Is the train street banned in Hanoi?

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Hanois Train Street, despite a seemingly permanent closure, remains a magnet for foreign tourists. This defiance of the ban has spurred tourism experts to advocate for its reopening, emphasizing the potential economic boost.
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Hanoi’s Train Street: A Persisting Tourist Draw Despite Closure

Hanoi’s Train Street, a narrow alleyway where houses line the tracks of a regularly passing train, has captured the fascination of tourists for its unique and somewhat perilous charm. Despite an official closure in 2019 due to safety concerns, the street continues to attract a steady stream of foreign visitors.

The ban on Train Street was implemented to address potential hazards posed by the close proximity of the train tracks to residential areas. However, the allure of the street has proven difficult to resist, with many tourists seeking to experience the thrill of the train passing just inches from their feet.

This defiance of the ban has prompted tourism experts to advocate for the reopening of Train Street. They argue that the street brings in significant revenue for local businesses and could provide a much-needed boost to the tourism industry, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Advocates for reopening Train Street also emphasize the potential for improved safety measures, such as the installation of barriers or designated viewing areas. They believe that these measures could mitigate the risks while still allowing tourists to enjoy the unique experience of the street.

However, there are concerns that reopening Train Street could lead to increased traffic and noise pollution in the surrounding residential areas. Residents have expressed worries about the safety of their children and the disruption to their daily lives.

The Hanoi authorities are currently considering the possibility of reopening Train Street, but a decision has yet to be made. In the meantime, the street remains a popular destination for tourists, who continue to flock to it despite the official ban.

As the debate over the reopening of Train Street continues, it is clear that the street holds a strong attraction for tourists and has the potential to benefit the local economy. However, the authorities must carefully weigh these benefits against the potential risks to ensure that any reopening is done in a safe and responsible manner.