Hanoi’s Long Bien Bridge has become the new selfie hotspot, overtaking Train Street as the city's most popular photography destination.

After last month’s crackdown on Hanoi’s famous 'Train Street,' tourists have discovered a new favorite spot for railway-themed selfies at the Long Bien Bridge, a well-known site in the Old Quarter, despite past safety concerns at Train Street.

According to local news outlet VN Express, tourists are now flocking to Long Bien Bridge for their selfies, despite safety barriers intended to prevent access to dangerous areas of the bridge.

Certain sections of the Long Bien Bridge are designated for pedestrians, but some eager visitors are reportedly climbing over the barriers and even onto the train tracks in their quest for the perfect photo.

Tourist Nguyen Thi Mai Huong, visiting Hanoi from Bac Ninh, shared with VN Express, 'It feels risky, but I’m willing to take the chance for a stunning photo album.'

Spanning the Red River between the Hoan Kiem and Long Bien neighborhoods, the Long Bien Bridge was constructed in the early 1900s. Originally named after French president Paul Doumet, the bridge was built during the time when Vietnam was part of French Indochina.

Due to its strategic importance in connecting Hanoi, the bridge became a target for bombings during the Vietnam War, known locally as the American War.

The bridge is still operational today, with numerous trains passing over it daily. Many locals also use it to commute, primarily by motorbike. This often leads to traffic congestion, creating challenges for those trying to snap the perfect photo amidst the hustle and bustle.

Magali Vaz, a content creator from Mumbai, visited Hanoi with her parents in February 2019 and took several photos on the Long Bien Bridge during her trip.

In an interview with Dinogo Travel, Vaz shared that she hadn’t heard of Long Bien Bridge before arriving in Hanoi. She explored it as part of a 'small and intimate cyclo tour,' adding that most of the photoshoots she observed on the bridge were wedding or engagement sessions for locals.

Instagrammer @ayda_june mentions that she has visited Long Bien Bridge multiple times and has witnessed its growing popularity over time.

'The first time I visited, there was no one around. The second time, about nine months later in 2018, I noticed only a few people,' she tells Dinogo Travel.

'Train Street' gains so much attention that it forces local authorities to take action.

If the trend continues, the Long Bien Bridge’s rising popularity might prompt local authorities to intervene over growing safety concerns.

In mid-October, Hanoi's city government took action by shutting down all cafes located along the tracks of 'Train Street.'

Located in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the colonial-era train tracks run just inches away from several homes and businesses, creating a striking scene, especially when trains pass by.

Some tourists risked their safety by attempting to take photos in front of oncoming trains or scrambling to get out of the way just as the trains sped past them.

The situation reportedly reached a breaking point on Sunday, October 6, when a train passing through Hanoi had to be rerouted because too many tourists were on the tracks, which were originally built by the French in 1902.