There is no metro system in Hanoi (although one is planned) and a very poorly developed ‘overground’ network which threads it’s way through the city using up as little land as possible.

Homes and businesses lie feet from the tracks and with the line only being used for the morning and evening rush hours they become, for at least part of the day, a useable space free from the incessant flow of traffic with the rocky track bed deterring all but the hardiest motorcyclist.