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Train Street, Việt Nam - Things to Do in Train Street

Train Street

Train Street, Việt Nam - Complete Travel Guide

Train Street in Hanoi, Vietnam, is one of the world's most unique urban experiences, where active railway tracks run directly through narrow residential neighborhoods. Located in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter, this extraordinary street has become famous for the daily spectacle of trains passing just inches from homes, cafes, and shops. The tracks, officially part of the North-South Railway line connecting Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, have been integrated into daily life for decades, with residents hanging laundry, cooking meals, and running businesses mere feet from where trains thunder past twice daily. What makes Train Street truly remarkable is how easyly the railway has been woven into the fabric of neighborhood life. Visitors can experience this unique phenomenon by sitting in trackside cafes, watching as locals quickly clear the rails when train horns announce an approaching locomotive, then immediately return to their daily activities once it passes. The most popular sections are along Ngo Huyen Street and Le Duan Street, where the contrast between modern transportation and traditional Vietnamese street life creates an unforgettable urban adventure.

Top Train Street

Train Passing at Trackside Cafe

Sit at one of the famous trackside cafes and witness the incredible moment when trains pass just feet away from your table. The experience combines the thrill of the approaching locomotive with the authentic atmosphere of local Vietnamese coffee culture, as cafe owners calmly move chairs and tables aside before resuming service.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed - simply arrive 30-60 minutes before scheduled train times (typically around 3:20 PM and 7:45 PM). Coffee costs 20,000-40,000 VND ($1-2). Check current train schedules as they can change seasonally.

Photography Session During Golden Hour

Capture impressive photographs of the narrow alleyways, colorful houses, and railway tracks during the warm golden hour light. The contrast between the industrial railway and intimate residential setting creates incredible photo opportunities, especially when combined with the daily life activities of local residents.

Booking Tip: Best light occurs 1-2 hours before sunset (around 4-5 PM). Bring a wide-angle lens for narrow spaces and telephoto for train action shots. Consider hiring a local photography guide for $20-30 who knows the best angles and timing.

the Surrounding Old Quarter

Wander through the historic streets surrounding Train Street to discover traditional Vietnamese architecture, street food vendors, and local markets. The area offers an authentic glimpse into Hanoi's daily life, with narrow alleyways leading to hidden temples, family-run shops, and traditional craftspeople at work.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free and most rewarding. Wear comfortable walking shoes for uneven surfaces. Consider a 3-4 hour walking tour ($15-25 per person) to learn about the area's history and good spots from local guides.

Sample Street Food Along the Railway

Try authentic Vietnamese street food from vendors who set up along the railway tracks, including pho, banh mi, and local specialties. These food stalls offer some of the most authentic and affordable dining experiences in Hanoi, often run by families who have lived in the area for generations.

Booking Tip: Food costs 30,000-80,000 VND ($1.50-4) per dish. Look for busy stalls with high turnover for freshest food. Bring small bills and basic Vietnamese phrases. Food tours including Train Street cost $25-40 per person.

Meet Local Residents and Learn Their Stories

Engage with friendly local residents who are often happy to share stories about living alongside the railway for decades. Many families have fascinating tales about adapting their daily routines around train schedules and the recent influx of international visitors to their neighborhood.

Booking Tip: Approach respectfully and consider learning basic Vietnamese greetings. Small gifts or postcards from your home country are appreciated. Cultural exchange tours with local guides cost $30-50 per person and facilitate meaningful conversations.

Getting There

Train Street is located in Hanoi's Old Quarter and is easily accessible from Hanoi's main transportation hubs. From Noi Bai International Airport, take a taxi (45-60 minutes, $12-15) or airport bus to the Old Quarter, then walk to the railway area. If arriving by train at Hanoi Railway Station, it's a 10-minute taxi ride or 20-minute walk. The main access points are near Ngo Huyen Street and Le Duan Street, both within walking distance of Hoan Kiem Lake and other Old Quarter attractions.

Getting Around

The Train Street area is best explored on foot due to the narrow alleyways and pedestrian-only sections along the tracks. Motorbike taxis (xe om) can drop you at nearby main streets for 20,000-30,000 VND. Regular taxis and Grab cars can access the general area but may need to drop you a short walk away. Renting a bicycle is possible but challenging due to crowded, narrow streets. Most visitors walk from other Old Quarter attractions, as the entire historic district is compact and walkable.

Where to Stay

Old Quarter (closest to Train Street)
Hoan Kiem Lake area
French Quarter
Ba Dinh District
Tay Ho (West Lake)
Dong Da District

Food & Dining

The Train Street area offers an incredible variety of authentic Vietnamese cuisine, from the famous trackside cafes serving traditional Vietnamese coffee to street food vendors offering pho, banh mi, and local specialties. The surrounding Old Quarter neighborhoods feature family-run restaurants, hidden eateries in narrow alleyways, and bustling food markets. Many of the trackside cafes have been operating for decades and offer simple but delicious Vietnamese dishes alongside the unique train-watching experience. Prices are very reasonable, with most street food costing $1-4 and cafe drinks around $1-2.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Hanoi

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

MẸT Vietnamese restaurant & Vegetarian Food 1

4.9 /5
(25104 reviews) 2

Hoang's Restaurant - Vietnamese Restaurant & Vegan Food

4.9 /5
(24317 reviews) 2

MẸT Vietnamese restaurant & Vegetarian Food 3

4.9 /5
(21525 reviews) 2

MẸT Vietnamese Restaurant & Vegetarian Met 2

4.9 /5
(21197 reviews) 2

Hong Hoai's Restaurant

4.9 /5
(18719 reviews)

MẸT Vietnamese restaurant & Vegetarian Met 4

4.9 /5
(14991 reviews) 2

Looking for specific cuisines?

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When to Visit

The best time to visit Train Street is during Hanoi's dry season from October to April, when weather is cooler and more comfortable for walking around the narrow streets. Within each day, late afternoon (3-6 PM) is ideal as you can experience the afternoon train passing, enjoy good lighting for photography, and comfortable temperatures. The evening train time around 7:45 PM offers a different atmosphere with street lights and dinner activities. Avoid visiting during heavy rain or extreme summer heat (June-August), as the narrow streets can become uncomfortable and slippery.

Insider Tips

Train schedules can change without notice - always verify current times with local cafe owners who track the trains daily and may have more accurate information than online sources
Respect local residents by keeping noise levels down, not blocking doorways or business entrances, and asking permission before photographing people or their homes
Bring cash in small denominations (20,000 and 50,000 VND notes) as most trackside cafes and food vendors don't accept cards, and having exact change makes transactions smoother

Activities in Train Street