Train Street is Hanoi's main attraction. It's difficult for me to imagine a train passing through a narrow street where people live. Unfortunately, for safety reasons, it has not been fully accessible to tourists for some time.
In fact, a train had to avoid the street in 2019 because there were too many tourists on and along the track.
It's just a small street, and the violence of a train speeding by with only a few inches of space on the side isn't out of place. There used to be a market along the tracks, now with selfie tourism, Train Street has lost some of its character.
Even though Train Street is no longer open to tourists, there are still ways to visit this unique part of Vietnam's chaotic capital city!
Coffee time!
As a result, without a market, the area is much "emptier" and only accessible in a limited way, namely by drinking at one of the coffee shops/cafés along the railroad line. To do so, navigate to Mia Coffee and walk towards P. Trán Ph (you can see the railroad line running through the street on Google Maps). When you arrive, there will be a guard and a fence with the words "Stop - Police."
Not to worry, because the coffee shops and cafes along the railroad need customers. Salesmen stand just in front of the fence, ready to offer you a drink as you take a stroll down the track. You may then pass the guard and walk along the track towards the coffee shop/café accompanied by a local.
Egg Coffee
Have a snack/drink, such as the local specialty Egg Coffee, and then take some photos. But be careful, crossing the railroad track is against the rules and will result in a fine of 500,000 Vietnamese Dong (+/- €20.00). I briefly entered the track for the photograph. Not essentially my intention, but with a little common sense, it's fine. I arrived at a very quiet time in the afternoon.
Egg Coffee is a creamy and sweet coffee with a thick and frothy texture. It is typically served hot, but in the hot summer months, it can also be served over ice. It is thought to have started in Hanoi in the 1940s, when milk was scarce and egg yolks were used as a substitute. Vietnamese coffee, condensed milk, and egg yolks are whisked together to make a frothy and creamy topping for the drink.
Train timetable
Trains only pass in the evenings (around 9:00 p.m. and later) on weekdays, and in the mornings on weekends and holidays. Something to think about. At the very least, it will be much busier then.
Train timetable (Háo Háo Coffee)
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