Hanoi to close down cafes along the famous ‘train street’

The authorities are cracking down on the cafes lining one of Hanoi’s most iconic streets, citing concerns over overtourism and public safety.

On a bustling street in Hanoi's Old Quarter, known as 'train street,' trains rush past homes and buildings just inches away from the tracks.

The unique combination of train tracks and residential buildings has made it a popular spot for travelers visiting Vietnam's capital.

However, Hanoi’s local government, along with the city’s transit authority, has mandated the closure of cafes next to the Instagram-famous tracks by October 12, following the tourism surge.

Authorities cite the risk to human life as the main reason for the shutdown. The tipping point occurred on Sunday, October 6, when a train passing through Hanoi had to be rerouted due to an overwhelming number of tourists on the tracks, which were originally laid by the French in 1902.

‘While the railway cafes draw tourists, they are actually breaching certain regulations,’ said Ha Van Sieu, vice chairman of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, in a recent press briefing.

Although he didn’t specify which regulations were being violated, he acknowledged that the issue with the street has persisted for quite some time.

In 2018, Vietnam-based writer Dave Fox told Dinogo Travel that 'overtourism' is a new term for a longstanding problem.

As a long-time resident of Hanoi, Fox witnessed 'train street' evolve from an exciting novelty to a serious safety concern.

‘Travelers must be aware of the optics,’ he remarked.

Some destinations struggle more than others with overtourism. While Hanoi’s authorities can shut down cafes, completely closing off a public street that locals live on is a far more difficult task.

Nevertheless, managing crowds and addressing negative behavior on social media remains a persistent challenge for the tourism industry, including other parts of Asia.

In Indonesia, steps have been taken to significantly limit tourist access to Komodo Island, home of the legendary Komodo dragon. Initially, the country considered closing the island to tourists entirely, but instead, they decided on a plan that restricts access to those who can afford a hefty entry fee.

Similarly, in Thailand, Maya Bay, made famous by the film 'The Beach,' has been off-limits since 2018 for environmental restoration efforts.