Hanoi’s famous Train Street is a real must-see and well worth checking out. This quirky stretch of railway running through a narrow residential street has become a major tourist attraction. Visiting the street itself is free, although you’ll probably end up buying a drink or snack at one of the cafés that line the tracks.
I visited Train Street during my trip to Vietnam. I’d heard so much about this unusual place and was curious to see what all the fuss was about. A fellow passenger and I made our way there by public transport from Hanoi. Long before we reached the street itself, locals had already guessed where we were headed and kindly pointed us in the right direction.
As soon as we arrived, café owners approached us and invited us to sit down for a drink or something to eat. No one seemed willing to say exactly when the train would pass through — they were far more interested in guiding us to their own tables. It quickly became clear that competition between the cafés was fierce.
So what makes Train Street so special? The bars and restaurants place their tables and chairs directly beside the railway tracks. When the train finally arrives, it rumbles past just inches from where you’re sitting. Watching it approach — so close it feels almost within arm’s reach — is both thrilling and slightly nerve-wracking. It’s definitely not for the faint-hearted! I summoned my courage and hoped I had chosen a safe place to sit. Safety regulations? They don’t seem to feature much here — and that’s all part of the hair-raising experience.
Tip: Check the train schedule before you visit so you can time your stop to see the train pass through. It’s an experience you won’t forget.
Hanoi is full of memorable experiences, including the famous and unique egg coffee culture.
