Foreign tourists turned away from the entrance into the train street (located on Tran Phu Street). (Photo: VNA) Touristsseeking the unique sight are also turned away.
Hoan Kiem district’sauthorities said they will close and revoke the licences of all coffee shopslining the rail line by September 17 over safety concerns.
Somesections of track along the Hanoi-Dong Dang railway line, where trains passclose to residential houses, have been popular with foreign tourists for manyyears. However, the spot's popularity also poses a major safety hazard.
The move hasreceived understanding from most people.
Nguyen ThiHuong, a resident in Dien Bien Phu ward, thought it was a good idea and welcomedthe move to improve safety.
She said:"When the coffee shops are open, this railway is packed with people,including foreigners and locals, especially when the train is coming. Theystand beside the railway line, and I have to stop them from gathering around toprevent any accidents caused by the trains.
Student DoDinh Vu agreed: "I usually come here to have a cup of coffee. However, Ithink it is necessary to ban coffee shops here because the pavement is verysmall, and some people even sit on the railway, which is very dangerous forthem when there's a train."
While manytourists who came to take photos and videos of the famous cafe were quitedisappointed, Australian Jamie Williams doesn't think it will affect tourismmuch in the long run.
She said:"I think the closure of the coffee shops will impact tourism a little bit,but I don't think it will be a huge countrywide."
The streetwas ordered to close in late 2019, but after Vietnam reopened in March thisyear following two years of border closure, the coffee shops opened too andforeign tourists have been flocking to 'train street' once more./.
VNA
