HANOI TRAIN STREET SCHEDULE 2024: THE COMPLETE GUIDE

Hanoi train street is very popular tourist attraction in Hanoi. It is a beautiful local narrow street in Hanoi Old Quarter with a railway in use very close to the buildings.

The street is perfect to observe the Hanoi local live and its passing trains attracts many tourists nowadays and it is something peculiar that only happens here.

I visited Hanoi train street and watched a couple of trains passing by and stayed for quite a long time talking with the local people and having a meal in the businesses there.

In this guide I will share my experience with you, the Hanoi train street schedule, some photos and a video, to help you make the most of your visit.

TIP: If you are just for a few days in Hanoi consider an organized tour, and use the help of a tour guide to give you all the best insights about the neighborhood.

This is the most popular Hanoi Train Street tour combined with some food tasting or if you interested in seeing more of Hanoi hidden gems, including Train street consider this tour.

If you would like some private attention consider this private local Hanoi tour that includes Train Street.

ABOUT HANOI STREET

The original railways in Hanoi Train Street date back to 1902, during the French colonial rule. At the beginning the tracks were not close to any residential building.

As the city of Hanoi expanded houses came closer to the tracks getting to look the way they do today. The evolution of the cityscape brought this unique combination of traditional railway infrastructure with some local buildings. Hanoi Train Street is a testimony to the historical progression of Hanoi Landscape over the years.

WHERE IS HANOI TRAIN STREET LOCATED

The street is called Ngõ 224 Lê Duẩn and it is located in Hanoi Old Quarter.

Find here a pin with “Hanoi Train Street” location:

HANOI TRAIN STREET VIDEO

This is a short video of the train passing by Hanoi Train Street:

MY EXPERIENCE AT HANOI TRAIN STREET

When I arrived in Hanoi I was a bit tired of traveling non stop almost three months and always visiting the tourists attractions in the places where I was visiting. So I decided to take Hanoi as a local and just wander around the city.

I walked for hours in Hanoi and got lost as a local to end up in “Hanoi Train Street”. At that time I did not have a clue that the street was a top tourist attraction. But I felt in love with the charming people on the streets and the beauty of its buildings.

I decided to stay and watch the trains as the local people on the street told me it was a very cool experience.

HANOI TRAIN STREET SCHEDULE

These are the time at which the train passes by “Hanoi Train Street” so that you can go watch them.

• Mon – Friday: 7 pm; 7.45 pm; 8.30 pm; 10 pm.
• Weekend: 6 am; 9 am ; 11.20 am; 3.20 pm; 5.30 pm; 6 pm; 7 pm; 7.45 pm; 8.30 pm; 9 pm; 11 pm.

There is also an inscription on the wall with the times the train passes, see below:

WHERE TO STAY WHEN VISITING HANOI TRAIN STREET

As Hanoi train street is located and partly is part of the Hanoi Old Quarter the best place to stay to be able to visit this famous street and many other Hanoi landmarks is the Hanoi Old Quarter.

There are plenty of accommodation options on the area suitable for all pockets sizes.

Find here my recommendations of the best places to stay during your visit to this landmark:

BUDGET

Nusmile home: This little and cure hotel is located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Town and it offers very affordable daily rates for independent rooms. The rooms are very clean and the places is very well rated by travelers. The place is very well located close to several landmarks in Hanoi, such as the Old city Gate and the Trang Tien Plaza as well as the imperial Citadel and the Temple of Literature.

Spoon hotel: The Spoon hotel is one of the best rates price quality you can find in the Hanoi Old Quarter. If features clean and comfortable rooms and it has been rated as excellent among solo travelers. The hotel is situated a 7 minute walk from from Hoan Kiem Lake and it is also very close to the Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. There is 24 hours front desk service and a restaurant inside the hotel.

MID RANGE

Hanoi Center Sild Premium Hotel & Spa: This hotel in a very convenient location offers is great value for money. The hotel rooms are decorated with smart dark furnishings and feature a big flat TV. There is a spa in the hotel where you can enjoy energy giving massages and detox sessions. The hotel has 24 front desk and check in service.

La Sinfonia Majesty Hotel and Spa: La Sinfonía Majesty Hotel and Spa is located very near the Long Water Puppet Theater and it features a lovely terrace with a bar and restaurant. This is a four star hotel and rooms are equipped with WiFi, a front desk, room service and private bathrooms. Breakfast will be one of the highlights of your stay in this hotel.

HIGH END

Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique hotel: This hotel is so beautiful and in such a convenient location. If you are willing to splurge and give you a give during your stay in Hanoi this hotel is the place for you. The hotel features two restaurants, three bars and a stunning outdoor swimming pool to cool off after a day visiting the city. This is a 5 star hotel with amazing rooms and a 24 hours front desk.

Sofitel Legend Metropol Hanoi: This hotel as its name suggest is legendary beautiful, a high end 5 stars hotel located close to all the main attractions in Hanoi Old Quarter. The hotel was opened in 1901 and is a luxury landmark in the city. It offers spa services and a heated swimming pool. The decoration is a piece of art with Neo classical themes and French decor touches.

IS TRAIN STREET DANGEROUS?

• Is it not dangerous for the kids?, I asked a local woman when I visited train street. There were so many little kinds running free on the train tracks and as a Western educated person I found the situation quite dangerous.

The woman answered that the kids know when the train is coming, that they were born in the street and they feel the train before it comes and there was never an accident there.

The situation might seem dangerous at first as the train passes so close to the doors of the houses but the local people confirmed that there was never an accident, however the street was closed recently for some time as a foreigner stood to close to a train taking pictures, forcing the train to stop.

The street has been re opened to the public now but the Vietnamese authorities have been trying to close the street due to safety concerns.

I was very lucky to be there on a day when there were almost no tourist and enjoy the street almost empty.

Take safety precautions when visiting train street and do not put your life at risk for taking a photo with the your phone.

Be like the kids who grew out there and feel the train. Is your life worth just one Instagram post?

IS HANOI TRAIN STREET WORTH IT?

Yes, Hanoi street is worth a visit as you can interact and observe the local life in a very nice setting.

The street has become a famous Instagram spot now and it is pretty crowded. Even if the local authorities do not want you there the local people who run businesses in the streets want you there.

The street is very beautiful and the atmosphere really relaxed in the several restaurants around the place.

WHY IS HANOI TRAIN STREET FAMOUS?

Hanoi Train Street is famous due to the proximity of the local houses, built just a meter away from the railway.

People who visit the location are usually really surprised as just a couple of steps outside of the house doors will place you one the railway tracks.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT HANOI TRAIN STREET?

In my opinion the best time to visit Hanoi Train Street is from 17:00 onwards after a day visiting some other landmarks in Hanoi.

You can sit in one of the roof terraces and sip a refreshing drink while waiting for the train to pass.

During the peak hours ( after 17:00 ) to visit Train Street in Hanoi, you not only have the opportunity to witness multiple trains passing by in a brief period but also to experience the contrast between daylight and nighttime views. If you extend your stay, you’ll have the chance to observe Train Street both in the vibrant daytime and the enchanting darkness, enhancing the overall excitement of your visit, that is how I did it. I arrived at almost sunset time and then stayed there until night time,

Alternatively, if the sight of passing trains isn’t your primary focus, I recommend exploring Train Street during the morning or early afternoon. This time frame allows you to immerse yourself in the local life unfolding along Train Street, and you can leisurely enjoy a coffee or drink from one of the cafes lining the street without avoiding the large crowds.

BEST CAFES IN HANOI TRAIN STREET

The majority of cafes and coffee shops along Train Street in Hanoi are very cool and local establishments, with many having opened within the last few years.

It’s important to mention that during peak times, especially on Saturday and Sunday evenings, your choice of cafe may be limited. Local owners are likely to approach you at the entrances and guide you to their establishments.

On the contrary, if you choose to visit Train Street when train schedules are less busy, you can savor a more unhurried experience. This allows you the freedom to select and explore the cafes and coffee shops of your preference.

Here are some noteworthy coffee shops on Train Street:

• Coffee 74 Train Street
• Railway Cafe
• 30 Train
• Beo coffee
• Tram Cafe

TIPS FOR VISITING HANOI TRAIN STREET

1. Check Train Schedules: Be aware of the train schedules to plan your visit during times when trains are passing through. This enhances the unique experience of Train Street.
2. Visit During Off-Peak Hours: To avoid crowds and have a more relaxed exploration, consider visiting during non-peak hours or weekdays.
3. Respect Local Businesses: The cafes along Train Street are often local businesses. Respect their spaces and try to experience the authenticity of these establishments.
4. Watch Your Step: Be cautious and attentive while walking along Train Street, especially when trains are approaching. Stay behind the safety lines.
5. Be Flexible with Plans: Train schedules may change, so be flexible with your plans. Embrace the spontaneity of the experience.
6. Explore Nearby Cafes: Venture beyond the most popular cafes. Explore smaller, lesser-known establishments for a more intimate experience.
7. Mind the Peak Hours: If you prefer a quieter visit, avoid the peak times, especially on weekends and evenings.
8. Capture Responsibly: If you’re taking photos, be mindful of your surroundings and avoid obstructing the paths. Respect the privacy of locals.
9. Engage with Locals: Take the time to interact with the locals. They can provide insights into the area and enrich your experience.
10. Respect Local Customs: Familiarize yourself with local customs and practices to ensure a culturally sensitive visit. This includes respecting
11. private spaces and being mindful of noise levels.

MORE HANOI TRAIN STREET PHOTOS

HANOI TRAIN STREET FAQs

IS HANOI TRAIN STREET OPEN IN 2024?

Yes, Hanoi train street has re opened and it is available for tourists to visit.

WHY DID THEY CLOSE HANOI TRAIN STREET?

There was a tourist that got to close to the train for the purpose of taking pictures and made the train stop. Do please be mindful during your visit, so that this beautiful street will remain open to visitors.

HOW MANY TRAIN STREETS ARE THERE IN HANOI?

There are two train streets in Hanoi:

1. Hanoi Train Street: The most famous one, located in the Old Quarter of Hanoi.
2. Hanoi Train Street near Long Bien Bridge: This is another location where the train tracks pass through a residential area, providing a unique experience for visitors.

RECAP

Traveling is not about the photos you take but about the experience. While I find Hanoi street a very photogenic spot I enjoyed the presence of local people and the opportunity to talk to them more than actually bringing a photo trophy home.

The street is a wonderful opportunity to see how Vietnamese people live in Hanoi and have a chat with them

It was one of the highlights of my visit to Hanoi and I really recommend a visit to the street but I would rather avoid the crowds.