Le Thanh, 42, a trekking tour guide by profession, nurtures a passion for coffee.
He often sets up a simple coffee corner at the Quang Ninh Exhibition Center, also known as the Dolphin Palace, or Lan Be Park, inviting friends to enjoy the scenery of Ha Long Bay with a cup of coffee.
What sets Thanh's café apart is its unique pricing - all beverages, from espresso to cappuccino, are offered free.
Along with regular machine-brewed coffee, pour-over coffee is one of the beverages that Thanh takes pride in at his shop.
The café serves a variety of top-quality beans, sourced both locally and internationally, including Arabica, Robusta, Brazilian, Ethiopian, Kenyan, Colombian, and Rwandan beans, all carefully selected.
"I have a passion for coffee and have received generous amounts from beloved friends and family. Therefore, I want to share this coffee culture, especially specialty coffee, and showcase the generosity and hospitality of Ha Long people to visitors," Thanh said.
Customers range from close friends to curious passersby.
"Anyone can drop by for a coffee, whether they're old friends or tourists. I don't restrict the number of cups per day, as long as you enjoy it here," the owner said.
Even though Thanh's drinks are complimentary, customers might find it challenging to catch him open due to his unpredictable hours.
"My availability depends on my free time. While I'm passionate about this and profit isn't my goal, I still prioritize my main job for income," Thanh said.
Thanh finds happiness in his free shop, receiving the love and support of his customers, as well as opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals.
"Once, a traveler from Saigon stopped by for an espresso. Impressed, he offered me a job at his 5-star hotel in Saigon. At my café, many friends insisted on donating money for ingredients and tools. I graciously accepted and redirected all contributions to a fund for building kindergartens in highland areas," Thanh said.
