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Hanoi’s Hidden Cafes: Coffee and Culture Tours

Coffee has long been associated with the spiritual lives of Hanoi people. Coffeehouses, especially hidden cafes, where people meet, chat, and share everyday life, are a familiar image that you can see every day on the large and small streets of the capital. Please accompany us as we study the fascinating characteristics of coffee from Hanoi! 

Explore the cultural beauty of Hanoi’s hidden cafes

Cafe in Hanoi

Cafe in Hanoi

Leisurely with the newspaper or playing chess

Read the newspaper

Read the newspaper

When the rays of dawn creep into the ancient streets of Hanoi, in the homey hidden cafes, it will not be difficult for you to see images of guests sipping a steaming cup of fragrant black coffee with a newspaper in hand. Reading newspapers helps them update the latest news about the world around them, while the passionate flavor of coffee energizes them, dispels early morning fatigue, awakens all senses, and helps them start the new day in an exciting way. 

Besides those who are passionate about reading newspapers, middle-aged people or the elderly also often enjoy coffee combined with playing chess. The coffee shop becomes an ideal space for them to meet friends, discuss current affairs, or simply play a few games of chess together. All of these things have created a special atmosphere and a very unique beauty in hidden cafes in Hanoi. 

The way to enjoy coffee of Hanoi people 

Cafe in Hanoi

Cafe in Hanoi

For Hanoi people, coffee is an indispensable part of life. Even though life is always busy, Hanoi people still always give themselves some quiet time every morning to enjoy delicious cups of coffee. This is the ideal time of the day because coffee gives people alertness, creates new energy, and helps them be more productive at work. 

Their way of enjoying coffee is also very special. Perhaps most Hanoi people love simple, traditional-style cafes, where they can sit for hours sipping a cup of coffee. While enjoying coffee, they can also relax in many different ways, such as by reading newspapers, chatting with friends, watching the rain fall, or watching life take place through the flow of people, vehicles, or street vendors, and let their thoughts flow with the busy flow of people on the street. 

 

It can be said that the way Hanoi people enjoy coffee is not too hasty or picky. All they need is a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the passionate flavor of coffee, be it sidewalk cafes or hidden cafes in small alleys. The ancient space of coffee shops becomes a quiet note amidst the bustle and excitement of the capital. 

Hanoi coffee in modern life 

Cafe in Hanoi

Cafe in Hanoi

The way that people in Hanoi have been enjoying coffee has evolved throughout time as well. Coffee varieties like egg coffee, honey coffee, coconut coffee, etc. bring creativity and variance to the ways that coffee is prepared and enjoyed. Coffee shops that cater to a wide range of consumer interests and demands are increasingly being seen in a variety of formats and styles. They visit cafes not only to explore and unwind but also to snap photos or work with their laptops and tablets. In addition, a lot of young people nowadays still choose to have sit-down coffee, which is a way to enjoy coffee without a table or chairs. All they need to do is find a comfortable spot to sit in a cool area with a good view, and then they can just sit down to enjoy their coffee without going to a coffeehouse. This demonstrates the spirit of diversity and flexibility in the way young people experience the world of coffee. 

Hidden cafes in Hanoi that you should try once 

Hanoi Old Quarter

Cafe in Hanoi

In the heart of the vibrant capital, there are small hidden cafes nestled in small alleys that bring you extremely unique experiences. Away from the bustle of the city, these cafes will immerse you in an extremely cozy space and help you forget all the worries in life. The special feature of these hidden cafes is that the design is not too sophisticated or ornate but mainly focuses on intimacy and warmth. Every little corner inside is meticulously cared for, giving you a sense of familiarity and peace in your soul and helping you slow down a bit amid the hustle and bustle of life outside. 

Chon Cafe

Chon Cafe

Chon Cafe

On bustling Bui Thi Xuan Street, Chon Cafe is like a gentle note, bringing you a peaceful space in the middle of a busy city. Located on the 2nd floor of an old dormitory, Chon is decorated in a gentle vintage style with many small relaxing corners, suitable for those who need a place to focus on work, those who love quiet, or simply want to have peaceful moments with a delicious cup of coffee after stressful working hours. 

Chon’s menu is also quite diverse, with drinks and cakes. The coffee here is hand-brewed, so you need to be patient and wait for the barista. It can be said that Chon is one of the ideal hidden cafes in Hanoi, where you can enjoy gentle, relaxing moments with friends or your loved one. 

Contact information:

Address: + No.130, Bui Thi Xuan Street, Bui Thi Xuan Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phone number: +84 799 049 703

Opening hours: 9.00 AM – 10.00 PM (Monday to Sunday) 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/choncoffeehouse/?locale=vi_VN

Room 501 Coffee Roastery 

Room501 Coffee Roasters

Room501 Coffee Roasters

Situated on the second level of an apartment building, Room 501 Coffee Roastery dazzles with its small, cozy space revolving around the bar and large glass doors. Here, you may sip beverages and watch talented baristas in action as they showcase their deft bartending techniques. The coffee at Room 501 Coffee Roastery is made in a variety of ways, including filter brew, hand brew, machine brew, and traditional coffee. It can have as much sweetness, richness, or passion as you desire.

If you are looking for a unique coffee shop where you can both enjoy a drink and admire the skillful bartending art in a simple space of hidden cafes nestled in small corners in the middle of the bustling city, Room 501 Coffee Roastery is the ideal place for you. 

Contact information:

Address: No.6A, Ly Nam De Street, Hang Ma Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phone number: +84 559 021 501

Opening hours: 8.00 AM – 7.00 PM (Monday to Sunday)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/room501coffeeroasters/ 

Cu Xa Cafe

Cu Xa Cafe

Cu Xa Cafe

As a favorite place for nostalgic souls, Cu Xa Cafe brings you a quiet space where you can return to old values. Cu Xa’s space bears the mark of time with old, rustic tables, chairs, and lamps. Coming to Cu Xa, you will not only enjoy delicious coffee but also return to beautiful childhood memories with familiar snacks such as apricot, soy sauce, instant noodles, chocolate, etc., and many old game sets such as seahorses, push-button electronic machines, fishing sets, etc., which help you temporarily forget the worries of life and rediscover the innocent joy of childhood.

 

Cu Xa Cafe is not simply one of the hidden cafes in the heart of Hanoi but also a place that preserves beautiful memories of childhood. This is the ideal destination for those who are nostalgic and love peace amidst the hustle and bustle of life out there. 

Contact information:

Address: The 2nd Floor, A11, Ton That Tung Street, Kim Lien Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phone number: +84 984 69 69 93

Opening hours: 9.00 AM – 10.30 PM (Monday to Sunday)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cuxaspace/ 

Ngo Coffee and Bakery

Ngo Coffee and Bakery

Ngo Coffee and Bakery

Ngo Coffee and Bakery is a four-story coffee shop featuring distinct design elements on each level. On the first floor of Ngo, there’s a distinctively designed mixing area with low tables and chairs set out on the pavement. There are rows of chairs outdoors on the balcony on the second floor, which has a Rustic design. The duplex on the third floor is decorated in a variety of styles, and the bold Bohemian style on the fourth floor completes the design. 

A wide variety of tea, coffee, juice, and pastries are available on the menu at the coffee shop in Ngo, catering to a wide range of consumer demographics at reasonable pricing. Aside from that, Ngo has a group of really committed servers, and the catchy tunes draw a lot of customers in. If you want to find a peaceful spot to unwind after a long day and sip a great cup of coffee, this is undoubtedly one of the hidden cafes worth checking out. 

Contact information: 

Address: No.1, Lane 18, Huynh Thuc Khang Street, Thanh Cong Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam 

Phone number: +84 333 811 914

Opening hours: 7.30 AM – 11.30 PM (Monday to Sunday)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ngocoffee18/

Summary

Visiting hidden cafes is an experience you should not miss when coming to Hanoi. Each cafehouses here has a different beauty, from classic to modern, from luxury to popular. If you love the beauty of peace or simply want to experience the coffee culture of Hanoi, come to hidden cafes, where quality coffee cups pamper your taste buds. The gentle and homey atmosphere in hidden cafes will also help comfort your soul after the worries of life.

Don’t forget to regularly follow our Facebook page and Website for more interesting information about traveling to Hanoi and to book Hanoi tours at the best prices.

Amazing Hanoi - Halong Bay - Ninh Binh: 5 days

Genesis cruises halong bay
Genesis cruises halong bay
Ninh Binh Tam Coc
Ninh Binh Tam Coc
Hanoi people
Hanoi people
Hanoi Van Mieu
Hanoi Van Mieu
Hanoi - HCM Mausoleum
Hanoi - HCM Mausoleum
Hanoi Bike through rice field
Hanoi Bike through rice field
Hanoi Cyclo Tour
Hanoi Cyclo Tour
Hanoi Farm tours
Hanoi Farm tours
Halong Bay
Halong Bay
Halong Boat
Halong Boat
Glory Cruise
Glory Cruise
Halong islet
Halong islet
Halong Bay
Halong Bay
Genesis cruises halong bay
Ninh Binh Tam Coc
Hanoi people
Hanoi Van Mieu
Hanoi - HCM Mausoleum
Hanoi Bike through rice field
Hanoi Cyclo Tour
Hanoi Farm tours
Halong Bay
Halong Boat
Glory Cruise
Halong islet
Halong Bay

We will explore the most amazing places in the north of Vietnam. First, North Vietnam Hanoi Tour will bring you to explore Hanoi charming city, with a half-day city tour, you will visit the most iconic attractions in Hanoi such as President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake and the old quarter of Hanoi. After Hanoi, we are going to Tam Coc, Ninh Binh where we visit the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, enjoy the boat trip in Tam Coc and to discover the countryside. For ending two days of Inspirational Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Tour, we will spend one night stay on a cruise to explore the seven natural wonder of the world. Let’s explore the Magnificent North of Vietnam with Impress Travel.

 Email:northvietnamtour@impresstravel.com or contact the hotline (Whatsapp, Zalo, Viber, Skype) at +84.912 379 189 – Mr. Alex.

Tours Itinerary

Day 01

HANOI ARRIVAL – GREETING – HANOI CITY TOUR– Private Tour (L)

  • Good morning, pick you up at Noi Bai International
  • Airport and transfer to Hanoi Capital city.
  • Check-in the hotel then have lunch at the restaurant.
  • Afternoon sightseeing tour begins with a visit to President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum ( closed on Monday and Friday, every afternoon, and whole from 15 June – 15 August, view the outside the building). Inside the mausoleum, there are sightseeing of the Presidential Palace (view from outside), President’s Fishpond, House On Stilts, and One Pillar Pagoda.
  • Next, we will pay a visit to the Temple of Literature. It is where Confucius – The founder of Confucianism was worshiped. This place as known as the first National University of Vietnam. It is where kings, mandarins, talented people of Vietnam training to the functionary.
  • Our tour continues with an exciting visit. We will visit one of the most beautiful lakes in Hanoi is Hoan Kiem Lake. Then, we will go to the Ngoc Son Temple, which is in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake.
  • Continue a short walking tour around the old quarter with a tour guide.

Day Inclusions: Private A/C transfer, English-speaking tour guide in Hanoi, lunch, entrance fee, hotel in Hanoi

Day 02

HANOI – NINH BINH (TAM COC, HOA LU) TOUR (B/L)

  • Good morning, have breakfast at the hotel.
  • 7.30 – 8.00 AM: Pick you up at your hotel in the Old Quarter and transfer to Tam Coc.
  • 8.00 – 10.00 AM: After two hours of transferring, our tour guide will introduce you to Vietnam as the history, culture, lifestyle of local people. On the conical hat, we will have a mini-game show to teach you how to say and write some Vietnamese simple words such as Xin Chào, Tạm Biệt, Tôi yêu Ninh Bình, etc. We will give you a little souvenir and you can wear it during the trip.
  • 10 AM: We will prepare for a boat trip to visit the beautiful Tam Coc. It takes 1.30 hours rowing along the Ngo Dong river through the three mysterious caves. You can enjoy spectacular scenery surrounded by rice paddies and towering limestone mountain peaks.
  • 11.30 AM: We will get on Thanh pier for a short walk to visit Thai Vi Temple, which is one of the well-known temples in Ninh Binh, Vietnam. We will continue 10 minutes walking along majestic valley with rice fields, rivers and lotus ponds for Tam Coc Nature Lodge where we will relaxing
  • Enjoy your lunch in here – Vietnamese food.
  • 1.30 PM: you have a chance to be a fisherman and learn how to catch the fish in the pond or river.
  • 2:00 – 3:00 PM: We ride a bike to Thung Nang, along the river among the rice field, lotus ponds, and limestone Mountains. We will continue to through a peaceful Dan Khe Trong village. This area is a real picture of the rural countryside in the north of Vietnam.
  • 15: 00: Return the van, drive to visit Hoa Lu Ancient citadel which was built in the 10th century, and the temple dedicated to King Dinh and King Le
  • 4:00 PM: Back to Hanoi Capital.
  • 18:30: Arrive in Hanoi & we will drop you at your hotel in the Old Quarter.
  • Have dinner is available on your request.
  • Overnight at the Hanoi Hotel.

Day Inclusions: Car/Mini-Van, Outstanding English speaking guide, Lunch – Vietnamese Cuisine at Tam Coc Nature Eco Lodge, All sightseeing tickets, Good bike with gears, 02 bottles of Mineral water, Services charges and government tax, Rowing boat to visit Tam Coc, One conical hat as souvenir, Demonstration of teaching to learn how to write, speak Vietnamese, and catch fish

Day 03

HANOI – HALONG CRUISE (B/L/D)

  • Good morning! Enjoy your with have breakfast at your hotel, then check-out the hotel.
  • 07:30 am – 08:00: Pick up from your hotel to travel to Halong Bay (notice: pickup time can be a bit flexible depending on each different Cruise, distance Hanoi – Halong bay is 160km, a stop for break time on halfway for a refreshment).
  • You enjoy the drive and sightseeing the peaceful countryside scenery during the bus trip (4 hours), we arrive at the Ha Long bay seaport at around noontime.
  • 12h 30: You will aboard the cruise, check-in & enjoy a welcome drink while your cabin will be assigned.
  • Check-in your cabin and put your luggage in, relax and may do a short inspection tour by moving around the cruise to discover about the cruise’s architecture & design
  • Enjoy the sumptuous lunch with fresh seafood meal while cruise slowly gliding out into the Halong bay.
  • 15h00 – 16h00: Explore the amazing Sung Sot Cave – the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay.
  • 16h00 – 17h00: Cruising to Titop Island. Go swimming and relaxing at the beach of Titop or climb up to the top of the island for a view panorama of Halong Bay.
  • 17h00 – 17h30: Return to the boat, enjoying beautiful seascape on the way.
  • 17h30 – 19h00: Enjoy Sunset Party on the sundeck and admire the best moments of the day when the sun starts to set.

Day Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, shuttle bus A/C transfer, English speaking tour guide on CRUISE only, entrance fee, full board, joint Cruise in Halong bay with private cabin (2 persons share 1 cabin)

Day 04

HALONG BAY – HANOI (B/L)

  • Start your day with Tai Chi exercises or a photo hunt.
  • 07h00 – 07h30 Have breakfast on board and enjoy the peaceful morning of Halong Bay.
  • 08h30 – 09h30 Kayak among the hidden areas of the bay, around the Drum Cave.
  • 09h45 Return to the boat. Freshen up and check out of your cabin.
  • 10h00 – 10h30 Continue your cruise exploring the Bay, passing Ba Hang fishing village, Dog Islet, and more.
  • 10h30 – 11h30 while heading back to the harbor, watch the fruit carving demonstration and participate in the Cooking Class before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
  • 11h45 – 12h00 Disembark V’Spirit Classic.
  • 12h15 – 12h30 Transfer back to Hanoi.
  • About 16:00 – Arrival back to Hanoi central city, recheck in the hotel
  • Dinner is available on your request.
  • Free time & Overnight in Hanoi city

Day 05

HANOI CITY CENTER TO NOI BAI AIRPORT – DEPARTURE (B)

  • Good morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Then, you have some free time to explore Hanoi city before going to Noi Bai airport for your scheduled flight.
  • The end of the tour, thank you and see you again!

What’s included in this trip :

  • A/C accommodation with DOUBLE or TWIN ROOM (2 persons share 1 room; single room can be available on request) with daily breakfast
  • A/C transfer from Airports to the hotel and other tourist destinations according to the itinerary
  • Bus round trip to Hanoi – Ha Long Bay; (private land transfer available on request)
  • 2 days 1 night on Joint Cruise trip in Ha Long Bay, with DOUBLE or TWIN (2 persons share 1 cabin; single cabin can be available on request), full meals on board
  • Kayaking in Ha Long Bay
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary. (Breakfast = 04; Lunch = 04; Dinner = 01)
  • English- speaking guides as specified (Chinese/ Malaysian speaking guide can be available on request)
  • Entrance fees
  • Mineral water (2 bottles/ per day with sightseeing tour)
What’s excluded in this trip:
  • All international and domestic flights
  • Specified as Chinese/ Malaysian/ Indonesian/Thai speaking guide can be available on request to pay for extra-fee.
  • Travel Insurance
  • Airport taxes
  • All meals not mentioned
  • Tips for tour guides, drivers, crew members in Ha Long Bay, other attendants if may have (3 USD/pax/day)
  • Other personal expenses not mentioned.

3 STAR HOTELS & CRUISES IN VIETNAM  SELECTED

 

Destination

Room Type

HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE

Hanoi 3-star Hotels

Adamas Deluxe City 

ADAMAS HANOI HOTEL
Refer: http://swancruiseshalong.com/

3-star Halong  Bay Cruises

Swan Cruise Deluxe

SWAN CRUISE HALONG BAY

Refer: http://swancruiseshalong.com/


4 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED

 

Destination

Room Type

HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE

  Hanoi  4-star Hotels

The light deluxe with window

THE LIGHT HOTEL HANOI

Refer: thelighthotelhanoi.com/en/

4-star Halong Bay Cruises

Sealife Suite Canbin

HUONG HAI SEALIFE CRUISE HALONG BAY

Refer: www.sealifegroup.com

5 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED

 

Destination

Hotel Category

HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE

  Hanoi 5-star hotels

Deluxe Sketch Apricot Hotel

 APRICOT HOTEL HANOI

Refer: apricothotels.com/room/sketch

5-star Halong bay Cruises

Deluxe Room with Ocean View Margaret

MARGARET CRUISE HALONG BAY

Refer: https://margaretcruises.com

 

The hotels and cruise are subject to change to similar category in case of fully booked

Vietnam Travel Map: 15 Days

Ranana

You feel like organized tour, but you are in a privet tour. Impress Travel make the different.

We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.

Ebrahim

Tour of Vietnam

Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!

Solly Pochee

The tour was fantastic

I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee

Bernard Lim

Great value for money with 4 stars hotel

Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.

Derek.Schooling

We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel

This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.

My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .

We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress

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