Most Aesthetic Cafes in Hoi An for Photos and Good Coffee
Words by
Pham Thi Hoa
The Most Aesthetic Cafes in Hoi An for Photos and Good Coffee
I have lived in Hoi An for over a decade, and I have watched this small riverside town transform from a quiet trading port into one of the most photographed destinations in Southeast Asia. If you are searching for the best aesthetic cafes in Hoi An, you are in the right place. I have personally visited every venue on this list, and I can tell you that the combination of photogenic coffee shops Hoi An offers is unlike anything else in Vietnam. The town's ancient yellow-walled shophouses, silk lantern-lit evenings, and French colonial architecture create a backdrop that makes every corner feel like a living postcard. But beyond the obvious Instagram cafes Hoi An is famous for, there are deeper, quieter spots that most tourists walk right past. This guide is written from my own experience walking these streets, talking to the owners, and drinking far too much coffee along the way.
The Riverside Gems Along the Thu Bon River
An Hoi's Hidden Courtyard Cafes
Start your morning at White Rose Coffee on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, just a block from the Japanese Covered Bridge. This place has been here since before the tourist boom, and the owner, Ms. Lan, still roasts her own beans in a small drum roaster out back. The courtyard is draped in bougainvillea and old wooden beams, and the natural light between 7:30 and 9 AM is perfect for photos. Order the ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk) and the banh mi op la, which she makes herself. Most tourists don't know that the small door at the back leads to a second, quieter courtyard that almost no one visits. The parking outside is a nightmare on weekends when the old town gets crowded, so aim for a weekday morning.
Instagram Cafes Hoi An: The Lantern District
Reaching Out Tea House & Art Gallery
Reaching Out Tea House on Bach Dang Street is one of the most photogenic coffee shops Hoi An has, and it doubles as an art gallery and a social enterprise. The building is a restored wooden shophouse with no electric lights during the day, relying entirely on natural light filtering through carved wooden screens. The aesthetic is serene, almost meditative, and the silence is part of the experience. Order the handmade tea and the traditional sweets, which are prepared by hearing-impaired staff, and take time to browse the gallery upstairs. The best time to visit is mid-afternoon when the light through the screens creates the most dramatic shadows. Most tourists don't realize that the gallery rotates its collection seasonally, so it is worth returning on a different trip. The Wi-Fi drops out near the back tables, which is actually part of the charm.
Beautiful Cafes Hoi An: The French Quarter
The Espresso Station
The Espresso Station on Phan Chu Trinh Street is a small, narrow shophouse that serves some of the best espresso in town. The owner, Mr. Tuan, trained in Melbourne before returning to Hoi An, and the coffee is pulled on a La Marzocca. The interior is minimalist, with exposed brick and a single long wooden counter, and the natural light in the early morning is ideal for photos. Order the flat white and the avocado toast, which is surprisingly good. Most tourists don't know that Mr. Tuan offers informal coffee tasting sessions if you ask, and he is happy to talk about his time in Australia. The outdoor seating gets uncomfortably warm in peak summer, so stick to the indoor counter.
The Silk Village Cafes
Hoi An Silk Village Cafe
Hoi An Silk Village on Nguyen Tat Thanh Street is a short walk from the old town, and the cafe inside the silk village is one of the most beautiful cafes Hoi An offers. The setting is a restored traditional house with silk weaving demonstrations happening around you, and the light filtering through hanging silk threads creates a warm, golden glow. Order the silk smoothie, which is made with local fruits, and the ca phe trung (egg coffee), which is richer than most versions in town. The best time to visit is late morning when the weavers are most active. Most tourists don't realize that the silk village also has a small museum that explains the history of Hoi An's silk trade, which dates back to the Cham dynasty.
The Rice Field Cafes
Mango Rooms
Mango Rooms on Nguyen Duy Hieu Street is a restaurant and cafe that sits right on the edge of the rice fields, and the views from the open-air dining area are stunning. The aesthetic is tropical and relaxed, with wooden furniture and white linen, and the light in the late afternoon is perfect for photos. Order the fresh spring rolls and the mango smoothie, which is made with fruit from the garden. The best time to visit is just before sunset, when the rice fields turn gold. Most tourists don't know that the owner, Ms. Nga, also offers cooking classes that start with a market tour, and the cafe itself is a popular spot for local weddings. The service slows down badly during lunch rush, so book ahead.
The Alleyway Cafes
Cargo Club
Cargo Club on Tran Phu Street is a multi-level cafe and restaurant that is one of the most Instagram cafes Hoi An is known for. The ground floor is a flower-filled courtyard with a vintage Vespa on display, and the upper floors have balconies overlooking the old town. Order the rose latte, which is as photogenic as it sounds, and the banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake), which is some of the best in town. The best time to visit is early evening, when the lanterns are lit and the old town glows. Most tourists don't know that the owner, Ms. Vy, also runs a small gallery of local art on the top floor, and the cafe is a popular spot for local artists. The parking outside is a nightmare on weekends.
The Garden Cafes
The Fisherman's Bar & Restaurant
The Fisherman's Bar & Restaurant on Cua Dai Street is a short drive from the old town, and the garden setting is one of the most photogenic coffee shops Hoi An has. The aesthetic is rustic and tropical, with wooden tables under palm trees and a view of the river. Order the fresh coconut coffee and the grilled fish, which is caught daily. The best time to visit is late afternoon, when the light on the river is golden. Most tourists don't know that the owner, Mr. Hai, is a former fisherman who named the place after his old profession, and the garden is a popular spot for local fishermen to gather in the evenings. The outdoor seating gets uncomfortably warm in peak summer.
The Rooftop Cafes
Sky Bar 360
Sky Bar 360 on Nguyen Phuc Chu Street is a rooftop bar and cafe that offers panoramic views of the old town, and the aesthetic is modern and sleek, with white furniture and glass railings. The views at sunset are some of the best in Hoi An, and the light is perfect for photos. Order the signature cocktail and the Vietnamese coffee, which is served in a traditional phin filter. The best time to visit is just before sunset, when the old town is bathed in golden light. Most tourists don't know that the bar also hosts live music on weekends, and the rooftop is a popular spot for local expats. The service slows down badly during lunch rush.
When to Go and What to Know
The best time to visit Hoi An's aesthetic cafes is during the dry season, from February to April, when the weather is warm and the light is ideal for photos. The worst time is during the rainy season, from October to December, when flooding can make some streets impassable. Most cafes open at 7 AM and close at 10 PM, but the best light for photos is between 7:30 and 9 AM and between 4 and 6 PM. The old town is pedestrianized from 9 AM to 11 AM and from 3 PM to 9 PM, so plan your visits accordingly. Most cafes accept cash only, so carry Vietnamese dong. And remember, the best photos come from the quietest moments, so arrive early, stay late, and talk to the owners. They are the real heart of this town.
Enjoyed this guide? Support the work
