Buzz
Hanoi boasts countless charming cafes, but few know that amidst the narrow streets and quiet alleys lie cafes not only charming but also exceptionally tranquil and inviting.
Find 5 hidden gem cafes in Hanoi's alleys for a peaceful and serene escape during the final days of summer.
Hanoi is abundant in beautiful cafes. There are those perched high with views so stunning they leave you breathless with just a glance. Then there are those with adorable decor that melts your heart at first sight. Amidst the hundreds, even thousands, of cafes as charming as these, if you seek a truly serene and comfortable space, venture through the narrow streets and quiet alleys, where peaceful and inviting cafes await your discovery. When weary of the hustle and bustle, a secluded corner in a small alley will be the magical gift you give yourself.
1. Culaccino Coffee
Culaccino resides discreetly within a small alley, adorned with white walls and lush climbing plants. At first glance, its entrance with a vaulted roof reminiscent of ancient French architecture makes you believe this cafe is reserved for a sleeping princess. Nestled deep within the alley, few would guess that the further you venture, the more expansive the space becomes, with a wide and airy path leading inside.
Strolling along the gravel path, you'll be surprised to find that behind that quaint little archway lies a rather spacious and tranquil space. The cafe is divided into three sections with front and back garden spaces, and in the middle is a greenhouse. The open design creates a comfortable and airy atmosphere.
With various spaces, every guest here can find their own corner according to their needs. If you need a workspace, you can sit inside with long wooden tables and soft music playing from the speakers. If you need a space for reading, tea drinking, and contemplation, then the back garden corner with bamboo clusters and a path paved with pebbles will be the ideal spot for you.
On these final days of summer, sitting in a private corner at Culaccino and sipping a warm cup of tea, you can only realize that every season is lovely and worth living.
2. ForDeer – Coffee With Tree
Hearing the name of the cafe is enough to imagine a green space with thousands of trees, right? It's hard to imagine in an alley on Tay Son street, always bustling, there exists a small and cozy garden where you can sit, read, work, or simply admire the trees.
From the outside, this cafe resembles a greenhouse on the hills of Dalat. Stepping into the cafe, you immediately feel the comfortable atmosphere and gentle green color from the small pots of plants arranged around the cafe. If you pay attention, you'll notice that the cafe is decorated very skillfully, without causing any clutter. The pots of plants and the wooden furniture give the cafe a harmonious and visually pleasing green-brown hue.
An interesting aspect is that if you're into gardening, on weekends the cafe often hosts workshops to help plant enthusiasts care for their indoor plants!
3. House 41
Nestled deep within alley 41 Thái Hà, with its house number also being 41, perhaps that's why the cafe is named House 41. Despite being in an alley, it's quite easy to find due to the prominent yellow-colored two-story house and bamboo clusters acting as a fence around it. House number 41 appears simple and rustic with a shaded garden corner.
This cafe resembles a small, ancient house, where there's still no trace of any high-rise buildings. Tucked away amidst the narrow alley, surrounded by mundane row houses, House 41 emerges as a reminiscent of the old days.
Although the interior of the cafe is uniquely decorated, blending both Asian and European styles, it still maintains simplicity and rusticity. Perhaps because of the corner garden with towering bamboo, every time the wind blows through, it whispers softly, creating a tranquil and soothing atmosphere.
While the cafe is charming, there are still some minor drawbacks such as the drinks not being outstanding and the parking area being quite cramped.
4. 101 Cafe
Located in a small alley on Nguyen Chi Thanh street, this cafe is relatively unknown. With a wide front covered in bamboo clusters, the cafe appears like a secret forest, arousing curiosity in anyone passing by.
Upon entering the cafe, you'll immediately notice a small, quaint bar counter with hanging teacups right before your eyes. Take a few more steps, and you'll come across a small stream trickling by. Sitting there, enjoying a cup of tea, listening to the birds chirping and the gentle flow of the stream will make you feel like you're immersed in nature.
The cafe has both indoor and outdoor spaces. The indoor area is quite cozy, suitable for sitting on the floor, ideal for young groups of friends to chat or play music. The outdoor space features a narrow pathway, surrounded by lush trees, perfect for whispering sweet nothings with your loved one.
Additionally, the cafe also provides guitars, ukuleles, and a piano for those who love to play music!
5. Bốt cafe
Perhaps this is the simplest cafe among these 5. Situated in a narrow alley, it has only one floor and is decorated in a retro style. The signs, tables, chairs, and wall paintings all evoke the familiar atmosphere of a bygone era.
Although Bốt Cafe lacks lush greenery and Instagrammable corners, it's nestled in a quiet and serene alley. On a late summer afternoon, sitting here, enjoying a cup of coffee, letting your mind wander with the breeze, suddenly all worries vanish. Bốt Cafe gives you a sense of familiarity while also exuding a nostalgic vibe.
Amidst the bustling capital of Hanoi, if you're unsure where to go, just slip into a familiar corner of a cafe, surrounded by familiar objects, and you'll feel as comfortable as if you're in your own home.
As reported by Afamily
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourAugust 23, 2017
