Known for its rich heritage, Hue draws visitors looking to recharge, and its cafés have become retreats for those wanting to unwind.
Gao
Set in a wooden house with tiled roofs and surrounded by greenery, Gao sits beside a lake inside the Imperial City. The interior features wooden tables and chairs. The outdoor space is adorned with flowers such as yellow apricot, camellia and white frangipani, flowers commonly found in noble households of the past.
The menu includes coffee, fruit juices, herbal teas, and royal teas that cost from VND20,000 to VND150,000 ($0.78 to $5.85). This place is recommended for those wanting to experience Hue's culture and architecture.
Address: 214 Tang Bat Ho Street
Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Photo by Thanh Nhan
De Po
Located inside the Dong Ba Market, one of the oldest and busiest in central Vietnam, De Po offers a nostalgic atmosphere with aged walls, patterned tile floors and wooden window frames. The furniture is arranged to create a neat space.
In the afternoon sunlight filters through the canopy, casting shadows on the floor and creating a soft ambiance. This café is an ideal spot for visitors to relax and chat after exploring the shopping and culinary delights of Dong Ba Market.
The menu offers many choices, with caramel coffee being a favorite among visitors. The coffee is praised for its smooth flavor, which makes it easy to drink even for first-timers. Drink prices range from VND25,000 to VND50,000 ($0.98 to $1.95).
Address: 2nd Floor, Dong Ba Market
Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Photo by Dang Cong Loi
Lau Tu Phuong Vo Su
Lau Tu Phuong Vo Su is set in a two-story building on the northern side of Hue's Imperial City. It was built in 1923 for the birthday celebrations of Emperor Khai Dinh. The building was used as a quiet place for the sovereign to rest and enjoy the views and as a study and play area for royal children.
Today, visitors can stop by this place to enjoy coffee after touring the Imperial City. The pavilion is accessible from Dang Thai Than Street without needing to purchase an entrance ticket to the citadel. The café menu includes coffee and tea, with prices ranging from VND20,000 to VND50,000 ($0.78 to $1.95).
Address: Dang Thai Than Street
Hours: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Visit Hue
Giao
Giao is housed in a vintage building with patterned tile floors. The furniture, with its cabinets, bookshelves, chandeliers, and clocks, is inspired by Hue homes from decades ago.
Large windows fill the space with natural light, while outdoor seating lets guests watch street life unfold.
The menu is diverse, with salted coffee and salted coconut cocoa among the must-try items. Prices range from VND45,000 to VND59,000 ( $1.76 to $2.30).
Address: 118 Chi Lang Street
Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Giao Cafe
Chieu
A local favorite for over 30 years, Chieu (Afternoon) is set in a two-story wooden house, with a space that evokes the pace of life from decades ago. From the furniture and brick walls to the flower pots and porcelain cups, everything carries a nostalgic charm.
The balcony area is popular for its view overlooking the Imperial City. Soft music plays throughout the café, mostly songs by Trinh Cong Son, a musician and songwriter celebrated for his poetic lyrics and influence on modern Vietnamese music.
The menu focuses on coffee, with salted coffee being a popular choice. Drink prices range from VND20,000 to VND40,000 ($0.78 to $1.56).
Address: 44 Dang Thai Than Street
Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Photo by Dang Cong Loi
Gac Trinh
Gac Trinh (Trinh Attic) opened in 2013, and has become a beloved spot for fans of musician Trinh Cong Son. The café once served as Trinh Cong Son's personal retreat during the 1960s and 1970s. It was here that he composed much of his music.
Gac Trinh preserves many of his personal belongings, including photographs, letters and memorabilia donated by family and friends. Among the items are a photo gifted by Khanh Ly, a singer known for performing Trinh Cong Son's songs, and a love letter he wrote to Dao Anh, his muse and inspiration for many of his songs.
Outside, two sets of tables and chairs are placed on the balcony overlooking Nguyen Truong To Street. The menu is simple, focusing mainly on coffee. Drink prices range from VND15,000 to VND30,000 ($0.59 to $1.17).
Address: 2nd floor, room 203, building number 19, Nguyen Truong To Street
Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Photo by Tran Viet Anh
Hue Cafe Roastery
Located on the second floor of a house, Hue Cafe Roastery offers a homey vibe. Visitors coming in the morning and afternoon can enjoy a seat on the balcony overlooking the Dong Ba River and Dieu De Pagoda. The quiet space is filled with the aromas of incense and roasted coffee.
Besides coffee, the menu also features traditional drinks like salted lemon and xi muoi tac (sweet-tangy kumquat with salted plum syrup) with prices ranging from VND25,000 to VND45,000 ($0.98 to $1.76).
Address: 131 Huynh Thuc Khang Street
Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Hue Cafe Roastery
