So, you’ve probably spotted it all over Instagram and TikTok and are itching to experience the magic of Hanoi Train Street for yourself, right? Well, you’re in luck because this guide has got you covered! We’re about to lay out all the essential info you need to make your visit to Hanoi Train Street an unforgettable experience, all done the right way! Let’s dive in!
What is Hanoi Train Street?
Hanoi Train Street is a unique and captivating attraction nestled in the heart of Vietnam’s bustling capital. It’s a narrow residential street where life unfolds just inches away from the railway tracks.
What makes it truly special is that several times a day, a massive train rumbles through the narrow passage, mere feet away from houses and cafes.
Before we move forward, here are a few key things to know:
IT IS FUN! Hanoi Train Street is a fun activity to include in your Hanoi itinerary. Here you can meet fellow travellers, have a drink and you get to witness the bustling street clear as the train approaches, passing inches away from you.
THERE’S MORE THAN ONE STREET: It’s worth noting that Hanoi boasts several spots known as Hanoi Train Street, as the train passes through narrow alleys at different locations.
IT IS TOURISTY! Over recent years, Hanoi Train Street has emerged as one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Local residents have capitalized on this trend by opening numerous cafes along the railway to cater to the influx of tourists.
IT’S NOT ALWAYS OPEN: his surge in popularity has raised safety concerns, leading to periodic closures by the police. While these closures have been implemented, don’t worry, they haven’t significantly affected visitors’ ability to experience the charm of Hanoi Train Street. As of 2024, Hanoi Train Street is still open!
When visiting, you can expect to see crowds of people enjoying coffee or beers while eagerly awaiting the passing train, often with phones in hand to capture the moment.
History of Hanoi Train Street
Observing a huge train navigating narrow streets might make you wonder how it all came about. Interestingly, the railway was here first!
Built by the French in 1902, this railway connects Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and is still in use today. As Hanoi grew, houses were built right next to the tracks without much regulation, creating the unique charm of Hanoi Train Street.
Where is Hanoi Train Street? (All Locations!)
What many people don’t know is that there is more than one place in Hanoi where you can see the train passing right between the narrow street. The locations on google maps don’t seem to be clear about it, so we made a custom map for you:
The stretch between Entrance 3 and Entrance 4 buzzes with activity, being the busiest segment of Hanoi Train Street.
Here, numerous cafes line both sides of the tracks, creating a bustling atmosphere. This is the area where most people come to see the train pass by, making it very exciting to watch.
Close to Entrance 1 and 2, you’ll spot the train approaching or leaving amid lush greenery.
Here, cafes line only one side, but it’s still a fantastic spot to catch a glimpse of the train or enjoy a coffee. It’s almost as popular as the busier section mentioned above.
The Southern end of Hanoi Train Street, just past the Hanoi train station, offers a quieter vibe. Here, you won’t encounter as many tourists, and the shops mostly specialize in woodworking and furniture.
While we didn’t have a chance to explore this section firsthand, passing by on the train revealed a noticeable difference in crowd levels compared to the other sections. It seems like a great spot for photography enthusiasts looking for a more peaceful setting.
How to access Hanoi Train Street
We’ve already pinpointed its exact location, why the need for access tips?
Well, due to occasional closures by the police and safety concerns, there’s an informal system among shop owners to ensure business runs smoothly and safely. Here’s the rundown:
At each entrance, shop owners await tourists and guide them to their cafes. If you try to go solo, expect the shop owners to reject you, sometimes in a firm way.
So, where you end up sitting depends on fate. If you’ve got your heart set on a particular cafe, you’ll need to drop them a message via WhatsApp or social media and arrange for them to meet you at one of the entrances.
For instance, this is what Entrance 1 looks like:
Hanoi Train Street Timetable 2024
When talking about the timetable for Hanoi Train Street, it’s important to note a few things. These timings are more like estimates than exact schedules, and they might not always be followed.
If you’re visiting on a weekday, be ready to wait a bit because there are fewer trains. We were lucky to go on a weekend and saw lots of trains pass by quickly.
We didn’t bother checking any timetable ourselves, and it’s probably the best way to avoid disappointment. Trust the locals; if they say a train is coming soon, they’re usually right.
Here’s a timetable that should be accurate as of 2024:
Timetable
Monday to Friday: 6:00 AM, 7:00 PM, and 9:00 PM.
Saturday and Sunday: 6:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:20 AM, 3:20 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:00 PM, and 11:00 PM.
As everyone suggests, it’s a good idea to arrive at least 30 minutes before the train arrives. This gives you enough time to find a seat and grab a drink before the action begins.
Entrance Fee at Hanoi Train Street
There is no entrance fee at Hanoi Train Street.
However, the entrances are gated and often patrolled by the police or local shop owners. To access it, you need to follow a shop owner and buy at least a drink from one of the cafes.
Drinks are more expensive than usual, but they aren’t excessively overpriced and you have a wide array of options to choose from.
For example, a bottle of water costs 20.000 VND ($0.80 USD), while an egg coffee costs about 50.000 VND ($2 USD). As an example, you can see a menu from one of the cafes at Hanoi Train Street below.
Is Hanoi Train Street Open in 2024?
Yes, Hanoi Train Street is open as of April 2024.
As mentioned above, some entrances might be fenced off, and access regulated either by shop owners or policemen. If the police are present, usually shop owners will be outside, seeking customers and guiding them through private passages until they reach their café on Train Street.
It’s also possible that the police will show up and clear Train Street at some point during the day. If that happens, you’ll likely need to vacate the street, even if you’re enjoying a drink in one of the cafes. You can see this situation unfold in the pictures below.
But don’t worry, if this happens you can come back in a few hours, or visit another location of Train Street.
Cafes & Restaurants
You can find both cafes and restaurants along Hanoi Train Street. However, the food options are somewhat limited and tend to be on the pricier side.
You’ll mostly come across fast food, snacks, and quick bites on offer. On the other hand, there’s no shortage of drink options, as cafes are abundant.
What sets most of these cafes apart is their seating areas, which are positioned just a few centimeters from the railway.
Can I Choose a Cafe?
If you show up without prior planning, you won’t have the freedom to pick the café where you’ll be enjoying your drink. That’s because you won’t know which shop owner will talk to you outside the entrance.
However, this isn’t a huge issue, as most places offer similar experiences, and the main allure of visiting Hanoi Train Street isn’t necessarily the café itself.
In case you have a specific café in mind due to its view or menu, it’s a good idea to reach out to them in advance. We’ve heard that it’s possible to do so, and they’ll even arrange to pick you up.
Is it Worth Visiting?
We had a good time at Hanoi Train Street, but whether it’s worth visiting depends on your preferences.
If you check it out on Google Maps, you’ll see that Train Street has mixed reviews, and there’s a reason for that. It all comes down to what each person expects.
If you’re looking for a quick cafe stop and an interesting sight without expecting too much, Hanoi Train Street is a fun place to visit. It’s also a great spot to meet new people and capture some beautiful photos of this unique location.
However, it’s also very touristy. Street vendors can be quite loud and persistent, and you won’t see much besides the passing train.
Do you think Hanoi Train Street is worth a visit? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Best Tips for Visiting Hanoi Train Street
Respect Local Residents: Be mindful and respectful of the residents and their property as you explore Hanoi Train Street. While they might appear impolite or speak firmly, understand that they bear a significant responsibility for safety. Each café along the street is also someone’s home, so tread carefully and acknowledge their dual roles.
Bring Cash: Cash is the preferred method of payment on train street. Carry some Vietnamese Dongs and you’ll be good.
Drink Options: You’ll find both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available. Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee) is a must-try, but you can also enjoy tea, sodas or a local beer.
Cafe Variety: There isn’t much diversity between cafes; most of them generally offer similar experiences.
Food Availability: While you won’t typically find restaurants on Train Street, some cafes offer snack options or quick meals.
Toilet Facilities: Cafes along train street typically provide restroom facilities for visitors.
Photography Caution: While trains pass by slowly enough for photos and videos, maintain caution as they can still pose a risk. Avoid capturing shots on the tracks when a train is approaching, as this behavior could lead to closure of Train Street.
Proximity to Trains: The passing trains come remarkably close, about an arm’s distance away from the cafes.
Timing for Viewing: Line up at the cafes approximately 30 minutes before the train’s scheduled arrival. Avoid standing on the tracks during this time, as shop owners closely monitor such activities.
Is Visiting Hanoi Train Street Safe?
Although the train passes a few inches away from the cafes’ tables, visiting Hanoi Train Street is a safe activity.
Just remember to follow locals instructions, and move out of the railway when they say so. Additionally, do not get closer to the train to take a better photo as the train is passing by. Keep your distance, and you will be fine.
