“Coffee Street on the Train Tracks: A Forbidden Attraction”
Once a bustling tourist hotspot, the coffee street along the train tracks (from Tran Phu to Phung Hung street) in Hanoi has now been closed off to visitors. This unique destination, popular among both domestic and international travelers, offered a one-of-a-kind experience: sipping coffee while trains rumbled by just a few feet away.
Featured on numerous foreign travel sites and hailed as a “must-visit” spot in Vietnam by many Western tourists, the coffee street was a vibrant hub of activity. However, concerns over safety and violations of railway safety regulations led to its closure in August 2022, as the Hanoi authorities, in collaboration with the railway sector, took action to enforce the rules.
Tourists casually strolling and posing for photos on the train tracks at the coffee street. Photo: Minh Khoi
Barricades were erected at the entrances of the coffee street on Tran Phu and Phung Hung streets, effectively blocking access. Yet, the allure of this forbidden spot persists, drawing adventurous foreign tourists who sneak in to explore and witness the trains in action. Interestingly, a new stretch of “coffee street” has emerged, catering to those seeking a thrilling glimpse of the trains.
Thuy Tien Water Park (Hue): A Mystical Abandoned Attraction
Located about 10 kilometers from the center of Hue city, Thuy Tien Water Park sits on Thien An Hill in Thuy Bang commune. This nearly 50-hectare park, opened to the public in 2004, has a fascinating and somewhat eerie history.
Financial troubles led to its closure and abandonment, and today, it stands as a hauntingly beautiful ruin. Despite its dilapidated state, or perhaps because of it, Thuy Tien Water Park has become an unlikely tourist attraction, luring curious foreigners with its air of mystery.
Foreign tourists are drawn to the abandoned Thuy Tien Water Park, intrigued by its eerie beauty. Photo: Ngoc Thanh
International media outlets have featured this abandoned park, adding to its allure. In 2016, Huffington Post described it as a “must-visit eerie abandoned spot,” while CNN praised its unique appeal. More recently, in May 2022, Australia’s Escape newspaper ranked Thuy Tien Water Park among the top seven abandoned destinations worldwide that still attract visitors.
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