Hanoi Train Street

Hanoi Train Street is an extremely attractive destination for foreign travelers when they come to Hanoi. They said that the thing that intrigues them the most is the terrifying yet exciting feeling when the train passes by right next to them. Let’s discover everything about this place with Asia King Travel!

The vibrant train street is a hot spot for foreign tourists in Hanoi (Source: VnExpress)

History

Hanoi Train Street, also known as Phung Hung Train Street, appeared during the French colonial era when the Hanoi - Lao Cai railway was constructed. It was once a busy commercial district with houses lying on both sides of the tracks. Though time has passed and the street has undergone many changes, it still retains its unique character and becomes an integral part of Hanoi.

The rustic everyday life of the local residents before this street gained popularity among tourists (Source: Giang Huy)

Location

Phung Hung Train Street lies at the boundary of three wards: Dien Bien, Cua Nam, and Hang Bong. Stretching approximately 400 meters, it begins at the crossroads of Phung Hung and Le Duan streets and ends at the Phung Hung and Hang Cot crossroads. It is not far from other famous attractions like Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Ancient Town, making it really convenient for you to visit different spots in 1 day. 

Many tourists come here to check in and wait to see the train passing (Source: Dan Tri News)

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What makes this street a tourist attraction?

Phung Hung Train Street has a unique beauty, both simple and rustic yet captivating. Along this stretch, there are numerous cafes decorated in a vintage style with old wooden tables and chairs, exposed brick walls, and photos and lanterns hanging everywhere.

People sit in the railway cafes along the street to watch the train passing by (Source: Internet)

The special thing is that every cafe has its own story, presenting a different pov of Hanoi, making a unique and unforgettable experience for tourists. These cafes lie so close to the railway tracks that you can almost reach out your hand and touch the train as it passes by.

Some cafes have two floors so that customers can watch the trains from the balcony (Source: HAPPY VIVU)

How to get there

Getting to Phung Hung Train Street is quite easy! Starting from the center of Hanoi, you can choose one of the following modes of transport: 

• Bus: You can take bus 31, 38, 41, etc., and get off at the nearest stop to Phung Hung Street. Buses are a cost-effective option, but you may encounter traffic jams. You can look up bus routes on the Transerco website. 
• Motorcycle: Motorcycles allow you to easily explore the nooks and crannies of the old quarter. You can use Google Maps for directions and research parking options beforehand or ask locals about where to park. 
• Car: If you are traveling by car, it may be difficult to find a parking spot. It’s best to call a cab and let them drive you to the destination.
• Walking: Phung Hung Street is located in the Old Quarter, so if you are around the area, you can walk there and even wander around nearby places.

Visitors sit patiently to wait for the train (Source: VnExpress)

Best time to visit

• In the morning: This is the time when the train street is the most quiet and peaceful, you can wander around, take pictures and enjoy the fresh air.
• During weekdays: Avoid visiting this spot on the weekend as the street will be extremely crowded. It would be hard to take good photos or find a private spot. 

Sipping a cup of coffee in the morning and watching the train sounds ideal (Source: Internet)

Remember “Safety first!”

Besides the beauty of the Hanoi Train Street, there are also some hidden risks that could lead to unfortunate accidents if you're not careful. So please remember to follow all safety guidelines.

• Obey safety markings: The yellow line along the tracks indicates a safe distance. Please stay behind this line when a train is passing.
• Stay alert: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when a train is approaching.
• Supervise your children: Keep a close eye on your children and prevent them from playing near the tracks.
• Secure your belongings: Due to the crowds, it's important to keep an eye on your personal belongings to prevent theft.

The cafe’s owner reminds the visitors to keep a safe distance from the railway when the train is about to come (Source: VnExpress)

Recommended Cafe 

When talking about Hanoi Train Street, the railway cafes cannot be overlooked. On both sides of the street, there are many coffee shops, often with similar menus and services, so you can walk around and choose any shop that catches your eye. Here are some well-rated railway cafes you can consider visiting.

Coffee Duong Tau

• Address: 2RPW+WFQ, Phung Hung Street, Hang Ma Ward, Hoan Kiem District
• Opening time: All day
• Prices: Around VND 50,000 per drink

28 Train Street - Cafe & Bistro

• Address: 28 Railway, Tran Phu Street, Cua Dong Ward, Hoan Kiem District
• Opening time: 08:30 AM to 00:00 AM every day
• Prices: VND 40,000 - VND 70,000 per drink (and they also serve hot food)

Hao Hao Coffee

• Address: 80 Railway, Phung Hung, Cua Dong Ward, Hoan Kiem District
• Opening time: 7:00 AM to 11:30 PM every day
• Prices: VND 30,000 - VND 65,000 (for alcohol-free drinks) and VND 50,000 - VND 120,000 (for alcohol), and they also serve hot food

The egg coffee at 28 Train Street is highly rated by customers (Source: Minh Huy Nguyen)

Conclusion

Hanoi Train Street is definitely a magnetic attraction for foreign travelers in Vietnam. They are drawn to this place not only because of the thrilling experience but also for the opportunity to observe the everyday lives of locals living along the railway line, giving them a chance to observe another perspective of Hanoi. Contact Asia King Travel today to plan your trip to Vietnam!

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