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"Nostalgia" - two seemingly simple words, yet they possess a powerful allure, permeating every corner of modern life, becoming a trend that stirs up everything from fashion, music, film, literature, and journalism to even the culinary arts... Amidst the hustle and bustle of the 4.0 technology era, people yearn to return to old and simple values.
Perhaps, in this convenient digital age, people are gradually becoming tired of the hustle and bustle and long for peace and tranquility from the simplest things. They reminisce about the times before technology developed, when TV was a luxury item, and smartphones had not yet appeared.
For many generations, those were years of material hardship, yet people were bound together by sincerity and closeness in a peaceful, simple, and warm atmosphere. Especially for today's youth – those who did not experience or only had a part of their childhood during that period – they are even more curious and eager to relive the years of the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, or even the early years of the last century.
"Nostalgia" - two seemingly simple words, yet they possess a powerful allure, permeating every corner of modern life.
A nostalgic breeze blows into modern life as a reminder of cherished traditional values and the simple things we once treasured. It also demonstrates the enduring appeal of the past, regardless of time and societal development.
The growing love for nostalgia has fueled the emergence of unique vintage-style cafes. Tucked away in quaint villas, these cafes in Hanoi transport you on a journey back in time, evoking beautiful memories of a bygone era.
The growing demand for "nostalgia" has fueled the emergence of unique vintage-style cafes.
Here are 4 hidden gem cafes in old villas in Hanoi that Travellive suggests for you:
Balcony
Address: 2 Dinh Liet Street, Hanoi
Located at the intersection of Hang Bac and Dinh Liet streets, Ban Cong has long been a familiar destination for both domestic and international tourists visiting Hanoi. Boasting a prime location in the heart of the Old Quarter, the cafe easily attracts visitors with its antique and romantic charm.
Located in a more than 100-year-old French villa, Ban Cong (Balcony) bears the mark of time with its weathered yellow walls, patterned tiles, and rustic wooden staircase. The highlight of the cafe is its vibrant yellow walls covered in blooming bougainvillea, creating a romantic and dreamy atmosphere. In particular, the balcony area with its view of the Hang Bac - Dinh Liet intersection always attracts visitors with its beautiful design. This is also a popular spot for many to capture beautiful記念 photos during their Hanoi trip.
Located at the intersection of Hang Bac and Dinh Liet streets, Ban Cong has long been a familiar destination for both domestic and international tourists visiting Hanoi.
To enhance the nostalgic atmosphere, the owner has also collected many unique pieces of furniture such as wooden tables and chairs, bedside lamps, pendulum clocks, record players, paintings, etc. Thanks to this, visitors feel as if they are transported back in time to bygone decades when they step into Ban Cong.
Loading T Cafe
Address: 2nd Floor, No. 8 Chan Cam Street, Hanoi
Located on the second floor of an old villa on Chan Cam Street, Loading T Cafe is a peaceful destination, captivating visitors with its nostalgic beauty and cozy atmosphere. Although occupying only a modest space on the second floor, the cafe boasts a spacious balcony where visitors can observe the daily life of Hanoi's 36 streets. Thanks to this "hidden" location, the cafe maintains its tranquility and is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Located on the second floor of an old villa on Chan Cam Street, Loading T Cafe is a peaceful destination that captivates visitors with its nostalgic beauty and cozy atmosphere.
Stepping into Loading T Cafe, you're transported to a nostalgic world with rustic wooden tables and chairs, antique tiled floors, dark-colored sofas, and unpainted brick walls. These seemingly simple details are harmoniously combined with small potted daisies and a yellow-painted balcony to create an overall charming and attractive atmosphere.
Not only does the cafe attract customers with its beautiful ambiance, but it also impresses with its appealing drink menu, especially "must-try" items like hot egg coffee and iced egg coffee. Each type of coffee has its own unique flavor, brewed according to a secret recipe that will surely satisfy you.
Stepping into Loading T Cafe is like entering a nostalgic world.
Therefore, Loading T Cafe is an ideal suggestion for those who want to find a quiet, nostalgic space to relax, chat with friends, or simply want to experience the peaceful pace of life in Hanoi.
Toka Coffee Stand
Address: No. 2, Lane 3B, Dang Thai Than Street, Hanoi
Nestled within the grounds of a quaint villa on Dang Thai Than Street, Toka Coffee Stand offers diners a tranquil and cool space surrounded by lush greenery. Strategically located near the Hanoi Opera House, the café, while not bustling, attracts those who appreciate peace and romance. Situated in a residential area, the café provides a relaxed atmosphere with a gentle ambiance, emphasizing quietness, soft speech, and graceful smiles.
The cafe's design is quite simple and rustic, primarily featuring outdoor seating, perfect for chatting with friends or simply finding a quiet corner to relax and unwind to soothing music. Although Toka Coffee Stand is relatively small, it still feels spacious thanks to its clever arrangement and maximum use of natural light. Visiting early in the morning, you'll enjoy the fresh, pleasant atmosphere, dispelling the worries of everyday life.
Nestled within the grounds of a charming old villa on Dang Thai Than Street, Toka Coffee Stand offers diners a tranquil, cool space surrounded by lush, rustling trees.
However, due to limited space, Toka Coffee Stand is often quite crowded and fully booked on weekends. If you're looking for a quieter atmosphere, consider visiting on weekdays.
Hanoi Neighbors
Address: 114 Tue Tinh Street, Hanoi
Hanoi Neighbors – a name that has become familiar to Hanoi's check-in enthusiasts after just one year since its launch. Located in an old French house on Tue Tinh Street, the cafe impresses with its nostalgic and sophisticated beauty.
Hanoi Neighbors - a name that has become familiar to those who love to check in and take photos in Hanoi.
Stepping inside, you feel like you've been transported back in time, with unique architectural details preserved intact from the old villa, such as warm wooden floors, intricately patterned stair railings, and spacious balconies... To get here, you need to park your car a short distance away and walk down a small alley.
The highlight of the restaurant is its diverse space, catering to every diner's preference, from a cozy indoor area and a romantic attic to a lush green garden. However, the most attractive feature is the balcony area, where you can admire the shady banyan trees that change color with the seasons, or immerse yourself in the peaceful, slow-paced streetscape and enjoy the warm afternoon sun.
Stepping into Hanoi Neighbors, you feel like you've been transported back in time, with unique architectural details preserved intact from the old villas.
