Train Street in Hanoi: Where Is It and What to Do Nearby?

Train Street in Hanoi: Where Is It and What to Do Nearby?

If you’ve seen jaw-dropping photos of trains squeezing past narrow cafés in Hanoi, you’ve already glimpsed the city’s most unusual attraction: Hanoi Train Street. Nestled in the Old Quarter, it’s a thrilling mix of local life, history, and pure adrenaline.

Where Exactly Is Train Street?

Hanoi Train Street runs through the Old Quarter, with two main access points:

• Phùng Hưng – Trần Phú intersection (Hoàn Kiếm District)

• 224 Lê Duẩn Street (southern end of the tracks)

Due to safety regulations, direct street access is blocked. The best way to experience it is through local cafés along the railway. Owners guide you in, share train schedules, and ensure everyone stays safe when the train passes.

Why Is Train Street So Special?

• Adrenaline & coffee combined – sip a drink while a train rushes past just one meter away.

• Historic charm – the railway was built in 1902 during French colonial rule.

• Local lifestyle – residents still live, cook, and relax alongside the tracks, creating an authentic Hanoi vibe.

Tips for Visiting Hanoi Train Street

• Buy a drink – access is free, but cafés expect you to order something (30,000–60,000 VND).

• Stay safe – always follow café owners’ instructions and step back when trains approach.

• Best visiting hours – late afternoon or evening for golden light and more frequent trains.

  

   

What Else to Do Near Train Street?

Train Street is located in the heart of Hanoi, which means you’re close to many must-see attractions:

• Hoàn Kiếm Lake & Ngọc Sơn Temple – perfect for a morning stroll.

• The Old Quarter – buzzing streets with food, souvenirs, and history.

• Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university and a peaceful escape.

• Hanoi Opera House – a French colonial architectural gem.

Silver Ant Tattoo – A Hidden Gem Just Minutes Away

Looking for something more permanent than photos? Just a 5-minute walk from Train Street lies Silver Ant Tattoo, at 5 Ngõ Trạm.

Silver Ant is a long-standing tattoo studio in Hanoi, recently relocated to its new space while keeping its reputation as one of the city’s best. The team of artists specializes in:

• Hyper-realistic & micro-realistic tattoos

• Traditional Asian designs

• Vietnam Landscape Frame tattoos – an original style created in Vietnam

For travelers, it’s the perfect way to take home a piece of Hanoi on your skin. Many visitors combine a Train Street coffee stop with a visit to Silver Ant Tattoo for a consultation or spontaneous ink session.

Suggested One-Day Itinerary

• Morning: Walk around Hoàn Kiếm Lake → explore the Old Quarter

• Afternoon: Grab coffee at Train Street and watch the train spectacle

• Late afternoon: Head to Silver Ant Tattoo (5 Ngõ Trạm) for a tattoo consultation

• Evening: Dinner in the Old Quarter → optional show at Hanoi Opera House