Railway cafes: Leave them open or closed?
The interest in the thrilling railway cafes shows the limited awareness of railway safety. It is improper to do business in an operating railway.
The decision to shutt down coffee shops located on both sides of the Old Quarter stretch of the train track in Hanoi has become a controversial issue among the public when it comes to tourism development and the safety of locals and visitors to the city. 
Foreign visitors enjoy beers right on the railway track. Photo: Thanh Thuy.
|
Some tourism experts argued that the “deadly” coffee shops should not be closed to remain the unique cultural trait of the city. On the other hand, Hanoi’s authorities suggested some measures to make the businesses safer.
Nguyen Thi Huyen, director of Vietrantour, a regional tourism operator, said that the railway cafes have proven their attractiveness as foreign visitors are flocking here to watch the local life and the chilling experience of standing less than a meter away from a running train in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Hanoi is lacking new and unique tourism spots for visitors, as a result, visitors could regret the shutdown of the railway cafes, Huyen said.
Another tourism expert, Nguyen Tien Dat, considered the scene of train passengers and people along the railway waving at each other is interesting. He proposed Hanoi install some warning signs to ensure safety.
On the other hand, some experts affirmed that Hanoi must close down the railway cafes to respect the rule of law.
Vietnam's railway industry has regulations on the safe corridors for people in the railway area, thereby, living and doing business on the railway is not acceptable.
Psychologist Dinh Doan said foreign visitors gather at the railway cafes because it is banned in their countries and they just want to seek an exotic experience.
Promoting local tourism is important but ensuring safety is more necessary.
The interest in the thrilling railway cafes shows the limited awareness of railway safety. It is improper to do business in an operating railway, according to Ph.D. Phan Le Binh, an expert of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
15:42, 2024/05/06
Red River Delta Master Plan 2021-2030 approved
A pivotal objective of the master plan is to strengthen Hanoi's position as the leading economic hub of the northern region and the entire nation and to foster international competitiveness.
21:04, 2024/05/03
Hanoi cracks down on food safety violations
The inspection findings highlight positive actions taken by local authorities in Hanoi to address food hygiene violations and identify areas for improvement.
14:27, 2024/05/02
Hanoi welcomes 740,000 visitors for Reunification Day and May Day
There was a slight increase in domestic visitors and a significant growth in international visitors over the five-day holiday.
21:30, 2024/05/01
Hanoi focuses on cultural and historical tourism
Hanoi has long been famous for its rich cultural and historical heritage.
16:35, 2024/04/30
Record late April heat scorches Hanoi
Hanoi is expecting its hottest summer on record.
14:28, 2024/04/30
Hanoi’s integral role in national unification drive
Hanoi's ongoing development echoes the call of the liberation hymn and the lesson of rearguard support, strengthening the nation's resolve to remain united.