 |
Hue boasts a slow, tranquil pace of life, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of larger cities. Many travelers choose Hue as a place to unwind and recharge after stressful periods. Besides natural attractions, quiet cafes are also popular destinations.
Here are 7 cafes that embody this slow-paced spirit, recommended by Dang Cong Loi, a coffee reviewer, and VnExpress reporters. The list is based on criteria such as a peaceful atmosphere, high customer ratings, and proximity to the city center.
Gao Cafe
Address: 214 Tang Bat Ho, Hue City
Opening hours: 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Designed in the style of Hue's traditional "nha ruong" architecture, this cafe features a tiled roof, wooden frame, and lush greenery. Situated by a lake within the Hue Citadel grounds, it offers a sense of tranquility, separate from the city's noise.
Inside, low wooden tables and chairs encourage conversation. The outdoor space is adorned with flowers characteristic of old Hue gardens, such as yellow apricot blossoms, begonias, velvet roses, and white frangipani – flowers commonly found in aristocratic homes of the past.
The menu includes coffee, fruit juices, herbal teas, and royal court teas. Prices range from 20,000 to 150,000 VND. Gao Cafe is an excellent choice for visitors wanting to experience Hue's traditional culture and architecture in a peaceful setting. Photo: Thanh Nhan
 |
De Po Cafe
Address: 2nd Floor, Dong Ba Market, Hue City
Opening hours: 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Located inside Dong Ba Market, one of central Vietnam's oldest and busiest markets, this cafe is decorated with a nostalgic ambiance. Old walls, patterned tile floors, and wooden window frames bear the marks of time. Carefully arranged furniture creates a neat and intentional atmosphere.
De Po's menu offers various choices, with caramel coffee being a customer favorite. The coffee is described as balanced and easy to drink, suitable for first-time visitors. Prices range from 25,000 to 50,000 VND.
In the afternoon, sunlight filters through the ancient tamarind trees, casting shadows on the tile floor and creating a calm, gentle scene. The cafe is a perfect place to relax and chat after shopping and dining at Dong Ba Market. Photo: Dang Cong Loi
 |
Tu Phuong Vo Su Cafe
Address: Dang Thai Than, Hue City
Opening hours: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Situated on the Bac Khuyet Dai, the highest point on the north side of the Hue Citadel, Tu Phuong Vo Su Cafe, together with the Hoa Binh Gate (the citadel's north gate), forms an architectural complex symbolizing the Nguyen Dynasty's desire for peace.
The two-story wooden tower was completed in 1923 during the reign of King Khai Dinh (1916–1925) in preparation for his 40th birthday celebration. Afterward, it became a place for the king to relax and enjoy the scenery, and a place for princes and princesses to study and play during the late Nguyen Dynasty.
Today, visitors can relax and enjoy coffee at Tu Phuong Vo Su Cafe after touring the Hue Citadel. It's also accessible from Dang Thai Than Street without entering the Citadel. The menu includes coffee and tea, with prices ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 VND. Photo: Visit Hue
 |
Giao Cafe
Address: 118 Chi Lang, Hue City
Opening hours: 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
This classically decorated cafe is housed in a building with patterned tile floors and exposed aggregate walls. The furniture, including cabinets, bookshelves, chandeliers, and clocks, is inspired by Hue homes of decades past.
Every corner evokes a sense of nostalgia and tranquility, ideal for working or meeting friends. Large windows bring in natural light. The outdoor area has low tables and chairs, perfect for enjoying coffee while watching the street life.
The diverse drink menu caters to all ages. Salt coffee and coconut milk salt cocoa are two recommended choices. Prices range from 45,000 to 59,000 VND. Photo: Giao Cafe
 |
Chieu Cafe
Address: 118 Chi Lang, Hue City
Opening hours: 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Open for over 30 years, Chieu Cafe is a familiar spot for locals and tourists. Housed in a two-story wooden building, it evokes the atmosphere of decades past. Everything from the furniture and brick walls to the flower pots and porcelain cups carries a nostalgic touch.
The balcony is popular for its view of the Hue Citadel. The music is soft, mainly featuring Trinh Cong Son's compositions.
The menu focuses on coffee, with salt coffee being a highly-rated choice. Prices range from 20,000 to 40,000 VND. Photo: Dang Cong Loi
 |
Gac Trinh
Address: Nguyen Truong To, Hue City
Opening hours: 6:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Opened on 1/4/2013, Gac Trinh has become a popular destination for fans of Trinh Cong Son's music in Hue. The cafe evokes the memory of the talented musician, an icon of Vietnamese contemporary music.
This small attic was Trinh Cong Son's retreat in the 1960s and 1970s, where he composed his first songs. Gac Trinh preserves many of his belongings, along with pictures and letters from friends and family, creating a unique "Trinh cultural space" in Hue. These include valuable items like a photo gifted by singer Khanh Ly and a love letter he wrote to Dao Anh.
Two sets of tables and chairs on the balcony overlook Nguyen Truong To Street. This is where Trinh Cong Son used to sit, watching "Diem" walk home from school under the camphor trees. The menu primarily features coffee, catering to those seeking nostalgia through Trinh's music. Prices range from 15,000 to 30,000 VND. Photo: Tran Viet Anh
 |
Hue Cafe Roastery
Address: 131 Huynh Thuc Khang, Hue City
Opening hours: 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Located on the second floor of an old house on Huynh Thuc Khang Street, Hue Cafe Roastery has a simple, welcoming atmosphere that feels like home.
In the morning or afternoon, choose a balcony seat, order your favorite coffee, and enjoy the view of the Dong Ba River and Dieu De Pagoda. The tranquil air is filled with the aroma of incense and roasted coffee. Watching the world go by from above offers moments of relaxation amidst daily life. Besides coffee, the menu includes nostalgic drinks like salted lemonade and salted plum juice. Prices range from 25,000 to 45,000 VND. Photo: Hue Cafe Roastery
Tuan Anh
