Hanoi shuts down Instagram-famous “train street”

Hanoi, Vietnam - june 11, 2019:The Old Quarter, The Hanoi Street Train Tracks. Going through the narrow streets. life of locals on the street with a train

Vietnamese tourist hotspot “train street” has been shut down over safety concerns.

The famous street located in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is home to a 117-year-old railway track that runs down a street full of homes and cafes attracting the attention of hoards of photo hungry tourists looking for the perfect Instagram shot.

It has gained so much attention that authorities ordered the removal of dozens of cafes frequented by tourists, which have become a safety hazard, according to Reuters.

In fact, it’s being reported that last week a train was forced to make an emergency stop to avoid hitting tourists.

The railway leads to Vietnam’s northern provinces, carrying passengers and cargo between Hanoi and Haiphong, Lang Son and Lao Cai, mostly.

“Though the railway cafes attract tourists, they are, in fact, violating some regulations,” Ha Van Sieu, a government tourism official, told media, according to Reuters.

The cafes were given just under a week to close down, with authorities making the announcement on 6 October, giving a 12 October deadline.

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