Hanoi, which, is known for its history and vibrant culture, is a destination that you shouldn’t miss on your Vietnam tours. Amongst its ancient temples and bustling markets, there is a unique and stand-out experience: sipping coffee next to a speeding train on Hanoi Train Street. This travel guide will give you all you need to know about Hanoi Train Street coffee, to help you have the best experiences when visiting Hanoi.
Is Hanoi Train Street Dangerous?
Hanoi Train Street used to have some safety issues in the past, with tourists getting hurt or coming close to being hit by passing trains. But local authorities have taken steps to make it safer, like creating specific viewing areas and imposing stricter rules for the cafes and shops along the street.
Hanoi Train Street location
In Hanoi’s Old Quarter, there are two streets known for their unique feature – train tracks running between the houses. The tracks are located between Kham Thien and Le Duan Street, and also between Phung Hung and Tran Phu Street. These streets are lined with houses, creating a narrow pathway for the trains to pass through.
Hanoi Train Street schedule
The train schedules differ between Le Duan Train Street and Phung Hung Train Street. Additionally, train timings vary throughout the year. You can refer to the Hanoi train street timetable updated in 2024 below:
What makes Hanoi Train Street stand out?
The special thing that attracts tourists is the residential area along the two sides of Hanoi Train Street, right next to the railway on the doorstep. The local houses are built just about a meter away from the railway, making a surprising and peaceful encounter with the daily life of the residents living next to the railway. You should take a walk along Hanoi train street, you can catch sight of the local elderly playing chess, women preparing veggies for their meals, and kids running around.
When exploring this place, you can have a chance to sit at Hanoi train street cafes and watch the train passing by up close. You will be shocked at how close the trains pass by these homes. The most active activity here is definitely taking photos of people and the living space by the train street in Hanoi.
How to get to Hanoi Train Street?
The easiest way to get to Hanoi Train Street is by taking a taxi or a grab motorbike to the Old Quarter. From there, you can walk to the street or ask your driver to drop you off at the entrance.
Suggested Hanoi Train Street Coffee shops
Along Hanoi Train Street, you’ll find many cafes with train themes. They offer a variety of drinks, cozy seating, and some have captivating stories and memories connected to the neighborhood. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Hanoi 1990s
- Address: 222 Le Duan Train Street, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM
The café is situated in a converted Hanoi residence and has a warm and welcoming atmosphere with a simple yet cozy design. Inside, you’ll find neatly arranged wooden tables and low chairs. They offer a wide range of affordable drinks and traditional Hanoi delicacies on their menu.
Café 90 Train Street
Address: 26C Phung Hung Ward, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
The café is situated near Tran Phu’s train street entrance. Café 90 has two floors with its space is adorned with simple and classical decor reminiscent of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. They offer a diverse drink menu with options such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, and coconut water, priced between 1.2 – 1.6 USD. Snack options include beef jerky and sunflower seeds. Additionally, they offer a varied menu of traditional Hanoi dishes like stir-fried rice, pho, bun cha, etc.
Cafe San Ga
Address: 62 Train Street, Phung Hung Ward, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
The coffee shop has a relaxed and inviting atmosphere with potted plants, fun decorations, and interesting art. They serve tasty drinks and food. You can also interact with a friendly poodle and two nice cats that live there.
MER Cafe 48
Address: 48 Phung Hung Ward, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
MER CAFE Station 48 Hanoi Train Line has a classic cafe design style. This Hanoi railway cafe brings a nostalgic atmosphere to the space of the village of the 90s in Vietnam. The shop is also located next to the railway, with both inside and outside service areas.
30 Train Coffee
Address: 159 Phung Hung Ward, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
30 Train Coffee attracts tourists with its luxurious, classic space, with interior ideas from the old countryside in northern Hanoi. Especially besides being close to the railway line, this cafe can be seen as having the most spacious space and the most majestic decoration in the Phung Hung railway area.
Away from busy streets, Hanoi Train Street is a unique destination that you can visit day or night. It offers an authentic local experience and the anticipation of witnessing the train pass by. We hope this blog helps you gain a better understanding of what to expect when visiting Hanoi Train Street and allows you to make the most of your experience.
From Vietnam Travel Online team, a brand of Indochina Voyages!
