International tourists take photos on the rail line on 'train street' in March 2023. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Hà Nội's tourism department has asked travel and transportation companies in the city not to organise tours to 'train street'.

The area covers Phùng Hưng-Trần Phú-Lê Duẩn streets in Hoàn Kiếm and Ba Đình districts.

The move aims to ensure safety and security for tourists during their time in Hà Nội.

The department's notice also demands travel companies provide information to and advises visitors, especially foreign tourists, not to visit, take photos, or go to bars and cafes in this area.

All companies and agencies must strictly comply with the regulations on railway safety and order in the city's territory, and told the inspectors to increase patrols and handling of violations.

Earlier this year, Hà Nội's authorities clamped down on cafes lining the railway and restricted visitors, as it considered the growing flocks of tourists interested in taking photos and videos of themselves near the incoming train a serious safety concern.

However, due to the lack of constant law enforcement across a wide area, coffee shops still operate and tourists can still find ways to get past the barriers.

According to the Deputy Director of Hà Nội's tourism department Nguyễn Hồng Minh, many tourists have been visiting the railway area in Hàng Bông Ward to take photos, causing traffic congestion and potential safety risks in recent weeks.

Some tourist groups have been transported by vehicles and gathered at the patrol station at 5 Trần Phú Street, which puts pressure on the forces protecting the railway safety corridor.

Earlier in September, a South Korean tourist was reportedly hit by the train on the Lào Cai-Hà Nội route but as the train was going at a slow speed, he only sustained small injuries.

However, the train had to stop for quite some time, causing local congestion in the Điện Biên Phủ - Trần Phú area. — VNS