Hanoi’s Train Street has grown enormously in popularity with tourists over the past few years, making it one of Vietnam’s top attractions. However, due to safety concerns, the famous street was officially banned to pedestrians in October 2019 by the Hanoi authorities. This closure marks the end of an iconic Hanoi landmark.
What Made Train Street So Popular
The appeal of Train Street was the opportunity to stand dangerously close to the passing trains. The street is so narrow that tourists could literally reach out and touch trains as they slowly rumbled by just inches away. Visitors flocked for unique Instagram-worthy photos leaning out over the tracks with colorful trains behind them. Train Street with Free local guides offered a thrilling Vietnamese experience many travelers couldn’t get enough of.
Safety Issues Lead to Closure
However, the location posed substantial safety hazards that could no longer be ignored. With only 60 centimeters between the trains and buildings, there was an extremely high risk of accidents. In fact, some tourists had suffered minor injuries over the years. The rise in visitors also created nuisances for local residents and businesses. Authorities ultimately determined that banning tourists was necessary to protect safety, despite Train Street’s global fame.
The Future of Hanoi’s Train Street Remains Uncertain
While the street itself is now closed off, many trains still operate daily. Some visitors reportedly still access the tracks illegally regardless of barricades. It’s unclear if Hanoi authorities will institute harsher enforcements or more permanent closure solutions. There is also talk of possibly developing an official viewing platform nearby which could reopen access safely. For now, the iconic street will be sorely missed by travelers.
The Perilous Attempt to Reach
Despite barricades and enforcement efforts, some daring tourists are still finding illegal ways to access Hanoi Train Street. While the iconic street was shut down in 2019 officially for safety reasons, these visitors are risking fines and danger just for photos on the famed tracks. The methods being employed demonstrate both cleverness and recklessness from those unwilling to be deterred.
Exploiting Back Paths and Holes in Barricades
Some expert navigators of Hanoi’s urban landscape manage to find less obvious routes onto Train Street, circumventing barricades altogether. These individuals discover and share back paths through buildings or side alleys unknown to authorities. Additionally, where fencing has been set up, gaps are occasionally found or created, allowing people to slip through. Guards are also occasionally evaded by those timing their movements. These techniques enable clever tourists to beat the system and access the officially prohibited street.
Loophole to come to the famous tourist place
It also has another easier way for tourists to go there. They will be invited by cafe owners along the train street. Follow the timeline of train, they could take pictures, make video close to the railway. That experience goes beyond the traffic rules but it’s hard to ban totally due to local livelihood.
In short, the hazards posed by hordes of tourists could not be mitigated while allowing pedestrian access. Though hugely popular across the globe, Hanoi Train Street’s worldwide appeal threatened local welfare in a way Hanoi authorities decided must finally be stopped through this sadly necessary ban.
If you are in Vietnam and interested in discovering more about Hanoi – the capital and its significance, we invite you to join us at Free Walking Tours Hanoi. We’ll take you across the building, and provide you with a unique perspective of the city. Book now and don’t miss out on this amazing experience.
