Despite ongoing bans, crowds of visitors continue to flock to Hanoi's famed railway café street, where narrow tracks run just inches from bustling cafés. In recent years, several alarming incidents have raised serious concerns about railway safety.
The railway café street runs between Le Duan, Tran Phu, Cua Dong, and Phung Hung streets, spanning parts of three wards: Dien Bien (Ba Dinh District), Cua Nam, and Hang Bong (Hoan Kiem District). This narrow stretch of track has become a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.
Since 2019, Hanoi authorities have attempted to resolve safety violations related to commercial encroachment along the tracks. Signs and barricades have been installed, but enforcement often eases, and the crowds quickly return.
In April 2023, the Hanoi Department of Tourism issued a directive to stop taking tourists to the railway café street. Nevertheless, many continue to visit on their own. Multiple safety incidents have occurred here recently.
Tourists gather along Hanoi’s railway café street to take photos and watch passing trains. Photo taken in June 2024 by Linh Trang.
Thrill-seeking tourist nearly struck by train while filming
A recent viral video captured a foreign male tourist slipping and falling toward a passing train while filming on his phone. Bystanders quickly intervened, pulling him back to safety as tables and cups were knocked over in the chaos. The near miss stunned other onlookers.
Officials from Hang Bong Ward (Hoan Kiem District) confirmed that local police are investigating the video, which was filmed at the Phung Hung - Tran Phu intersection. Preliminary findings indicate the incident occurred in September 2024, though the video only went viral in mid-June 2025.
Teams from the Hanoi Traffic Police Division, along with officers from Dien Bien, Cua Dong, and Hang Bong wards, conducted joint inspections on June 14 to enforce railway safety laws. Coffee shop owners were ordered to clear their setups, and tourists were asked to vacate the area for their own safety.
Woman jumps onto tracks for photo as train approaches
In another video from June 2024, a female tourist is seen stepping onto the tracks to pose for a photo with an oncoming train dangerously close. A man nearby rushes to pull her back just in time. The clip left viewers stunned.
A representative of Hoan Kiem District confirmed that after the video was flagged on social media, authorities directed local police and ward officials to verify the incident and strengthen enforcement against railway safety violations.
Hang Bong Ward imposed a fine of 7.5 million VND (about 300 USD) on Pham Ngoc Hao, a resident of No. 5, Tran Phu, for operating without a business license. According to officials, the female tourist had been sitting at Mr. Hao’s café. He was also the man who intervened to save her.
Train hits man photographing on tracks
A separate accident occurred in September 2022 at the Tran Phu - Ly Nam De rail crossing, bordering Cua Dong and Dien Bien wards, near the café street. According to witnesses, a foreign man ignored barrier warnings and entered the track area to take photos.
Despite loud warnings and even attempts by bystanders to throw objects to alert him, he remained unaware. As the train approached, it struck the man, hurling him against a wall. He managed to get up and leave the scene afterward.
Vietnamnet.vn
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