Surviving Typhoon Yagi in Hanoi: Train Street & Travel Guide

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Beer Street, Train Street & What Travelling Through a Super Storm Really Looks Like

Travelling never goes 100% according to plan, but nothing quite prepares you for a Category 4 Super Typhoon landing right in the middle of your itinerary.

After Super Typhoon Yagi forced us to cut our Ninh Binh trip short, Ritu and I headed straight back to Hanoi. What followed was a whirlwind couple of days filled with quintessential Hanoi moments—drinking egg coffee and dodging trains—sandwiched between roaring winds, citywide lockdowns, and emergency home-cooked meals in our Airbnb.

Here is our raw, honest account of spending two days in Hanoi during one of the most intense storms Southeast Asia has seen in years.

Stepping into Hanoi: Our Home Away from Home

After taking a Grab back from Ninh Binh, we checked into a cozy Airbnb tucked away in Hanoi. One thing we’ve learned after years of travel: when heavy rain is on the forecast, skip the hotel room and book an apartment with a kitchen.

Our place came equipped with a keypad lockbox for smooth self-check-in, a clean bathroom, a cozy dining space, and a fully functional kitchen with an induction stove, microwave, and fridge. At the time, we thought the kitchen was just a nice perk. A few hours later, it turned out to be our absolute lifesaver.

Night 1: Beer Street & The Iconic Egg Coffee

Knowing the storm was edging closer, we decided to squeeze every drop out of our first evening before the skies opened up.

Our first stop was Beer Street (Ta Hien Street) in the Old Quarter—just a quick 250-meter walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. If you love high-energy nightlife, live music, and tiny plastic stools spilling onto the pavement, this place is electric.

After soaking in the chaotic energy of Ta Hien, we took a short walk over to The Note Coffee, right near Hoan Kiem Lake.

If you haven’t been, every square inch of this multi-story cafe—from the walls and ceiling to the chairs—is covered in colorful handwritten sticky notes left by travelers from around the globe. We sat by the window, added our own note to the collection, and ordered Hanoi’s famous Vietnamese Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng). It’s rich, frothy, and tastes almost like a liquid tiramisu.

By the time we finished, the breeze was picking up, so we ordered dinner via Grab back to our Airbnb to get ready for the storm.

Day 2: Locked Down by Super Typhoon Yagi

We woke up the next morning to relentless rain and howling winds shaking the windowpanes. Super Typhoon Yagi had officially arrived.

For those of us from Eastern India, the sheer force of the wind brought back eerie memories of Cyclone Amphan. All major tourist spots, markets, and shops across Hanoi were completely shut down.

By afternoon, our food supplies were running low. Around 9:30 PM, during a brief lull in the heavy downpour, we sprinted down to the street to find food. Almost every establishment was locked up, but we managed to find a tiny neighborhood grocery store still open.

Language barriers are real during emergencies—the shop owners didn’t speak English, and we didn’t speak Vietnamese. Using Google Translate on our phones, we pointed and negotiated to buy a small bag of rice, onions, and salt.

Back in our Airbnb kitchen, Ritu whipped up a warm, comforting meal of home-style Egg Curry and rice. Sitting inside our cozy apartment, eating hot food while a super storm raged outside, reminded us why flexible travel is all about making the best of where you are.

Day 3: Exploring Hanoi Train Street After the Storm

By the next afternoon, the rain finally eased off. Eager to stretch our legs, we booked a Grab and headed toward the famous Hanoi Train Street.

The drive through the city was sobering. Massive, century-old trees had been uprooted from their roots, leaning against buildings or blocking major avenues. It looked like a warzone in some areas, a stark reminder of the typhoon’s power.

Despite the devastation across town, the narrow alley of Train Street in the Old Quarter was up and running. Built originally during the French colonial era in the early 20th century to connect Hanoi with northern provinces, this 200-meter stretch of track is now lined with vibrant, cozy cafes.

The Thrill of the Train Passing By

We grabbed seats at a cozy trackside cafe, ordered some iced coffee, and waited for the train.

Pro-Tip for Travelers: Train schedules here aren’t rigid. Always arrive at least 30 to 40 minutes early. Local cafe owners will blow whistles and quickly pull tables and chairs inside right before the train arrives.

As the horn sounded in the distance, the atmosphere shifted. Everyone scrambled off the tracks, cameras ready. Seconds later, a massive train thundered through the narrow gap, passing literally inches away from where we stood tucked against the cafe wall. The rush of wind and raw noise made it an unforgettable highlight of our trip!

Final Thoughts & Moving On to Hoi An

We spent our final evening wandering around the Old Quarter hoping to check out the famous Weekend Night Market, but it was canceled due to uprooted trees and safety hazards along the market street.

Instead, we wrapped up our Hanoi leg with a warm bowl of chicken noodles and fresh lemonade at Met Vietnamese Restaurant—a spot we highly recommend if you’re looking for authentic local flavors!

While Typhoon Yagi threw a major wrench into our original itinerary, Vietnam’s resilience and warm hospitality shone through every step of the way. Next up, we’re boarding a flight south to Da Nang and Hoi An—fingers crossed for clearer skies!

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Hanoi Train Street open to tourists?

Yes, Hanoi Train Street is open, but access regulations fluctuate due to safety concerns. Tourists generally enter the tracks by sitting at one of the trackside cafes, as cafe owners guide visitors to safe standing areas when a train approaches.

What is the best time to see the train on Hanoi Train Street?

Train schedules vary between weekdays and weekends, with more frequent trains running on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Because train timings can shift by 15–30 minutes, it is best to arrive at least 30 to 40 minutes early to grab a good spot at a trackside cafe.

Where is the best place to drink Egg Coffee in Hanoi?

Famous spots for authentic Vietnamese Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng) include Café Giảng (where the drink was invented in the 1940s), Café Đinh, and The Note Coffee near Hoan Kiem Lake, known for its unique sticky-note interior.

Is Hanoi’s Beer Street worth visiting?

Yes, if you enjoy energetic nightlife! Located on Ta Hien Street in the Old Quarter, Beer Street is famous for vibrant crowds, inexpensive local draft beer (Bia Hới), street food stalls, and lively music.

When is the typhoon season in Northern Vietnam?

The typhoon season in Northern Vietnam (including Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Ninh Binh) typically runs from July to October, with peak storm activity usually occurring in August and September.

What should I do if a typhoon hits while I’m traveling in Vietnam?

Stay Indoors: Follow local emergency advisories and avoid non-essential outdoor travel.
Stock Supplies: Purchase bottled water, non-perishable groceries, and basic provisions before the storm lands.
Book Self-Catering Stays: Booking an apartment or Airbnb with a kitchen gives you flexibility to cook if restaurants and delivery services shut down.
Monitor Travel Updates: Stay in close contact with your airline, tour operators, and accommodation providers regarding cancellations or rebookings.

Surviving Typhoon Yagi in Hanoi