File photo for reference only

 

Hanoi's Train Street saw a surge in visitors last weekend, despite a recent incident where a train collided with café tables, causing chaos among diners. On October 11, many tourists gathered near the tracks in the Phung Hung area, despite café owners advising them to stay indoors for safety.

 

The recent crash, shared in a video by Seniworld Travel on October 7, showed the train impacting tables that were set too close to the tracks. Authorities have inspected the site and implemented safety measures, but tables often return close to the tracks quickly. In response, officials assert that the establishments on Phung Hung Street continue to violate safety regulations, with businesses frequently reverting to unsafe practices after interventions.

 

Tourists remain undeterred by safety risks. British visitor Alex called the train's passage "quite dramatic" and expressed a desire to witness it again. The train ran an hour later than expected on October 11, drawing tourists to rush back at the sound of the whistle. Barricades have been placed to establish a safe zone, but tables are still often arranged perilously near the tracks.

 

Shop owners depend heavily on the attraction, referring to it as their "bread and butter." They attempt to minimize risky behavior but encourage patrons to get closer when the train approaches. Post-passage, some tourists continue to pose for photographs on the tracks.

 

The Le Duan section of Train Street, near Hanoi Station, attracts fewer visitors than Phung Hung. Shops in this area also flout safety measures by placing seating close to the railway. Unlike the Phung Hung stretch, Le Duan is less promoted internationally and sees fewer foreign tourists.

 

Meanwhile, Train Street’s cafés—although officially closed for safety since September 2022—continue to operate and draw large crowds. Barricades and checkpoints are in place, but the allure of sitting close to the passing trains remains popular among tourists, especially on weekends.

 

Key Takeaways

• Despite safety risks, tourists eagerly visit Hanoi's Train Street.
• Safety measures are frequently ignored, drawing official concern.
• Shop owners rely on train sightings for their business income.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-10-16

 

 

18 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Hanoi's Train Street saw a surge in visitors last weekend, despite a recent incident where a train collided with café tables, causing chaos among diners.

 

In other news tomorrow, market vendors at Thailands Maeklong Railway Market, forgot to lift their shades when the 8 times daily train passed, and some of the market stalls were damaged.

TAT expects 10 million more tourists before the end of this year.

I'd call it overrated, but I would have never guessed that some people might go there for thrills. 

18 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

 

Hanoi's Train Street saw a surge in visitors last weekend

 

For reference, unlike the train street in Thailand which is on a secondary branch line, Hanoi's train street is on the main line between Hanoi and Saigon. I traversed it on the Reunification Express travelling from Saigon to Hanoi (36 hours!)