Hanoi Train Street: My Honest Review
Is Hanoi Train Street Worth Visiting?
Hanoi Train Street is famous for those photos you’ve seen all over the internet, a narrow residential alley where people stand on both sides as a huge train passes through just inches from their feet.
After spending nearly 4 weeks in Hanoi, I made Train Street one of my first stops, and I’m here to tell you if this unique attraction is actually worth your time.
I still remember how my heart raced as the train approached and I rushed to get the perfect photo, my leg nearly getting hit in the process (yes, it really is that close!).
Many visitors have questions about the practical stuff, how long you should spend there, which cafés have the best views, and most importantly, when the trains actually run through.
After visiting multiple times at different hours, I’ve put together everything you need to know to make the most of this unusual Hanoi experience.
Whether you’re travelling solo or as a couple, this guide will help you get those Instagram-worthy shots while staying safe and enjoying what makes Hanoi Train Street such a popular spot to visit.
Discover the best things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam, with my full guide to the city. I also have a post about where to stay in Hanoi for first-time visitors.
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Where Is Hanoi Train Street?
Hanoi Train Street is found here.
This is where you would have likely seen the famous pictures of people cramming into the street, sitting on small seats with the train tracks only inches away.
Best Hanoi Train Street Tours
The three tours below are highly rated with recent reviews, so they are trustworthy.
They all include time at Hanoi Train Street as well as other notable sights like Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Hanoi Opera House.
Just make sure you check what’s included so you know what to expect!
Hanoi Food, Culture, Sightseeing & Fun By Vintage Motorbike
Hanoi Vintage Vespa City Tours
Hanoi: Food and Sightseeing Motorbike Tour with 7 Tastings
History Of Train Street In Hanoi
The train track was originally built in 1902 and runs through the city’s old quarters.
The French are to thank for its creation during the colonial period when they wanted to connect Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City in the south of the country.
Over the years, Vietnamese traders set up shop along the tracks, and they remain extremely close to the railway even today.
But it was only in 2010 that tourists became attracted to the experience, which so many people now chase when visiting Hanoi.
In 2019, it was closed because of safety issues, which is why many people still ask today if it is closed.
Today, you can freely explore the street on a guided tour.
Find out how to get from Hanoi Airport to the old quarter with my in-depth guide.
How To Get There?
After almost four months of travel in Vietnam, my go-to transport method is Grab motorbike.
It’s hard to believe that almost all my trips on a grab motorcycle in Hanoi cost between €0.50 to €1.00.
While the helmet I was given didn’t work properly on some occasions, I found this to be the fastest and most affordable option. But you need to decide for yourself. Don’t travel if the helmet doesn’t fit properly.
You can walk too, as Hanoi is reasonably pedestrian-friendly. It’s only a 20-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake.
You can get a taxi, too, if you want a safer option.
The pavements are decent, and people walk all over the city, so that’s a good option too.
Read My Guide To The Best Restaurants In Hanoi: 19 GREAT Options
What Is Train Street Hanoi’s Schedule?
It can be hard to find accurate information online about the train schedule.
This is because the train times do vary. So please ask around in Hanoi before you go.
When I visited in July, the staff member on Train Street told me the train only runs twice per day. At 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM. I opted for 11.45 AM
So if that’s the case, when you visit, you need to plan your day accordingly.
Below is a rough guide to the timings.
However, the best thing to do is speak to locals or café owners on the street. They will be eager to get you back into their cafés, so they will give you all the correct time information.
You won’t have to pay to walk through the street, but you will be asked by many cafés if you want a drink. Of course, to sit in a café you will need to order something.
Over in the Old Quarter section, timings vary:
- Weekdays: 7:00 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:30 PM, and 10 PM.
- Weekends: Trains run more frequently, starting earlier at 9:15 AM and 11:20 AM, then continuing throughout the afternoon and evening at 3:20 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:00 PM, and as late as 11:00 PM.
Reasons to Visit Train Street
The Buzz
There was a great atmosphere in Train Street when I arrived.
Most of the seats were taken, so I had to look along the street to find a space I felt comfortable in. Everyone looked giddy and was patiently awaiting the train’s arrival.
Once the bell rings and staff members start to move tables, you know something exciting is about to happen.
Energetic Vibe
Walking along Train Street, many coffee shop staff tried to lure me in for a drink.
They would stand with menus and ask if I wanted a beer.
I urge you to walk the entire street before deciding where to sit, as you can get better photos the further south you go, in my opinion.
PS – discover the best coffee in Hanoi with my deep diving blog post!
The Train!
The train is big and impressive.
When you hear the tracks making noise and see it come around the bend at a slower pace than expected, it’s a thrilling moment.
For so long, I wanted to visit Hanoi and witness Train Street, and the train itself gave me very little room, which added to the experience.
It was loads of fun!
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The Tension
The tension builds throughout the experience.
It felt like a performance. Once you hear the staff members getting ready, you sense something big is about to happen right in front of you.
While the train wasn’t very loud or fast, the closer it gets, you can’t help but feel excitement and a little bit of fear, if I’m honest.
I held out my phone to take pictures before realising just how close my hand was to the train.
There have been accidents like this before, so be careful!
Where To Have A Drink On Train Street?
I had an amazing, refreshing coconut at Coffee Bao An.
This cafe had comfortable seating, and I paid 70,000 Vietnamese dong for my coconut. It’s right in the middle of Train Street.
However, if you want a beer or spirit, you can pay anywhere between 70,000-250,000 Vietnamese dong.
While it would be hard to say which is the best place, I can certainly vouch for this one.
Other places that looked good include Coffee Tam Long and BonBon Coffee, but to be fair, anywhere you can find a seat will be a good choice.
For the photographers who want the best photos, head to a cafe on the right side of the tracks as you look north. The track curves left here, so you can catch the train coming from a distance. It’s so fun watching it round the bend!
Another great spot is at the south end of the track, where you get a clear view as it rolls in.
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Day Or Night At Hanoi Train Street
I visited Hanoi’s Train Street during the day.
It felt safe overall, and I could see everything around me clearly, including both people and the train itself.
Something I found enjoyable was to walk the length of the track before the train came. You can glance at all the travellers who are waiting for the train with a drink in hand.
Many ladies wearing the nón lá will be trying to sell items. This also helps you to find the best available seat.
While I can’t comment on the night experience, the images look fantastic and showcase luminous colours and a typical Asian nighttime atmosphere, which is usually vibrant and atmospheric.
However, you can expect larger crowds during the night hours as well as the daytime.
Find Out Where Hanoi’s Best Pho Is Found
My Train Street Experience – Expectations Exceeded
I loved my time in Train Street.
Not only because I had wanted to visit Train Street for so long, but it actually exceeded my expectations.
While it was crowded, I was expecting even more people. Sure, it was the last week of June, but it’s still summertime.
Additionally, I enjoyed the narrow quarters of the street. Sitting there shoulder to shoulder with strangers and chatting made the experience nicer, I feel.
Everyone was there for the same reason, and seeing people lining both sides of the street made me feel like it was a big deal.
I didn’t think I would have to actively restrain myself from touching the train, but that’s exactly what it felt like. The train gets so close, and you really cannot take chances when it’s passing.
Also, I was pushing my body back into my seat for safety reasons! Snapping some pictures as it rolled past was magical.
I got some of my favourite photos of Hanoi on Train Street!
Hearing people say “keep your feet in” made me nervous. It’s no joke, as it can be very dangerous. It’s a train, after all!
Final Thoughts/Conclusion
Hanoi Train Street was a fun couple of hours that was part of a day exploring Hanoi.
I was totally surprised by how close the train gets to people. You really have to sit tight and pull your legs out of the way.
Additionally, I was amazed by how much adrenaline pumped through my body when the bell rang and the café staff moved to clear the street.
It felt like I was ticking off one of the most unique things to do in Hanoi, and I loved the experience.
It doesn’t last long, however, so you should plan where to go next after the experience is over. Both the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and St. Joseph Cathedral are a short walk away.
Make sure you check out my packing list for Southeast Asia before you come to Vietnam. I also have a post about the best vegan food in Hanoi.
Any questions? Just drop me a message.
Thanks for reading,
James
FAQs
Is Hanoi Train Street still open?
Yes, I visited Hanoi Train Street a number of times in Hanoi, and the public can experience this famous moment. You can expect to see safety protocols in place because the train passes through a narrow street with lots of people eager to get photos or simply enjoy the experience. You can get group tours to Train Street, too.
Is Hanoi Train Street worth visiting?
Absolutely. The bell rings and the tension builds. You sit tight, back against your seat, which hugs the coffee shops lining Hanoi Train Street. The red train slowly fills the space between the buildings, and for a couple of minutes, there are mere inches between your face and the train. It’s a brilliant experience when in Hanoi.
Is Hanoi Train Street closed in 2025?
No, I visited Train Street this year, and it was open to the public. The Hanoi Department of Tourism has asked agencies to stop bringing tour groups to Train Street, citing safety reasons. But they still go. While this may or may not affect you if you want to book a group tour, you can still visit Train Street as an individual, have a drink, and watch the big red train pass by at close quarters.
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