Ultimate Guide To Hanoi Train Street Time Table, Location In 2025
If you’re visiting Hanoi, one destination you simply can’t miss is Train Street. This unique and unforgettable experience offers a glimpse into the vibrant heart of the city.
Prime Travel will cover everything you need to know including Hanoi train street time table, location, best cafes and restaurants and tips to make the most of it.
Overview – What Make Hanoi Train Street So Famous
You’ve likely seen iconic photos and videos of a train track cutting right through a residential area in Hanoi. This unique street, named Hanoi Train Street, has been a part of the Old Quarter since the French colonial era in the 20th century. The railway remains operational today, with local houses built just a meter away.
At first glance, it appears like any other bustling Vietnamese street, with people going about their daily routines. A vibrant scene unfolds before your eyes: people cooking delicious meals on their doorsteps, colorful laundry fluttering in the breeze, merchants enthusiastically promoting their wares, and a constant stream of bicycles and mopeds navigating the narrow streets. While locals see it as everyday life, travelers find the thrill of witnessing a train rush through this narrow passage a must-do experience.
Previously a hidden gem known only to locals, Hanoi Train Street has now become a popular tourist attraction. If you’re planning a visit and wondering about the train schedule and the best viewing spots, read on.
Hanoi Train Street Locations
The railway system extends throughout Hanoi, but two streets in the Old Quarter are particularly famous for their unique proximity to the tracks: Phung Hung – Tran Phu and Kham Thien – Le Duan. These train street sections are hot spots for photographers, offering a captivating ambiance with two-story coffee shops showcasing traditional Vietnamese décor.
Le Duan Train Street is conveniently located near Hanoi Train Station, with the station’s entrance visible from the street. This section is the furthest from the Old Quarter, but that means it’s least busy.
Phung Hung Train Street, on the other hand, is nestled deeper within the ancient quarter, close to the vibrant Phung Hung Mural Street.
While there’s no formal entry fee, you are typically expected to order a drink at a local cafe. You’ll often find barricades and police presence in these areas to ensure safety.
You can visit the track at these Hanoi train street locations:
- 224 Le Duan, Kham Thien, Dong Da, Hanoi
- No 5 Tran Phu, Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Along Phung Hung street
Hanoi Train Street Time Table
Day | Hanoi Train Street Time |
Monday – Sunday (Kham Thien Train Street) |
|
Monday – Friday (Phung Hung Train Street) |
|
Saturday – Sunday (Phung Hung Train Street) |
|
This Hanoi train street time table can be a helpful guide, but keep in mind that Hanoi train street time are not always precise. Trains may arrive early, late, or even unexpectedly.
To ensure you don’t miss the train, it’s best to check with local café shops when you reserve your spot. They often have the most up-to-date information on train schedules. You can also check the official Vietnam Railway website for general train schedules, though these may not always reflect the exact timings for this specific section of the track.
If planning your visit seems overwhelming, consider booking a tour with Prime Travel Vietnam for a hassle-free experience.
Best Places To See The Train Passing – Cafes and Restaurants
Ga Dong Duong
- Address: 5A Tran Phu, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Make reservation: +84 94 228 88 66
Dong Duong Cafe, known for its chic ambiance, takes inspiration from train station aesthetics. Its menu features a diverse selection of dishes, appealing to both European and Asian palates.
65 Railway Coffee
- Address: 65 Alley 224 Le Duan Street, Kham Thien, Dong Da, Hanoi
- Make reservation: +84 91 996 55 11
65 Railway Coffee is renowned for its excellent customer service. The friendly and attentive staff ensure guests feel welcome and well-cared for. Additionally, situated in the middle of the train line, you’ll enjoy captivating views in both directions.
Hanoi 1990s – Train Coffee
- Address: Alley 222 Le Duan Street, Kham Thien, Dong Da, Hanoi
- Make reservation: +84 35 407 55 70, +84 93 405 01 91
The café, housed in a converted Hanoi residence, exudes a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The simplistic design, with its wooden tables and low chairs, creates a relaxed and comfortable setting for guests to enjoy a wide selection of beverages and traditional Hanoi delicacies at reasonable prices.
Hoa Xa Café
- Address: Long Bien station, Tran Nhat Duat, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
If you find Train Street overly crowded and prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, Hoa Xa Cafe is an excellent choice. Located in Long Bien train station, with grass windows on all four sides, the cafe provides stunning views. Guests can enjoy vistas of Tran Nhat Duat Street, the approach to Long Bien Bridge, the bridge itself, and the railway line passing by.
Bit Tet Ngọc Hieu – Hang Cot
- Address: 18 Hang Cot, Hoang Kiem, Hanoi
Savor authentic Vietnamese steak with a unique twist at Ngoc Hieu Restaurant. While not located within train street, you can still enjoy the captivating views of passing trains from their second-floor seating.
Hanoi Train Street Travel Tips
- Train Schedule: Check Hanoi Train Street time table upon arrival. You can also make a reservation at a cafe and confirm the train schedule with the owner.
- Arrive Early: Arrive 30-45 minutes, or even an hour early, to secure a good viewing spot and avoid any last-minute rush.
- Obey all police and local authority instructions: Remember past accidents have tragically claimed lives and injured many, significantly impacting the livelihoods of the local community. These incidents highlighted the need for increased safety measures, leading to the temporary closure of the street in 2019.
- Understand The Local Approach: As you approach Train Street in Hanoi, you might encounter locals inviting you to their cafes. While this may seem like a sales tactic, it’s often a safety measure.
Since its reopening, to ensure visitor safety, local businesses and residents have signed agreements to adhere to railway safety regulations. This community-led approach aims to prevent future accidents and ensure the long-term sustainability of this unique cultural and tourist attraction.
This may involve guiding visitors to designated viewing areas within their establishments. You can politely decline and choose your own viewing spot along the street.
- Follow café instructions: Respect the local community and their efforts to ensure safety for both tourists and residents. As the train approaches, you’ll hear the horn blast and may need to quickly move behind a safety line as café furniture is moved out of the way.
- Prioritize safety over photos. Distractions like taking photos can be dangerous. Many accidents have occurred because people were too focused on capturing the moment. The train cannot stop suddenly.
- Respect local residents: Remember that Hanoi Train Street is a residential area. Respect their privacy and avoid entering their homes or taking photos without permission.
- Comfortable footwear is essential: Opt for walking shoes or sandals, as the train tracks can be uneven and may contain small rocks.
- Don’t forget to bring back souvernir:
Other Attractions Near Hanoi Train Street
Nestled within the heart of the vibrant Old Quarter, Train Street in Hanoi provides easy access to a wealth of attractions. A short stroll away, enjoy a leisurely stroll around picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, complete with the iconic Turtle Tower.
Explore the labyrinthine streets of the Old Quarter, brimming with traditional shops, bustling markets, and delectable street food. Immerse yourself in history at the revered Temple of Literature, and pay your respects at the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh.
Explore the historical Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a glimpse into Vietnam’s imperial past.
FAQ About Hanoi Train Street
Is Train Street in Hanoi safe to visit?
Yes, by following the safety tips outlined above, visiting Hanoi Train Street can be a safe and rewarding experience.
Is this worth visiting Hanoi train street?
Yes, visiting Hanoi Train Street can be a unique and memorable experience.
- Witness a unique phenomenon: Witnessing a train pass through this narrow residential street is a truly unique and unforgettable sight.
- Glimpse into daily life: It offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of the local community.
- Explore the Old Quarter: Train Street is located within the vibrant Old Quarter, offering easy access to other attractions like Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, and bustling markets.
Train Street day or night? What is the best time to visit train street in Hanoi?
The optimal time to visit Train Street in Hanoi depends entirely on your preferences. Daytime offers a more relaxed atmosphere with plenty of open shops, but higher temperatures (in summer) and less frequent train sightings.
Nighttime, while more crowded, provides a unique ambiance with vibrant lights and cooler temperatures.
Whether you prioritize shopping and observing daily life or prefer the vibrant atmosphere of the evening, Hanoi Train Street offers a unique experience.
Conclusion
Hanoi Train Street offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience. While witnessing the train pass through this narrow alleyway is undoubtedly the highlight, remember to check Hanoi Train Street time table, explore the vibrant Old Quarter, immerse yourself in the local culture, and prioritize safety throughout your journey. Whether you choose to plan your own adventure or join a guided tour, embrace the spirit of this unique destination and create lasting memories in Hanoi.
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