Coffee in the garden

In today’s frenetic society, the need for a daily time-out is more vital than ever.

Especially in Ho Chi Minh City, with the constant noise of hurried traffic and chaotic urban stress, garden cafes have emerged on the scene like a serene sanctuary for the frazzled city-dweller.

The open-air concept of the garden cafe offers a much-needed escape from the air-conditioned buildings and offices where most people spend their days, as well as a time to sit, relax, and unwind. Several garden cafes have sprung up around HCMC promising to restore fatigued urbanites back to life.

Thuy Truc Cafe in Binh Thanh District is a coffee retreat not to be missed. An evergreen canopy envelops a wide open space spanning no less than 5,000 square meters. More a park than a cafe, Thuy Truc Cafe offers customers a chance to sit in quiet contemplation amidst the simple beauty of the countryside decor. Boasting several garden areas, the ambience is enhanced by a small lake situated under the shade of bamboo trees – a symbol of rural Vietnam.

While sipping a delectable beverage or enjoying a good book, one can truly let their cares drift away in the relaxing outdoor setting. A wide array of beverages is available at Thuy Truc Cafe with prices starting at just VND15,000 (US$1). Set lunch prices start around VND30,000 ($2) and free wireless service is also available.

Also located in Binh Thanh District, La Do Cafe shares many of the same features as Thuy Truc Cafe. Here, one can experience the feeling of being connected with nature thanks to an amazing garden view. La Do is adorned with strands of green leaves and a small tasteful fountain. The gentle murmur of trickling water mingles with the sound of birds chirping to give an atmosphere of peace and tranquility – a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Soft music and a diversified beverage menu are also sure to please.

Them Xua Cafe in District 1 is another great place to relax in the shade. Nestled in an alleyway off busy Nguyen Trai Street, a path from the entrance takes you through a labyrinth of gardens and seating areas, finally leading to a majestic villa. Bonsai trees and bamboo are abundant in Them Xua Cafe, creating an ethereal outdoor feel. The cafe attracts a large number of self-professed caffeine addicts who come not just to relax in the old-world ambience, but also to enjoy traditional Vietnamese music.

The cafe plays a variety of oldies by famous Vietnamese musicians like Trinh Cong Son, Pham Duy and Vu Thanh An. The tunes play quietly in the background, stirring up nostalgia for many of the cafe’s music enthusiasts. Iced black coffee is the most popular choice of drink at Them Xua Cafe, but a host of other drinks are also on offer with prices ranging from VND25,000 ($1.5) during the day to around VND40,000 ($2.5) at night.

For those looking for a romantic escape or just a peaceful excursion by oneself, Serenata is the place to go. Located down the end of an alley on Ngo Thoi Nhiem Street in District 3, Serenata offers up live nightly music beneath a cover of green foliage. The venue is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression with its old-style French villa design. A group of large trees provides a canopy over a small stream while the upstairs indoor section features several open windows looking out over the garden. Beautiful flowers pop out almost everywhere. In addition, several oil paintings embellish the sophisticated atmosphere of Serenata giving it a true feeling of refined elegance.

Situated in Tan Binh District, the Coi Rieng Cafe is a particularly cozy spot at night. With two beautiful Japanese rock gardens, the cafe offers a large green space complete with an assortment of plants, peaceful ponds and small footbridges surrounding a white villa. Around 30 minutes from the city’s downtown core, a visit to Coi Rieng Cafe is worth the journey. The cafe has a dreamy, romantic feel and also makes a great place to bring a date for dessert.

Prices at both Serenata and Coi Rieng Cafe typically start at around VND25,000 ($1.5) during the day and around VND40,000 ($2.5) at night. The wide array of coffee drinks and fruit yogurts are always the most popular. Both venues also offer live nightly music under an evergreen canopy. Traditional Vietnamese and foreign songs are performed on the piano and bass by professional local singers.

Last but not least, Du Mien coffee shop in Phu Nhuan District is a comfortable yet spacious hideaway well suited for a chat with friends or business colleagues. Suede seating provides a relaxed atmosphere and customers can gaze out at a shady garden. The gentle murmur of water makes the setting even more pleasant. A tasty selection of food and drink are served all day at Du Mien with prices starting around VND25,000 ($1.5).

So next time you find yourself stressed and strained by the hectic pace of life in the city, stop by one of HCMC’s garden cafes and take time to refuel in the shade.

FAVORITE GARDEN CAFES IN HCMC

*Thuy Truc, 197 Dinh Bo Linh Street, Binh Thanh District
*La Do, 97/4 Le Quang Dinh Street, Binh Thanh District
*Them Xua, 371 D1 Nguyen Canh Chan Street, District 1
*Serenata, 6D Ngo Thoi Nhiem Street, District 3
*Coi Rieng, 334A Nguyen Trong Tuyen Street, Tan Binh District