Hanoi sets up barriers along Train Street to prevent tourists’ entry

From Thursday morning, entrances to the Train street that encompasses Tran Phu, Phung Hung and Dien Bien Phu streets in Hoan Kiem District in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter were barricaded with police officers standing guard.

Some cafes remained open to welcome early arrivals, but police officers asked them to close.

Many domestic and foreign tourists expressed regret since they could not enter the 300-meter-long railway track lined with an array of old houses and coffee shops.

Dinh Ba Hung, vice chairman of Hang Bong Ward where the train runs through, said local authorities on Wednesday night inspected all business households along the area and ordered facilities without business licenses to immediately suspend operation.

According to Hoan Kiem district authorities, there are 30 business households along the track that violate railway safety regulations and pose accident risks.

Foreign tourists at coffee shops along Hanoi’s Train Street in the morning of September 15, 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

Nguyen Anh Quan, vice chairman of Hoan Kiem District, said local authorities would work with relevant agencies to develop tourism along Train Street but the business must comply with railway safety regulations.

Hanoi authorities on Thursday said coffee shops along the street will be closed down by this weekend to ensure safety.

Hanoi Train Street has railway tracks running along Dien Bien Phu and Phung Hung streets in the heart of the Old Quarter with residential buildings barely feet away on either side.

The highly unusual sight fascinates both domestic and foreign tourists.

Since Vietnam reopened in March, the street has again started drawing tourists.

Cafes have set up tables and chairs along the tracks and tourists stand in the middle to take selfies.

Currently, the frequency of trains passing through Hanoi remains limited. From Hanoi station, there are three pairs of Hanoi – Hai Phong trains operating on Saturdays and Sundays while there is only a pair of trains on weekdays.

In addition, there is a train from Hanoi to Lao Cai every Monday, Thursday and Friday.