Hanoi Train Street: The Ultimate Insider Intel Guide
Here’s something most travel guides won’t tell you about Hanoi Train Street: it’s both exactly what you’re imagining and nothing like you expect. Picture this—a functioning railway slicing through a neighborhood so narrow you could reach out and touch both sides. Sounds insane? Welcome to Hanoi.
Before diving in:
Unlock my secret weapon for exploring Vietnam—
Why work with a travel advisor?
Skip the endless hours of research and second-guessing. As your travel advisor, we transform the overwhelming planning process into a seamless experience, drawing from years of firsthand exploration and cultivated relationships with premier properties and local experts. We are your north star to discover the hidden gems and unique experiences that truly make a journey memorable.
Got Your Own Travel Game Plan?
I get it—sometimes you want to handle the bookings yourself. While you won’t score those exclusive perks, here are my tried-and-tested booking platforms I personally recommend. Just Want the Hotel Perks? I‘ll book your hotel with all those juicy extras (hello, free breakfast and spa credits)—and you handle the rest of your itinerary. Zero pressure, maximum benefits. Simple as that. Contact us now
This site contains product affiliate links, and I may get a commission, which costs you nothing extra. see more resources here
My meticulously curated Google Maps Location Pins was born from countless hours wandering these ancient streets. I’ve mapped every must-visit spot from this guide (plus dozens of hidden gems I couldn’t squeeze into the article), pinpointing precise locations of those easy-to-miss temple entrances and local-favorite restaurants. After testing this across multiple trips, I swear by this digital companion—simply tap any pin and let Google Maps guide you seamlessly between Vietnam layers. Skip the typical first-timer frustrations and navigate like an insider, with all my hard-won research right in your pocket.
If you’re keen to visit train street and experience the chaos and charm in Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi Train Street delivers both—in spades. I hit Hanoi on a tight three-day schedule (because who doesn’t have limited vacation days?), and here’s what I learned: timing is everything, and most people get it completely wrong.
Visiting Hanoi Train Street: The Ultimate Insider Intel Guide
The Truth About visiting hanoi street strain
Here’s the thing about Train Street—I made the rookie mistake of showing up at high noon, along with what felt like half of Hanoi’s tourist population. But here’s the silver lining: even at peak hours, with some patience and strategic positioning, you can still snap those enviable shots without twenty strangers in your frame.
Helpful Tip: The best photos happen in the golden hours—early morning or late afternoon when the light hits the tracks just right and the crowds thin out.
What Exactly Is Train Street Hanoi?
Picture this: a narrow residential street with a functioning railway line running straight through its heart. Imagine buildings so close you could high-five someone across the tracks. This isn’t some tourist setup—it’s a living, breathing part of Hanoi where cafes, homes, and an active railway line have coexisted for decades.
The Real Deal: What’s Hanoi Train Street Actually Like?
Let’s cut through the Instagram hype. Train Street isn’t just another tourist trap—it’s a remarkable example of Vietnam’s ability to turn limitations into attractions. The tracks have been here since the French colonial period, and somehow, instead of relocating, the neighborhood adapted. Buildings lean in close enough to whisper to each other, while cafes and homes have turned their precarious position into a thriving tourist scene.
Getting There
how to get to Train Street Hanoi (Without Getting Lost):
First things first—let’s get you there without the usual tourist runaround.
Train Street Location: exact Location
Address: P. Tran Phu street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi ( it’s a long track but this is the main entrance)
Google Maps: Sixty Six Cafe entrance (This is the location I entered)
Alternative Spots (if the main section train street closure)
1. Near Hanoi Train Station
2. Le Duan Street section (more relaxed, fewer tourists)
3. Sixty Six Cafe entrance ( where I entered from)
Note: To enter, you’ll have to go up a few stairs once you see the tracks follow them to the left and continue walking.
How to Get There: Hanoi train street direction
Train street directions From Old Quarter:
- Grab taxi: 15 minutes, ≈120,000 VND ($5)
- Grab bike: Cheaper but requires nerves of steel
- Walking: Technically possible, practically miserable in Hanoi heat
Helpful Tip: Save both the arrival and departure addresses in Vietnamese to show your driver—trust me, it saves a lot of pointing and confused looks.
The Secret to visiting train street and getting in
Here’s what no one tells you about accessing Train Street:
1. Don’t try to walk straight onto the tracks—there’s a barrier and guard
2. Look for cafe owners near the entrance (they’ll likely find you first)
3. Follow them through the side alleys to their cafe
4. Purchase a drink (around 30,000 VND/$1.25 for beer or soft drinks)
The Hanoi Train Street Schedule: Your Golden Ticket
While I personally didn’t wait for the train (tight schedule, remember?), here’s the intel you need if you want the full experience:
Weekdays Train street schedule (Monday-Friday)
- Evening trains: 7:00 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:45 PM, 9:30 PM, 10:00 PM
Weekends (Saturday-Sunday)
- Morning: 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM
- Afternoon/Evening: 3:20 PM, 4:30 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:20 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:45 PM, 9:15 PM
Helpful Tip: These times aren’t set in stone—Vietnam runs on its schedule. Chat up the cafe owners; they’re your best source for real-time train intel.
Best Cafes on Train Street
The Cafe Strategy
If you’re going to do Train Street right (unlike my midday dash), here’s your game plan: pick a cafe, order a ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk), and settle in. The cafes aren’t just viewing spots—they’re your ticket to access the street itself, as guards usually block the main entrance.
Top Picks: Best coffee shops on train streets
- Spot 09 Cafe (best terrace views)
- Railway Tuan Cafe (photography gold)
- May Cafe (perfect for curve shots)
- Indochina Station Cafe (comfort king)
Photography Pro Tip: Choose right-side cafes for the best train approach shots—the track’s curve creates dramatic photo opportunities.
What to Order
- Ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk) – 30,000 VND
- Local beer – 30,000 VND
- Soft drinks – 30,000 VND
Helpful Tip: The drink is your ticket to stay—quality varies, but you’re here for the experience, not the beverage.
Pro Tip: Choose cafes on the right side of the tracks for the best train approach photos.
For the Time-Strapped Traveler
If you’re running a tight schedule like I was, here’s the express version:
- Show up between trains (yes, counter-intuitive)
- Head to one of the side alleys where cafe owners hang out
- Let them guide you to their establishment
- Snap your photos while enjoying a drink
- Mission accomplished
Want the Full Experience? Go Guided
Hanoi Train Street Tour Options
If you’re short on time (like I was), these tours guarantee you won’t miss the action:
- Hidden Gems Walking Tour
- Covers Train Street plus lesser-known spots
- Great for context and local insights
- More bang for your tourist buck
Helpful Tip: Book tours for your first day in Hanoi —this gives you the flexibility to return solo if you want more photo ops or really dig the vibe.
The Safety Lowdown
Is hanoi train street safe?
Let’s be real—you’re standing next to active train tracks in a very narrow space. While the thrill is part of the appeal, remember:
- Follow cafe owner instructions (they know the drill)
- Keep your camera ready but your wits about you
- No photo is worth risking safety (Instagram will survive without your death-defying shot)
Is visiting train street Worth Your Precious Vacation Time?
Short answer: Yes, but be strategic.
For the gram? Absolutely. For the experience? Without question. For the story? You bet.
Don’t make my mistake of showing up at peak tourist hours unless you’re cool with a crowd-heavy experience.
The Bottom Line
Even with my less-than-perfect timing, Train Street delivered a uniquely Hanoi experience. Whether you’re there for the perfect shot, the thrill of the passing train, or just to soak in the atmosphere, it’s worth carving out space in your itinerary.
Just remember: timing is everything, respect the locals, and maybe skip the midday rush (learn from my mistakes). And hey, if the main section is closed? Now you know exactly where to find those alternative spots.
Final Tip: If you’re serious about photography, make two visits—one for scouting and photos without trains, another timed with the train schedule. Your Instagram will thank you later.
[ READY TO dIVE DEEPER ?]
Vietnam travel
Travel guide & articles
Click to open the tab see more resources here
