Hanoi train street still draws crowds of tourists despite warnings of danger

The train street connecting Tran Phu and Phung Hung streets in Hoan Kiem District remains crowded with tourists, mostly foreigners, following the June 17 incident, in which a foreign female tourist runs onto the railway tracks as a train approaches, sparking a renewed debate on social media about whether to shut down the train street with cafés staying along.

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In reality, this street has faced multiple closures and bans on business operations due to safety concerns regarding the railway corridor. Authorities have repeatedly emphasized the need to ensure safety for both locals and tourists, leading to discussions about the future of the train street coffee scene. Despite its popularity, the risks associated with its proximity to the railway have prompted ongoing scrutiny and regulatory actions.

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Local authorities have deployed checkpoints with three personnel on each shift to prevent visitors from entering the train street area. This measure aims to enhance safety and enforce the ban on accessing the railway corridor, reflecting the authorities’ commitment to protecting both locals and tourists from potential hazards.

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A large warning sign indicating a dangerous area is placed right at the entrance to the train street, yet many people still casually come here to drink coffee and take photos.

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Despite the presence of warnings and increased security measures, the allure of the unique experience seems to draw visitors in, raising ongoing debates about the need for stricter enforcement and public education on safety.

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The cafes have set up long benches to welcome customers, but the distance from the seating area to the tracks is insufficient to ensure safety. This setup raises significant concerns, as it places patrons in a precarious position, increasing the risk of accidents when trains pass by.

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Though the proximity between the rail tracks and the tourists’ seating area is alarmingly close, people still lean out and even hold their breath to stand up, disregarding the dangers for the sake of getting a perfect selfie photo.

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This behaviour highlights a reckless pursuit of social media moments, where the thrill of the experience often overshadows safety concerns. It raises critical questions about the responsibility of both tourists and business owners in ensuring a safe environment.

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Tourists begin to converge on the site around 3p.m. every day as they gather to wait for the trains to pass by. Especially on weekends, tour groups tend to bring visitors to experience the famous train street in the capital.

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Many people crowd onto the rail tracks, or even form lines to take selfie photos from picturesque angles, creating a chaotic scene that poses serious safety risks. This disregard for safety regulations highlights the challenge of balancing the desire for unique experiences with the need for caution in potentially dangerous areas.

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The cafés have also set up canopies and hung decorative lights in outdoor areas, encroaching on the space despite knowing that trains could potentially collide with these structures, creating hazards. This not only poses a danger to customers but also obstructs the railway corridor, further complicating safety measures.

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In 2023, Hanoi Railway of Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR) sent a formal request to local authorities, urging the immediate removal of coffee shops along the railway to ensure traffic safety. Despite repeated efforts by authorities to enforce these regulations, the coffee business continues to thrive, reflecting the challenges of balancing safety with the popular demand for this unique experience.