Hanoi train street coffee shops defy closure orders, bustling at night

Despite recent crackdowns, Hanoi's famous train street coffee shops are packed at night with foreign tourists, drawn by the area’s allure and charm.

Following inspections and fines issued on March 24, Hanoi’s iconic train street coffee shops appeared deserted during working hours but came alive again at night as crowds flocked back, seemingly unfazed by the ban.

On March 24, Hanoi police, in coordination with local authorities, conducted sudden inspections and addressed violations related to railway safety and public order along the train street coffee area, spanning from Tran Phu Street to Phung Hung Street.

After the crackdown, the area transformed into an unusually quiet scene. Many shops remained closed, with chairs and tables neatly stacked away, while a few that remained open found themselves without customers.

By late afternoon, officials were stationed at the entrances to monitor the situation. Security staff turned away visitors, advising them to leave as entry points were firmly secured.

Nevertheless, as dusk fell, groups of tourists - mostly foreigners - began gathering at the entrance points from Dien Bien Phu, Tran Phu, and Phung Hung Streets. Despite the barricades, the crowd continued to grow, driven by curiosity and the desire to experience the unique ambiance of train street coffee.

Many of these visitors had learned about the area through online travel guides and social media, with most being independent travelers eager to snap a few photos near the railway tracks. Some even pleaded to enter for a quick picture at the fence line.

However, on the night of March 26, the unexpected happened - the barricades were suddenly removed, and the entire stretch from Dien Bien Phu to Phung Hung was once again packed with people as if no ban had ever been in place.

By 7:15 p.m., the area was teeming with foreign tourists, swarming in despite the imminent train schedule, which was just 15 minutes away. Coffee shops quickly filled up, with tables and chairs being set up outside to accommodate the influx.

Crowds gathered dangerously close to the tracks - less than a meter away - as the train approached, capturing videos and taking selfies. Many visitors appeared thrilled by the excitement and danger of the moment.