The well-known “train street” in Hanoi is the target of a big crackdown once more.
One of the most well-known tourist attractions in Hanoi and a regular favorite on social media is the street where trains run along a track just centimeters away from residences and businesses in the capital of Vietnam.
However, it’s also risky. The train track is still in use, and tourists who prefer to sit, lie down, and take pictures on it have caused security concerns.
The Hanoi regional government is now taking a tough stance by revoking all the licenses for coffee shops and other businesses along the street, despite the fact that there has previously been official pushback, most notably in 2019.
All of them have until September 17 to close.
Barricades are also already in place to prevent tourists from entering the street, according to Vietnam News, a local publication.
Shop owners were reportedly given just a few days’ notice.
Residents of Train Street who depend on tourists for a living have had a variety of reactions to the shutdown.
“It would be better if we, local people and the authorities can cooperate for developing our Train Street,” one cafe owner who requested anonymity because fear of reprisal from the local government told CNN Travel.
They said that income from tourism had helped repair their home, raise quality of life and support older relatives.
“This closure shall affect directly on our earning,” the owner added.
The rail line’s operator, Viet Nam Railway Corporation, recently suggested that running cafés or taking pictures or movies along “Train Street” should be a punishable infraction.
