All Our Yesterdays - Chapter 5
Pairing: Ralph (Timewasters) x OFC
Summary: Thu, a museum archivist, only wants to escape her dull life in 21st-century Hanoi. The last thing she expects is to end up in 1929 Indochina via a time-traveling elevator and cross paths with Ralph, an Englishman on the run from the French Foreign Legion. Romance blossoms between them, but in a colonized country, unrest is always looming on the horizon, and Thu must decide if she wants to stay with Ralph in the past or return to the safety of the future.
Warnings: outdated/period-typical attitudes about women, mentions of war, mentions of pregnancy and abortion (involving a supporting character), some angst, some smut (non-explicit)
Chapter word count: 4.7k
Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4
Chapter 5
After a week, Thu was still struggling to settle down in 1929. On the outside, everything was going well for her. She had a job, she had her era-appropriate clothes, she had some money, and she had even found a place to stay - a room in a two-story boarding house on a quiet lane not far from the newspaper office. The landlady had looked at her with narrowed eyes, suspicious that a young woman was renting a room for herself, but when Thu slipped her a few extra coins and proved to be a model tenant, the landlady left her alone.
She quickly settled into a routine. Get up in the morning, buy a to-go breakfast from one of the many street vendors and hawkers, and walk to the office. Her work at the newspaper was quite simple but never boring. She was some sort of office manager slash secretary slash errand girl, placing orders for stationery, picking up manuscripts from correspondents, dropping off proofs at the printing house. It allowed her to roam over the city. Sometimes, she was accompanied by Mai. Thu was afraid Mai would resent her for taking her job, but it seemed Mai was happy to have someone to share the work with. Thu also had a sneaking suspicion she was sent along as some sort of chaperone for the girl. She learned that Mai was Madame Phuong's distant cousin, and her parents had sent her to work at the newspaper in the hope that Madame Phuong's strict discipline might prevent her from forming an attachment with an undesirable man. From what Thu had seen though, that hope was in vain, for Mai was likely to form an attachment with any man who gave her the slightest bit of attention.
Then it was lunch, which was often eaten at the office, work again, home and dinner, and sleep. It was similar enough to her routine back home that Thu could sometimes forget she was in another time and simply pretend she was on a work trip in another city. Only when she saw the familiar landmarks, or found herself turning down a side street that wasn't opened yet, or looking for a shop that wasn't built yet, that she got slammed back into reality, and the derealization feel would threaten to overwhelm her again.
To combat that, she started exploring the city, getting to know it once more. In this, she probably had Ralph to thank. Following the success of the photos he took of the staff of Women's Weekly, which were printed at the back of their special first issue, he had had a steady stream of clients looking for more informal portraits; he had also sold some street photographs to a French-language newspaper and was hoping to print them into postcards. It was only a short walk from his studio to her office, so whenever Thu had errands to run, she would often drop by and ask Ralph if he would like to come along, for a chance to catch more interesting street scenes. He was always happy to accept. He loved the food—now he could use the chopsticks as well as she did—and he was so interested in everything. Thu had enjoyed her solo traveling, but she had to admit, it was much more fun to have someone to share the trip with. With Ralph, it was as if she was seeing Hanoi with new eyes, and she fell in love with the city all over again.
Almost every day, and sometimes even at night as well, they wandered through the streets while Thu pointed things out to Ralph. Here was the archeology school that would become the museum where she worked (both blushed when they remembered how their first meeting had transpired outside its gate)—the ancient cotton tree and banyan tree, each growing on either side of the gate, were now just saplings; here was Godard's department store, where Ralph bough his French food, which remained a luxurious shopping mall in modern day; here was Sword Lake with its red bridge and temple that still stood nearly a hundred years later. Everything was so familiar yet so strange to her. The contrast between the bustling little traditional streets and the wide, stately Parisian-style avenues was more pronounced than it was in her time, but these were the same buildings, except their paint was fresh and bright, the same streets, without the traffic clogging them up and polluting the air, and perhaps even the same people, walking on foot instead of riding their mopeds, but selling the same things, with the same eagerness and friendliness.
They hadn't ventured outside the 36 Streets—Thu kept thinking of the city center as the Old Quarter before correcting herself; in 1929 it wasn't old yet—but she could imagine what the surrounding areas were like. There was no suburb. West of the city, where her parents' home would be one day, was probably still full of rice fields as far as the eye could see. Whenever she thought about it, her head would feel like it was being squeezed by a vice, and the funny, hollow feeling in the pit of her stomach would return, so she stopped thinking about it and focused on enjoying the city with Ralph.
But there was more to why she enjoyed hanging out with Ralph so much. Though her face still got hot with embarrassment whenever she remembered how they'd first met, she realized she was comfortable around him. She could be herself with him. With others, she had to watch herself, making sure she didn't say anything or do anything that made them question her origin or, Heavens forbid, her sanity, but with him, she could talk freely about life in 2023 - in which he also showed an interest - and dropped as many modern references as she wanted, even though he had no idea what she meant. And she suspected it was the same for him. To others, he was Alphonse Davinier, a suave French photographer; only with her that he could be Ralph Penbury again and tell her about his life back in London, the wild parties he and his sister Victoria used to throw, and his distant parents, both of whom were dead.
The only thing that blemished Thu's enjoyment of her time travel was the uncertainty about the end of the journey. She and Ralph always kept an eye out for Homeless Pete, but so far, the mysterious man remained elusive. She tried not to think too much about it. Blend in and have fun. Well, she was having fun, and that was all that mattered.
Sometimes, though, the memories of her modern life would hit her so hard and so unexpectedly, she almost thought she couldn't stay in 1929 for a day longer.
It was late September, a few weeks after she'd arrived. Thu and Ralph were returning to the office after she dropped off the proofs for next week's issue at the printing house. Ralph had just ordered some autochrome plates and was playing around with color photography, but he was pouting a little, as the drab shades of the locals' clothes didn't make for very interesting color photos. Thu tried to explain to him that only the rich could afford to wear bright colors; ordinary folks had to be content with black and brown because they didn't stain.
Then, while he was telling her about the autochrome process, Ralph suddenly twisted his head around and ran down Hemp Street, as excitedly as a little boy who just saw a shiny new toy.
Which, in this case, wasn't too far from the truth. Thu followed him in bewilderment and saw what had caught his eyes - it was several toy shops displaying lanterns made from colorful paper and glassine, in the shapes of stars, rabbits, fish, crabs, and other animals, swinging lightly in the breeze, as well as intricate toys and models made from tin and paper, and papier-mâché masks, all brightly painted. The shops were an explosion of colors amidst the brown brick walls and brown roof tiles. A crowd of children surrounded these shops, gaping at the toys in wonder and enthrallment, like Ali Baba as he discovered the treasure cave.
"What's all this?" Ralph asked, positively giddy with delight. "Why haven't I seen it before? Oh, this will look fantastic on autochrome—" He loaded a plate into his camera.
"They're toys for the Trung Thu Festival," Thu explained.
"Hey, that sounds like your name!"
"It is. I suppose you would know it as the Mid-Autumn Festival. My name means autumn."
She caught sight of a calendar inside the shop, which showed it was the 14th of the eighth lunar month, meaning the festival was the next day. In all the fuss of time travel, she had completely forgotten about it. Back in her time, about a month before, makeshift stalls selling moon cakes would spring up along every street, and there would be vendors carrying all sorts of toys, so there was no mistaking that it was coming.
In a daze, she came closer to the shops, reaching out to touch the lanterns. They were so delicate and pretty, a far cry from the cheap, mass-produced plastic toys of the 21st century.
Hearing Ralph laugh, she looked back. The kids had turned away from the toys to focus their attention on a more fascinating thing—his camera—and were crowding around him, trying to look inside the lens with an eagerness quite different from their usual reticence with the French. Perhaps, just like her, they were reassured by Ralph's friendly face and manner. She came to his rescue. "Hey, hey, watch it, you'll break it," she said to them in Vietnamese. "Go on. Let him take your photo, maybe you'll end up in the newspaper."
The kids eagerly lined up in front of the shop. Once Thu explained to Ralph what she'd told them, he grinned and held up the camera. "You get in too," he said.
Thu shyly stood to the edge of the frame, thinking she must tell Ralph not to send this to any newspaper. Suppose it got printed and one of her co-workers came across it in modern day? Before she could chase that thought further, Ralph had snapped the photo. As soon as they heard the shutter click, the kids screamed in excitement and scattered off, apparently satisfied, leaving the two of them in front of the shops.
"So were you born in autumn?" Ralph asked, lining up another shot.
"No, that's the kicker," she said, chuckling. "I was born in July, in one of the hottest months of summer. But my mom didn't want the heat to burn me, so she named me Tân Thu, meaning new autumn."
"That's sweet."
"It is."
Perhaps it was the combination of seeing all the childhood toys, sharing the excitement of the kids as they looked forward to the festival, and talking about her mom, but Thu suddenly felt a lump forming in her throat. She had managed to avoid feeling homesick until now, but at that moment, she would've given anything to have her mom nag her again, to see her dad hiding his face behind his phone, and to hear her brother whine to her about his schoolwork.
Ralph asked, "So what's the festival exactly?", but she could only sniff pitifully in reply. He turned to her in alarm. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," she said, wiping at her eyes with the heel of her hand. Seeing this, Ralph pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and gave it to her. She took it gratefully. This was one personal item that she forgot to add to her list. She must remember to rectify that the next time she went shopping. No 1920s lady went out without a handkerchief in her handbag.
"Do you think I've gone missing in the present and they're all searching for me now?" Thu asked. "Or did the timeline break off into a new branch after I left, like in Avengers Endgame, and I never existed in that timeline at all?"
Ralph's face was blank. "Uh, I don't know what that means."
"No, of course not. I'm just thinking out loud." She gave a shaky laugh. "It's no use, is it? I just have to come to terms with the fact that I may never go home again."
"Come now, don't lose heart," Ralph said, reaching out as if to give her a hug, but then he thought better of it and settled for an awkward squeeze of her shoulder instead. "I'm sure when Homeless Pete turns up, he'll take you right back to where—I mean, to when you left, and nobody will even notice."
"You sure about that?" She wiped her nose with his handkerchief. It, too, smelled of Palmolive soap, and as usual, the scent calmed her down.
He shrugged. "No. But it doesn't hurt to hope, does it?"
She had to smile at that. He was right, of course. There was no use getting herself into a tizzy over something she couldn't control. She just had to keep an eye out for Homeless Pete and hope for the best.
"If you want to know what the festival is like," she said, picking up a clown mask and holding it over her face, "we can go together. I'll stop by tomorrow evening at seven."
***
A fat full moon was rising over the horizon when Thu made her way to the photo studio. She was wearing her men's clothes again, as she often did whenever she walked out at night—in them, she was much less likely to be accosted—and bringing with her the mask she had bought as well as a couple of moon cakes she'd picked up from Sugar Street, one baked and one steamed. Truth be told, she had never been a fan of them, even as a kid - they were too sweet for her. She could still remember the pain shooting through her teeth when she bit into a wedge. However, if Ralph wanted the full Mid-Autumn Festival experience, then he must have moon cakes as well. She also had her phone in her pocket, but that was more for herself.
She found him emerging from the dark room, triumphantly brandishing the autochromes he'd taken the previous days. "They turned out fantastic!" he exclaimed.
Thu picked one up and was dismayed to see that it was so dark, the colors drab and gloomy. "Is it supposed to look like that?" she asked.
"Wait, you have to hold it to the light—here, I'll show you." He stood behind her and held the plate up to the light overhead. Like magic, the light brightened the colors and brought the image to life. Thu was reminded of those hand-tinted old photos that always looked so much more life-like than the black-and-white ones.
"In modern day, we're so used to seeing the past in black and white that sometimes, I think the world must be all sepia-toned back then," she said. "But when you're actually in it..."
"It just looks normal, doesn't it?" Ralph said.
"Yes, exactly—"
She half-turned her head and abruptly became aware that they were practically standing cheek-to-cheek, with his chest to her back and his arms around her. They both froze for a moment—a moment too long, or perhaps not long enough. Then both stepped away. Thu busied herself with unwrapping the cakes, trying not to look at Ralph, not wanting to see if his face was as red as hers.
Ralph actually liked the cakes, bless him. "They're not too sweet for you?" she said, staring as he wolfed down the wedges.
"I have a massive sweet tooth," he replied with a grin.
"Clearly," she said, shaking her head. Hopefully, he wouldn't develop cavities. She imagined that going to the dentist was even less fun in 1929.
Ralph was still munching on some cake as they strolled toward Sword Lake, the epicenter of the festivities. People were putting displays of fruits and moon cakes outside their front doors to wait for Chang'e, the Moon Goddess, and Uncle Cuoi, the Man on the Moon. Dangling over these displays were strings of grapefruit seeds, dried and lit, so they sparkled like fairy lights and gave off a citrusy fragrance. More lit lanterns were hung over shop doors and windows, competing with the night sky in glitter and radiance. The streets were alive with children, all wearing masks and carrying lanterns gleaming with candles, and their excited shrieks mixed with the drums from a group of lion dancers gave the city the feel of one giant street party.
Thu and Ralph put their masks on as well. None of the grown-ups, who were either supervising the kids or joining in the celebration, were wearing masks, but Thu thought it would be safer to hide their faces. The streets were much more crowded than usual, and who knew, Ralph might have another unfortunate run-in with his old legionnaire friends. She doubted pretending to be a prostitute would work twice.
After a while, though, Thu stopped worrying about legionnaires. She had something more important in mind - the phone in the pocket of her waistcoat. In the past weeks, that phone had been her crutch. Sometimes, when she was alone in her room, she would turn it on and scroll through her gallery and even play a game of Candy Crush or two, all just to remind herself of where—or rather, when—she came from. But she had no way of charging it except for a portable charger, and since the plug was not compatible with any sockets of this era, it would last her a month or two at the most. So she had been very conservative with the battery, saving it for an occasion like this.
"Cover for me," she whispered to Ralph.
"What?"
"Just walk a little ahead of me and act normal."
"What are you—"
"Act normal!"
Acting normal, apparently, was the cue for Ralph to fix his eyes straight ahead and walked stiffly like a puppet on a string. Thu ducked behind him and fumbled to turn her phone camera on, then slipped the phone back into her pocket, with only the camera lens peeking out. Ever since her arrival in 1929, she had wanted to do this. She had to have some proof that this really did happen, so she could look back at it after she went home and convinced herself that she had not gone crazy. But it was too risky to bring out her phone during the day, and at night, the streets were so dark that she would need her flash on, and that would risk discovery too. The Mid-Autumn lantern procession was the perfect opportunity. It was just dark enough so no one would notice the phone unless they looked very closely, and the light from the full moon and the candles was just enough to illuminate the scene.
Ralph glanced back at her, clearly baffled, but he continued his stroll down Sword Lake, while around them, the kids scampered and shouted with joy. An informal procession had formed along the lake shore, and the two of them went with it, swept forward by a sea of flickering stars coming from the children's lanterns or the moonlight reflected on the rippling surface of the Lake or both, it was impossible to tell.
Up ahead, the lanterns congregated into a mass of dancing flames. The dancers were putting on their red and gold papier-mâché lion heads.
"But they don't look like lions at all," Ralph said, confused.
"They're not lions exactly," Thu tried to explain. "They're more like... this mythical mix between lions and dragons. There's no English equivalent."
The drum started up again, its beats reverberating throughout the streets, and the dancers began whirling around each other, like two lions at play. Someone started clapping in time with the drum, and soon the entire crowd, children and grown-ups alike, was clapping, drowning out even the drum, while the dancers moved faster and faster, their tinsel manes reflecting the candles into a thousand glittering rays, so it looked almost as if the lions were painted in flames.
"This is amazing!" Ralph said over the noise. "It's like Halloween!"
"I guess the celebration is kind of similar," Thu replied, nodding at the masks. "We have our own day dedicated to remembering the dead, a month before this. This is for worshipping the moon."
"And you still have this, in your time?"
"Of course. But it's not quite as—authentic."
The truth was that she hadn't been to such a Mid-Autumn Festival since she was little and visiting her grandparents in Hue - like most everything else, the festival in modern-day Hanoi had become too commercialized. Here, it was pure and simple. Suddenly, she no longer felt that derealization. All the lights and sounds she was seeing and hearing around her, all these people, including the young man clapping enthusiastically next to her, were real. She felt like throwing her arms in the air and laughing and running with the kids down the lake shore, and for the first time in weeks, she was glad that she had decided to stay.
***
After the lion dance was over, the kids scattered back to their houses to "break" the feast of moon cakes and fruits, but some grown-ups, either without families of their own or were still enchanted by the sight of the moon over the water, lingered by the lake. Thu and Ralph were amongst these. They found their way to a quiet place by the edge of the water and sat down on the grass, their masks pushed up over their foreheads. After checking to make sure nobody was looking their way, Thu pulled her phone out to watch the video back. The image was shaky, but at least it was clear. That was all she needed.
"What's that?" Ralph asked.
Thu hesitated. But Homeless Pete's rules made no mention of modern devices; besides, she had told Ralph enough about modern life to ruin several space-time continuums already.
"It's a phone."
"A telephone? Where's the wire? And where do you speak into?"
"It's wireless. It's called a smartphone."
"It does look pretty sharp," Ralph said, eyeing the slick phone case.
Right. He's British. Thu chuckled. "No, 'smart' as in 'clever'," she said. "It can do... well, pretty much everything. You can call people, send messages, take photos, film stuff... Here, I'll show you."
She turned her camera to front-facing, held the phone out, and tilted her head toward Ralph. His eyes went wide at the screen.
"That's us!"
"Yes, now smile."
Ralph gave a startled grin. Thu snapped the photo and showed it to him.
"But where do you put the film?" he asked.
"There's no film."
"It's even in color!" His eyes were sparkling as they were fixed on the photo, like a child who had just seen Santa Claus for the first time. "This is so wizard..." He looked up at her with sudden worry. "But if everybody has cameras with them, are there photographers in the future anymore?" he asked. "Or is it one of those obsolete professions, like the Victorian knockers-up, before they had alarm clocks?"
"Of course, there are still photographers! Just because people all have cameras on their phones, doesn't mean that they can take professional-looking photos."
That seemed to cheer him up.
Thu switched to video. "Say something."
"Uh, what should I say?"
"I don't know, anything."
"Hello, my name is Ralph Penbury. It's September 17th, 1929, and we're in Hanoi."
That would have to do. Biting back a grin, she panned a little to show the lake and its recognizable Turtle Tower behind him, before stopping the recording and playing it back. Ralph's jaw dropped. "You don't even need a projector to see it!" he exclaimed.
His excitement was contagious. "No, it's all digital," she said with a laugh.
"What is... digital?" he asked.
"It's... uh, it's something to do with computers and..." Thu trailed off when she remembered he didn't even know what a computer was. "It's just—technology," she finished lamely. "I don't know how it works, really."
But Ralph's attention was on something else. "Who's that?" he asked, pointing at her lock screen, still set to a photo of herself and Hoang from the previous Lunar New Year. She'd never bothered to change it.
"That's my—uh, my boyfriend," she said. "Or ex-boyfriend. I don't know. We had a huge fight before—before I came here." Her conscience prickled when she realized she hadn't thought of Hoang once since she'd arrived in 1929. She'd worried about her parents and her brother missing her; hell, she'd even worried about her co-workers, yet about her boyfriend, nothing. Perhaps the fight had been for the best.
"Why'd you fight?" Ralph asked, then blushed. "Sorry. None of my business."
"No, it's OK," Thu replied. "It's—he wants to get married, I don't."
A guilty look flashed across Ralph's face, almost too quickly for her to catch. "Did he propose?" he asked.
Thu snorted. "That's the irony. If he had actually proposed, I might have considered it." Ralph gave her a questioning look, and she shrugged. "What can I say? I'm a girl; we're easily swayed by grand romantic gestures."
"Not all girls are," Ralph said, not looking at her.
This time, his guilty look was plainly visible on his face.
"Why'd you say that?" Thu asked. It was obvious that he wanted to tell her something.
"I never told you why I joined the Legion, did I?" She shook her head. She had been wondering about it and simply assumed he was a rich, bored playboy looking for adventures. Now she looked at him curiously as he took the mask off completely and fiddled with it, avoiding her eyes. "Well, I—I proposed to Lauren. And she rejected me," he said, his voice breaking. "They all laughed at me. So I left."
So she'd guessed right. There was something between him and Lauren after all. "I'm sorry," she said. It seemed the right thing to say.
Ralph's hand plucked at the mask's elastic strap. "I know that proposing after only a week might be too soon—"
She stared at him. "You knew her for one week, and you proposed?!"
"I was afraid she would go back to her time!"
"And what, you think she would've stayed if she knew you were madly in love with her?"
He looked back down. "Something like that."
Thu shook her head again, but this time it was more at his folly. She also wondered if Lauren knew—or even cared—what had happened to him, what she had driven him to. "You still love her?" she asked, after a while. She never used to ask such personal questions, but something about Ralph's frank and open countenance invited it. He was clearly looking for someone to confide in, and she was happy to listen.
"I don't know if it was love in the first place," he said, looking despondent. "I simply found her—fascinating. I wanted to know her better."
"Then get to know her! Don't scare her off with proposals and declarations of love!"
"That was three years ago, I was stupid!"
Yes, and now you're stuck here. Thu reached out and awkwardly patted his arm. "Cheer up," she said. "If we find Homeless Pete, maybe you can come back to 2023 with me and look for Lauren then."
"Thank you," he said, looking at her with a sad smile. "But I don't even know if she did go back to her time or not. And perhaps I should respect her rejection, like you said."
At least he's learning, Thu thought and tried not to take it personally that he'd turned her down.
Chapter 6
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Hanoi Train Street: Discover the Charm of Vietnam's Unique Attraction
If you're planning a trip to Vietnam, chances are you've heard of the bustling city of Hanoi. Known for its rich history, delicious food, and vibrant culture, Hanoi is a must-visit destination for any traveler. But amidst the chaos and excitement of the city, there is a hidden gem that often goes unnoticed by tourists - Hanoi Train Street.
Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, Hanoi Train Street is a narrow street where trains pass through just inches away from houses and shops. It may sound dangerous, but this unique attraction has become a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike. In this article, we'll dive into the history, experience, and tips for visiting Ha Noi Train Street.
The Hanoi Train Street History
Exploring the Past of Vietnam's Unique Railway Enclave
Hanoi Train Street, also known as "Railroad Street" or "Train Alley," was built in 1902 during the French colonial period. The railway was originally used to transport goods and people between Hanoi and the port city of Haiphong. However, as the city grew and developed, the train tracks were left untouched and eventually became surrounded by houses and businesses.
Today, Hanoi Train Street is a bustling neighborhood with a unique charm and character. The residents have adapted to living alongside the train tracks, and it has become a way of life for them. The trains still run twice a day on weekdays and more on weekends, and the residents have become accustomed to the loud noise and vibrations that come with it.
How to Experience Hanoi Train Street
Discover the Thrill of Vietnam's Iconic Railway Passage - Zing Photo
Visiting Hanoi Train Street is a one-of-a-kind experience that should not be missed during your trip to Vietnam. Here's how you can make the most out of your visit:
Train Street Hanoi Location
Ha Noi Train Street is located in the heart of Hanoi capital of Vietnam. Specifically, it runs through the Old Quarter of the city. The main section of Train Street is situated between Lê Duẩn Street and Khâm Thiên Street, near the Hanoi Railway Station. It's a distinctive and iconic site, where narrow residential houses are built along the train tracks, creating a unique atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists alike.
Google Map here: Link
Getting There
Hanoi Train Street is located in the Old Quarter, just a short walk from the famous Hoan Kiem Lake. The easiest way to get there is by taking a taxi or motorbike taxi (known as "xe om") from your hotel. If you like to challenge yourself and love cycling, you can also rent a bicycle and explore the city and immerse yourself into the daily life of locals.
What to Do
Once you arrive at Hanoi Train Street, take some time to explore the neighborhood. You'll find plenty of small shops, cafes, and street vendors selling local snacks and souvenirs. Be sure to try some of the delicious street food, such as Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich) or pho (noodle soup).
As the train approaches, make sure to find a safe spot to watch it pass by. The train moves slowly, so you'll have plenty of time to take photos and videos. Just be sure to stay behind the yellow line painted on the ground for your safety.
What is The Best Time to Visit Train Street Hanoi?
The best time to visit Ha Noi Train Street is during the cooler and drier months, which typically span from October to April. During this period, the weather is more comfortable, with lower humidity and reduced rainfall. The months of November and December, as well as March and April, are particularly recommended for a visit, offering pleasant temperatures and clearer skies.
Keep in mind that specific weather conditions may vary each year, so it's advisable to check the current weather forecasts before planning your visit. Additionally, weekends and holidays might attract larger crowds, so if you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting on weekdays. Ultimately, choosing the best time depends on your preferences for weather and the atmosphere you desire during your exploration of Hanoi Train Street.
Hanoi Train Street Schedule
Hanoi Train Street Schedule - Dong Duong Cafe's Photo
Hanoi Train Street doesn't have a fixed schedule for train arrivals. The train passes through this narrow street multiple times a day, typically at slower speeds to navigate the tight spaces.
If you're planning to visit Hanoi Train Street, it's advisable to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. To experience the train passing through, it's recommended to check with locals or nearby establishments for information on the approximate times when the train is expected. Keep in mind that train schedules might be subject to change, so it's always a good idea to verify the latest information locally or through recent travel updates.
Monday – Friday: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm (70%) | 9:10 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 6:10 am | 7:05 am (70%) | 8:40 am | 9:15 am | 11:35 am | 3.20pm | 4.20 pm (70%) | 5.35 pm | 6.15 pm | 7.00-8:00 pm (70%) | 9:10 pm | 10:00 pm (70%)
Hanoi Train Street Cafe
Hanoi Train Street Cafe: Railway Cafe's Photo
Hanoi Train Street is famous for its unique cafes located along the narrow railway tracks. One well-known cafe in this area is the "Railway Street Coffee" or "Train Street Cafe." These cafes offer a distinctive experience as visitors can enjoy their beverages while watching the train pass by just a few meter away. The atmosphere is cozy and provides an up-close view of daily life in this charming and bustling part of Hanoi. Popular for its Instagram-worthy scenes, a visit to a Train Street cafe is a must for those looking to combine a love for coffee with the thrill of witnessing trains navigating through the heart of the city.
Dong Duong Cafe: 0942 288 866 (Hotline)
Hương Ly Cafe & Restaurant: 0911 251 282 (Hotline) – 44-46 Train Street, opt 146 Phung Hung street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Hanoi 1990s Cafe: 0934 050 191 (Hotline) – 222 Lê Duẩn street
Hanoi Coffee 17: 0989 536 689 (Hotline)
Railway Cafe: 0917 301 111 (Hotline) – 112 Train Street – 5 Tran Phu street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Tips for Visiting
- Visit during the dry season (October-April) for the best weather and fewer crowds.
- Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot before the train arrives.
- Respect the residents' privacy and avoid taking photos of their homes without permission.
- Be mindful of your belongings and keep them close to you while exploring the area.
- Stay alert and follow the instructions of the locals when the train is passing through.
Recommended attractions are near by Hanoi Train Street
Recommended Other Attractions Near by Ha Noi Train Street
Hanoi Train Street is situated in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, and there are several attractions nearby that visitors can explore. Some of the notable attractions in close proximity to Hanoi TrainStreet included:
Hoan Kiem Lake
A picturesque lake with the iconic Turtle Tower, Ngoc Son Temple, and the Huc Bridge. It's a popular spot for a leisurely stroll.
Hanoi Old Quarter
Known for its narrow streets, historic architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, the Old Quarter is a great place to explore local markets, shops, and street food.
St. Joseph's Cathedral
A French colonial-era cathedral located in the heart of Hanoi, offering beautiful architecture and a serene atmosphere.
Hanoi Hilton Prison (Hoa Lo Prision)
Hoa Lo Prison, commonly known as the Hanoi Hilton hotel, is a historic site in Hanoi, Vietnam. Originally built by the French colonialists, it later became a detention facility for American prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. The museum now offers a glimpse into the country's complex history through exhibits and preserved remnants, providing insight into the wartime experiences of both Vietnamese and American individuals.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
A significant historical site where visitors can pay respects to Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of modern Vietnam.
One Pillar Pagoda
A unique pagoda built on a single stone pillar, surrounded by a lotus pond. It's a symbol of Hanoi.
Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Vietnam, is a revered landmark dating back to 1070. Dedicated to Confucius, it served as Vietnam's first national university. The site boasts well-preserved traditional architecture, serene courtyards, and the iconic "Well of Heavenly Clarity," making it a symbol of knowledge and academic achievement in Vietnamese history.
Thang Long Imperial Citadel
The Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi, Vietnam, is a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing centuries of Vietnamese history. Built over a millennium ago, it served as the political center of the country. The citadel features ancient architectural remnants, including the Hanoi Flag Tower, Northern Gate and the Kinh Thien Palace, providing visitors with a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam's imperial past.
Vietnamese Women's Museum
Showcasing the role of women in Vietnamese society and history, with exhibits on culture, fashion, and daily life. Remember that the status and accessibility of these attractions may change, so it's a good idea to check for the latest information and any travel advisories before planning your visit.
Examples of Hanoi Train Street
Example of Hanoi Train Street - Photo by Ngoi Sao.Net
Hanoi Train Street has become a popular spot for photographers, Instagrammers, and travel bloggers. Its unique setting and vibrant atmosphere make for stunning photos and videos. Here are some examples of how people have captured the beauty of Hanoi TrainStreet:
- A photo of the colorful houses and shops lining the train tracks with the train passing through in the background.
- A video of the train approaching and passing by, capturing the excitement and energy of the neighborhood.
- A shot of a local vendor selling snacks and drinks to tourists while waiting for the train to arrive.
- A photo of the train tracks from above, showcasing the narrow and crowded street.
Comparisons with Other Tourist Spots
Ha Noi Train Street is An Attractions in Hanoi
Ha Noi Train Street may not be as well-known as other tourist spots in Vietnam, but it offers a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else. Here are some comparisons between Hanoi Train Street and other popular destinations in the country:
- Unlike the busy and crowded streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, Hanoi TrainStreet offers a more peaceful and laid-back atmosphere.
- While Ha Long Bay is known for its stunning natural beauty, Ha Noi Train Street showcases the charm and character of a local neighborhood.
- Compared to the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh, Ha Noi Train Street offers a more authentic and traditional side of Vietnam.
Advice for Visiting Hanoi Train Street
Advice for Hanoi Train Street
If you're planning to visit Hanoi Train Street, here are some tips to help you make the most out of your experience:
- Be respectful of the residents and their homes. Avoid taking photos of their houses without permission.
- Keep a safe distance from the train tracks and follow the instructions of the locals when the train is passing through.
- Support the local businesses by trying their food and purchasing souvenirs.
- Take your time to explore the neighborhood and soak in the unique atmosphere.
- Remember to keep the area clean and dispose of your trash properly.
FAQs about Hanoi Train Street
Useful Tips for Ha Noi Train Street
Had Hanoi Train Street closed?
Hanoi Train Street has been temporarily closed for the safety of tourists and local people as well as to ensure traffic safety. However, it's essential to note that circumstances can change, and local authorities might implement changes or restrictions. To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on the status of Hanoi TrainStreet, including any closures or changes in access, We recommend checking with local news sources, official tourism websites, or contacting us @ +84 38 999 8081 WhatsApp for 24/7 support or contacting the local authorities or businesses in the area directly.
Is it safe to visit Hanoi Train Street?
Yes, it is safe to visit Hanoi Train Street as long as you follow the safety precautions and respect the residents' privacy.
How many trains pass through during the day?
Trains pass through Hanoi Train Street twice a day from Monday to Friday and more on Saturday & Sunday. The referenced time tables:
- Monday – Friday: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm (70%) | 9:10 pm
- Saturday & Sunday: 6:10 am | 7:05 am (70%) | 8:40 am | 9:15 am | 11:35 am | 3.20pm | 4.20 pm (70%) | 5.35 pm | 6.15 pm | 7.00-8:00 pm (70%) | 9:10 pm | 10:00 pm (70%)
Can I take photos on the train tracks?
No, it is not safe to take photos on the train tracks. Make sure to stay behind the yellow line for your safety.
Are there any rules or regulations for visiting Hanoi Train Street?
There are no specific rules or regulations, but it is important to be respectful of the residents and follow the instructions of the locals.
How much is a ticket to visit Hanoi Train Street?
No, there is no entrance fee for Hanoi Train Street. However, you may need to pay for transportation to get there.
Conclusion
Hanoi Railway Street is a Must-Visit in Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi Train Street may not be as well-known as other tourist spots in Vietnam, but it offers a unique and unforgettable experience. From its rich history to its vibrant atmosphere, this hidden gem in the heart of Hanoi is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the city's local culture. So next time you're planning a trip to Vietnam, make sure to add Ha Noi Train Street to your itinerary.
Embark on a journey like no other at Hanoi TrainStreet! Witness the captivating intersection of tradition and modernity. Plan your crazy adventures now for an unforgettable experience. Don't miss out – explore Hanoi Train Street today!
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