Are there two train streets in Hanoi?
Hanoi's "Train Street" is a misnomer. There's only one location, a narrow alleyway with a railway line, popular with tourists but not officially named "Train Street." The actual street name differs. Avoid confusion: there's no second "Train Street" in Hanoi.
Hanoi Train Street: Are there multiple train streets in Hanoi?
Okay, so Train Street in Hanoi, right? It’s a total craze. Everyone talks about it.
Nope, there’s just the one. Seriously, only one spot gets the “Train Street” nickname.
I was there last July, squeezed between those ridiculously close houses, practically touching the train as it thundered past. Crazy close call. Remember paying around 20,000 dong for a drink at a cafe watching it all.
Officially, it has a different name, of course. But everyone calls it Train Street. That’s the thing, isn’t it? One, singular, awesomely chaotic Train Street.
What time are the trains on train street Hanoi?
Trains on Hanoi’s Train Street? Dude, it’s like herding cats, but with more metal. Seriously.
Weekdays (Mon-Fri): Think of it as a VIP club, only three trains roll in: 7 PM, 7:45 PM, and 8:30 PM. Then, a late-night special at 10 PM. Like a grumpy owl.
Weekends (Sat-Sun): Chaos reigns! It’s a freakin’ train fiesta! Trains are everywhere, anytime. Seriously. It’s nuts.
- 6:00 AM – Early bird gets the worm, or the train.
- 9:00 AM – Brunch time, train style.
- 11:20 AM – Late for lunch but hey, at least theres a train.
- 3:20 PM – Afternoon delight? More like afternoon train-splosion!
- 5:30 PM – Happy hour, train edition.
- 6:00 PM – Another train!
- 7:00 PM – Yup, another train.
- 7:45 PM – Still more trains. Are you kidding me?
- 8:30 PM – I swear, I see double. Its a train-deja-vu.
- 9:00 PM – Trains galore!
- 11:00 PM – Nightcap with a train whistle serenade. Sweet dreams.
Delays? Expect the unexpected. Think traffic jams, but with way more chugging and whistles. My uncle’s dog, Sparky, is more punctual.
Pro Tip: Bring earplugs. And maybe a comfy chair. And possibly a lifetime supply of coffee. You’ll need it. Trust me. I live near there. My cat hates it.
Is Train Street Hanoi closed?
Okay, Train Street… Hanoi. Closed? Ugh. Parts are, yeah. North of the station. Big time. Security risk, gotcha. Photos, though! Remember those amazing shots last fall?
- Why exactly? Tourists too close?
- Maybe I can still sneak a peek.
- Did they really close it all down?
But I think those sections past the station, total shutdown. Super sad, really. The Instagram impact must be huge. Less viral content = less tourism?
- Damn. What about that pho place near there?
- Was it still open?
- Wonder if locals still walk there?
Ugh, that reminds me, I need to book flights for October. This weather, though. So unpredictable. Wait. Focus! Train Street.
- Alternatives? Other cool Hanoi spots.
- Egg coffee, for sure.
- Maybe those cool rooftop bars.
Closed parts – security. Got it. North Hanoi Station. Stick south then? Okay, cool.
More detail to add later:
- The main reason for closing Train Street is to prevent accidents. Tourists often stood too close to the tracks, creating dangerous situations when the trains passed. Local authorities determined that this posed a significant security risk.
- While some sections are closed, some businesses south of Hanoi Station may remain accessible. It’s best to check local sources for the most up-to-date information on which parts are open.
- Alternative tourist attractions in Hanoi include the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. There are also numerous rooftop bars and cafes offering panoramic views of the city.
- The section that is north of Hanoi station is more likely to be closed to the public.
- The closure aimed to preserve safety and order.
Can you visit Train Street in Hanoi?
Access to Hanoi’s Train Street is restricted now, yep, no strolling down the tracks! But viewing the train’s passage is possible, still!
-
Certain cafes offer observation points; a few sneaky spots remain, and there are always the residents’ back windows.
-
The crackdown, ostensibly for safety reasons, followed a surge in tourism (me included, back in ’19!), with some incidents and close calls.
It’s a shame, really, how tourist fervor can, unintentionally, ruin a place.
-
Finding a good vantage point requires a bit of local knowledge; try asking around, discreetly. My Aunt Millie, though, wouldn’t approve of this behavior; she’d call it “cheeky.”
-
Remember to be respectful; it is still a functioning railway. It may be tempting to get that “perfect” shot, but always consider safety.
Why is Hanoi Train Street famous?
Hanoi Train Street’s fame? Proximity to chaos. A thrilling spectacle.
- Trains. Near misses. Adrenaline. Pure, unadulterated risk.
- Locals. Daily life. Unaffected. Indifferent to the spectacle. Their normalcy, the stark contrast.
- Photography. A fleeting moment captured. A testament to calculated danger. My own photos, from 2023, showcase this perfectly. The risk is palpable. I saw a near-miss, a child almost hit.
The charm is the danger. A morbid fascination. A living postcard. A viral sensation. A testament to human resilience, or folly? You decide. The coffee shops nearby, a buffer of sorts. But not enough. The experience: unforgettable, unsettling.
Update: As of October 2023, increased safety measures are supposedly in place, though the inherent risk remains. The thrill, however, is diminished. Progress, or loss?
Feedback on answer:
Thank you for your feedback! Your feedback is important to help us improve our answers in the future.