In the heart of Hanoi’s busy Old Quarter, French-built railroad tracks have become a hotspot for tourists seeking the perfect Instagram selfie, and for cafe owners serving up hot coffee and cold beer. Though picturesque, they are also perilous: the tracks are still in use and most days visitors must scramble for safety as the daily train rumbles through the narrow streets. AFP / Nhac NGUYENTourists sometimes wear traditional Vietnamese costume as they walk along the track looking for the perfect selfie But for many, the thrill of dodging a speedy train is part of the appeal. “It was amazing but scary in the same sense, a little bit overwhelming being so close to the train,” Australian tourist Michelle Richards told AFP. AFP / Nhac NGUYENIt might look pretty, but it’s still a working railway and every so often tourists have to scramble out of the way of an oncoming train The tracks were first built by former colonial rulers France who used the railway to transport goods and people across Vietnam — then part of Indochina, along with Laos and Cambodia. During the Vietnam War, parts of the railway were badly damaged by American bombs that rained down on the communist-ruled north. Today the original metre-gauge tracks are still a mode of transport for tourists and travellers seeking a cheaper option. AFP / Nhac NGUYENFor some visitors there is a thrill in standing so close to a train as it rumbles through the old-style houses But in the past few years, visitors to Hanoi have seized upon their photographic possibilities. Hemmed in by houses and cafes, the tracks offer a unique charm for budding travel photographers — and a business opportunity for makeshift cafe owners who have set up shop. AFP / Nhac NGUYENFrom all angles: sometimes you have to lie down in the middle of some train tracks to get the perfect picture “It’s got a really weird charm. You’ve got flowers from the balcony coming down, you’ve got buildings which are very old and close to each other. You see people here living close to the train tracks,” Hong Kong tourist Edward Tsim said. “It felt like waiting for Christmas… and when it arrived, wow, it was something else,” British tourist Paul Hardiman said. “It’s got a really weird charm. You’ve got flowers from the balcony coming down, you’ve got buildings which are very old and close to each other. You see people here living close to the train tracks,” Hong Kong tourist Edward Tsim said. As the train rumbles into view, everyone clears the tracks and pulls their phones out to capture the scene. “It felt like waiting for Christmas… and when it arrived, wow, it was something else,” British tourist Paul Hardiman said. “Well worth the wait.”