The Train Street in Hanoi was a pretty unique experience. In a couple areas of densely packed Hanoi the railroad tracks are surrounded on both sides by bars, cafes, and restaurants that are just a few feet away from the tracks. The trains rumble through about 5 times a day and the event gathers quite a crowd, some who appear to be drinking heavily. What could possibly go wrong?!!
Before the train comes through people are milling about. Drinks and food are being served, and people are taking photos in anticipation of the train.
It is pretty amazing just how close people are sitting to the tracks and there have been a few nasty incidents involving tourists over the years.
Since there are no coins in circulation in Vietnam (the smallest denomination is a 1000 Dong note), people place bottle caps on the rails to get squished by the train.
Then there are a couple of warnings and the proprietors make sure their patrons stand back off the tracks.
Then to shouts of “Here it comes” and a deafening roar the train comes ripping through.
And then in less than a minute the train is gone and a cheer goes up from the crowd.
Then things are back to normal – such is life on Train Street in Hanoi.
We retrieved a flattened Hanoi Beer bottlecap as our souvenir from our time on Hanoi’s Train Street.