File photo for reference only

Hanoi has proposed halting passenger trains through its famed “Train Street,” potentially closing a popular tourist attraction where trains pass inches from cafés. The plan suggests terminating southern Vietnam trains at Hanoi Station and northern trains at Gia Lam Station, with passenger transfers in between, effectively stopping train traffic on the iconic segment.

The proposal, pushed by the Hanoi People's Committee, aims to enhance the Long Bien Bridge area's historical significance. Past efforts to curb the growing attraction's risks include repeated bans on access to the area, which remains a major draw for tourists despite safety warnings.

The plan aligns with broader urban development goals, and officials are collaborating with the French Embassy's economic agency to evaluate Long Bien Bridge and its surroundings. The vision is to transform the area into a cultural and tourism hub, marrying conservation with urban expansion while retaining its landmark status.

City planners emphasize the need to balance tourism with preservation, seeking to protect the bridge deemed a "living museum." By the second quarter of 2026, Hanoi seeks control of the railway infrastructure to enable comprehensive urban upgrades.

Authorities continue to address safety concerns, with Vietnam Railways noting ongoing infractions despite warnings. Looking forward, implementation of the proposal could reshape Hanoi's tourism landscape significantly, as officials seek to merge cultural heritage with urban regeneration, reported VN Express.

Key Takeaways

• Hanoi aims to stop trains on the city’s famous tourist rail segment by 2026.

• The proposal is part of preserving Long Bien Bridge and its vicinity as cultural sites.

• The move could affect tourism significantly, altering the dynamics of Train Street attractions.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2026-01-07

 

 

It'd be kind of sad to see this attraction 'close'.

No problem. Rail enthusiasts can vist the Thai attraction Maekhlong Market in Samut Sakhon.

Mind your toes.