On March 7, 2025, Hanoi's Department of Tourism announced stringent measures prohibiting travel companies from organizing tours to the popular "Train Street Coffee" due to rising safety concerns. This announcement aims to protect both the tourists who flock to this unique location and maintain order within the city’s transport system.
The Department's directive, known as document number 221, was swiftly sent out to all relevant travel and transport businesses operating within the capital. It emphasizes the significant risk of traffic accidents when tourists venture unrestricted around the cafes situated along the railway tracks of the Cua Nam, Hang Bong, and Cua Dong wards, where the unique café experience has garnered significant attention.
According to local officials, the popular "Train Street Coffee" offers visitors the chance to enjoy their drinks as trains pass just feet away, creating both thrill and concern. Although these cafés have captured the hearts of many, especially international visitors, the authorities are increasingly wary of the hazards posed by the close proximity to live train tracks.
"Travel companies are instructed to strictly refrain from introducing or organizing any tours to this area," announced the Department of Tourism as part of their plans to regulate access to the cafés. This follows numerous incidents and reports of tourists being placed at risk due to the operation of these cafes under precarious conditions.
Before this crackdown, tensions between local governance and business operations at Train Street were palpable. The problem escalated to the point where, previously on February 6, 2025, the Hoan Kiem District People's Committee had issued Document No. 226, calling for immediate actions to mitigate risks posed by the cafes to public safety. It urged coordination among various local departments to evaluate and compile plans addressing not only safety but also the legality of these establishments.
Despite the clear directives from local authorities, the vibrant street food scene remained resistant to change. On the day the Travel Department reiterated its warnings, Tien Phong newspaper reported the resurgence of activity at Train Street, where cafes were surreptitiously opening their doors to customers. Contentious reports stated, "Despite police efforts to restrict access, activity on the train street coffee area has returned. Cafes there continued to welcome tourists as trains rumbled through. The situation, as per our monitoring, showcases the challenge of enforcing restrictions amid such allure."0
With the community advocating for its survival and tourists showing enthusiasm for the experience of sipping coffee as trains pass, the dynamic leads to significant conflict. Over the years, local residents have vocally lobbied for their right to continue business, proposing innovations to marry safety with the thriving tourism industry. This lobbying had its roots as early as late 2019, when communities operating cafes presented their cases to local authorities, seeking solutions to sustain their businesses without compromising the safety of railway operations.
Authorities are only too aware of the thin line between upholding public safety and nurturing local business interests. The transport sector has consistently stated their position, insisting on the need for firm regulation emphasizing, "The area currently operating cafes does not satisfy the safety requirements for maintaining the railway corridor."0
Customers, especially those from abroad, appear to revel in the thrill of the experience. Many described the atmosphere as one of the most unique additions to Hanoi's tourist attractions. Yet, regardless of the excitement surrounding the cafés, the Department of Tourism has firmly reiterated its focus on safeguarding lives and ensuring orderly management of transportation channels.
The next steps for local authorities will revolve around firm implementation of the newly issued regulations, ensuring thorough compliance among all travel and transportation companies. The eventual goal is to strike the correct balance of empowering local commerce without jeopardizing public safety. Existing regulations and enforcement will continue to evolve as officials seek to create guidelines catering to both tourism and urban safety.
While some locals express hope for future compromises allowing them to reopen under stricter controls, the Department of Tourism's current stance is clear. The blend of excitement for this unique café culture must inevitably yield to the overarching priority of ensuring public safety, solidifying urban order, and protecting tourists from potential hazards. The future of Train Street Coffee-related tours now hangs precariously as Hanoi navigates these pressing issues at the intersection of tourism and safety.