Train Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
This is definitely the most famous/ infamous place in the capital city of Vietnam . Before the era of certain spots in far off (read international) places became viral on the internet, people used to rely on mouth to mouth experiences. (Including gossip too). So when my best friend visited Vietnam in 2017, while listening to her travel stories, the one experience that struck to me the most was watching the train go by from a feet distance. And ever since, I wanted to visit the Train Street of Hanoi.
So when we visited Hanoi in 2022, it was on top of my list. However, a year back, a Korean tourist had fallen on the tracks and gotten injured. Since then, the train street was closed for tourists. When I read about this online, I was absolutely disheartened. We planned to go to the site to see what could be done.
We saw police and barricades and a sign for fine on trespassing. There was no way to go on the tracks. Sadly, we went back to Hanoi sightseeing.
That day during the night, we decided to take a chance. It was 9 PM and the next scheduled train was at 9 30. As expected, there was no police. The barricades and the sign were there for sure, but the cafe owners were standing outside, ready to lure the visitors to their own establishment.
We went to the very first cafe on the street, Cafe Dong and ordered the very famous Egg coffee. Soon, all the cafe owners got high alert and signalled all the tourists to vacate the tracks and sit on the chairs. The train was about to arrive.
I stood with my phone, ready to capture the coming train but was not at all prepared for what I saw next. Within a second of the hooting of the train, the train literally stormed right into our faces (metaphorically) and I was completely taken a back! It was exactly a feet away, I could literally touch the train (and broken my arm obviously) and we could see all the passengers inside. And the train was gone in a few seconds. It didn't even slow down while going through that track.
The next train was scheduled after half an hour. Since our first experience was a blur, we decided to wait for another one. In the meantime, we enjoyed our egg coffee, which might sound weird but it was nothing less delicious than pudding itself. They serve the cup over hot water, which cooks the egg.
The next time, I enjoyed the train swooshing by. I was not taken aback, because I was prepared. It was a fantastic feeling.
Then we (all the tourists) came out, as if released from a jail and started walking on tracks. There were numerous cute cafes, all along the track. We walked and took innumerable pictures.
If you are in Hanoi, you should definitely savour this experience. It's something that I had never done before.
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Mister Tikku.
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Mister Tikku.
I am participating in #BlogchatterA2Z
24 comments
Your story about the closure after that accident was such an important reminder of the danger mixed with charm . I can totally picture people ducking into cafés, stools being tucked away, just living their day until that rumble. Reading about how it reopened in 2023, but with tighter safety, makes me want to experience it while still being respectful . I love that you noticed the café vibes, the little chalkboards with train times—it must feel like being part of a secret insiders’ club. The blend of everyday Hanoi life and sudden adrenaline when the train roars by sounds unreal. Your tips on best timings like early morning or evening were super helpful.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a must visit spot in Vietnam and i am so glad you shared your experience of it. The wonderful photos just added to your post, making it more descriptive. Mayuri
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are always lively and truly present the spirit of the place. I had heard a lot about Vietnam's tourism from my cousin.
ReplyDeleteBookmarking this post for future reference, as Vietnam is surely on my bucket list. Your descriptions and vibrant pictures egg me on to visit Vietnam soon.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures are fab. Still thinking about the egg coffee--what it tastes like, in spite of your assurances. and yes, certainly on my bucket list. Would love to see the train rush past as I drink coffee.
ReplyDeleteLoved the photos and your tips for catching Train Street’s magic at just the right moments. I've seen many reels on Insta around this place but never read about it on a blog post in such detail and with still photos of the place. You've made me want to visit the place even more and at the earliest
ReplyDeleteI have seen reels of that train numerous times on gram and by reading your experience I am now more curious to have this experience, adding to my bucket list.
ReplyDeleteI love your wholesome photos that instantly make me feel to get out the house and plan a trip. Thank you for such wholesome lively blog.
ReplyDeleteThe way you described Train Street brought the chaos and charm of Hanoi to life. Your photos added so much texture to the experience.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely bookmarking this for when Vietnam makes it to my travel list.
Vivid pictures. So many cafes and egg coffee really think of Vietnam to be in my bucket list.
ReplyDeleteWow, Train Street sounds so unique! It’s amazing how some places become famous just through word of mouth. Definitely a spot worth visiting someday! Loved all your pics.
ReplyDelete-Anjali /Messymom
First of all, you look gorgeous even without make up here. I had already seen the pics on Instagram but I can't have enough of this lively vibrant place which also looks so warm and inviting.Hanoi is truly beautiful but having the tracks so close to the restaurant is indeed a hazard.
ReplyDeleteWow, you were so lucky to experience the train up close, especially with all the restrictions! Train Street has been on my bucket list for a while now. Your experience just made me want to visit it even more and that egg coffee sounds amazing too!
ReplyDeleteThis made me feel like I’m almost standing there—heart pounding and senses alive. I adore the mix of everyday life, vibrant cafes, and that thrilling rush when the train races by. It’s now a must-visit dream on my travel list!
ReplyDeleteI can write a whole new paragraph about Hanoi and Train Street. Yes, I left my heart there. I visited twice, at day and night, and I can say that I am fortunate to witness a train passing every time. Such a lovely read and nostalgic too.
ReplyDeleteThis must have been quite an experience. I can understand why it was barricaded. One needs to be very careful at such places. Thanks for another virtual tour. Always love reading your posts.
ReplyDeleteA thrilling yet nerve-wracking experience! The close brush with the speeding train on Hanoi’s iconic Train Street, paired with delicious egg coffee, made the visit unforgettable and truly unique.
ReplyDeleteBookmarking this for any trip to Vietnam in near future
ReplyDeleteLoved the behind‑the‑scene insights! From cleared sidewalks to cautious café staff ushering guests safely, it feels like a well‑orchestrated dance between tradition and tourism. Seeing local life pause then resume seamlessly is incredibly vivid .
ReplyDeleteI'm a Mumbaikar so seeing trains move past close enough to you even you aren't on the platform isn't very strange. Entire rows of shanties are settled right next to the tracks. This seems like a cleaner, prettier and more enjoyable version of it.
ReplyDeleteMandira, I am scared.... what would have happened to you and how you are still safe by the grace of got. Dear Mandira I really understand your intention to capture the beauty of the place behind the lens and you are really good in that but ... do take care of you too. Other than this part of the post everything was so very delightful to read and mesmerizing as always like your other travel blogs. I really enjoy reading ever bit of your traveloques. Keep exploring and keep inking. Love you
ReplyDeleteAh, I had heard that they have closed the train tracks for tourists these days but glad you could somehow experience it. Love the pictures!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a must have experience in Hanoi and I'm glad you had your chance gal
ReplyDeleteLove the place ya. Seems like an amazing place to visit! The train street is something was so curious about
ReplyDelete