【Playing Chess on Train Tracks】A Train Runs Through a Hanoi Residential Area

Text and photos: E Cat

VisitedVietnamwill find that many locals have a relatively low awareness of traffic safety—for example, a single road might host a wide variety of vehicles, while traffic lights are scarce. Yet, it is precisely this “chaotic” aspect that gives rise to many unique and fascinating cultural elements in the country, such asVietnam’s capitalHanoi, where a train railway runs alongside residential neighborhoods. This rail network has been in place for over a hundred years and has coexisted withHanoiresidents for generations. The slightly rusted tracks are like a record of the ancient capital’s growth.

Fever Travel 10 Recommended Attractions in Hanoi 10 Selected Attractions in Hanoi
http://www.dcfever.com/travel/sightseeing.php?id=2239

Thanks to Travolor?男???嫖野才帕耸谴渭a hhh="world.php?id=1022">越南之旅部分的行程。导游桃先生表示，河内的火车网络于 1902 年正式建立，不但为当地人带来便利的交通，还带来了物流、运输等经济好处。后来，随河内市区发展步伐加快，人口急速膨胀，为解决土地供应紧张问题，政府就连铁路两旁的位置也纳入建屋范围，于是就出现了今天，有火车穿梭民宅的奇特风景。

河内旧城区十分挤逼，连火车铁路也要建于人口密集的住宅区

提到观赏河内铁路的最佳观赏地点，桃先生则指在旧城区的 T纛 Thヴ Thi丘 及
i穷 Biên Ph?两街交界部分最为理想，因该区是民宅最密集的地区，由还剑湖沿棉行街直走也不过需时 20 分钟。

初次踏入该住宅区，感觉相当诡异，在两排约高2至5层楼高的民房之间，有一条长长的火车路轨走廊，居民几乎只要一开门，就会走入火车运行的路段。不过最奇怪是，很多居民都若无其事的待在上面休息、摆摊以及嬉戏，完全无视火车的危险。

火车隔45分钟就会来一班，不知是否班次疏落的关系
很多居民都会大无私让的待在车轨上下棋、晒太阳、吃东西和玩耍

在Hong KongTaking the train, citizens would be warned by railway ground staff if they even crossed the yellow line slightly, let alone lingered on the tracks. So, the scene before me was truly puzzling. Before long, the train’s arrival whistle sounded, lasting about ten seconds and quite loud — and with that, the answer became obvious.

Many homes and shops in the old town hangVietnamflags at their entrances, which are quite eye-catching.

Hearing the whistle, residents who had been lingering in the corridor immediately stood up to put away chairs and chessboards, went back inside, and closed their doors. The corridor, once bustling with noise, suddenly fell silent. At the same time, the railway guards lowered the gates at the intersection to prevent people and vehicles from entering the railway area. Then, in the distance came the “clack clack” sound of the approaching train. Instinctively, I knew the train was coming. Standing outside the railing with my camera, I prepared to capture the moment the train entered the station.

A somewhat vintage train slowly rolled in between two rows of houses. Its body brushed past flags and plants hanging from the residences, and it passed just tens of centimeters from the doors and windows — so close it was both thrilling and a little frightening.

The most interesting part was how, once the train had passed, the corridor instantly returned to its usual state, as if nothing had happened. Residents continued to come out of their houses to play or rest, creating a scene that was truly astonishing.

Mr. Tao pointed out with a smile that the old city’s residential railway is, much likeHong Kong’s trams, long become a part of daily life for locals. AlthoughHanoiresidents may not have as strong a sense of traffic safety as those inHong Kong, their determination to preserve historical elements is no less admirable. For example, they still carry out regular railway maintenance and retain the original design of stations. Visiting here to see the railway is a great way to experienceVietnam’s culture.

Tips for Viewing the Train Railway

The railway that runs through the old residential area has its terminal at Ga Hang Co (i.e., Hanoi Railway Station). There are 16 trains daily, starting from 7:00 am, with one departing every 45 minutes. It takes around 5 to 10 minutes to travel from the terminal along Ton That Thiep and Dien Bien Phu streets.

Additionally, walking straight ahead along the railway will take you to the area nearLong Biên Bridge, an iron bridge designed by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, the architect of the Eiffel Tower in France. Here you can also admire the outstanding work of this world-renowned bridge designer.

Want to know what there is to do inHanoi? Check out Fever Travel’s 10 Recommended Attractions in Hanoi .
http://www.dcfever.com/travel/sightseeing.php?id=2239

Jetstar Hong Konground tripHanoiNew Flight Route

With the recent launch of aHong Kongdirect flightto Hanoiby Jetstar, visiting this historic ancient city has become relatively more convenient and affordable, giving backpackers yet another excuse to escapeHong Kong. The round-trip direct flight fromHong KongtoHanoistarts from just HK$249 one-way (excluding taxes and surcharges). Travel dates are available from now until 2015.http://www.jetstar.com/hk/

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VietnamTravel Tips
Starting from November 23, the single-entry visa on arrival fee has been reduced from 45 USD to 25 USD, but an entry letter application is still required;Hong KongThe visa fee at the consulate remains unchanged, with the latest price at HK$640.

Acknowledgements:Jetstar、Travolor