End of an era? Hanoi plans to stop trains on viral café street

Hanoi is planning to stop passenger trains from running through its well-known railway café street, a move that could bring an end to one of the city’s most popular tourist experiences. The proposal, submitted by the Hanoi People’s Committee, aims to reroute trains so they no longer pass through the narrow stretch between Hanoi Station and Long Bien Station, where cafés operate close to the tracks.

Under the plan, trains from southern Vietnam would terminate at Hanoi Station, while those from the north would stop at Gia Lam Station. Passengers would be transferred between the two stations by other means, removing train traffic from the section that has drawn global attention for its close-range train views.

Also Read|Air India expands Asia connectivity with new flights to Vietnam, Japan


The area, often referred to as Hanoi Train Street, became popular for images of trains moving through tightly packed homes and cafés. Despite repeated restrictions, the location continues to attract large numbers of visitors each day.

According to a report by VnExpress, city authorities have asked the Ministry of Construction to direct Vietnam Railways to implement the proposed changes. Hanoi is also seeking control of railway infrastructure on the Gia Lam–Hanoi Station section by the second quarter of 2026 to support planned urban upgrades.

Officials said the move is part of a broader plan to preserve the historical value of Long Bien Bridge and nearby structures, including 131 stone arch vaults under the railway. The area is being developed as a cultural and tourism zone linking the Old Quarter with the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.

Also Read| Tourists in Vietnam may face wider travel disruption as fuel crunch forces airlines to cut flights

Hanoi is working with the French Embassy’s economic agency on a technical study focused on restoring Long Bien Bridge. The project includes safety assessments and plans to use the site’s heritage value for future development.

Authorities said future development will aim to balance conservation with urban growth, while maintaining the historical importance of the area. Meanwhile, Vietnam Railways has continued to warn about safety risks as tourists enter the railway zone despite restrictions.