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  • Is Train Street, Hanoi Worth the Hype? Our Honest Take

    Jessica Zapata
    Jessica Zapata
    Last updated 10 Oct 2025
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    Train Street Hanoi blog banner
    Yes, Train Street, Hanoi, continues to gain much popularity among both locals and travelers. If you’re wondering what it is exactly, what it’s called speaks for itself. It’s basically a street with train tracks in the middle that run directly through a neighborhood.
    If you want to indulge in local street food and coffee, Train Street, Hanoi, is definitely a must-add to your itinerary! Just imagine how amazing the experience would be as you take a sip of your coffee, with the tracks, other quaint shops, and a moving train as your views. But hey, is it really worth the hype? Read on below to find out!

    1. Enjoy a unique experience in Hanoi

    Locals and tourists documenting a train passing
    Make sure to pause what you’re doing to witness the train passing
    Experience the thrill of a passing train as you walk or dine along Train Street, Hanoi. The view from the café or establishment is stunning, with or without the train passing. It’s like you’re in a quaint town in Hanoi, just enjoying a slow day. But of course, when the train passes, the best spot is still outside by the tracks, so you can take videos of the train passing. It’s a unique and thrilling experience that you won’t want to miss!

    2. Get a taste of Hanoi’s culture through food and cafes

    A train about to pass in Hanoi
    Make sure to stay clear of the tracks when the train passes at Train Street
    At Train Street, Hanoi, the local food scene is definitely one of the highlights! Whether you love coffee or not, you just can’t leave Vietnam without trying their local coffee. At Train Street, Hanoi, you can try different types of coffee, such as the Hanoi classic egg coffee and iced or hot Vietnamese coffee. Some cafés for you to try are MER Café, Railway Café, Cafe Sân Ga, Cafe 61 Train St. Hanoi, and Train Track Café.
    Two cups of hot coffee on top of handwritten notes
    Write your own note and leave it at The Note Coffee for the complete experience
    But hey, if you want to taste and see more of the city outside Train Street, Hanoi, we have this Cafe Hopping Tour in Ha Noi for a convenient and fuss-free experience. Your tour starts at Saint Joseph Cathedral, where you can marvel at Gothic architecture, all while learning more about the country’s history. Next, you’ll head to The Note Coffee, a café that’s packed with handwritten notes from everyone who has entered the establishment. Feel free to write a note as you drink your choice of coffee.
    The entrance to Cafe Phố Cổ
    Café Phố Cổ is also known as Café Phoco Hang in Hanoi
    After which, the tour will take you to Train Street, Hanoi, where you’ll be free to roam and try different cafés that you find interesting. Make sure to catch the train passing! The last stop of the tour is Trấn Quốc Pagoda, a Buddhist temple with over 1,500 years of history on its back. It’s the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, so make sure to commemorate your visit with photos.

    3. Take postcard-worthy photos along Train Street, Hanoi

    A cafe along Train Street in Hanoi
    Take photos of the vibes and views to commemorate your visit / Photo from Nguyen Ngoc Tien on Pexels
    It’s no surprise that Train Street, Hanoi is aesthetic. Here, you can take several photos to show off your fit or just reveal this destination’s charm. You can also take photos of your food, the street, and really anything that catches your attention that you’d want to be part of your collection of memories in photos. Just make sure not to get in other people’s way when you’re taking photos, and also let others have a chance to take photos too.

    4. Meet and experience the local community of Hanoi

    There’s just no better way to really get to know a city, country, or any other destination than by getting in touch with its local community. One way is, of course, by going to cafés, restaurants, and shops owned by residents. They sometimes enjoy short chats with visitors and travelers, so rest assured that you’ll get to meet at least one local during your visit.
    The Red Incense Village
    The Red Incense Village is also home to fragrant fields for you to explore
    Another way is by joining a tour, like this All-in-1 Hanoi City Tour! The tour comes with a local guide who can speak both English and Vietnamese. As you go about your tour, your guide will let you in on some history and fun facts so you can get to know Hanoi and all of Vietnam even more.
    The Tran Quoc Pagoda
    The Tran Quoc Pagoda is a UNESCO World Heritage site
    The tour will take you to several places, one of which is the Red Incense Village (Quang Phu Cau Incense Village), known for its beautiful and colorful incense sticks. Here, you get to learn a thing or two about how these incense sticks are made. Then, you’ll head on to Railroad Street, Hanoi, where you can witness the train passing. Another stop in the tour is Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, where you get to know more of Vietnam’s history, independence, patriotism, and much more. Next is the Temple of Literature, the very first university in Vietnam. After which is the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, to know more about the Vietnam War. Lastly, your tour will take you to Trấn Quốc Pagoda, where you can just relax and enjoy the serenity of the atmosphere on the banks of West Lake.
    Your tour comes with lunch (a choice between Banh Mi or Bun Cha) and one cup of the country’s iconic egg coffee.

    Important Reminders Before Going to Train Street, Hanoi

    📝 Check the train schedule to make sure you’ll witness the train passing when you visit.
    ⏰ Arrive early, like 30 minutes before the train’s scheduled time to pass, so you can secure a good spot.
    ⚠️ Be mindful and respectful of safety restrictions. Make sure to keep a good distance away from the tracks, especially when the train is about to pass.
    ☕ Support local businesses and buy a drink when you enter the café or establishment. Some cafés are better photo spots than others, but please make sure to buy something first before taking photos.
    👗 Wear comfortable clothing and footwear. Always be prepared for both hot and cooler weather.
    Now you’re more than ready to travel to Train Street in Hanoi! Remember to have your family, friends, and loved ones tag along, as there are so many more places to explore and food to taste in Hanoi. Happy and safe travels!

    FAQs about Train Street, Hanoi

    1. Is Hanoi Train Street worth visiting?

    Yes, it’s definitely worth visiting because of its atmosphere and the local food and coffee you can indulge in. The highlight, of course, is the unique experience of witnessing the train pass.

    2. Can you still go to train street in Hanoi?

    No, you can’t just freely enter Train Street, as the area is now mostly closed to visitors for safety reasons. You may still access parts of it by entering through specific local businesses, like cafés, that are located along the tracks.

    3. What time is the train street in Hanoi?

    The train’s schedule is not fixed, so it’s best to check online before visiting.

    4. Why is Train Street Hanoi closed?

    Train Street Hanoi is currently closed due to safety concerns, as its popularity continues to bring large crowds. But, it’s not entirely closed, visitors can still access the street through certain cafés and other establishments.
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