Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Hanoi’s Train Street
One of the most exhilarating places you can visit in Vietnam is Train Street, a famous and scenic train track that lays mere inches away from local homes and coffee shops in Hanoi, Vietnam. And while seeing a train pass by may not seem like that nuanced of an activity, I discovered a lot of unexpected complexities and secret tips during my two visits that I would like to share with you. So here is Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Hanoi’s Train Street:
Skip To:
- Reasons To Visit Train Street
- When and How To Visit Train Street
- Train Street Safety
- Try,Try Again: My Two Train Street Experiences
Reasons To Visit Train Street
The Thrill
Tourists flock to Hanoi’s Train Street from all over the world for an exciting, close encounter with the passing trains.
Experiencing the gust of wind from a train passing by, while soaking in the distinctive novelty and ambiance of Train Street, is truly a thrill!
The History
Train Street dates back to 1902. While the tracks were originally built by Hanoi’s French colonizers, the buildings close to the tracks and that make Train Street what it is today were built by the Vietnamese. Locals have lived near these tracks for generations, and some say their families have even lived there for over 65 years!
The Photo Ops
It’s hard to visit Train Street without seeing phones and cameras about. This narrow track is full of charm! Surrounded by vibrant shops and bustling cafes, the street is adorned with vibrant lanterns, colorful signs and lush foliage – making it the perfect spot for a photo-op!
The Traditional Coffees
If you’re searching for a unique way to enjoy a traditional Vietnamese coffee, fruit juice or tea, a trip to Train Street will certainly make for an interesting story!
When and How To Visit Train Street
Best Times To Visit Train Street
Train Street is open year-round, meaning there’s no bad season to visit, but trains only pass through at certain hours daily:
Train Street Schedule and Cost
Train Street is generally free to visit*, but if you want that classic next-to-the-tracks viewing experience, head to a local cafe at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before the train is scheduled to pass through.
Hanoi’s Train Schedule varies, but the general departure times are as follows:
Saturday – Sunday: 6 AM, 9 AM, 11:20PM, 3:30 PM, 5:30 PM, 6 PM, 7 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:30 PM, 9 PM, 11 PM.*
Monday – Friday: 7 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:30 PM, and 10 PM.*
Schedules may change without notice, so it’s best to double-check train departure times before you visit!
Location
Although Train Street runs throughout many areas of Hanoi, some districts have strict safety rules and police patrols that prohibit tourists from entering during train viewing hours. To see the trains pass through, you’ll want to head to one of two locations*:
Addresses
- 224 Le Duan, Kham Thien, Dong Da, Hanoi
- I recommend the Dong Da location the most!
- No 5 Tran Phu, Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
How To Visit Train Street
By Local Tour Guide
One of easiest and safest ways visit Train Street is with a reputable tour operator. While they do come at an additional cost, guides can ensure you’ll end up in a legal Train Street district at the right time and can direct you to the best cafes along or above the tracks.
And if you’re in need of a photographer? Many local guides will not only help you capture your Train Street experience, but they’ll often have great ideas and suggestions for nabbing the best photos. I loved my visit to Train Street with Bach at Bee Travel!
By Independent Exploration
Arguably, the most cost efficient way to experience Train Street is to visit independently. However, this option requires lots of advanced research into the train schedule, local laws, district closures and – of course – how to stay safe.
Secret Tip
Without a local guide, you’ll likely be restricted from standing on the tracks by police officers. So if you want an on-the-tracks photo before or after seeing the train, you’ll either need to visit with a guide or buy a drink from a café and ask a worker to help you.
Train Street Safety
Because of the close proximity of the trains, visiting Train Street is just as dangerous as it is exhilarating so it’s important to be cautious while visiting:
Keep A Safe Distance
Stay behind any marked safety lines and follow instructions from local authorities or staff. Keep your hands, knees and feet tucked in and away from the tracks when trains are approaching and passing through.
Follow Local Guidance
Listen to local shopkeepers and guides as they’re typically familiar with train timings and safety information. Don’t stand on or cross the train tracks unless they have told you it is safe to do so.
Stay Alert
While taking photos and videos, be mindful of your surroundings. Avoid using headphones or being engrossed in your phone to ensure you’re aware of any approaching trains.
Visit During Daylight Hours
It’s safer to visit Train Street during the day when visibility is better, and you can easily see and hear approaching trains.
Follow Safety Regulations
Adhere to any posted safety signs and regulations. If the area is closed to tourists, please respect the closures for your safety.
Try, Try Again: My Two Train Street Experiences
On my first trip to Train Street, I went with a guide I had to book somewhat last minute on account of my broken wrist. They were somewhat new to the booking platform, but because of my situation, I discarded my original plans and gave them a shot (one of a few mistakes I made in Vietnam).
I originally asked to go to Train Street in the afternoon around the Hoan Kiem area, but my guide insisted that the morning along Phung Hung Street was the best time and place, as a detour on the way to the Temple of Literature. As we pulled up, my guide said we had maybe 15 minutes before the train was scheduled to pass by so we’d have to hurry.
However, we found that the police had blocked off this portion of Train Street to keep tourists from entering, citing safety concerns. Someone from a nearby cafe must have noticed my disappointment too, as they approached us to offer to bring me through the back of their cafe to have a drink and watch the train. As long as I was inside the cafe and not on Train Street itself, there seemed to be no issues.
We just barely made it into the cafe to sit along the top balcony – the only seating available – when the train flew by. I was certainly grateful for the cafe worker who found us, but it unfortunately was not the thrilling experience I had hoped for.
After drinking a mango smoothie, my guide and I left, wandering a bit further down the road. Now free of trains for the next few hours, the police officers finally let us pass through and over the tracks to another cafe, 1977 Station Café. This one caught my eye as it was photogenic and had seating available on the ground level. Even still, it had no tables outside due to the district’s strict safety ordinances. I ended up enjoying a quick tea and photo-op here before leaving to explore elsewhere around the city.
On my second visit to Train Street, I was still hoping for an exciting time so I picked a more experienced guide to take me to a different district, the Dong Da district. Here, we visited the Le Duan section of the track, which was much more representative of the thrill that Train Street is famous for. We showed up one whole hour before the train was scheduled to pass through and ended up having our pick of the best seats alongside the tracks!
I chose a table at Hanoi 1990s Cafe, a spot I definitely recommend checking out if you’re in Hanoi! In addition to its location and table arrangements, I loved their fast service, wonderful juices and food options.
Inevitably, the Le Duan area started getting packed with other tourists searching for a place to sit and watch the train go by. Despite the obvious suspense for what was about to happen, I was extremely happy. I had a great seat, a wonderful mango smoothie and the reassurance of knowing I was not rushing through this experience.
About 5-10 minutes before the train arrived, cafe workers came around to take tables down and give safety instructions like, “Tuck your knees toward the wall and away from the tracks”. And soon enough, I heard the sound of a horn around the corner – the train was pulling in.
My anticipation grew with the sound of the train’s wheels against the track and the rumbling of its engine fast approaching. And my excitement completely bubbled over when the train whooshed by, carrying a fast-paced breeze along with it.
The cars were blue, white and red and the train itself was long enough that the experience lasted a few minutes, giving me just enough time recover from my initial thrill and to take everything in. All in all, I had exactly the exhilarating experience I had hoped for – another magical travel moment for the books!
Train Street
Hanoi, Vietnam
Tourist Site
Price: N/A-$*
*At time of writing. Costs and local laws may change over time.
