Vinyl cafe: a vintage escape in Ho Chi Minh City

By Tuan Anh   September 13, 2024 | 06:11 pm PT
Blending nostalgia with a love for music, a vinyl-themed café in District 10 has become a hotspot for Ho Chi Minh City's youth, offering a retro ambiance perfect for relaxation.
Vinyl cafe: a vintage escape in Ho Chi Minh City

Located at Y12 Hong Linh Street, Giang Café opened in early August with a nostalgic style, focusing on vinyl records as the central theme. The records are displayed on shelves near the entrance, around record players, and in other spots throughout the café.

Although vinyl record cafés are not new to Ho Chi Minh City, the owners took years to collect records for both playing music and decoration. Currently, the café has over 100 records for music, while the number used for decoration is still uncounted.

"We want to introduce more people to this type of music and offer them a relaxing experience," said the café's manager.

Vinyl cafe: a vintage escape in Ho Chi Minh City

The café spans about 300 square meters and can accommodate over 200 guests. Besides vinyl records, thousands of books are available for customers to enjoy. The café is divided into zones for chatting, group work, studying, and outdoor seating.

Vinyl cafe: a vintage escape in Ho Chi Minh City

Vinyl records date back to the early days of the recording and broadcasting industry, developed alongside the invention of record players and recording systems in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

At the café, these records are preserved and frequently rotated, allowing customers to enjoy a variety of songs.

Vinyl cafe: a vintage escape in Ho Chi Minh City

The café's manager noted that compared to modern music, vinyl records have historical depth and a unique sound. Here, guests can enjoy drinks and relax in a nostalgic setting.

Vinyl cafe: a vintage escape in Ho Chi Minh City

In addition to vinyl records and books, the café is decorated with vintage household items and furniture, including fans, sewing machines, and lamps. This quiet space is popular for work and study.

Vinyl cafe: a vintage escape in Ho Chi Minh City

Gia Thu, who traveled over 30 kilometers from Binh Duong Province, discovered the café through social media.

"The café is spacious and quiet, and every corner is photo-worthy," said the 21-year-old.

Vinyl cafe: a vintage escape in Ho Chi Minh City

Minh Anh (R), a resident of District 5, more than three kilometers from District 10, visited the café with friends on Aug. 9 and was impressed by the nostalgic atmosphere.

"Watching the needle move across the vinyl is interesting, and it's a completely different experience from pressing play on a phone," Minh Anh said.

Vinyl cafe: a vintage escape in Ho Chi Minh City

The café's outdoor area spans about 30 square meters, with plenty of greenery and tables and chairs for those who prefer an open-air experience.

Vinyl cafe: a vintage escape in Ho Chi Minh City

The café offers over 30 types of drinks and pastries, priced between VND45,000 and VND65,000 (US$1.80 to $2.60).

Vinyl cafe: a vintage escape in Ho Chi Minh City

The condensed milk coffee, priced at VND65,000, is a popular choice, made with coffee, condensed milk, and caramelized brown sugar, allowing customers to mix it to their taste.

Vinyl cafe: a vintage escape in Ho Chi Minh City

Since its opening, the café has welcomed around 400 customers daily, with the busiest times being mornings and evenings.

Located on Hong Linh Street, the café is easy to find and operates from 6:30 a.m. to midnight. There is ample parking, but customers must pay a VND5,000 fee per motorbike.

Photos by Quynh Tran

 
 
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