Hanoi bans tour agencies from taking foreign tourists to famous Train Street

The move came after many travel companies had recently arranged tours for foreign tourists to take photos and drink beverages on the popular Train Street, famous for its makeshift coffee shops just inches from the train track, the Vietnam News Agency reported.

Some groups of tourists have been transported to a level crossing on Tran Phu Street in Hang Bong Ward where the train passes, causing heavy traffic jams, posing a high risk of traffic accidents, and putting pressure on railway guards.

Hanoi Train Street runs for around two kilometers from Le Duan through Tran Phu, Cua Dong and Phung Hung Streets in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

In September last year, Hanoi authorities shut down coffee shops and selfie hotspots and set up barriers along the street as a safety measure.

The ban came a couple days before a South Korean tourist was hit by a train while slipping through the barrier despite the siren indicating a train’s arrival. The person was not seriously injured and left the place afterwards.

While one part of the street was blocked off due to safety concerns, another part between Tran Phu and Dien Bien Phu streets remains open and many foreign tourists can still be found there.