea. With outdoor seating located dangerously close to the tracks, the cafes attract many visitors every year, determined to take great photos for social media.
The attraction enjoys so much interest on Instagram that years ago the authorities were forced to change the route of the train because too many people crowded the tracks daily. There are a number of incidents involving tourists who love dangerous experiences.
The train street officially reopened in 2024 after being closed several times in previous years for safety reasons. Traffic on it is now more strictly controlled.
If you want to see the trains passing by up close, the best time to visit is during the weekend. This is the busiest period for exploring Hanoi's small streets, but it also gives you the best chance to see multiple trains in a short time and enjoy an interesting experience. /BGNES