Phung Hung Train Street

An active railway through Hanoi’s Old Quarter

What to know before you go

• Sitting on the northern railway spur serving Lao Cai and Hai Phong, the Phung Hung section runs dramatically close to local buildings between Hanoi Railway Station and Long Bien Station. This unique setting became a global tourist phenomenon around 2017 when residents began converting their trackside homes into vibrant cafes. Although authorities restricted open access in 2022 due to safety concerns, the street remains accessible to visitors through the local cafe system.
• To enter, visitors are typically met by cafe owners at the main checkpoints, such as the Tran Phu crossing, and guided to a seat. For safety, patrons must remain inside the designated cafe seating areas and strictly follow staff instructions to stand clear of the tracks whenever a train approaches.