By Alex
Backpackers who love Thailand will surely know about Bangkok’s Maeklong Railway Market, located right next to the train tracks. Whenever a train is about to pass, the vendors must quickly “close up shop,” folding up their awnings and umbrellas while moving their goods out of the way to let the train pass safely, before rapidly setting everything back up again.
▲ (Photo by Tran Minh Thai @IG/Vietnamnomad)
Hanoi in Vietnam also has a “train street,” situated near the city’s famous Hoan Kiem Lake in the Old Quarter. Unlike Thailand’s Maeklong Railway Market, this “train street” is nestled between residential buildings, making the space even narrower. As a result, the sense of pressure when the train passes through is even stronger, which is why it is especially popular among Western backpackers.
▲ (Photo by kanatani_kishin @IG)
Locals have also caught on to the business opportunity, converting homes along the tracks into cafés and bars that serve drinks and snacks to tourists who come specifically for the experience. Due to the extremely limited space, outdoor seating is lined up single-file against the walls; when there are too many customers, seats are even placed on the tracks. However, many visitors find sipping coffee right on the train tracks even more unique, and it has quickly become a popular photo spot for travel influencers.
▲ (Photo by kaspenii @IG)
That said, it’s important to emphasize that standing next to the tracks to take photos of passing trains—regardless of speed—is inherently risky. Especially for out-of-town visitors and photographers who are unfamiliar with the surroundings and focused on framing their shots, it’s very easy to overlook personal safety. Some eateries offer loft-style seating where guests can safely and comfortably enjoy the thrilling view of trains passing by from above.
▲ (Photo by kr_dy @IG)
▲ (Photo by jyl_87 @IG)
▲ (Photo by jonas.b.nilsson.3 @IG/Vietnamnomad)
▲ (Photo by michaelkragelund @IG)
▲ (Photo by asksebby @IG)
▲ (Photo by drin @IG)
▲ (Photo by maxleitner @IG/Vietnamnomad)
▲ (Photo by sophiemain @IG)
▲ (Photo by kr_dy @IG)
Source: Shutterbug