Hanoi’s Train Track Cafe Faces Closure Amid Safety Concerns

① The Iconic Attraction of Hanoi, Vietnam

The “Train Track Cafe Street” is a place that every tourist visiting Hanoi, Vietnam, has likely visited at least once. It’s a famous landmark of Hanoi and a beloved tourist destination. It might seem challenging as it’s a place where trains pass by, but it has been in operation for a long time.

This cafe is located on Hanoi Train Street. Nestled between the buildings of Hanoi’s old town, numerous restaurants are set up alongside the narrow train track. Outdoor seatings are neatly arranged along the track.

Five minutes before the train arrives, the cafe owners fold up all the tables and move the customers inside. Most customers do not go inside the cafe but stick to the outer wall of the building. The train passes right in front of the customers, creating a thrilling scene.

When the train is not passing, numerous tourists freely walk around the tracks to take photos. This place has become a must-visit spot during a trip to Hanoi. You can see numerous tourists taking pictures on the train tracks.

② Order to Cease Operation of the Train Track Cafe

Although the Train Track Cafe in Hanoi is a famous tourist spot, it technically operates illegally. In 2019, authorities discovered cafes operating temporarily when the train doesn’t pass. At that time, fences were erected, and access was prohibited, but it only started to gain popularity as a tourist attraction.

As the Train Track Cafe became increasingly popular, it attracted numerous tourists. In September 2022, the authorities installed barricades to block the entrances leading to the cafes by the train track. The public security forces were stationed to prevent entry and took measures for safety.

The Vietnam Railway Corporation stated, “There are serious safety issues with locals and foreigners flocking to take photos and use the cafes near the railway.” The corporation requested that the cafes be stopped by the train track and also banned photo taking. The authorities reported that the cafe owners violated regulations by not properly notifying customers about safety.

The People’s Committee of Hoan Kiem District announced it would revoke all business permits for cafes near the train track. They also conveyed that they would obtain a pledge from cafe owners not to open cafes near the train track. This decision sparked a backlash from locals, claiming they had complied with regulations by providing adequate safety notifications.

They expressed their grievances about suddenly ceasing operations after running the cafes for a long time. Around 30 households were operating restaurants in the vicinity of the train track. However, the authorities stated that this was an inevitable choice for safety due to the risk of accidents.

There have indeed been accidents where people trying to take photos at the Train Track Cafe collided with a train. Although it became famous as a unique attraction of Hanoi, the safety issue remained unresolved.

③ The Still Popular Cafe by the Track

Despite the authorities’ order to cease operations, the Train Track Cafe in Hanoi still thrives. Tourists are visiting the cafes through other entrances. Cafe owners wait at the entrance of Phung Hung Street and solicit visitors. They guide tourists to their cafes through different entrances.

You are not allowed to visit if you do not use the cafe and only take photos. The cafe owner introduces the cafe to the customers and explains the safety rules. If the customers agree, they are guided to the cafe.

Numerous tourists wait hours to witness the 30 seconds when the train passes. Hanoi Train Street has a timetable for when the train passes.

Meanwhile, the Vietnam Railway Corporation has opened a train track cafe at Long Bien Station. After the closure of Hanoi Train Street, it opened its doors and sparked a buzz. The “Hoa Xa Café” is located right in front of where the train passes.

The cafe is a multi-purpose rest area where anyone can rest without ordering a drink. After closing the Train Track Cafe Street, the authorities opened a restaurant that addressed the previous safety issues. Here, they installed fences on the balcony and deployed security guards.

The Vietnam Railway Corporation stated, “It is a dangerous act that disrupts order if train operations become inconvenient due to business activities. We hope the Hoa Xa Cafe becomes a place for domestic and international tourists to enjoy legally and safely.” The Hoa Xa Cafe is a safer place to visit compared to the Train Track Cafe Street. You can enjoy the view of the train passing and the scenery of the Long Bien Bridge from the cafe.