A distinctive coffee shop in Ho Chi Minh City's Trung Son residential area has quickly become a popular spot, drawing in young crowds with its unusual decor featuring repurposed vehicles. Spanning over 200 square meters, the establishment primarily offers an outdoor experience and has been operating for over two months.

Owner Dang Vinh Hoa, a passionate custom vehicle enthusiast, envisioned the space as a gathering point for fellow car lovers and a novel destination for young people. "Using scrap materials also carries an environmental protection message," Hoa explained, "as each recycled item evokes old memories while embracing a new life."

The shop's "post-apocalyptic" theme is evident from the moment visitors arrive. The entrance itself is constructed from military trucks and excavators, setting a desolate yet intriguing tone. This design concept portrays a world in ruins, with only one land area where life continues to regenerate.

The shop's space features approximately 20 vehicles, including passenger cars, Lambrettas, trucks, and buses. The vehicles are part of Hoa's personal collection. Transporting these large, non-disassemblable items from Da Lat to the shop proved to be a significant undertaking, incurring substantial time and cost. Hoa stated that it took him nearly half a year to create the shop's space, with costs exceeding one billion dong, excluding the vehicles.

The interior and components of the buses were removed and repurposed to create a beverage counter and an air-conditioned room. Many of the largely damaged vehicles were customized to create a scene of desolation and ruin, reminiscent of a landscape that has just endured a fierce conflict.

One poignant installation features a vehicle buried in the ground, surrounded by emerging plants, symbolizing the gradual regeneration of life amidst the wreckage. Additionally, various other components have been ingeniously crafted into decorative items, forming shapes of robots and soldiers carrying anti-toxic gear.

The unique ambiance of the shop has made it a magnet for young visitors seeking distinctive photo opportunities. "The shop's space has a dusty, rebellious feel," a female visitor remarked, highlighting its unconventional appeal.

With a capacity for 40-50 people, the coffee shop experiences its busiest periods in the late afternoon and on weekends. Its menu features approximately 30 different drinks, with prices ranging from 30,000 to 60,000 dong. Strategically located on a main street, the shop is easy to locate and offers ample free parking for its patrons.

Quynh Tran