Railway coffee street — Restaurant in Hà Nội

If you're looking for a unique, thrilling experience in Hanoi, Train Street is an absolute must-visit! Tucked away in the heart of the Old Quarter, this narrow street comes to life as trains pass just inches away from local houses and cozy coffee shops. What makes it special is the perfect blend of local life and adrenaline. Imagine sipping a Vietnamese egg coffee or coconut coffee while sitting just a few feet from the train tracks. And then — boom! The train arrives, horns blaring, locals calmly moving tables out of the way like it’s just another day. It's both surreal and exciting. The best time to visit is about 15–30 minutes before a scheduled train. Many cafés will guide you and let you know when to expect it. The café owners are friendly, and most spots require a drink purchase to enter and watch safely — which is fair, considering you're sitting right next to a...

As a local Hanoian, I understand the appeal of the famous "Railway Coffee Street" – it’s undeniably unique. The narrow alleyway, the vintage houses, and the thrill of sitting just inches away from the passing train create a quirky, Instagram-worthy experience that many travelers find unforgettable.

However, from my perspective, this kind of business model is extremely unsafe and unsustainable. Sitting so close to active railway tracks puts both customers and residents at serious risk. No matter how charming or photogenic it seems, safety should never be compromised for the sake of tourism. I do not support the idea of turning a functioning train route into a café street. It romanticizes danger and encourages risky behavior.

Hanoi has countless beautiful, authentic cafés to explore – ones that don’t put lives on the line...

I didn’t have any intention to go there at the first place. To be honest I was scared of sitting or standing just 20cm from running train. But my friends insisted to go. That’s why I was there. Everyone was so exited waiting for the train to come. Before it comes, the shops owners moved all the tables inside and let us stand behind the line and as close to the wall as we could. I heard that they closed all the coffee shops alongside the railway right after I went there. I am glad that I...