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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Train Street Summary
Vietnam – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type A , Type C
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Vietnamese Dong (VND) £1 ≈ ₫34,383 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in Vietnam, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. Cash is still commonly used in rural areas.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not customary in Vietnam, but small tips are appreciated for good service in restaurants, taxis, and hotels. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally allowed in Vietnam, but drinking in certain public spaces, like parks, may be regulated. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is allowed in outdoor public spaces, but there are smoking restrictions in some indoor public areas. |
| Independence Day (2 September) |
Celebrates Vietnam’s independence from France |
|---|---|
| Tết (January/February) |
The most important holiday in Vietnam, typically in January or February |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 113 (Police), 115 (Ambulance), 114 (Fire) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Grab |
| Other: | Vietnam is famous for its vibrant cities, historic sites, and stunning landscapes like Ha Long Bay and the Mekong Delta, offering a rich and diverse travel experience. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Train Street, Vietnam
Access rules are enforced by authorities and change often, with cafes sometimes closed to visitors
Trains pass only at fixed times a few times a day, so check the timetable before going
Tet (late January to mid February): many cafes and shops close for several days
Don't miss
- ☕ Sip traditional Vietnamese coffee by the narrow tracks
- 🚂 Watch trains pass just inches from vibrant cafés
- 📸 Capture colorful street scenes and vibrant lanterns
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Train Street in Hanoi is a narrow railway track dating back to the French colonial era of the early 20th century. It runs through a dense residential area where homes and cafes sit just steps from the rails. The train passes several times daily, creating an exhilarating atmosphere as residents and visitors alike tuck in tables and chairs to make way.
The street is renowned for its incredible photo opportunities with vibrant shops, hanging lanterns and close encounters with speeding trains. While it’s a hotspot for tourists, it retains authentic local charm where daily life continues alongside the railway.
Safety is paramount; visitors must listen carefully when the train is approaching, keep a safe distance and follow the advice of locals or cafe owners who usually provide guidance. The area has faced temporary closures and restrictions to improve safety, so checking current access rules is recommended.
Train Street offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, culture and everyday Vietnamese life but requires attentiveness and respect for local residents’ routines.
Knowledge before you go
- Check train schedule. Cafes clear seconds before arrival.
- Enter via cafe owners only; police block direct track access for tourist safety in Hanoi.
- Visit Le Duan area for fewer crowds than Old Quarter section near Tran Phu street.
- French-built tracks from 1902 run daily through homes; locals built housing tight against rails.
How to travel to Train Street
Train Street is located in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, easily accessible on foot or by taxi from central locations like Hoan Kiem Lake. International travelers usually arrive at Noi Bai International Airport and take a taxi or shuttle to the city center. The street itself is best reached by walking through the dense alleys of the Old Quarter.
Access summary
- From Noi Bai Airport (HAN): Taxi or Grab to Old Quarter, 45–60 min.
- From Hanoi Old Quarter: Walk or short Grab ride, about 10–20 min.
- From Hanoi Railway Station: Walk or short taxi/Grab along Le Duan, 5–10 min.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Train Street
Accommodation options surround Hanoi’s Old Quarter range from budget hostels to boutique hotels, many within easy walking distance of Train Street and other city attractions.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for Train Street
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🕶️
Sunglasses
🎒
Small rucksack
🔋
Power bank
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 77% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to VND) is 12% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is cheaper compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Vietnam’s street‑train system, popular among locals and tourists alike, remains generally safe when used during daylight hours. Keep valuables secure, avoid overcrowded cars and stay alert to pickpockets. Follow local advisories, especially near busy markets or tourist spots.
Accessibility
Vietnam’s street trains are generally accessible, with low platforms and ramps at major stops. However, many older cars lack wheelchair access and crowded boarding can be challenging. Travelers should check station facilities in advance and bring a portable ramp if needed.
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