Hanoi Bans Train Street Tours Over Safety Concerns

Hanoi’s iconic Train Street, a narrow railway track lined with quaint cafés and bustling shops, has long been one of the city’s most intriguing attractions. Tourists flock to this area for a unique experience—sipping coffee just inches from an active railway line while waiting for a train to rumble past. However, concerns over public safety have led the Hanoi Department of Tourism to impose a ban on organised tours to this famous site.

A Thrill-Seeker’s Favourite, Now Off-Limits

Stretching through Le Duan, Tran Phu, Cua Dong, and Phung Hung streets, Train Street is particularly popular along a 300-metre section between Tran Phu and Phung Hung streets. Here, visitors could previously be seen standing dangerously close to the tracks, posing for dramatic photographs or filming TikTok videos as trains passed within inches of them.

However, this picturesque setting has also been the scene of several close calls and safety violations. In recent years, authorities have struggled to manage the increasing crowds, many of whom disregard safety warnings. In June 2024, a café owner was fined VND7.5 million (approximately RM1300) after allowing a tourist to pose on the tracks despite an approaching train.

Authorities Crack Down on Violations

In response to these persistent safety hazards, the Hanoi Department of Tourism has issued an official directive banning travel agencies from including Train Street in their tour packages. Tour operators have also been instructed to inform their staff and clients about the risks associated with visiting this location.

Local authorities, including the Hoan Kiem District People’s Committee, have been tasked with enforcing the new regulations. Businesses operating in the vicinity of Train Street will now face stricter monitoring and heavier penalties if found violating railway safety laws.

Mixed Reactions from the Tourism Industry

The ban has been met with mixed reactions from tourism operators and local businesses. Many café owners relied on the steady stream of visitors to sustain their livelihood, and the ban is expected to significantly impact their earnings.

Meanwhile, travel agents, while acknowledging the attraction’s popularity, have expressed their support for the decision. A spokesperson from a Hanoi-based tour company stated, “While we understand that Train Street is a unique draw for visitors, safety must always come first. The risks have simply become too great.”

Despite the ban on organised tours, some independent travellers may still attempt to visit the area. However, with increased enforcement and local authorities on high alert, Hanoi’s government is making it clear that safety regulations will not be taken lightly.

A Step Towards Safer Tourism in Hanoi

This decision is part of Hanoi’s broader effort to enhance public safety and maintain railway security. While the closure of Train Street to tour groups may disappoint many visitors, Hanoi continues to offer a rich variety of cultural and historical sites for travellers to explore.

From the serene Hoan Kiem Lake to the bustling Old Quarter, the Vietnamese capital remains a vibrant destination with countless experiences to offer—just perhaps, from a safer distance from moving trains.