{"id":2784,"date":"2020-07-03T12:05:25","date_gmt":"2020-07-03T04:05:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/?p=2784"},"modified":"2020-11-05T14:57:01","modified_gmt":"2020-11-05T06:57:01","slug":"hanoi-cafes-antique-interiors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/hanoi-cafes-antique-interiors\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Cafes In Hanoi With Antique Interiors That Will Take You Back In Time"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hanoi cafes with antique & retro interiors<\/h2>\n
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In a city as busy as Hanoi, it is easy to get caught up in the flow of life. Traffic is notoriously harsh during rush hour, and often we find ourselves racing to hit KPIs at work or staying up all night to finish a school essay before the deadline.<\/span><\/p>\n

But whenever you have some precious time to space, retreat to one of these <\/span>10 cafes in Hanoi <\/b>with antique interiors for a trip to the past and some peace away from the hustle and bustle.<\/span><\/p>\n

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1. C\u1ed9ng Caf\u00e9 – bringing back your parents\u2019 Hanoi<\/b><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> C\u1ed9ng Caf\u00e9<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

When it comes to cafes with antique interiors, <\/span>C\u1ed9ng Cafe<\/b> has to be the first name on the list. This is a massive brand with over 50 branches across all of Vietnam, which means you can likely find one just around the corner in Hanoi city.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

All of C\u1ed9ng\u2019s outlets boast interiors inspired by the 1970s with wooden furniture, propaganda posters, and black-and-white pictures of Hanoi during the 20<\/span>th<\/span> century. The retro decor and availability make C\u1ed9ng a popular destination among locals, expats, and tourists alike.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span>The Vinacano at C\u1ed9ng Cafe<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> @y2keiko<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Drink-wise, the brand comes up with creative coffees every so often. The <\/span>Vinacano (VND25,000, ~USD1.08)<\/b>, for instance, is an attempt to localize the common Americano drink, substituting the usual espresso with traditional Vietnamese filtered coffee.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>A retro tumbler and mug for sale <\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit: <\/span>@congcaphe<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Visiting C\u1ed9ng, you can also find a wide range of souvenirs such as T-shirts, tumblers, ceramic cups, and ashtrays for sale from <\/span>VND25,000 (~USD1.08).<\/b><\/p>\n

Address: <\/b><\/span>Various locations<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/a>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span> Vary depending on outlet. Most are open from 8AM-11PM, Daily.<\/span>
\n<\/span>Telephone:<\/b><\/span> 024 3733 9966<\/span><\/p>\n

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2. Aha Caf\u00e9 – an elevated street coffee experience<\/b><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit: <\/span>@ahacafesystem<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Another major cafe brand of Vietnam, <\/span>Aha Cafe<\/b> puts a strong emphasis on convenient locations. Its outlets are usually at big intersections, with open entrances and multiple floors allowing for plenty of natural light.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here you\u2019ll find the street coffee-drinking experience that Hanoi is known for, but with better service and cleaner, more comfortable seating. The interiors are adorned with wooden or metal doors of classical designs and old-fashioned signs, giving off the feeling that you are on a 1980s Vietnamese street. Low wooden stools and tables further serve to add to the vibe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span>Image credit: <\/span>@_do.rose_<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

While Aha also has dozens of outlets in Hanoi, the one at number 217 Tr\u00edch S\u1ea3i is where you should head to. With a balcony looking directly over the West Lake, it allows you to enjoy your coffee while taking in the breeze and the stunning view, which is particularly beautiful at sunset.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span>A view of the West Lake at twilight, taken from Aha Cafe 217 Tr\u00edch S\u1ea3i Street<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit: <\/span>Tup Minh<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Price range:<\/b> <\/span>VND30,000-VND70,000 (~USD1.29-USD3.01)
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span>\u00a0 7AM-11PM, Daily<\/span>
\n<\/span>Telephone:<\/b><\/span>\u00a0 096 556 1717<\/span>
\n<\/span>For a list of locations, <\/span>click here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. Gi\u1ea3ng Caf\u00e9 – birthplace of Vietnamese egg coffee<\/b><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> Caf\u00e9 Gi\u1ea3ng<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Egg coffee is a famed specialty of Hanoi that can be found in many coffee shops today, but <\/span>Gi\u1ea3ng Caf\u00e9<\/b> will always be remembered by the city\u2019s coffee lovers as the inventor of this creative recipe.<\/span><\/p>\n

The place has a long history that dates all the way back to 1946, where milk and sugar weren\u2019t as readily available as they are today. It is for this reason that Mr. Gi\u1ea3ng, the original owner, came up with an alternative. By whipping up egg yolk with a bit of sugar, he created a thick and foamy cream that can be served with hot or cold coffee as a substitute for milk, and locals at the time loved it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> Caf\u00e9 Gi\u1ea3ng<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Today, Gi\u1ea3ng Caf\u00e9 is run by Mr. Gi\u1ea3ng\u2019s son, who expanded upon his father\u2019s ideas. Aside from the <\/span>egg coffee (VND25,000, ~USD1.07)<\/b>, you can find here several other recipes featuring the same egg cream, such as <\/span>egg rum (VND45,000, ~USD1.93)<\/b> and <\/span>egg beer (VND50,000, ~USD2.14)<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Address:<\/b><\/span> Alley 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Str., Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.<\/span>
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span> 7AM \u2013 11PM, Daily<\/span>
\n<\/span>Telephone:<\/b><\/span> 098 989 2298<\/span>
\n<\/span>Website<\/span><\/a> \u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

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4. \u0110inh Caf\u00e9 – A quieter destination to try the famous egg coffee<\/b><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit: <\/span>@vgne.e<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Gi\u1ea3ng Caf\u00e9\u2019s reputation means the place is always packed full of people, which is why egg coffee lovers who want to enjoy their drink in peace instead favor <\/span>\u0110inh Caf\u00e9<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Established by another child of Mr. Gi\u1ea3ng who has split from the family brand, \u0110inh also boasts the famed <\/span>egg coffee (VND25,000, ~USD1.07)<\/b>, although the taste is slightly different compared to Gi\u1ea3ng due to the different ingredient ratios. Regular coffee, tea, and juices are also available with prices ranging from <\/span>VND20,000 (~0.86)<\/b> to <\/span>VND25,000 (~USD1.07)<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> \u0110inh Caf\u00e9<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

What \u0110inh is truly remembered for is the atmosphere. Nestled on the second floor of an old building right next to the Ho\u00e0n Ki\u1ebfm Lake, the place is a humble, dimly-lit room with a few wooden stools and a small balcony looking directly out to the busy streets below. It is this simplicity that has captured the hearts of many Hanoians. Over the years, \u0110inh Caf\u00e9 has garnered a small cult following.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span>View from the balcony at Caf\u00e9 \u0110inh<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit: <\/span>@sophie_nguyen_queen<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Address:<\/b><\/span> Alley 13 Dinh Tien Hoang Str. \u2013 Hoan Kiem – Hanoi<\/span>
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span> 7AM \u2013 9PM, Daily<\/span>
\n<\/span>Telephone:<\/b> <\/span>0243 824 2960<\/span>
\n<\/span>Facebook<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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5. Caf\u00e9 V\u01b0\u1eddn Ph\u1ed1 C\u1ed5 – a secret cafe with a birds\u2019-eye view over the Hoan Kiem Lake<\/b><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit: <\/span>@maria_nasim<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Although <\/span>Caf\u00e9 V\u01b0\u1eddn Ph\u1ed1 C\u1ed5<\/b> is right next to the Ho\u00e0n Ki\u1ebfm lake, the center of tourism in Hanoi, its obscure location inside a dark alley means the majority of tourists walk right past it without knowing what they are missing out on.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"cafe<\/span><\/i>Image adapted from: <\/span>@v.ducdung<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

But if you manage to find the place, the sense of achievement you get is just incredible. As you pass through the alley, an old-fashioned house with Chinese signs, lanterns, and bird cages hanging from the ceiling will greet you.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit: <\/span>@lovely_ello<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The building boasts multiple floors, but the most sought-after seats are at the outdoor terrace at the top which looks directly down to the Hoan Kiem lake. Here, visitors can enjoy a cool breeze and watch the active streets below from a bird\u2019s eye view.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit: <\/span>@ray_osotogohan<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

When it comes to drinks, Caf\u00e9 V\u01b0\u1eddn Ph\u1ed1 C\u1ed5 serves up some pretty mean Vietnamese coffee. <\/span>Coffee with milk (VND35,000, ~USD1.51)<\/b> is a local favorite, and of course the <\/span>egg coffee<\/b> is also available for <\/span>VND45,000 (~USD1.94). <\/b>Sure, the price is somewhat steeper compared to the likes of Gi\u1ea3ng or \u0110inh, but it\u2019s totally worth it for the view.<\/span><\/p>\n

Address:<\/b><\/span> Alley 11 Hang Gai Str., Hoan Kiem, Hanoi<\/span>
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span> 8AM-11PM, Daily<\/span>
\n<\/span>Telephone:<\/b><\/span> 024 3928 8153<\/span><\/p>\n

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6. Loading T Caf\u00e9 – a cozy space hidden inside an old French mansion<\/b><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit: <\/span>@byy54<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Loading T <\/b>is another hidden gem that even many locals don\u2019t know about, but if you want to see what it has to offer, you can find it on the second floor of an old French mansion in the heart of the Hanoi Old Quarter.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> Loading T Caf\u00e9<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Behind the mansion\u2019s weathered gates and atop its timeworn stairs, you\u2019ll find this lovely little caf\u00e9 that looks like it\u2019s been frozen in the 1900s. It\u2019d be an overstatement to call the place spacious, but it never feels clustered thanks to the high ceiling – a typical trait in these types of mansions. Meanwhile, decorating the walls are plants, ceramic figures, and plenty of other ornaments that the owner has personally collected.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"ice-blended<\/p>\n

And when you\u2019re here, don\u2019t forget to order the signature <\/span>ice-blended cocoa with egg cream (VND70,000, ~USD3.01)<\/b>. While that might sound like a ton of sugar, the sweetness is actually kept to a very moderate level. The staff only starts whipping the cream when there is an order, so it always comes with a satisfying foamy texture.<\/span><\/p>\n

Price range:<\/b> <\/span>VND30,000-VND70,000 (~USD1.08-USD3.01)
\n<\/span>Address:<\/b><\/span> 8 Chan Cam Str., Hoan Kiem, Hanoi<\/span>
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span> 8AM-10PM, Daily<\/span>
\n<\/span>Telephone:<\/b><\/span> 090 334 2000<\/span>
\n<\/span>Facebook<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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7. Cu\u1ed1i Ng\u00f5 (Alley\u2019s End) Caf\u00e9 – a peaceful oasis amidst the busy city<\/b><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> Cu\u1ed1i Ng\u00f5 Caf\u00e9<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Located 8KM away from the central tourism area, <\/span>Cu\u1ed1i Ng\u00f5 Caf\u00e9<\/b> is a treat for adventurous tourists who are willing to go out of their way to explore Hanoi beyond its Old Quarter. <\/span>
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\n<\/span>To find it, you need to navigate through the heavy traffic of Cau Giay Street, one of Hanoi\u2019s busiest streets, then venture deep into a small alley until you find an even smaller alley, at the end of which is an old gate leading to the caf\u00e9.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit: <\/span>@quyetquat<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

But trust us, all that effort is going to be totally worth it. The peaceful feeling that Cu\u1ed1i Ng\u00f5 offers cannot be found in any of the places in the Old Quarter, which welcome thousands of visitors every day. Right as you enter, the stark contrast between the hustle and bustle outside and the quietness here will leave you feel as if you\u2019ve stepped through a portal into the past. You\u2019ll barely want to speak up for fear of breaking the tranquility, and even the air feels a lot cooler compared to the usual heat of Hanoi.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span>Image credit: <\/span>@truongcann<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The primary sound – and more often than not the only sound – you\u2019ll hear at Cu\u1ed1i Ng\u00f5 is music composed by the late legendary songwriter Trinh Cong Son, one of the most influential figures of the Vietnam music scene. Even if you don\u2019t understand the lyrics, the melody is a call back to a time long past, soothing yet sorrowful at the same time.Simply lean back on your chair, close your eyes, and let the songs carry you into a serene trance – this is an experience you\u2019ll seldom find in a big city like Hanoi.<\/span><\/p>\n

Price range:<\/b><\/span> VND30,000-VND70,000 (~USD1.08-USD3.01)
\n<\/span>Address:<\/b><\/span> Number 78 Alley 68 Cau Giay Str., Cau Giay, Hanoi<\/span>
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span> 9AM-10.30PM, Daily<\/span>
\n<\/span>Facebook<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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8. Nh\u00e0 Kho (Storage) Caf\u00e9 – where long-forgotten relics of the past are kept<\/b><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit: <\/span>@imdew211<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

As its name suggests, <\/span>Nh\u00e0 Kho<\/b> (Storage) is a place where one can expect to find antique items that are no longer used. Here you can find all sorts of vintage household equipment such as rotary phones, typewriters, sewing machines, gramophones, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> Diaries Of A Hungry Tummy<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

All of these are not replicas, but items that have seen actual usage that the owner has collected to adorn the place through and through. It\u2019s as if you\u2019ve actually entered the house of a 1970-80s Hanoian family.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit: <\/span>Diaries Of A Hungry Tummy<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

We recommend getting the <\/span>coconut coffee (VND35,000, ~USD1.50)<\/b> when you\u2019re here. Featuring coffee poured into coconut cream, it makes for a lighter drink for those who are trying to cut out on their caffeine intake.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span>Image credit: <\/span>@__lk_kt__<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Price range:<\/b><\/span> VND25,000-VND70,000VND (~USD1.08-USD3.01)
\n<\/span>Address:<\/b><\/span> Alley 599 De La Thanh Str., Ba Dinh, Hanoi<\/span>
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span> 9AM-11PM, Daily<\/span><\/p>\n

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9. Nh\u00e0 S\u00e0n Art Caf\u00e9 – a glimpse into the lives of Vietnamese ethnic minorities<\/b><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit: <\/span>Nh\u00e0 S\u00e0n Art Cafe<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Tucked away in a small alley in the northwest of Hanoi, <\/span>Nh\u00e0 S\u00e0n Art Caf\u00e9 <\/b>is a cultural oasis that offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of the ethnic minority tribes living in the mountainous areas of Vietnam.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit: <\/span>Nh\u00e0 S\u00e0n Art Cafe<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

True to its name, Nh\u00e0 S\u00e0n Art bears a resemblance to <\/span>nh\u00e0 s\u00e0n<\/span><\/i>, a type of stilt house often seen in highland villages around Vietnam. While the structure has seen some renovations, you can still see the signature <\/span>nh\u00e0 s\u00e0n<\/span><\/i> traits in the wooden beams and stilts supporting the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit: <\/span>@h.a.l.o.11_98<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The interior design oozes a vintage vibe with low wooden stools fitted with pillows bearing colorful patterns often seen in the fabric of ethnic minority groups. Framed pictures of children leading humble lives decorate the walls.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span>Image credit: <\/span>@motchutcaphe<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Aside from the usual Vietnamese coffee, Nh\u00e0 S\u00e0n Art\u2019s menu offers a wide variety of refreshing tea options to shoo away the summer heat, from <\/span>peach tea with orange and lemongrass (VND35,000, ~USD1.50)<\/b> to <\/span>raspberry tea (VND35,000, ~USD1.50)<\/b><\/p>\n

Address: <\/b><\/span>Alley 6 V\u0129nh Ph\u00fac Str., Ba \u0110\u00ecnh District, Hanoi<\/span>
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span> 9AM-11PM, Daily<\/span>
\n<\/span>Facebook<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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10. Kofi Caf\u00e9 – where local youths gather to share their artistic passions<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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As part of a huge complex of old French structures that has now become an entertainment hub for local youths, <\/span>Kofi Caf\u00e9<\/b> serves mostly young Hanoians who come here to share their passions in various fields such as photography, music, tattoo, and more. It is not uncommon to spot budding musicians practising with their instruments, or photographers exchanging tips on how to snap a cool pic around here.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The one-story building might appear humble at first glance, but there\u2019s more to it than meets the eye. The interior is an anthill structure, where the main room branches out to several chambers that when combined can host dozens of customers at once.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s even an entire room full of fish tanks, Renaissance-style statues, and wall paintings with modern art drawn in a classic Vietnamese style. Clearly, the owner has found ways to complement the old-school vibe with a touch of modern creativity.<\/span><\/p>\n

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In the back, the caf\u00e9 opens directly out to a big private pond with a banyan tree growing on a patch of land at its center, giving the whole place a tranquil feel reminiscent of a typical Vietnamese suburb.<\/span><\/p>\n

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And while you\u2019re here, feel free to explore the complex to find shops offering jewelry, vintage clothing, and more for sale.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Price range:<\/b> <\/span>VND25,000-VND70,000 (~USD1.08-USD3.01)
\n<\/span>Address:<\/b><\/span> 60S Tho Quan Alley, Kham Thien Str., Dong Da, Hanoi<\/span>
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span> 9AM-11PM, Daily<\/span>
\n<\/span>Telephone:<\/b><\/span> 016 9689 3007<\/span>
\n<\/span>Facebook<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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Antique cafes in Hanoi<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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After days of hard work in the office or stressful exams at school, gathering a few friends and hitting up one of these 10 cafes with antique interiors for a drink and a casual chat can provide some much-needed rest and do wonders to prepare you for more challenges ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also check out:<\/span><\/p>\n