Train Street is the name visitors give to the stretch of the north–south railway that runs through the Old Quarter between Hanoi Station and Long Bien, where the line passes so close to the houses that residents have to pull in their chairs. In the years before 2020 the cafés along the track became one of the most photographed places in Vietnam.
Because of the safety risk, the authorities have repeatedly restricted access to the busiest sections, closing them to tourists and asking cafés to shut, then allowing visits again. The rules change, sometimes from month to month. Many street food tours include a supervised stop at a café that is currently allowed to open. Whatever the situation, always follow instructions from police and café staff and step well back when a train comes.
What to see and do: Train Street
See a train pass — safely
If access is allowed, sit at a café set back from the rails and let the staff tell you when to move. Never stand on the track for photos when a train is due.
Visit with a food tour
Several of Hanoi’s most-reviewed food tours, such as the guided food tour with Train Street, build in a Train Street stop when it is permitted.
Walk the line by day
When no trains are due and access is open, the track is a lane of homes, washing lines and potted plants — a quiet side of the city.
How to get to Train Street
- On foot: the most visited sections are a 10–15 minute walk west of Hoan Kiem Lake, near Le Duan and Tran Phu streets.
- By Grab: ask to be dropped near Hanoi Station or Phung Hung street and walk from there.
Insider tips
- Do not trust old “train timetables” posted online — schedules change; ask a café.
- If police have closed a section, respect it. Fines and confiscated cameras are possible.
- Evenings and weekends are the busiest times.
Best tours & tickets for Train Street
These GetYourGuide experiences include Train Street or pair well with it:
Food tour from €16 Hanoi: Street Food Tour with Train Street & Hidden Alleyways
A walking food tour that leaves the main streets for the narrow alleys of the Old Quarter, tastes the city’s classic dishes and includes Train Street. One of the highest-rated food tours in the city.
- Street food in the alleys of the Old Quarter
- Train Street visit
- Rated close to 5 stars
Food tour from €27 Hanoi Vegan Street Food & Train Street Tour
Hanoi’s street food without meat or fish: a guided walk to vegan versions of local dishes, with a stop on Train Street.
- Plant-based Vietnamese dishes
- Train Street visit
- Highly rated
Jeep tour from €26 Hanoi Jeep Tour: Hidden Alleys, Train Street & Countryside Escape
A vintage-jeep ride from the Old Quarter’s alleys and Train Street out to the countryside on the city’s edge.
- Vintage jeep with driver-guide
- Train Street and hidden alleys
- Out to the countryside edge
