Hanoi is famous for its bustling streets and mouth-watering food, but one of its most well-known attractions you have probably seen all over your Instagram & Tik Tok is the famous Train Street! It’s a narrow track which runs through the city just inches from seats outside restaurants, cafes and bars which sit along the track.
Information about where you can or can’t go is a little hard to come by, and is sometimes even conflicting, which means we were a bit lost when we turned up one evening. So to help you avoid long waiting times or understand exactly how to get there & what to do, check out all of our top tips below!
If you are spending a bit more time in Vietnam, why not check out our Ultimate Guide to help plan your trip.
The Best Photo Spot: Train Street South
First things first, let’s talk North vs South. The famous (and busy) section where you can sit and get a drink just inches from the passing train is in the North. If you want to capture that perfect Instagram shot with no one around, then head to the quieter ‘Train Street South’ earlier in the day.
We completely avoided the crowds in the main location that flock to see the train pass by heading here first. It’s a great place to get some epic photos – but there weren’t as many cafes open here, so once you’ve taken your pics head to the main Train Street location for a drink to watch the train pass with an atmosphere!
To find this hidden gem, you’ll want to head towards the intersection of Le Duan and Kham Thien streets. From there, just follow the tracks south.
How to Secure a Seat on Train Street
Now for the main event! It might feel a bit chaotic around here (typical Hanoi really), with lots of officials telling you that you can’t access the street, and many locals trying to grab your attention to join them in their cafe. The reason for this is that you’re not actually allowed onto Train Street without being invited by someone to their cafe/restaurant.
You won’t get to have a look at what their place is like before you go, so it really doesn’t matter who you choose to go with – rest assured all will have seating so you can witness the train rushing past you. Worst case scenario is you just leave if you don’t like where you are!
Once you’re sat down, you will be expected to purchase something from the cafe/restaurant you are in, but most will be happy with just buying a drink whilst you wait for the train. The owners and workers will happily show you the best places to sit or stand as the train approaches. They can also let you know the time the train is due, as well as the direction.
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TIP: Some cafes have seating on the first floor (rather than outside on the ground floor), giving you a prime view of the street and the train as it zooms by. We recommend grabbing a Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá) or a Bia Hà Nội (Hanoi’s local pale lager) to sip on while you wait.
Train Timings
Seeing the train pass through is obviously the main event, and unfortunately they don’t come every few minutes (nor do they come at a regular time each day – it would be very convenient if they came every hour, for example!)
The train generally passes by twice a day at the following times:
Monday – Friday: 7 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:30 PM, and 10 PM
Weekends: 6 AM, 9 AM, 11:20 AM, 3:20 PM, 5:30 PM, 6 PM, 7 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:30 PM, 9 PM, and 11 PM
However, this isn’t set in stone. Double check the timetable when you are talking to cafe staff before you sit down, so you know when the next train will be passing through.
Remember, there’s nothing worse than missing the train because you were off by just a few minutes – so arrive early!
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Safety First!
The train passes through at a surprisingly fast pace, and the space is incredibly tight. The cafe staff will alert you when the train is on its way and help move any tables or chairs which are in the way. It is in their best interest to keep you safe, so they will come and make sure you are ready, but just remember to stay alert!
When the train approaches, just make sure you’re well clear of the tracks and remember to keep your arms held in when the train comes past – it can be tempting to stretch to get the best video!
Where to Go After the Train Passes
After the excitement of Train Street, you might want to continue exploring the area. Luckily, Hanoi has plenty of spots nearby to relax and reflect on your experience.
Café Ga Dong Duong: If you’re still in the mood for coffee, head here. It’s just a short walk away and offers a cozy vibe with delicious Vietnamese coffee.
Pho 10: If you are craving something more substantial, then check out this popular Pho spot, a 10 min walk away. They have three small branches in Hanoi, but be aware as others try to imitate it.
Bia Hoi Corner: If it’s been a long day and you need a cold drink, most places stock Bia Ha Noi. You can find a quiet bar to relax in or if you’re looking for a bit more of a buzz, check out Bia Hoi Corner. This corner is lined with bars with outside seating, selling cheap beer and food. Lots of the bars play music and it is a fun way to end a night.
Train street really is a must if you’re in Hanoi – how many people can say that they were sat down so close to a passing train you could literally reach out and touch it (but please don’t!)
Enjoy it and, most importantly, stay safe!
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