Selfie-loving travellers in Hanoi have found a new railway-related hotspot following the recent closure of illegal cafés on Train Street, a popular photography destination in the Old City that was posing safety issues for the city.
According to VN Express, visitors are choosing to take selfies at Long Bien Bridge, a bridge that was built between 1899 and 1902 and is a symbol of the tenacity and resilience of the Hanoian people. Designed by Gustave Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame, it was bombed on several occasions during the Vietnam War, which is known in Vietnam as the American War.
Used by trains, mopeds and pedestrians, there are barriers along the sides intended to deter climbers, but some travellers are climbing over them and onto the train tracks in pursuit of the perfect shot. This is dangerous and raises concerns for safety, and there are fears that it will echo the situation on Train Street, where trains pass through just inches away from buildings and people's homes.
The highly Instagrammable street became such a draw for selfie-taking visitors that a train was obliged to re-route because there were too many people on the track. Having grown concerned about safety and the risk to human life, officials ordered the closure of the illegal cafés that line the street. Whether they are forced to implement new measures around Long Bien Bridge remains to be seen.
