Are you visiting Hanoi and want to see Hanoi train street? If you are in Vietnam and want to experience something different, this is the place.
In this post I will give you all the information you need: what to do, how this street originated along the tracks, the schedule and the location.
If you’re putting together an itinerary for your trip, check out the following link for a day-by-day organized ITINERARY for VIETNAM.
NOTE: THE STREET IS OPEN AGAIN TO TOURISTS AND ALL THE INFORMATION IS UPDATED
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Hanoi’s Train Street
If you are planning a trip to Vietnam (👉VIETNAM GUIDE), you have to know that it is a country with a great cultural and natural wealth. It is full of places to discover, traditions to learn about and activities to sign up for.
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When browsing the internet during your trip, it is essential to use a 👉 QUALITY VPN to ensure your privacy and security. Additionally, bringing a ⭐ TRAVEL DEBIT CARD will help you avoid issues with carrying cash and reduce the risk of theft.
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and is known for its chaotic streets, rich cuisine and incredible temples.
This city offers a great variety of activities, such as trying out its traditional food , visit Ha Long Bay, enjoy the incredible rice terraces in Sapa, or discover the incredible landscape and temples of Ninh Binh.
If you have little time, you can explore a lot of places joining this HANOI 1-DAY TOUR.
Hanoi’s Train Street: This is how it all started
The roads that pass through the middle of the street connect the cities of Hanoi with Ho Chi Minh (the old Saigon), and the journey has a total of 1726 km.
Vietnamese people began building this line during the French colonial era and it took nearly 40 years to finish it (1899-1936). It was then that people who worked in the railway industry decided to build their houses along the tracks.
This is how this particular street train in the city of Hanoi came about.
Hanoi’s train street today
In 2019, this place became popular thanks to Instagram and a lot of bars started opening to attract tourists.
As people gathered in an area where the train goes by, the situation became dangerous. For this reason, the government of Vietnam decided to close the bars and cut off entry to non-residents.
A while later, the bars reopened and now it is still possible to visit the street and watch the train go by while you eat or drink something in one of the establishments.
WHAT YOU CAN DO AND SEE in hanoi train street
Here’s a list of all the things you can do here.
SEE HOW PEOPLE LIVE
Although bars have opened for tourists, these establishments are only a minority.
The train street is just another street in Hanoi, with its inhabitants preparing dinner, washing the dishes on the street itself, hanging out the clothes and happily walking the dog.
It will help you get closer to the economic reality of the country, and also to its day-to-day life, thanks to its picturesque and authentic atmosphere.
Take lots of photos
You don’t need to take selfies or Instagram style picture. If you like photography or want to have a nice memory of your vacation, you will have a great time here; since this place offers a unique aesthetic.
Have a drink or meal at a bar
Simply sit back and enjoy the afternoon with a drink or some typical Vietnamese food. The bars in Hanoi’s train street are nice, and some of them have a terrace on the first floor, so you can enjoy a better view.
Watch the train go by
This is the main and most impressive attraction. The train runs several times a day, both on weekdays and at the weekend.
There are two things to keep in mind:
- it goes too close and there is no protection at all. Be careful and don’t take risks as it can be dangerous.
- if you want to take a photo of the train arriving, keep in mind that it can come from both directions. Depending on whether it goes to Saigon or comes back.
HANOI’S TRAIN STREET SCHEDULE
Monday to Friday
6:00, 15:20, 19:20, 21:30, 22:00
During the weekend
Mornings: 8:45, 9:00; 11:35 a.m.
Afternoons: 15:20, 16:20, 19:00, 19:45, 20:30, 21:00, 23:00
Useful stuff for your trip to Vietnam
Below, you will find some products that will be very useful during your trip to Vietnam.
In addition, the options that I recommend are committed to the environment/social causes and are vegan.
3-in-1 hiking shoes
These La Sportiva shoes are designed to run in the mountains, thanks to this you can use them for hiking, go out to run and do tourism ; saving space in your suitcase.
They are made with goretex, which means they protect you from the inclement weather weather (such as rain, ice or cold) and are adherent to the ground. This makes them ideal for traveling due to their versatility.
👉 Price shoes for MAN and for shoes for WOMAN
10l backpack for day trips and trekking
This 10 L backpack 10 is ideal for visitng cities or going hikimg. It has two compartments to organize your stuff properly and internal space for a hydration bag, as well as a side pocket to carry a bottle.
The size is suitable for 1 day trips and to go running, since it allows you to take everything you need with ease. In addition, it covers less of the back and thus avoids being overheated.
Sun protection SPF 50
If you travel to countries where the sun is strong and you will be exposed during the hours when it is most itchy, I recommend that you take a strong sunscreen (SPF 50).
This Babaria’s protector wears a rosehip and helps prevent spots, wrinkles and skin problems.
Tip: when you go hiking, it is better to take a container that is not very large, since it does not take up space in the backpack and weighs little.
How to get to Hanoi from the Airport
You have 3 options to get to Hanoi from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN): you can make the trip either by shared or private shuttle, bus or taxi.
The airport is located at a distance of 30 km from the center of Hanoi, which is equivalent to about 45 minutes by car or express bus, 1 hour and 15 minutes by shuttle buses, and 1.5 hours by public bus.
Next, I will tell you with more details how to make the journey.
Private shuttle
Going by SHUTTLE (👉prices) is the fastest and most comfortable option. You will be picked up at Noi Bai airport and taken to your hotel in Hanoi.
In addition, the shuttle does not make stops and the journey only takes 45 minutes (you will arrive faster ), and you won’t have to transfer when you arrive in Hanoi center.
I recommend hiring a private shuttle instead of going by taxi. You’ll avoid problems with the final price and have the security that you will end up your hotel (some taxi drivers leave tourists at a random hotel, charge for the ride and leave).
Shared shuttle
You also have the cheap option of getting to Hanoi on one of the shuttles offered by the airlines.
You will find these shuttles right at the departure terminal of Noi Bai airport. The prices of the start at 40,000 VND.
The main disadvantage of this method of transport is that the stops are fixed and the shuttle will not take you to your hotel.
Express bus
An economical and fast way to get to the city of Hanoi is to take the Express Bus 86. It is faster than taking the public bus (it takes about 45min); although not so cheap, since the journey costs 40,000VND.
The express bus runs from Hanoi airport to the central train station. This bus is particularly suitable for you if you are staying in the Old Quarter area.
Public bus
You can take bus number 7 or 17 at Noi Bai airport. The first arrives at Kim Ma bus station and the second will take you to Long Bien station.
This is the best option if you are traveling on a tight budget, as the journey will cost you only 10,000VND and takes 1.5 hours.
Tours and activities in Hanoi
When it comes to Asian capitals, Hanoi has a lot to offer. With its impressive temples, landscapes and its traditional food and beaches, it is not surprising that this city hooks more than one traveler.
In this list you’ll find the activities and tours that you can enjoy during your stay in Hanoi.
Is it SAFE to travel to Vietnam?
If you’re considering traveling to Vietnam, it’s important to be aware of certain risks to ensure your safety. Additionally, as with any trip, I highly recommend obtaining a reliable TRAVEL INSURANCE (👉5% off) that provides coverage for any unexpected situations abroad.
While Vietnam is generally a safe country, theft is common in larger cities, public transportation, crowded markets, and tourist areas. Taking necessary precautions and staying vigilant can help minimize any potential risks.
It’s recommended to ask for the price before buying anything and negotiate if necessary since it’s common to be charged higher prices for taxis, souvenirs, products, or services, especially in the more touristy areas of Vietnam, if you’re a foreigner.
In addition, some areas of Vietnam, especially in the central region and near the border with Laos, have landmines that can pose a danger to travelers. If you plan to visit these places, it’s important to inform yourself in advance about the mined areas and follow the recommendations of local authorities.
Safety for Women
I spent a year and a half traveling in Vietnam and never encountered any truly unpleasant situations. It’s common for men to want to take pictures with you or even blatantly put their phone in front of your face and record videos.
That being said, Vietnam is not free from sexual assaults, verbal harassment, or unwanted groping. I recommend that you:
- Be cautious at night, especially if you plan to drink at a bar (which is not advisable).
- Use Grab to move around safely at night and always avoid taxis and motorbikes you find on the street.
- If you become a victim of sexual assault, seek immediate medical assistance, contact the local police, your embassy, and make sure to file a report.