Origin of Insta-famous street

Situated in the Kham Thien, Le Duan and Phung Hung neighborhoods, Train Street dates back to 1902. It is part of a railroad built during French colonial rule to connect Vietnam’s north and south. While the tracks were originally laid far from the urban area, with time the city grew as more and more people started building homes, cafes and shops near them, turning the area into a true tourist attraction.

In the early days Train Street was a hidden gem for all foreigners who stumbled upon it. There were no dazzling lights, and the number of cafes and shops was less than the number of fingers on your hands, but it captured the beauty of an ancient city in the quaintest possible way.

And then came social media.

Train Street’s rise in popularity began in 2018 when social media sites like Instagram and travel blogs started showcasing the unique and thrilling experience of watching trains pass just inches from cafes and shops. One of the things you can find regularly on Train Street is people with a camera or phone waiting for a train to arrive to take a picture. Social media, especially platforms like Instagram and YouTube, played a huge role in the street’s rise to fame.

In 2019 the street evolved from a hidden gem to an Instagram sensation, with nearly 20,000 photos tagged with #trainstreethanoi or #hanoitrainstreet in the month of September alone. This surge in social media attention led to a sharp rise in the number of tourists visiting the area, eager to experience and photograph the unique scene of trains passing through a narrow street lined with cafés and homes.

This soon became a phenomenon as tourists from all over the world flocked to the place, turning it into one of the most popular destinations in Hanoi.

Sadly, the euphoria did not last long.

In October 2019 the government shut down the street due to safety concerns. Authorities set up barriers and checkpoints, but tourists often find ways to sneak into the street, lured by the unique experience of sitting just inches from passing trains.

Cafés still operate, especially during weekends, attracting visitors who want to capture the cinematic scene. The vibrant atmosphere, particularly in the evenings when the street is decorated with lights, adds to its appeal, making it a must-see spot despite the restrictions.

What made this place so special?

The thrilling experience of trains passing by

One of the main reasons why Hanoi Train Street has become a spectacle for foreign tourists is the distance between them and the tracks. Unlike anywhere else in the world, this narrow street allows you to sit comfortably inside a café along the tracks, sipping on a cup of Vietnamese coffee, while a train chugs past inches away. The sight of a train squeezing through such a tight space, surrounded by people snapping photos and sipping coffee, is truly one-of-a-kind. The thrill of feeling the rush of wind, hearing the deafening sound of the train and witnessing its immense size so close provides an exhilarating and unforgettable experience.

Recently a reader named Horizon commented under a VnExpress article about thousands of tourists flocking to the street despite the ban: “I once visited Train Street, where I drank beer and coffee to experience the unique atmosphere. At the beginning of the street, where it intersects with the main road, there was a barrier, and people were sitting to watch as the trains passed by. The trains moved extremely slowly in this area. Sitting there, watching the giant train approach under warm yellow lights, with the rumbling sound on the tracks that felt almost like an earthquake, was a very interesting experience.”

Tourists taking photos of a moving train on Hanoi’s Train Street in March 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Thanh

Blending old and new: nostalgic charm amid modern Hanoi

Hanoi Train Street is also a captivating blend of old and modern Hanoi. For decades this narrow street has been home to residents who have adapted their daily life to the rhythm of the passing trains. Generations have lived here, building their homes just inches from the tracks, hanging laundry, and preparing meals while trains rumble past. This traditional way of life, where the trains are a natural part of the daily routine, reflects the resilience and resourcefulness of Hanoians.

But in recent years Train Street has become a buzzing hub for both locals and tourists: The once quiet trackside is now lined with trendy cafés, charming restaurants and small souvenir shops, offering visitors a chance to experience modern Hanoi life within this historic setting. Tourists can sip on a traditional egg coffee or enjoy a bowl of pho while seated at colorful, makeshift tables just inches from the railroad. The aroma of fresh coffee mingles with the sounds of laughter, chatter and the distant rumble of an approaching train, creating an atmosphere that is as lively as it is unique.

Nightlife on Hanoi Train Street. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Giang

What you need to know for your first Train Street visit

The trains run multiple times a day, typically in the morning and late afternoon (9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.), but the schedules can vary.

Check local listings or ask locals about train times. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit early in the morning or during weekdays when the place is less crowded.

You can see the train arrive from anywhere on Train Street. There are several cafes along the tracks such as Train Street Coffee and Cafe Trains that offer great views of the trains. Make sure to pick a spot with a clear view of the tracks for the best experience.

There are some things you need to be mindful of while visiting. Expect the train to pass incredibly close to where you sit. While it is an exhilarating experience, remember it can be dangerous. Always stay alert and listen to locals to ensure safety. When the train bell rings, shop owners often rush out to instruct tourists to move away from the tracks. Many also use loudspeakers or blow whistles to warn them. Some might even yell.

You can try many different activities while visiting Train Street. One of the most popular is taking photos while a train passes by. Being able to take a photo of a train mere inches away from where you sit is not something you can do everyday.

The area is also known for its vibrant cafes. Make sure to try Vietnamese coffee (egg coffee or traditional iced coffee) while waiting for a train to arrive.

After exploring Hanoi Train Street, take some time to wander through the nearby streets and alleys, which are alive with the vibrancy of local life. These lanes are dotted with street food vendors offering an array of classic Vietnamese dishes like banh mi, pho and bun cha, which offer visitors authentic flavors in the heart of the city.

Souvenir shops line the streets, selling handmade crafts, traditional textiles and unique trinkets that make for perfect keepsakes or gifts.