Vietnam's top coffee cities: 5 destinations for unique experiences

Vietnam is recognized not only for its landscapes and cultural heritage but also as a coffee paradise, according to Booking.com, a global travel platform operating in over 220 countries and territories.

With a history of coffee cultivation spanning hundreds of years, Vietnam has become one of the world's leading producers and exporters of coffee. The coffee culture here is deeply rooted, from urban centers to rural areas, offering a variety of experiences for coffee enthusiasts.

Booking.com earlier this month released recommendations for five ideal destinations for travelers passionate about exploring Vietnam's coffee culture. The list is arranged in random order, selected by experts and travelers based on coffee quality, the number of cafes, and popularity of the drink.

Hanoi - egg coffee

Egg coffee features thick yellow foam. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Mai

Hanoi, the capital city, blends the old and new and is home to trendy cafes, restaurants, and street-side coffee shops. Among its specialties is egg coffee, a drink beloved by both locals and tourists.

Egg coffee is made by combining coffee, egg yolk, condensed milk, and sugar, resulting in a rich, creamy beverage. Visitors can try this iconic drink at the Giang Café at 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem District, or even take a coffee-making class to gain an understanding of Vietnamese coffee culture.

Hai Phong City - coconut coffee

A glass of coffee with coconut milk and strips of coconut flesh in Hai Phong. Photo by VnExpress/Duy Tung

Hai Phong, Vietnam's largest port city 120 km from Hanoi, may not be as well-known for its coffee scene, but coconut coffee is a local favorite. For many, it resembles a dessert more than a coffee drink, but it remains a must-try for visitors.

Coconut coffee is made with coconut milk, milk, condensed milk, and coffee. The creamy coconut milk enhances the sweetness and balances the bitterness of the coffee.

Hue - salt coffee

The former imperial city of Hue is famous for its landmarks and cuisine, and it is also the birthplace of salt coffee.

Glass coffee served with a bowl of ice in Hue. Photo by Van An

Salt coffee is best enjoyed with ice and is described as a bold combination of Vietnamese coffee and salt, adding a savory twist to the coffee experience. Sipping a cup of salt coffee at a local café or street-side stall is a unique experience for any traveler visiting Hue.

Buon Ma Thuot - drip coffee

As the coffee capital of Vietnam, Buon Ma Thuot in the Central Highlands offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in a world of diverse coffee flavors. Here, tourists can visit coffee plantations, learn about the coffee-making process, and savor the taste of drip coffee.

Drip coffee is a brewing method where hot water is poured over ground coffee beans and allowed to "drip" through a filter, into a glass below. The process involves a filter, which holds the coffee grounds. The hot water extracts the coffee's flavors as it passes through, creating a smooth brew with no coffee grounds in the final product.

A must-see is the World Coffee Museum, where visitors can explore coffee culture through interactive exhibits and over 10,000 artifacts.

Ho Chi Minh City – iced milk coffee

Ho Chi Minh City attracts visitors with its markets, nightlife, and, of course, its iced milk coffee. Made from brewed coffee mixed with condensed milk, this Vietnamese coffee can be found everywhere, from luxury cafés to street vendors.

Coffee with condensed milk is served with a cup of iced tea in HCMC. Photo by Tam Bui