photo: Takeshi Aida / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0/Hanoi Train Street
One of the world’s most famous streets is also one of the most dangerous. A train inches through a narrow alley, just millimeters away from people—an adrenaline-fueled spectacle that attracts tourists from all over the world.
Vietnam is known for its breathtaking landscapes and historic sites, but there’s another one-of-a-kind experience that has captured the world’s attention. Welcome to Hanoi Train Street—a place where the thrill of a passing locomotive meets the charm of a narrow, bustling alley.
While the name may not ring a bell for everyone, its iconic scenes have been viewed by millions online. This isn't just any railway crossing—this is a street so narrow that residents must push their belongings aside for the train to pass. At times, the clearance is just a few millimeters. The railway was originally built by the French in the 20th century, with houses serving as homes for railway workers. Today, it remains an unforgettable and heart-pounding attraction for visitors.
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Living on Hanoi Train Street
For locals, the passing train is nothing out of the ordinary. They have grown accustomed to its presence, and even though it rushes past their homes by mere centimeters, it doesn’t faze them. To them, it’s just part of daily life. The street is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafés, giving it a vibrant atmosphere. Residents know exactly when the train will thunder through, so last-minute adjustments, like pulling down laundry hanging from windows, are routine.
A Tourist Hotspot Unlike Any Other
For tourists, however, this is no ordinary experience. Hanoi Train Street has become a top attraction, drawing visitors eager for a once-in-a-lifetime thrill. Many come not just for the rush of the train passing just inches from their faces, but also for the perfect social media photo.
Videos frequently circulate online of tourists sipping coffee as a massive locomotive zooms past them—an intense, adrenaline-charged moment. But catching the perfect shot requires good timing. Since train schedules can be unpredictable, asking a local for the next arrival time is a smart move.
Even without the train, the street itself is a visual spectacle. At night, it’s illuminated by colorful lights, creating a magical atmosphere that makes for stunning photos.
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Train Schedule: When to Catch the Action
Train timetables aren’t always reliable, so planning your visit at the right time is essential. During the week, trains only pass in the evening, between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM. On weekends, the action never stops. The first train rolls through at 6:00 AM, and from then on, trains appear every two hours throughout the day. The last one thunders through at 11:00 PM.
The Hidden Dangers of Hanoi Train Street
Not everything about this street is as charming as it seems. According to Vietnam in Focus, in 2019, the street was temporarily closed due to serious safety concerns. The Vietnamese government understands that this is a valuable tourist attraction that benefits the local economy, but safety remains the top priority. The biggest problem? Reckless tourists. Instead of stepping back when the train approaches, some get dangerously close to the tracks just for the perfect photo.
"When the train is coming, they try to get as close as possible or even lean out from balconies to film it. Some ignore safety warnings, sit on the tracks, and take selfies as the train approaches," one train conductor revealed.
While Hanoi Train Street is an unforgettable experience, one wrong move can turn it into a life-threatening one.
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Source: localvietnam.com; vietcetera.com