The railway tracks that run through the city have a unique circumstance here in Hanoi. Build by the French during their occupation in the late 19th century to transport goods and people, the city has grown up around the tracks since then. I think it is safe to say that personal and architectural boundaries are different from what is the norm in the US or Europe.
An excellent example is what is euphemistically called ‘Train Street,’ where the narrow passage for the tracks has afforded the opportunity to build bars and cafes along it, the tourists naturally flocking in for the experience. From what I read there were safety concerns and tourists actually banned for a period of time, but it is all back in full force again.
We didn’t actually see the train itself, but did check out the area. One of our group members did, however, and shared her video. It is entirely, nerve-wrackingly, worth the watch. She told me the train was inches from their knees. Note the shop owners who try to shoo the people to sit down when the train comes.
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