Vietnam’s Instagram-famous ‘train street’ is being closed to tourists
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
In Vietnam’s ancient capital city, Hanoi, authorities are shutting down dozens of cafes that flank the tracks of a centuries-old railway in the Old Quarter.
On Wednesday, Reuters reported that local officials have “set a weekend deadline for the removal” of the cafes surrounding the railroad because of serious safety concerns.
According to CNN, Ha Van Sieu — the vice chairman of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism — told reporters during a press briefing: “Though the railway cafes attract tourists, they are, in fact, violating some regulations.”
And on Sunday, a train had to make an emergency stop to avoid hitting tourists. The following day, the cafes were ordered to close by Saturday, Oct. 12, and on Thursday, barricades were erected to keep selfie-snapping travelers off the tracks. Signs warning passerby about the “dangerous area” and urging visitors not to take either photos or videos were also installed on Thursday, according to The Guardian.
The scene at the admittedly very Instagrammable train street has become frenetic and increasingly dangerous. It’s a huge draw for tourists, who flock to take photos of the train as it squeezes through the narrow corridor. Vendors hawk goods on the track, while visitors congregate on the rails to take photos.
Hanoi’s train street is hardly the only attraction in Vietnam suffering from overtourism. Three hours east of the city, in Ha Long Bay, the turquoise waters are filled with junk boats and kayakers, and polluted waters have become a serious concern.
In June, the World Tourism and Travel Council and real-estate company Jones Lang LaSalle analyzed 50 cities across the globe, and identified seven destinations where rapidly-increasing tourism could cause serious issues in the next decade. Among then? Vietnam, specifically Ho Chi Minh City. And Vietnam received 12.87 million foreign visitors in the first nine months of 2019, Reuters reported — up nearly 11% from last year.
Featured photo by MeogiaPhoto/Getty Images.
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in the first three months of card membership. Offer ends 11/10/2021.
With Status Boost™, earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to two times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Offer expires 11/10/2021.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. *Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $75 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®.
- Enjoy an exclusive rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club® for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.