How early should I get to train station in Vietnam?

How long before train departure should I arrive?

Thirty minutes. No, forty-five. The echoing hush of the platform, the scent of old wood and diesel… time stretches, a slow, heavy river. Waiting. Always waiting. India. A cacophony of sounds, yet here, a strange stillness descends. This waiting is a ritual. A pilgrimage.

Thirty minutes is insufficient. A mad dash, a breathless scramble. No, no. This must be savored. The anticipation, the tension. My heart pounds. It’s the rhythm of the journey itself, beginning long before the whistle blows.

Seventy minutes. Yes. Seventy. Enough time to feel the immense weight of the train, steel giants slumbering. Enough time to observe. To breathe. To absorb the energy of all those around me – families, lovers, the lone traveler. Each soul a universe unto itself.

Ninety minutes, maybe more, especially on busy days. Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus— a labyrinth of echoing corridors and bustling platforms. The sheer scale, breathtaking. It demands respect, an offering of time. A small sacrifice for the grand journey ahead. Time to buy chai. Time for memories to coalesce.

• Peak hours: Add at least an extra hour. Chaos reigns.
• Smaller stations: Thirty minutes, perhaps. Less.
• Long-distance trains: Two hours. The anticipation grows with the distance.
• Personal experience: I once missed my train by five minutes, that feeling of loss… still burns.

The sheer weight of anticipation. This waiting… a testament to the journey’s power. The train a living thing, it breathes, it sighs. Its arrival an event. Time bends, stretches, before the gates open. The journey begins. Before the whistle. Before the motion. Before…

What time is the train street train in Vietnam?

Okay, so Train Street… chaos, right? I was there, Hanoi, April 2024. Trying to get that iconic pic, y’know?

It was hotter than heck.

Weekdays? Supposedly 7 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:30 PM, 10 PM. But don’t bank on it. My friend almost got smooshed at like, 7:15.

Weekends are insane: 6 AM, 9 AM, 11:20 AM, 3:20 PM, 5:30 PM, 6 PM, then it’s the same as weekdays almost, 7 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:30 PM, 9 PM, & 11 PM.

Plus random ones. I swear I saw one at like, 4:47 PM on Sunday. Seriously, those times are, ahem, suggestions.

Here’s what I wish I knew before going:

• Check local blogs that same day. They usually have some updated info.
• Get there early. It’s like, prime real estate. People are fighting for spots.
• Listen to the locals. They know when the train’s actually coming.
• Don’t be a dummy. Stand back.
• Wear comfy shoes. Standing. Waiting. For hours.
• Bring water. Trust me. It’s HOT. Like, really hot. And crowded.

Also, be respectful. It’s their home, not just your Instagram backdrop. And tip the cafe owners if you’re chilling there.

Most Important: The train schedule can be off by hours. Seriously, hours. So patience is key. Or just grab a Bia Hoi and enjoy the show.

Do trains in Vietnam run on time?

Vietnamese train schedules are subject to change; always confirm departure times via the Vietnam Railways website. Delays are common, sometimes stretching to several hours.

• Punctuality is not a hallmark of Vietnamese rail travel. Plan generously for connections.
• Expect potential delays, influencing scheduling.

It’s wise to incorporate buffer time in your itinerary! For example, consider waiting an extra day. This approach mitigates any unforeseen issues, allowing for a relaxed journey. Who knows, perhaps a delay will reveal something interesting!

Is train street illegal in Hanoi?

I don’t know for sure, ok? But something about that Train Street… it feels wrong, now.

Hanoi authorities closed it. The barricades are… there.

Tourists still sneak in. They want the pictures.

It’s selfish, isn’t it? Like… they don’t see the danger. Or maybe they just don’t care.

I remember seeing it a few years ago, back in 2018. It felt different then. Before… everything. Now it just makes me sad.

• Safety is the main issue. It’s not a game. Trains.
• It’s disrespectful to the locals. They live there.
• Ignoring the rules—what does it even mean anymore? I don’t get people.
• 2018 was… it was a different time, alright?
• I miss my grandma. She liked trains.