On October 7, a 12-second clip posted by the account Seni World Travel gained rapid traction online, with the caption: "This is why distance matters on Hanoi's train street."

Tourists scream as a train knocks over tables at Hanoi’s train café street.

The video shows a train roaring past a café, pushing tables and objects off the edge as startled tourists scream and scramble to avoid danger.

According to the footage, tables had been placed right next to the railway tracks. Many tourists were seen enjoying beers and coffee while recording videos of the passing train, only to be caught off guard by the sudden impact. The video reached two million views within just one day.

Speaking to VietNamNet, officials from the Hoan Kiem Ward People's Committee in Hanoi confirmed they were aware of the incident and were currently investigating the location and timing of the event.

Officials from Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam Ward are also verifying the details.

This is not the first time videos highlighting dangerous moments on Hanoi’s train street have circulated on social media.

In June, another clip surfaced showing a tourist nearly being dragged by a passing train while seated too close to the tracks near the Phung Hung - Tran Phu intersection.

The incident, which actually occurred in September 2024, left the male tourist with only a minor knee injury. Authorities responded by increasing patrols at access points to the area and requiring both visitors and café owners to comply with safety rules.

Back in June 2024, yet another viral video showed a female tourist posing on the tracks for photos while a train approached. Luckily, a man rushed in just in time to pull her onto the sidewalk.

In a separate incident in September 2022, a man was flung into a wall after being struck by a train near Tran Phu - Ly Nam De street, adjacent to the railway café zone. Despite the impact, he managed to get up and walk away from the scene.

Hanoi’s train café street, which runs along Le Duan, Tran Phu, Cua Dong, and Phung Hung streets, remains a popular spot for both domestic and international tourists.

However, since 2019, city authorities have issued repeated orders to stop illegal businesses encroaching on the tracks, citing risks to public safety and security. Warning signs and barricades have been installed, but visitor numbers continue to rise whenever restrictions ease.

The Hanoi Department of Tourism has requested travel agencies to stop bringing tourists to the railway café area. Despite this, many travelers continue to visit on their own.

Linh Trang