Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, is a city steeped in rich history and culture. Hanoi offers something for every sort of tourists, from its ancient temples and busy markets to its delectable street cuisine and exciting nightlife.
Hanoi Train Street is a unique attraction that has grown in popularity in recent years. It is a tiny street in the center of the city, with narrow houses surrounded on each side by residences and cafés, and train lines running straight down the middle.
While it may appear to be an unusual tourist attraction, Hanoi Train Street has swiftly become a must-see spot for anyone seeking to experience something really unique and off-the-beaten-path. The street provides not only a fascinating look into the everyday lives of the people who live there, but it’s also a terrific place to get a bite to eat or listen to live music.
In this article, we’ll look into Hanoi Train Street in further detail and explore everything it has to offer. We’ll provide all the information that travelers need to know to make the most of their stay, from it’s history to the best spots to dine and drink. So, let’s get started!
Related Article: Best Time To Visit Hanoi For Weather, Festivals, And Tourism
Contents
Where Is The Hanoi Train Street?
Hanoi Train Street is located in Vietnam’s Old Quarter. This is located at the crossroads of “Tran Phu” and “Ly Nam De” streets, in Phung Hung Mural Street.
However, Google Maps makes our life a lot simpler this time, and simply Googling “Train Street” there will also help you find the notorious site in these narrow streets.
Is Hanoi Train Street Open Now? (2024 Update)
From early January 2023, Hanoi Train Street has been fully reopened.
Though there was no accident reported so far due to the tourists visiting the place, it had gotten out of security and safety control in the eyes of the local authorities. Following the past two years of shutdown for safety reasons, it has begun to reopen, although only indoor stores are permitted to operate due to safety concerns.
History Of Hanoi Train Street
Hanoi Train Street is a must-see for international visitors interested in learning about Hanoi’s history and culture. This little alleyway in the city’s Old Quarter has a rich and intriguing history dating back over a century.
Love Hanoi’s history? Explore Hanoi’s best museums to learn more!
Beginnings Of Hanoi Train Street
The story of this vibrant railway street began in the early twentieth century, when the French colonial authority constructed a rail line to connect Hanoi with the coastal city of Haiphong in 1902. This train track cut through the center of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, and a community of railway workers and locals developed grown around them over time.
Related Article: Everything About The Hanoi Old Quarter
Evolution And Change
Hanoi’s train street has seen countless changes throughout the years, yet it has always remained a dynamic and bustling neighborhood. The region was badly attacked during the Vietnam War, and many structures were destroyed.
Yet, the community came together to rebuild the residential area, and today, Hanoi Train Street is a bustling hive of activity that draws both locals and other visitors.
Why Does Hanoi Train Street Attract So Many Tourists?
Hanoi Train Street is an enthralling and unique place that draws tourists from all over the world. There are various reasons why this little alleyway with train tracks in Hanoi’s core has become a renowned tourist destination in Vietnam.
Where Authenticity Meets Adventure!
Hanoi Train Street is really a one-of-a-kind site that provides tourists with an experience unlike any other in the globe. The sight of a train moving down a tight passageway with residences and stores only inches away is both exhilarating and awe-inspiring.
The train passes through Hanoi Train Street twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. Tourists may watch the stunning sight of the train approaching and blasting its horn to warn people to move out of the path. Visitors can feel the surge of wind and hear the engine scream as it passes through the alleyway.
Watching the train pass by Hanoi Train Street is a sensory experience that involves all of the senses. The sight of it moving down the tight passageway is magnificent, and the horn and engine boom as the you see the train passing is overwhelming. Tourists may also feel the surge of wind as the train passes by and smell the engine’s diesel emissions.
Excited to explore Hanoi hidden gems? Discover Hanoi’s lesser-known attractions with the locals and tourists!
Guide To Explore The Best Of Hanoi Train Street
Hanoi Train Street is a one-of-a-kind and thrilling narrow street that allows tourists to immerse themselves in the area’s vivid culture and history. In this section, we’ll walk you through the ideal times to visit Hanoi Train Street, as well as how to get there, where to eat, and what to do in the vicinity.
Best Time To Visit
The milder months, from October to March, are ideal for visiting Hanoi Train Street. The weather is moderate and pleasant throughout this time, making it ideal for exploring the area. Also, the trains operate more regularly during this period, giving visitors more opportunities to observe the trains pass by.
How To Get There
Hanoi’s train street is located in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and is easily accessible by taxi or public transportation. The nearest metro station is the Hanoi Metro Line 2 (Cat Linh – Ha Dong), about a 15-minute walk away. You may either take the bus or ride your bike there.
Related Article: Hanoi Transport | Getting Around Vietnam’s Capital
Hanoi Train Street Schedule – Catch The Train Passes Through Your Eyes
The train schedule on this street is set in stone. There may be occasional delays, but the basic timetable is as follows:
- Monday – Friday: 7:00 PM; 7:45 PM; 8:30 PM; and 10:00 PM
- Saturday – 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; 11:00 PM
The time might not be fixed and a 15-minute delay is usually expected. So you better arrive at least 30 minutes before the expected schedule to get a good viewing spot.
Top 5 Things To Do In Hanoi Train Street
Hanoi’s train street has a lot to see and do, making it a great location for foreign travelers. Here are some of the best activities to think about!
1. Watch The Train Pass By
The sight of the train passing along the tiny street, barely inches from from residences and stores, is one of the great attractions of Hanoi Railway Street. Visitors may sit and enjoy this one-of-a-kind show from the comfort of one of the numerous cafés along the rails. Check the timetable to catch the most spectacular moments.
Let’s take a closer look into this Hanoi’s train street by ‘Wanderlust Travel Videos‘ video:
Hanoi Train street (Close-up Train View) // Video by Wanderlust Travel Videos
2. Ready For Your Perfect Instagram Pose
Hanoi Train Street is a photographer’s ideal spot. The train running down the tight passageway offers several options for one-of-a-kind and spectacular shots. Tourists may enjoy walking and taking some photos of the passing train, the life of locals, nostalgic houses and stores along the lane, and Hanoi’s vibrant street life. It’s absolutely worth waiting for!
3. Sample The Local Cuisine
Hanoi Train Street is a great place to try some of the delicious local food that Vietnam is known for. Tourists can sample traditional dishes like pho, banh mi, and bun cha at the various street food stalls lining the street. Be adventurous and try something new!
Related Article: Top 15 Must-Try Hanoi Street Food Experiences | Best Tastes of Hanoi
Pho / “fuh.”
Pho is a popular Vietnamese dish that has captured the appetites and tastebuds of people all over the world. Learn more!
Read more »
4. Drink Vietnamese Coffee In Style
Coffee is an essential aspect of Vietnamese culture, and Hanoi Train Street has several outstanding railway cafes. These are some of the greatest coffee shops to unwind with a cup of coffee!
Café Giang: It is famed for its egg coffee, a sweet and frothy beverage prepared with egg yolks, condensed milk, sugar, and Robusta coffee. Since the 1940s, it has been a Hanoi institution and is a must-see for coffee enthusiasts.
- Address: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Open time: 07:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Loading T Café: Situated directly next to the train tracks, Loaded T Cafe provides a one-of-a-kind location for a cup of coffee. This cafe is located in a shipping container and boasts a laid-back, casual environment. They provide a variety of specialty coffee beverages, as well as beer and cocktails.
- Address: 2nd floor – No 8 Chan Cam, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Open time: 8.00 A.M – 6.00 P.M.
5. Unleashing The Nightlife Vibes – Hanoi Train Street Edition
With its lively entertainment scene, Hanoi Train Street certainly comes alive at night. There are several bars and clubs for tourists to pick from, each with its own distinct ambiance and drink menu. There’s something for everyone, from rooftop pubs with breathtaking views of the city to small speakeasies tucked along alleyways.
Related Article: 5 Uniquely Vietnamese Cocktails To Discover
If you don’t want to drink, there are lots of alternative nocturnal activities to choose from. Take a stroll around the streets to admire the bright lights and street performers, attend a live music event at one of the numerous venues, or perhaps join a midnight food tour to sample some of the local specialties. The options for a thrilling and wonderful night on Hanoi Train Street are virtually limitless.
Conclusion
A visit to Hanoi Railway Street is a once-in-a-lifetime event that should be at the top of every traveler’s bucket list. There’s no shortage of things to do and see in this lively district, from the rich history and unique culture to the excellent food and thrilling nightlife.
Whether you’re a solitary traveler eager to taste new foods or a night owl searching for excitement after the sun goes down, Hanoi Train Street offers something for you.
Excited To Discover Hanoi?
Don’t pass up the opportunity to immerse yourself in the bright atmosphere of this interesting place and make memories that last a lifetime. So pack your luggage, buy your tickets, and prepare to go on an unforgettable adventure to Hanoi Train Street and many other Hanoi off-the-beaten-track locations!
Check our top hand-picked experiences designed just for you and enjoy your adventure now!
