If you visit Hanoi, make sure to spend some time at Train Street. It is a unique neighbourhood where railway tracks run between local homes and small cafés.
The best-known section follows the railway line through Tran Phu and Phung Hung streets, near Hanoi Railway Station. International visitors commonly know this place as Hanoi Train Street.
QUICK INFORMATION
- Location: Tran Phu - Phung Hung area, Hanoi.
- Recommended visit duration: At least 2 hours.
- Experience: Enjoy Vietnamese coffee and watch trains pass from permitted viewing areas.
- Drinks to try: Vietnamese iced milk coffee, egg coffee and Bac Xiu.
- Best time to visit: Morning, afternoon or evening.
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1. Where Is Hanoi Train Street?
Location and How to Get There
From Hoan Kiem Lake, you can walk or take a taxi to Train Street. Walking is a good option if you also want to explore the Old Quarter along the way.
What makes this place special is the close distance between the railway tracks and the surrounding homes. However, not all entrances to the railway area are open to visitors. Check access conditions before your visit and only enter areas where public access is permitted.
2. What Makes Hanoi Train Street Special?
Hanoi Train Street is more than just a place to enjoy coffee or take photos. Its charm comes from the combination of small cafés, trains passing through a residential neighbourhood and the everyday lives of local residents.
Here are some experiences you should not miss when visiting this area.
2.1. Cafés Along the Railway Tracks
One of the first things you will notice is the small cafés lining both sides of the railway.
Each café has its own style. Some feature wooden furniture, lanterns and traditional decorations, while others have colourful interiors, green plants and attractive photo spots.
Choose a café you like, order a drink and take some time to enjoy the surroundings. The narrow space, closely packed houses and railway tracks running through the neighbourhood create a scene quite different from ordinary city streets.
2.2. Watching the Train Pass By
This is probably the experience many visitors look forward to most when visiting Hanoi Train Street.
Imagine sitting in a small café, enjoying your drink and chatting with friends. Suddenly, you hear a train whistle as a large train slowly approaches the narrow street.
The sound of the engine and the wheels moving along the tracks create a remarkable scene. The contrast between the large train and the small houses on either side makes this experience memorable.
A little tip: Plan to spend at least 2 hours here. This gives you time to relax, enjoy your coffee and have a better chance of seeing a train pass by. However, there is no guarantee that a train will pass during your visit.
Only watch trains from permitted areas and follow staff instructions. Never stand on the tracks or approach an oncoming train.
2.3. Everyday Life Along the Railway
Beyond the cafés, Train Street is also home to local residents.
Small houses, narrow balconies, family-run shops and everyday household items create a distinctive picture of life in Hanoi.
While sitting at a café, take a moment to notice the little details of the neighbourhood. It is a chance to see a more everyday side of Hanoi, away from the usual busy tourist attractions.
2.4. What Should You Drink at Hanoi Train Street Cafés?
Once you have found a suitable place to sit, take some time to try traditional Vietnamese drinks. Most cafés offer a range of choices, from local coffee to fruit tea and fresh juices.
Here are some drinks worth trying:
Vietnamese Iced Milk Coffee (Ca Phe Sua Da)
Made with traditional Vietnamese drip coffee, condensed milk and ice, this drink has a rich, bold flavour with a pleasant sweetness. It is one of Vietnam's most popular coffee drinks.
Black Coffee (Ca Phe Den)
A good choice if you prefer the original taste of coffee. It is usually available hot or iced.
Bac Xiu
Bac Xiu contains more milk and less coffee than traditional Vietnamese iced milk coffee. It has a milder, sweeter and creamier taste.
Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung)
One of Hanoi's most famous drinks. It combines strong coffee with a smooth, whipped egg cream topping, creating a rich and distinctive flavour.
Coconut Coffee (Ca Phe Cot Dua)
A delicious combination of coffee and creamy coconut. It is usually served cold and is especially refreshing on warm days.
Fruit Tea and Fresh Juices
If you do not drink coffee, there are plenty of alternatives, including lemon tea, peach tea, fruit tea and seasonal fresh juices.
Some cafés also serve cakes, croissants, bread and light snacks. If this is your first time experiencing Vietnamese coffee culture, I recommend trying iced milk coffee or egg coffee.
3. When to Visit Hanoi Train Street and Useful Tips
You can visit Train Street at different times of the day. Each period has its own atmosphere, from the quiet mornings to the warm, colourful evenings when the cafés light up.
3.1. Visiting in the Morning
Morning is a good time to visit if you prefer a quieter atmosphere and want to observe everyday life in the neighbourhood. Natural light also makes it easier to photograph the houses and surrounding streets.
3.2. Visiting in the Afternoon
In the afternoon, you can sit back with a cup of coffee, chat with friends and enjoy the neighbourhood in the soft afternoon light. It is also a convenient time to visit other attractions in central Hanoi.
3.3. Visiting in the Evening
After sunset, decorative lights brighten the cafés, creating a warm and colourful atmosphere. Evening is a lovely option if you want to experience a different side of Hanoi.
3.4. Useful Tips for Visitors
To make your visit enjoyable and safe, keep these tips in mind:
- Check whether the area is open to visitors before your trip.
- Only enter areas where public access is permitted.
- Never walk onto the railway tracks or into railway safety zones.
- Check drink prices before ordering.
- Respect the privacy and daily lives of local residents.
- If travelling with children, keep them close to you at all times.
If you hope to see a train pass by, ask local staff about the train schedule and operating conditions on the day of your visit.
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4. Places to Visit Near Hanoi Train Street
One advantage of Hanoi Train Street is its central location, making it easy to combine your visit with other popular attractions around the city.
If you have some extra time, consider adding these places to your itinerary.
4.1. Phung Hung Mural Street
Phung Hung Mural Street is located close to Train Street. The colourful paintings on the old railway arches depict scenes of Hanoi in the past, from traditional architecture to everyday local life.
It is a pleasant place to take a walk, capture some photos and discover more about Hanoi through street art.
4.2. Hanoi Old Quarter
The Old Quarter is one of the best places to experience Hanoi's traditional culture and everyday atmosphere. Its narrow streets, traditional shops, local eateries and tube houses create a distinctive urban landscape.
You can sample Vietnamese street food, shop for souvenirs or simply wander through its historic streets.
4.3. Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is one of Hanoi's most iconic landmarks, known for Turtle Tower, the red Huc Bridge and Ngoc Son Temple.
It is an ideal place to take a walk, relax and observe local life, especially in the morning or evening.
4.4. Temple of Literature - Imperial Academy
If you are interested in Vietnamese history and culture, the Temple of Literature - Imperial Academy is well worth a visit.
Built in 1070, it is closely associated with Vietnam's traditions of education and royal examinations. Its ancient architecture, peaceful courtyards, gardens and stone stelae create a remarkable cultural setting.
The Temple of Literature is not right next to Train Street, so you should take a taxi or another suitable form of transport to get there.
4.5. The Love of Thang Long - Experience the Culture of Ancient Thang Long and Modern Hanoi
If you would like to add an artistic experience to your itinerary, consider visiting The Love of Thang Long, a cultural and artistic performance held within the Ho Chi Minh Museum grounds.
Through acting, music, lighting and immersive stage effects, the show brings stories of Thang Long - Hanoi's history and culture to life.
While Train Street offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of Hanoi's residents, The Love of Thang Long introduces you to the city's deeper cultural and historical heritage.
It is a worthwhile option if you want to experience Hanoi not only through its streets but also through performing arts.
Hanoi Train Street offers a different perspective on the city. Here, you can enjoy Vietnamese coffee, admire the small houses and experience the unique rhythm of everyday life alongside the railway tracks.
Tác giả
Temple of Literature, a proud historical architectural work of Hanoi in particular and Vietnam in general
