During his holiday in Hanoi, Ashit Desai, 54 years old, from Bangalore, India was surprised to witness the daily life of the people along the train rails.

The rail goes through the Hanoi Old Quarter.

Through his photos, Ashit Desai showed viewers the very small distance between the train and the houses along the rail.

However, locals remain calm as they cook and walk next to the railway.

People also sit comfortably and trade on the rail because they know the time the trains come and go, usually two trips a day.

When the train is about to come, they take their things out of the rails.

The normal life quickly resumes as soon as the train passes through.

Adam Armstrong, who works for a travel company, said: "While wandering in the area, I not only saw the friendly smiles but also was invited to take dinner with the locals. The life was really peaceful, far different from the noisy sound in the living room every time the train went through."

At the rail-road junctions, railway staff pull a barrier to ensure safety for passers-by.

A rail section seen from above.