Hanoi is a wonderful capital of Vietnam with more than 1000 years history, it attracts many domestic and foreign tourists to visit daily because of the ancient features. In recent years, one of the places people want to explore is Hanoi train street. This place has been mentioned on foreign news sites and articles. Moreover, it is also a popular check-in location on the social networking site Instagram.
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The history of this street dates back to the early 20th century, when the French colonialists built a railway system in Vietnam. The railway was originally designed to connect Hanoi with the northern provinces of Vietnam. As the city grew, buildings were built around the tracks, creating the narrow alley that is now known as Hanoi Train Street.
1. What makes travelers drawn to Hanoi Train Street
What attracts travelers is that this railway line is in the middle and passes through residential neighborhoods. More surprisingly, the passage between the track and the houses is really narrow and only a few meters.
The train street can be considered a special unique feature that tourists almost know. For instance, this street is not for cars but only for pedestrians, bicycles, scooters allowed to pass through. Because of the narrow area, locals daily activities take place both outside and on the track such as drying clothes, cooking, washing dishes…But these activities are all guaranteed safe. It will be very easy to see neighbors sitting and talking to each other on the track.
These interesting and adventurous things have created uniqueness and novelty, making many travelers curious to visit and need to put this destination on their travel lists.
2. Best time to visit Hanoi Train Street.
To make your visit to Hanoi train street convenient, you should get the information about the train schedule before arriving. In the morning, there are very few trains passing by so you can explore and enjoy the ancient atmosphere here. The small neighborhoods and experience the daily lives of citizens in the most realistic way. The evening is the most suitable time for you to watch the street’s activities and enjoy local food and drinks.
Below is the train schedule that you should take note:
Monday to Friday: 7:00 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:30 PM, and 10:00 PM.
Saturday and Sunday: 6:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:20 AM, 3:20 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:00 PM, and 11:00 PM.
3. Activities must to do in Hanoi train street
Taste a cup of coffee
Having a cup of coffee or other drinks or eat food is a hightlight recommendation when you come to Hanoi Train Street. Along the train track, locals open small cafes to serve visitors daily. They attract many people to check-in. There are also shops here with small counters and a few stools to take a rest and enjoy the view.
The best advice for those who want to find a nice view to observe track and train is to find a cafe, and then take a seat in the upstairs area. You’d be surprised at just how big these trains are and you won’t be able to see much if you’re seated downstairs.
Below is the best coffee shops we suggest for you here:
– 90 Train Street Cafe: Phung Hung Street, right next to Hanoi station.
– Platform 62 Cafe: Phung Hung Street, a short distance from 90 Train Street Cafe
– 48 MER Train Street Cafe: Phung Hung Street, right next to Dong Xuan market
– Hao Hao Cafe: Phung Hung Street, right next to Hanoi station
– Spot 09: Phung Hung, right next to 90 Train Street Café
….
Take unique pictures
Travelers often save moments on vacation and visiting Hanoi Train Street is not exceptional. There are many ideas for spectacular photos with many different angles from the internet. Some references from pinterest, instagram and google are useful if you want to take many unique photos here.
The train does not come through slowly so take your phone out and take a picture or record a video if you want to capture the moments of the train passing in time.
Note: Please hold your phone carefully when you tend to capture photos or record videos because when the train pass, a strong wind from the train will also come parallel.
4. How to get to Hanoi Train Street.
Locating in the centre of Hanoi capital, this attraction is an easy destination to find on digital or copy printed map. Hanoi Train Street situatites in some streets below:
Location 1: 5 Tran Phu Street, Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Location 2: 224 Le Duan, Kham Thien, Dong Da, Hanoi
Location 3: Phung Hung Street, Hanoi
Therefore, travel to visit Hanoi Train Street is very convenient for locals and foreigners. You can go by walk, bicycle, motorbike, cyclo or taxi.
- Walk: For majority of visitors stay close to Hanoi Old Quarter, you might mind this travel option is the best way. Its also a chance for you to exercise your body.
- Taxi or Grab: This transfer option is useful for visitors stay far away from the center. You can book car transfer easily through digital app nowadays. Or you might contact Explore Vietnam Travel agent to assist you.
- Bicycle: Renting a bicycle and ride around Hanoi seems not a bad idea at all. Especially, Hanoi Train Street is in the centre so you can find it easily.
- Motorbike: Beside renting a bicyle, you also can hire a scooter/motorbike as a transfer vehicle to visit Hanoi Train Street. There are many motorbike rental shops in the capital you can choose.
- Cyclo / rickshaw: This vehicle is not so popular for transfer but it brings cool experience to visit Hanoi Train Street with cyclo. It will be expensive but it worths it. Nowadays, you can find cyclo drivers easy in Hanoi Old Quarter.
5. Travel Tips when you visit Hanoi Train Street
If you are a self-sufficient traveler, carefully ask the locals about the train arrival time if you want to take photos in the middle of the tracks. Make sure you stand far away from both sides of the tracks when the train arrives.
- Please follow all safety instructions from the authorities and residents here.
- While waiting for the train pass by, you definitely can spend your time to read books, listen music, chat with friends or take rest.
- Wear suitable clothing. T-shirts and shorts are OK, but steer clear of overly exposed clothing.
From 2022, the government has banned the exploitation of tourism and services in this street due to the safety. But currently, they are doing everything possible to build an interesting and safe place for those who want great experiences here.
Not flashy, not extravagant like other beautiful streets, Hanoi train street brings an ancient, peaceful and gentle beauty in its own way. Take time during your trip to Hanoi to explore this unique street of the capital, it will definitely bring you many unforgettable experiences.
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