Train Street Hanoi: Everything We Wish We Knew Before Bringing the Family
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There are some places you scroll past on Instagram and think, “Okay, that looks cool… but would I actually take my kids there?” Train Street in Hanoi? Yep, definitely one of those places.
We didn’t go to Hanoi just for Train Street, but funny enough, we ended up staying less than a minute away from North Train Street—aka the one everyone flocks to, the chaotic one, the “is this safe?” one. And let me tell you: seeing it in person is a totally different experience than just watching a reel. The noise, the crowds, the energy—you feel all of it at once.
Before we got there, I had seen the videos, read a few posts, and knew it was a thing. But being there with two small kids, trying to take it all in while also keeping everyone safe and sane? That’s a whole different story.
So if you’re a parent wondering, “Is Train Street actually worth visiting with my kids?” or “How close does the train really get?”—you’re not alone. We had all the same questions.
Here’s the full scoop…let’s break it down so you can decide if Train Street deserves a spot on your family’s Vietnam itinerary—and what to do to make it safe, easy, and actually enjoyable with little ones in tow.
What Is Train Street Hanoi and Why Is It So Popular?
You’ve probably seen it before—a clip of someone sipping coffee, posing on the tracks, or clutching their drink as a train whips by just inches away. It looks thrilling. Maybe even a little insane. But let me tell you—being there in person, with your kids next to you, feels completely different.
Train Street is a narrow, lived-in alley in central Hanoi where a working train line cuts straight through a residential neighborhood. We’re talking just inches of clearance between the train and the buildings on either side. The street is lined with homes that have turned into cafés and shops—some of which even fold up their tables and chairs when the train comes through. It’s not a theme park attraction. It’s an actual train. And it’s loud, fast, and real.
The section people usually visit runs near Hanoi’s Old Quarter (download our free pinned Google Map Guide by clicking here), and is often split into North Train Street (closer to Long Bien Station, and more touristy) and South Train Street (quieter, less crowded). Both offer the same wild experience: sitting trackside while a full-sized train blasts past you at close range.
So why has it become such a hotspot?
Because it’s only here. It’s one of those “this could never exist anywhere else” spots. It’s very real—which makes it stand out in a world full of curated experiences. You’re not behind a barrier. There’s no ticket. No one’s guiding you. You’re literally inches from a speeding train, drinking an iced coffee while locals yell warnings and blow whistles to keep everyone safe. And somehow, it’s become a bucket list experience.
People love the thrill, the photo, the I can’t believe I just did that moment.
But here’s the thing—when you’re there with kids, you notice everything differently. The noise, the crowd, how fast the train comes… it all hits different. So while it’s definitely popular (and for good reason), visiting with a family takes a little more thought and planning.
Don’t worry though—we’ve got you covered in the next sections.
Is Train Street Hanoi Safe for Kids?
This is the question million dong question. And honestly? Yes… but with a few big caveats.
We visited Train Street with our two kids—ages 2 and 5—and while the experience was totally doable, we were very intentional about how we approached it. This isn’t a “let your kids run around and explore” type of activity. You have to go in knowing it’s a sensory-heavy, high-alert kind of experience.
Because the train? It gets really close. Like, “you could reach your arm out and maybe graze it if you wanted to—but obviously, don’t do that” close. The wind from it blows right into your face. It’s loud. And it comes by fast. That part’s not dramatized in the videos. It’s actually wilder in person.
Here’s how we kept it safe for our family:
- We sat at a café (more on that later) where the staff told us exactly where to be when the train came. They blow whistles, give verbal warnings, and make sure everyone is backed up against the wall well before the train rolls through.
- Our toddler sat on my lap the entire time. At one point, she tipped forward in her seat and I realized that being physically close was just safer and more manageable to hold her in my lap.
- Our five-year-old had her own seat, but we made it super clear she had to stay seated, arms down, and no sudden movements once we were told the train was coming. She was really into the whole thing and stayed put the whole time.
- We didn’t bring a stroller. The space is just too tight. If you’ve got littles, I’d suggest a carrier or just holding them close.
If your kids are sensitive to noise, crowds, or unpredictable environments, this might not be the best fit. It can feel overwhelming, especially the first time you hear that horn or feel the vibration of the tracks.
That said, if your kids are okay with a bit of excitement and you’re confident they’ll follow directions (or you can keep them physically close), it can be a super memorable experience. Our kids were in awe. And honestly? So were we.
A few extra safety tips for families:
- Only visit with shop permission. Don’t try to sneak in just for a photo. That’s how people get hurt—and how the street ends up getting shut down.
- Sit down at least 20 minutes before the train is scheduled. This gives you time to get settled, explain expectations to the kids, and avoid any last-minute stress.
- Follow all instructions from the café staff. They’ve seen this show a hundred times and want it to stay open just as much as you do.
Can You Still Visit Train Street Hanoi in 2025?
Yes—but it’s complicated.
In April 2025, while we were staying in Hanoi, there was a fight between two locals on North Train Street, and the city responded by shutting down public access the next day. The area remained mostly closed for the rest of our three-week stay, with access opening only sporadically and only on one side.
Here’s how it works now:
- Access is controlled by police. If it’s closed, you’ll see gates and officers turning people away.
- You can still get in— if you’re invited by a shop owner. They’ll usually let you in through the back and ask you to stay inside during your visit.
- You’ll need to sit in a café, not wander the tracks. The goal is to keep tourists safe and avoid another incident.
This is only for North Train street though. South Train street is less touristy, so you’ll be able to sit outside and wander the tracks until told otherwise.
When’s the Best Time to Visit with Kids?
After speaking with several shop owners, morning is your best bet if you want the train to show up more or less on time. We went for the 11 a.m. train on the South Train Street (more on that below), and it was just about 15 minutes late—which is basically on time in Vietnam.
We arrived 30–45 minutes early to settle in, order drinks, and let the kids explore the area a bit. It wasn’t crowded when we got there, but it started to fill up closer to the train’s arrival.
We visited at Hanoi 1990s and they have the most up to date train schedule as it changes intermittently, so I would recommend checking in with a shop before showing up.
The Train Comes—What Happens Then?
Right before the train arrives, the energy shifts. People rush to snap photos. Shop owners blow whistles. Drinks get pulled off tables. Kids suddenly stop wiggling.
And then it comes.
Here’s what we experienced:
- The train felt even closer in person than in videos.
- Wind gusted past us. You feel it in your face, your hair. My toddler stayed on my lap. Our older one sat frozen in awe.
- The whole moment was over in seconds. But it left a huge impression—on all of us.
Some people laughed, others screamed or gasped. For families, it’s a sensory-rich experience—maybe a little too much for some, but memorable for sure.
Where to Sit (and Why We Chose South Train Street Instead)
Okay, let’s talk logistics—because where you sit really matters when you’re bringing kids.
We originally stayed near North Train Street, which is the more famous stretch you see all over Instagram. But while we were in Hanoi, that part kept getting shut down due to safety concerns. There was an incident between two locals that led to police cracking down hard, and from then on, access was off and on—mostly off. You’d walk up and see crowds just waiting by the gates, hoping it would open. Not ideal with kids in tow.
So instead, we made a reservation for South Train Street—and I honestly think that’s the better move for families anyway.
We found Hanoi Café 1990s, (for more on the coffee scene click here), on social media and messaged them on WhatsApp to make a reservation. Super easy. They responded with the available train times, we picked what worked for us, and then on the day of, someone met us outside the alley and walked us in to their shop.
You can either:
- Order drinks or food (which we did—iced coffee and smoothies),
- Or just sit and watch the train for 40,000 VND per person (around $1.50 USD), which is still totally worth it.
Once inside, they gave us front-row seats—right up against the wall across from the tracks. They have fold down tables that sit in front of you, but when the train’s coming, they tuck everything away and make sure everyone’s seated safely. Our spot had a clear, unobstructed view, and the kids were able to sit calmly (or on our laps) and just soak in the whole experience.
Here’s why I’d recommend South Train Street over North:
- It’s calmer. Way fewer people, especially in the morning.
- It’s more relaxed. You’re not dodging crowds or waiting for gates to open.
- It feels safer. The café staff were attentive, and you’re not competing with a flood of tourists standing in the middle of the track trying to get the perfect photo.
- Same train, same thrill, way less stress.
Also, South Train Street doesn’t get shut down as often because it’s not nearly as chaotic. And the experience? Still just as exciting. The train whips by just as close. Your hair still blows back. But the difference is, you actually have space to enjoy it.
So if you’re going with kids—book South. Every time.
What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home)
You don’t need much, and honestly, less is better.
Bring:
- A small backpack with water.
- Cash (some cafés prefer it).
- Your phone for photos.
- A child carrier (especially for walking to and from the area).
Leave behind:
- Strollers. The streets are uneven and often blocked.
- Big bags or toys—there’s no room.
- Snacks. The cafés have food and drinks.
You’ll be sitting close together on narrow benches or chairs. Keep your kids close and avoid letting them roam.
How to Get to Train Street Hanoi Without the Stress
If you’re staying in the Old Quarter, North Train Street is walkable. But again, it might be closed. You won’t know until you get there.
For South Train Street, use the Grab app to book a ride. It’s easy, cheap, and family-friendly. The café will give you directions and meet you at the drop-off point.
We walked back from South to North afterward—it was only about a 15–20 minute walk.
Things No One Tells You (But Parents Should Know)
- There are no bathrooms in the cafés we saw. Plan accordingly.
- It gets hot. The area is shaded, but the wait can feel long if your kids are restless.
- It’s tight. These are real homes turned into cafés. Be respectful and try not to crowd or wander.
- The beer cap trick: Some locals flatten beer caps by placing them on the track. The train runs over them and they become a souvenir. (Just don’t let your kids try this one.)
Would We Recommend It to Other Families?
Yes, but with planning.
If you can handle a little chaos and your kids are used to new environments, Train Street is definitely worth the visit. It’s one of those moments that sticks with you—and your kids will probably talk about it for weeks.
But for the smoothest experience?
Skip North Train Street. Book at South Train Street instead.
You’ll still get the iconic view, the thrill, the photo—and you’ll walk away feeling like you really did something unique as a family.
