The Train Street, Hanoi

Ngõ 224 Lê Duẩn, situated within Hanoi’s Old Quarter, is famously dubbed as "The Train Street". This narrow alley witnesses a speeding train passing by twice a day, perilously close to the buildings flanking the tracks, which almost entirely occupy the alley. Constructed by the French in 1902, this railway line remains operational as of 2019.

The train whizzes through at 3 pm and 7 pm daily, traversing the route between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the south. Due to the alley's cramped dimensions, residents are compelled to clear away their personal belongings, including bicycles and even children, before the train's passage. It's a common sight to see locals leisurely seated on the tracks, savoring tea and engaging in games of checkers.

This peculiar street has garnered attention as a tourist attraction in Hanoi. However, in October 2019, local authorities, citing safety concerns and the potential for grave accidents, barred tourists from accessing the area. Tourists frequently halted to capture photographs for social media amidst the narrow confines of the alley. Over time, the street had become a residence for squatters and a haunt for drug addicts, alongside the presence of numerous cafes and residential buildings. The congestion eventually led to the rerouting of a local train on October 6, 2019, prompting the closure of the alley.

To cater to the bustling tourist influx, local cafes have flourished along the street. Owners fret over the impending loss of business due to the closure. According to the VN Express newspaper, a train driver recounted three near-misses with tourists on the tracks, narrowly averting catastrophe, with one incident involving a woman engrossed in photographing the passing train.

For tourists seeking a safe vantage point, outdoor seating areas of the local cafes offer a secure option. Cafe proprietors typically shift their stools closer to the walls and advise patrons to do the same as the train approaches. Many cafes also display train schedules on chalkboards for the convenience of their customers.