The world’s longest train journey now links Lagos, Portugal, to Singapore, covering an impressive 11,654 miles across 13 countries. This groundbreaking route offers travelers the unique experience of traversing continents entirely by rail, surpassing the previous record from London to Singapore.
The journey begins in Lagos, with an initial leg to Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, before moving through the Basque region of Spain. Key stops include Paris, Moscow, Beijing, and Bangkok, each offering distinct cultural and historical experiences. However, passengers do need to acquire any necessary visas (7 in total) to navigate the diverse geopolitical landscape.
Spanning around 21 days, the travel experience include eleven stops with opportunities to stay overnight and exploration different cities. This ambitious route was made possible through the collaboration of multiple railway companies. The inauguration of a new train line from Laos to China, made this a new benchmark in long-distance rail travel possible.
One of the most challenging segments is the 40-hour ride from Paris to Moscow, but passengers can still look forward to beautiful views and cultural experiences.
This journey will certainly appeal to modern travelers and train enthusiasts who prioritize unique experiences, providing a new experience in slow pace travel.
Imagine strolling through centuries-old squares where the aroma of mulled wine mingles with the sweet scent of roasted chestnuts, and thousands of twinkling lights transform historic European cities into magical winter wonderlands. From award-winning markets in Gdańsk to spectacular Craiova in Romania, Europe’s Christmas markets are redefining holiday magic for 2024 (and some to 2025!).
These festive wonderlands aren’t just markets – they’re immersive experiences where centuries-old traditions meet modern enchantment. Whether you’re seeking handcrafted ornaments in Nuremberg, ice skating beneath the stars in Zagreb, or savoring Belgian chocolates in Brussels, each market offers its own unique interpretation of yuletide charm.
Gdańsk, Poland: European Best Christmas Market 2024-2025
Picture a fairytale winter wonderland where twinkling lights dance across historic facades and the sweet aroma of mulled wine fills the air. That’s exactly what you’ll discover at Gdańsk’s enchanting Christmas market, newly crowned as Europe’s Best Christmas Market for 2024-2025.
The market transforms the heart of this historic Polish city into a festive paradise, where cozy wooden chalets house local artisans and merchants offering traditional crafts, seasonal delicacies, and unique gifts. You’ll find yourself wandering through themed zones, each offering its own magical experience – from Santa’s corner where children’s eyes light up with wonder, to artistic performance spaces showcasing local talent.
Don’t miss a ride on the magnificent Venetian carousel, a centerpiece that adds a touch of whimsy to the market’s classical charm. As evening falls, the market comes alive with thousands of twinkling lights and melodic Christmas tunes, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mark your calendars for November 22 to December 23, 2024, but book your accommodations early – this award-winning market draws visitors from across Europe and beyond.
Craiova, Romania: Most Beautiful Christmas Market in Europe
Ready to explore Europe’s most spectacular Christmas wonderland? Over 70,000 travelers have recognized Craiova’s enchanting market in a poll, earning its place among Europe’s finest festive destinations.
Spanning an impressive 280,000 square meters, this magical realm transforms into four distinct Christmas worlds that will leave you spellbound.
Step into Beauty and the Beast’s fairy tale setting, then wander through Santa’s Village where holiday dreams come true. Experience authentic Romanian yuletide traditions in the Traditional Christmas zone, or venture into the future in the innovative Galactic Christmas area. Each themed world offers its own unique charm and festive attractions.
As darkness falls, the market springs to life with over a million LED lights creating a mesmerizing display. Local artisans showcase their crafts in uniquely designed Christmas cottages, while cultural performances add to the festive atmosphere.
Planning your visit? The market welcomes guests from November 15, 2024, through January 5, 2025, offering plenty of time to soak in the holiday magic.
Montbéliard, France: Best Christmas Market in France
Step into a winter wonderland where centuries-old traditions meet enchanting illuminations in Montbéliard’s celebrated Christmas market. This charming French destination transforms its medieval streets into a glittering festive paradise that captures the true essence of Yuletide magic.
Wander through rows of 140 meticulously decorated wooden chalets, where skilled artisans showcase their craftsmanship. You’ll discover everything from hand-blown glass ornaments to intricately designed jewelry, each piece telling its own festive story.
As twilight descends, the entire market comes alive with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a mesmerizing display that earned Montbéliard its reputation as one of most magical Christmas destinations in Europe.
Can’t resist traditional French holiday treats? Local vendors tempt visitors with regional specialties like vin chaud (mulled wine) and freshly baked pain d’épices (spiced bread). The romantic atmosphere makes it perfect for evening strolls, as the illuminated historic facades create picture-perfect backdrops for holiday memories.
Plan your visit between November 23 and December 24, 2024, to experience this enchanting celebration of French Christmas traditions.
Salzburg, Austria: A Historic Christmas Experience
Step back in time at Salzburg’s Christkindlmarkt, where 500 years of yuletide tradition comes alive against the backdrop of the city’s stunning baroque architecture. This enchanting celebration transforms the Dom and Residenzplatz into a winter wonderland that would make Mozart himself proud.
Wander through nearly 100 traditional wooden stalls, where the aroma of freshly roasted chestnuts mingles with the sweet scent of Austrian Lebkuchen. Local artisans showcase their craftsmanship, offering everything from hand-blown glass ornaments to intricately carved nativity scenes.
Don’t miss the daily events featuring local choirs performing Christmas carols and wind ensembles filling the crisp mountain air with festive melodies.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the modern Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, and they’re celebrating in style with special exhibitions at Residenz Square. Warm up with a mug of steaming Glühwein while taking in the spectacular nativity display, or treat yourself to traditional specialties like hot punch and candied almonds.
The market welcomes visitors from November 21, 2024, through January 1, 2025, offering plenty of time to experience this best-rated European Christmas market.
Brussels, Belgium: The Winter Wonders Spectacle
Step into Brussels’ enchanting Winter Wonders, where over 250 charming wooden chalets transform the city center into a festive paradise. This spectacular market, stretching from Grand Place to Place Sainte-Catherine, delights over 2.5 million visitors annually with its magical blend of shopping, gastronomy, and entertainment.
At the heart of the celebration stands the magnificent Grand Place, where a towering 20-meter Christmas tree commands attention against the backdrop of the iconic gothic town hall. Every evening, a mesmerizing sound and light show bathes the historic square in a kaleidoscope of colors, creating an unforgettable spectacle.
Little ones will love the vintage carousel and ice skating rink, while food enthusiasts can savor Belgian specialties like warm waffles, crispy frites, and artisanal chocolates. Don’t miss the crafts market at Place de la Monnaie, where local artisans showcase everything from hand-blown glass ornaments to traditional Belgian lace. According to Timeout, Brussels ranks among the Europe’s top ten Christmas markets.
Mark your calendars for November 29, 2024, through January 5, 2025, to experience this winter wonderland that perfectly captures Brussels’ festive spirit.
Cologne, Germany: Celebrate Tradition and Treats
Step into a winter wonderland where not one, but seven enchanting Christmas markets await your discovery in Cologne. The city’s crown jewel, the Cathedral Christmas Market, unfolds beneath the towering spires of the UNESCO-listed Kölner Dom, where over 150 festively decorated wooden pavilions create a mesmerizing holiday tableau.
Wander through the magical Markt der Engel (Angel’s Market) in the Neumarkt, where twinkling overhead lights create the illusion of angels floating above. Here, artisans showcase traditional handicrafts while the aroma of freshly baked lebkuchen and roasted chestnuts fills the air.
Don’t miss the Heinzels Wintermärchen at the Alter Markt, where mechanical elves pay homage to Cologne’s legendary house gnomes. Children will delight in the Nikolausdorf (Nicholas Village), complete with storytelling sessions and holiday workshops.
Warm up with a steaming mug of Glühwein served in collectible market mugs, or savor authentic Nürnberger Rostbratwürstchen hot off the grill. The markets welcome visitors from November 18 to December 23, 2024, offering plenty of time to experience Cologne’s festive magic.
Amsterdam, Netherlands: A Dutch Festive Affair
Transform your winter holiday with Amsterdam’s enchanting Christmas markets, where Dutch gezelligheid (coziness) meets festive cheer. The city’s historic canals and centuries-old buildings provide a magical backdrop for seasonal celebrations that light up the dark winter days.
At Museumplein, the city’s cultural heart, you’ll discover a winter wonderland complete with an impressive ice skating rink where both locals and visitors glide beneath the starlit sky. The aroma of traditional oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts) and stroopwafels wafts through the air, while vendors offer warming cups of glühwein in specially designed mugs.
Don’t miss the Amsterdam Light Festival, where illuminated art installations transform the city’s waterways into a mesmerizing display. The Rembrandtplein market dazzles with local artisans selling handcrafted ornaments, while the nearby Damrak offers seasonal Dutch delicacies and unique gifts.
Experience this Dutch festive wonderland from November 15, 2024, through January 5, 2025. Pro tip: visit during twilight hours when the market lights create a particularly magical atmosphere against Amsterdam’s historic architecture.
Bruges, Belgium: Winter Glow and Enchantment
Step into a medieval fairytale as Bruges transforms into a festive wonderland during its celebrated Winter Glow celebration. The UNESCO World Heritage city’s cobblestone streets and historic market squares become even more magical as wooden chalets dot the landscape, offering artisanal crafts and seasonal delicacies.
Follow the enchanting light trail through the city’s most picturesque spots, where innovative light installations create stunning reflections in the famous canals. The route takes you past illuminated historic buildings and through hidden corners of this perfectly preserved medieval gem, each stop more captivating than the last.
At ‘t Zand and Markt Square, the heart of the festivities, an impressive ice skating rink invites visitors to glide beneath the stars. Warm up afterward with traditional Belgian treats like fresh waffles and speculoos, paired with rich hot chocolate or locally crafted Christmas beer.
Experience this magical winter celebration from November 22, 2024, to January 5, 2025, when Bruges showcases why it’s known as one of Europe’s most romantic Christmas destinations. Don’t miss the special evening light shows that transform the Belfry tower into a spectacular canvas of color.
Strasbourg, France: The Oldest Market in France
Welcome to the “Capital of Christmas,” where over 300 enchanting wooden chalets transform Strasbourg’s historic center into a magical winter wonderland. Dating back to 1570, this celebrated Christkindelsmarik holds the distinction of being France’s oldest Christmas market, drawing visitors from across the globe to experience its timeless charm.
Wander through the fairytale setting of Place Broglie and Place du Marché-aux-Poissons, where the aroma of spiced bredele cookies and mulled wine fills the crisp winter air. Local artisans proudly display their craftsmanship, from hand-blown glass ornaments to traditional Alsatian pottery, while the towering Great Christmas Tree in Place Kléber stands as a majestic centerpiece.
Don’t miss the Market of Invincible Small Producers, where local food artisans showcase Alsatian specialties like kouglof and foie gras. As twilight descends, thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the half-timbered buildings, creating a mesmerizing backdrop that earned Strasbourg its reputation as one of Europe’s best Christmas markets.
Join the festivities from November 27 to December 27, 2024, and discover why Strasbourg remains the quintessential Christmas market experience.
Lille, France: A Compact Yet Captivating Market
Step into the heart of Northern France, and witness how Lille’s enchanting Christmas market transforms Place Rihour into a cozy winter retreat. Here, charming wooden chalets line the historic square, each offering a treasure trove of artisanal crafts, regional delicacies, and festive finds.
The true magic unfolds at the Grand Place, where a towering Christmas tree reaches skyward, its twinkling lights reflecting off the ornate Vieille Bourse. Take a ride on the spectacular giant Ferris wheel for breathtaking views of the illuminated city below – you’ll understand why this market has become one of Northern France’s most beloved holiday destinations.
Warm up with a steaming cup of vin chaud while sampling local specialties like gaufres lilloises (Lille waffles) and merveilleux (meringue cakes). Children’s eyes light up at the vintage carousel, while shoppers delight in discovering unique gifts, from hand-crafted jewelry to traditional Christmas decorations.
Experience this festive wonderland from November 23 to December 29, 2024, when Lille’s compact city center becomes a magical holiday haven that proves the best things often come in smaller packages.
Step into Berlin’s most beloved Christmas market, where the historic streets of Spandau come alive with festive charm. This sprawling wonderland hosts hundreds of stalls spread across the Old Town, creating a magical atmosphere that draws visitors from across Europe.
At the heart of the market stands a magnificent spangled Christmas tree, its twinkling lights reflecting off the medieval architecture of St. Nikolai Church. Unlike other markets, it offers a unique live-animal nativity scene where children can marvel at sheep, donkeys, and even camels in their festive stable.
Wander through rows of traditional wooden huts offering everything from handcrafted ornaments to aromatic Lebkuchen. Local artisans demonstrate age-old crafts while the aroma of roasted chestnuts and Glühwein fills the crisp winter air. Don’t miss the daily cultural program featuring choral performances and brass bands on the market’s stage.
Visit between November 25 and December 22, 2024 to experience this celebration.
Nuremberg, Germany: A Classic Festive Experience
Step into the enchanting world of Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, one of Germany’s most cherished holiday traditions dating back to the 16th century. The city’s main market square transforms into a magical wonderland where the aroma of roasted almonds and glühwein mingles with the crisp winter air.
Beneath the towering gothic spires of the Frauenkirche, nearly 200 traditional wooden stalls showcase their distinctive red-and-white striped awnings. Here, artisans display their craftsmanship through authentic Nuremberg specialties like “Zwetschgenmännle” – whimsical figurines made from dried prunes – and the famous Nuremberg Lebkuchen, whose spicy-sweet recipe remains a closely guarded secret.
Don’t miss meeting the Christkind, the market’s golden-haired angel figure who officially opens the festivities with a prologue from the church gallery. Children’s eyes light up at the dedicated Kinderweihnacht area, where vintage carousels spin beneath twinkling lights.
Savor the legendary Nürnberger Rostbratwürstchen, delicate finger-sized sausages grilled to perfection and served three to a roll. Experience this timeless celebration from November 29 to December 24, 2024, and see why it is one of the the best-rate European Christmas Markets.
Munich, Germany: Experience Bavarian Festivities
Step into Munich’s Marienplatz, where Bavaria’s largest Christmas market unfolds beneath a magnificent 85-foot Christmas tree adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. The historic square transforms into a winter wonderland, as the neo-Gothic New Town Hall provides a stunning backdrop for this tradition.
At the heart of the festivities, the Munich Christkindlmarkt dazzles visitors with over 130 wooden stalls offering traditional Bavarian crafts and seasonal delicacies. Watch as artisans demonstrate age-old techniques, creating everything from hand-painted glass ornaments to intricate wood carvings. The air fills with the irresistible aromas of roasted chestnuts, Lebkuchen, and warming Glühwein served in collectible mugs.
Don’t miss the daily musical performances from the Town Hall balcony, where traditional alpine horns and choral groups serenade market-goers. Children delight in the Krampus Run and the special Heavenly Workshop in the Town Hall, where little ones can try their hand at traditional Christmas crafts.
Experience this magical Bavarian celebration from November 25 to December 24, 2024, when Munich showcases its most enchanting holiday traditions.
Zagreb, Croatia: A Vibrant Advent Celebration
Transform your winter holiday with Zagreb’s award-winning Advent celebration, where the Croatian capital sparkles with festive magic across multiple enchanting zones. The city’s streets come alive with the sweet melodies of traditional Croatian carols floating through air scented with cinnamon and mulled wine.
Don’t miss the Most Magical Christmas Ice Skating Rink in Europe, where twinkling lights create a fairytale atmosphere as skaters glide beneath the stars. Zagreb is consistently ranked among the must-visit destinations, featuring warm delicacies like fritule (Croatian Christmas doughnuts) and sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls), washed down with hot rakija or spiced wine from charming wooden chalets.
Wander through the Upper Town’s illuminated pathways, where street performers and musicians create an unforgettable atmosphere. The Zrinjevac Park transforms into a winter wonderland, its century-old plane trees draped in thousands of lights, while the European Square hosts artisanal crafts and unique Croatian Christmas gifts.
Experience this magical celebration from November 30, 2024, to January 7, 2025, when Zagreb marks its 10th anniversary of creating unforgettable holiday memories.
Plan Your European Christmas Market Adventure
As winter approaches, these remarkable Christmas markets invite you to discover the heart of European holiday traditions. Each destination offers its own magical interpretation of seasonal joy, making it impossible to choose just one favorite.
Fortunately, it is not difficult to get around most parts of Europe; but be sure to make reservations as early as possible during this festive peak season. Plan your visit between November 2024 and January 2025 to experience the best of Europe’s festive season. Remember to pack warm clothes and have plenty of space in your luggage to take home some festive goodies. (I believe the marker on maps is not totally correct, but it’s along that row of shops)
The Points Guy (TPG) has unveiled its 2025 Travel Trends Report, which underscores a robust desire among travelers to invest in meaningful trips despite global challenges.
The report forecasts an increase in travel spending as individuals prioritize cultural connections and shared experiences, driven by a quest for unique adventures and the opportunity to engage with diverse cultures.
Travelers are increasingly concentrating on maximizing the value of their journeys through points, miles, and loyalty programs. This strategic approach reflects a commitment to optimizing spending and accessing new destinations without incurring excessive costs.
The evolving landscape of points and miles offers more diverse and flexible options, prompting travelers to stay informed about program changes to fully leverage their benefits.
The travel industry faces significant challenges, including overtourism and climate change. Although overtourism is further enhanced in recent years due to post co-vid “revenge travel” wave, it is expected to be a continuing challenge. Sustainable travel practices are becoming essential as travelers aim to minimize their environmental impact.
The industry is responding with initiatives designed to promote responsible tourism, ensuring that travel remains a viable and enriching experience for future generations. Additionally, government regulations continue to shape the travel landscape, necessitating adaptation by travelers and industry players to new norms.
The report also highlights emerging destinations that are gaining popularity as travelers seek unique and less-explored locales. Experiential travel is on the rise, with individuals prioritizing activities that offer personal growth and enrichment. This trend reflects a broader shift towards valuing experiences over material possessions, as travelers seek to engage with the world in a more meaningful way.
This prestigious award underscores the country’s status as a leading global travel destination, celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, commitment to sustainability, and exceptional wellness offerings.
Thailand has been successful in preserving its cultural identity while embracing modernity, making it a compelling destination for global travelers. Through the unique traditions and vibrant festivals, visitors can get an authentic glimpse into its storied past.
Additionally, Thai cuisine is internationally acclaimed, known for its bold flavors and aromatic spices. This enhances the country’s reputation as a gastronomic paradise.
One of the biggest assets in the country is the diverse, yet breathtaking landscapes. From lush forests to pristine beaches around the Southern islands, there is no lack of stunning settings for relaxation and adventure.
Thailand’s wellness offerings, including world-class spas and wellness retreats, attract visitors seeking rejuvenation and tranquility. These natural and wellness attractions are integral to the country’s appeal, providing travelers with opportunities to unwind and connect with nature.
The natural charm and friendly hospitality in this Asian paradise continue to resonate with visitors from around the world. As the country looks to the future, it remains dedicated to enhancing traveler experiences through cultural authenticity, culinary diversity, and sustainable practices, reinforcing its enduring appeal and promise of continued excellence in the world of travel.
If you’re here, I assume you’re thinking about getting the Manta Sound Sleep Mask. Here’s my personal review of it after trying it out.
Overview (TL;DR)
For those who don’t want to read the details, here is the quick summary. Elaborated details are in the article.
Bottom Line
This is now my go-to sleep mask even when I don’t use the sound function.
Pros
Pleasantly surprised by the sound quality the mask offers.
Very impressed by the battery life.
Much lighter than expected and compressible.
Easily gives me total blackout.
Cons
Can feel stuffy after a period if you put it on too tightly.
Price is high if you’re comparing it solely to regular sleep masks.
Particularly good for people who
Fall asleep while listening to music/podcasts/audiobooks.
Tend to sleep on their side or turn around while sleeping.
Want a comfy mask with audio function that’s also convenient on-the-go.
Full set that Manta Sleep Mask Sound comes in
In this review, I’ll go through some of the core features while also considering if it’s suitable for travel and at home.
Physical Dimension
Seeing that this mask needs to hold the relevant electronics, I had a certain expectation of the weight and chunkiness of it.
And when I first saw the product packaging, it sort of added on to that belief. While it was a sleek looking box, it was also twice the height of the Manta Weighted Mask’s packaging box which I also ordered.
However, I was really surprised when I held the mask itself. It is way lighter than I anticipated and most of its thickness came from soft comfy padding, which makes it very easily compressible.
The mask also comes with a charging cable, an additional overhead strap, and a convenient pouch to store it, making it good for travel.
Can be compressed easily and carried around
Total Blackout
I rarely require total blackout from sleep masks so while this is not a priority feature for me, it is a core feature for any good sleep mask.
Total blackout is achievable with all the Manta Sleep Masks. You can adjust it to fully block out any light even during day time. This makes it good for travel purposes if you want to sleep on the road and are sensitive to light.
Note that it might not fit perfectly when you first randomly strap it on. The product is delivered as a single standard, and there are billions of face and head shapes in the world. You might have to adjust it to fit your face contours.
It can be easy or might take some adjustments, depending on your face and the mask. For example, I find it way easier to achieve total blackout with the Manta Sound Mask than the Weighted Manta Mask, which I also have.
Manta Sound Mask Eye Pads vs Weighted Mask Eye Pads
Play around with the eye cup positions, the way you strap the eye mask or how tight you strap it to achieve total blackout. There’s multiple ways you can adjust it to your comfort.
Sound Function
This is the standout point of the Manta Sound Sleep Mask, it comes with an embedded Bluetooth Speaker that can be paired with your devices.
I will dive deeper into several related factors here since it’s probably also why you’re considering this mask over other regular sleep masks.
Sound Quality
Simple operations: Three buttons to control the electronics
Now, I’m not a geek or expert at audio quality, so I can only point out my personal experience. Overall, I’m very impressed by the quality of the sound.
I kind of expected something of just basic quality, seeing how they have to stuff a speaker system within the sleep mask. However, I find the quality is as good, if not better, than my earbuds.
With the eyes covered, it feels like I’m transported to a different place.
I remember the first time I heard rain sound from a sleeping soundtrack I was listening to, I actually questioned if it was raining for real at my place. So it is more than sufficient for any audio tracks I use when sleeping.
Adjusting Volume
Velcro and ear piece adjustment tags
I love the number of factors you can adjust to manage the sound volume.
You can control the volume from your connected device or on the eye mask itself.
You can also move the position of the earpiece with the two blue stripes on either side. That affects the volume depending on how close it is to your ear.
Or you can tighten or loosen the eye mask in general, which also brings the earpiece closer or further from your ear.
All those options make it super easy to get the right volume I like, or even make changes to it as I drift into slumber.
Battery Life
In the instruction manual, Manta Sleep recommends charging the device after each use.
And it’s not hard to do. The device runs on USB-C, which almost all my devices do. So it’s easy enough to plug it in.
But I decided to try and test how long the battery would last. But even after using it for 4 nights without charge, the thing is still going.
I’m not sure if my earbuds can last one full night without dying. Definitely not two, let alone four.
This is great for traveling when I might not have the socket space to charge the sleep mask since I typically prioritize charging my laptop, phone, and camera.
Manta Sleep Mask neatly packed into pouch
Masking Unpleasant Noise
I find the sound function is also good for masking out unpleasant external noises (like people snoring, chatting). I can choose a more soothing sound/music to cover that.
That said, it is not really meant for blocking out loud outside noises if you want a totally quiet sleep environment.
Your music selection still needs sufficient volume to counteract the external noise. The mask doesn’t magically erase external noise. If you are looking for silence, use earplugs for that.
Ease of Use
The mask itself is strap on, and everything is operated via velcro. So there’s nothing complicated there.
The most external portion which holds the electronics can be peeled of from the other layers (which primarily contacts your skin) so the mask can be washed.
Pairing is super easy; there are only 3 buttons to control the electronics, so I consider it rather dummy-proof.
I don’t know if the two earpieces on either side are wirelessly connected or wired, but I had no issue with them compared to my earbuds, which sometimes have a problem pairing with each other.
The two tiny handles at the side that controls the earpiece positioning are just genius. You not having to perfectly match static earpieces to the ear, while also getting the strap on right for blackout and comfort. Everything is adjustable, making it rather hassle-free.
Very easy to shift the ear pieces around with these blue tags
Comfort
A pro and one of my only cons here.
Soft And Thin
I was very impressed with how sleeping on the earpieces didn’t feel uncomfortable.
I thought there might be a weird bulge or something from the earpiece area, but the electronics are so thin I’m comfortable sleeping on my side, while resting on the earpiece area.
Definitely much more comfortable than sleeping on my earbuds.
Wraps Around Head
As much as I always thought headphones look cool, I’ve never gotten used to using them. This is because my ears get sore very quickly (like within 2 hours) from the headphones pressing on them.
Now, the Manta Sleep Mask goes around your head and over the ears, so it can feel like that if you have it strapped on super tight for an extended period.
However, it’s almost a non-issue for me because I don’t strap it on super tight. I have it hanging loosely around my head while still allowing me to twist and turn without it falling off.
Granted that might affect the total blackout depending on your head shape, but for me, the sleep mask is more than sufficient in blocking the extra light in a regular lights-off room.
I see this as an issue only if I’m looking to sleep for very long hours in a very bright environment that needs the eye mask to provide all of the blackout. A very rare case for me even when traveling.
But if that’s you and your ears tend to hurt easily due to pressure, consider the other alternatives which have straps that don’t have to go over your eye.
For example, the weighted Manta Sleep Mask has two straps, I wear it with one above my ear and another below.
Interestingly, I can also get total blackout with the Manta Sound Sleep Mask without strapping it over my ear. The eye cups are pretty well covered. But if you are not using the sound function, then it kind of doesn’t make sense to pay the premium for this mask.
Price
You can also add on accessories like Aroma dots or different eye pads
That said, let’s talk price.
Between using a separated Sleep Mask + Earbuds combo vs. the Manta Sound Sleep Mask, the Manta Sleep Mask is clearly the better option for me function-wise.
But at over US$100, this is certainly not a cheap purchase for most, which is probably one of the reasons you might be hesitating.
If you compare the price to sleep masks in general, it’s certainly expensive but also not a fair comparison, seeing it has a whole additional sound function.
But I also get it feels weird comparing it to headphones because the only place you’ll use it is in your bed.
Maybe a better train of thought is to think about how much your sleep is worth, and whether this is a reasonable price for better sleep. It is very much an investment in your sleep if you do value that audio function.
Fortunately, Manta Sleep do have a 60-day money-back guarantee on their products, so you can always order and test it out.
If the mask drastically helps your sleep, it’s almost a no brainer; after all we spend 1/3 of our life snoozing. If not, you can always send it back for a refund.
Improve Sleep
Whenever I can’t fall asleep, I would get up and wander around, going back to my phone or laptop, which kind of makes things worse.
With the Manta Sound Sleep Mask, I feel way less pressure to get up and “do something” since I can just continue lying in bed while listening to music or a podcast/audiobook. I will then gradually fall asleep with my eyes closed.
I also don’t have to worry about stopping the music/audio before I sleep, fearing my earbuds might fall off and go missing, or run out of battery for the next day.
It’s one of those things I will just slide into my travel backpack, especially if I’m spending long time on transports.
Despite spending only a few days in Hue, seeking out great food and restaurants is always a priority for me. Admittedly, I don’t think I was very lucky with it this time. Several of the restaurants I picked out didn’t turn out to be as good as I expected personally.
But here are 5 Hue restaurants to try including those I enjoyed as well as recommendations by other locals and travelers.
Madam Thu
This is a popular restaurant in the Night Walking Street that is known for serving up great Vietnamese, and specifically Hue dishes. It is very very busy at night and there’s always a waiting queue during peak dinner hours. So I recommend going early for lunch or dinner.
In my opinion, the best thing here is they have a Hue Specialty plate that consists of a single piece of 7 Hue specialties. So you get to try all of them! Perfect for solo travelers who don’t have the time or stomach to sample all the Hue dishes.
While this might seem like a sampler plate, let me tell you I was very full by then – credit to all the rice paper lol. It’s quite a carb heavy meal.
The staff will explain to you which dipping sauces are for what items and also tell you how best to enjoy each item. They even serve up a cold towel when you arrive, and some fruits for dessert.
There are two branches near each other in the night walking area. And yes, both gets crowded during dinner hours.
They take card payment with 3% fee.
Zucca Restaurant
Zucca is one of the most popular restaurants in Hue for some delicious Italian food. I preface this by saying, if you are super particular about how Italian food should taste and the details of it, this is not it. And full authentic Italian food would be a rare gem in Vietnam.
But if you enjoy higher quality Italian style food, this is definitely a must-try. I only managed to try the pasta but the table across me was raving about their pizzas. Pretty sure you can’t go wrong with either.
I had the bacon, shrimp with cream sauce, which was superb! The sauce was very creamy and the shrimp were plump. There was also a good amount of bacon pieces. The whole dish was served warm and looks visually delicious.
An odd twist but not uncommon in Hue, the restaurant also serve Vietnamese dishes, probably to attract a wider market. But I wouldn’t purposely come here for that. The place is also very busy during dinner hours, so come early or be prepared to wait for a bit.
They also offer a lot of freebies. Bruschettas are served as appetisers, you can choose a free bottle of water or glass of local beer, and they also give fruits for dessert.
Marou Chocolate Cafe
For a sweet treat after meal, or while escaping the heat during the day, Marou Chocolate cafe is great option. It is located very near the Night Walking Street area, and has a beautiful, vibrant interior, like a toy house.
This is a brand that sources cocoa beans from all around Vietnam. They do sell their own artisanal chocolates but the place is a cafe which offers up very nice chocolate drinks, milkshakes and pastries.
Prices are on the higher side, but the milkshakes are thick and flavorful. I tried the Chocolate Caramel shake as recommended by the staff and it was a perfect ending to an evening in Hue.
The staff here are better versed in English and are very proactive to greet and introduce things to you.
The cafe is also great for working; their super fast wifi is a bonus. Although there’s not as many power sockets around, partly because they don’t need portable fans. Air conditioning here is strong enough unlike many places in Hue.
They do take card payment here. For other interesting cafes in Hue, check out those I visited in that cafe guide.
Nina’s Cafe-Vietnamese Restaurant
If you are looking for no-frills traditional Vietnamese food Nina’s is a good place to check out when around the area.
They are hidden deep within an alley but the place is quite cool with souvenir paintings hanging on the walls. This is a good option if you are concerned about street food hygiene but also want to try some of those common Vietnamese dishes like Bun Bo Hue or stir fried meat with rice etc.
This place looks clean, serving up home cooked Vietnamese cuisine. The staff is friendly and prices are very reasonable.
They also do have some western style menu item since that alley way has several hotels/home stays. So I imagine tourists are a big part of their cliente.
Donald Trung
If you wander slightly out of the Phu Hoi district, you will find Donald Trung. I had such a great dining experience with this restaurant brand in Da Nang that I would visit again in other cities if I had more time.
You can read more about it in the Da Nang foodie guide linked above, but this is a popular local haunt despite the name resembling like a certain American person. It’s a great spot for wraps, and their signature is the pork or beef set.
You get served a yummy looking plate of meat and the vegetables are free flow, self service. You make the wraps yourself to your taste, and the staff in the Da Nang branch was super helpful in teaching me the basics of enjoying the dish.
Although the main client base is locals, they still have a translated English menu.
Cafe on Thu Wheels
This is another restaurant near Nina’s that is much closer to the main road. I did actually try this place, but it isn’t an obvious recommendation for me. That said, I think it boils down to my dish selection more than the restaurant itself.
This is the first place I tried as it was near my hotel and I was just looking to spend an hour waiting to check in. It was also recommended by the hotel staff. I ordered a traditional Hue classic – the Nem Lui (Pork with peanut sauce and rice paper).
As a local specialty, the dish is worth trying but I didn’t particularly love it, having also tried Nem Lui again on Madam Thu’s sampler platter.
Similar to Thailand and Laos, the meat they use for any of these sausage like stuff, just feels a bit artificial to me. So I always like to get fresh meat in these countries rather than those molded into sausages or balls.
Nevertheless, the staff here is very proactive, greeting me every time I passed by the place. They also patiently demonstrated how to enjoy the Nem Lui.
The restaurant has quite a big menu, and is popular for both their western selections and asian dishes. So it’s good for groups and also breakfast if you’re staying nearby. Similarly, I believe tourists are their main client base.
Where To Eat In Hue
Hue is typically a 1-3 days destination for most travelers. A nice thing is that you will find many nice restaurants within the touristic zones, particularly in Phú Hội district. So if you are tired from a day of exploration, there is no real need to wander off too far for some great eats!
That is also why I personally recommend staying in Phu Hoi, especially if it’s your first trip to Hue. It’s the most convenient district in my opinion.
Vietnam has a vibrant cafe scene and you can see the same in Hue. Similar to Da Nang, Hue’s cafe culture isn’t just about finding a place to sip coffee – it’s an adventure through some cozy nooks, chill green spaces and indulgent treats.
Despite just a few days in the city, I still spent a good amount of time checking out some of the coffee places in Hue. Here are some nice ones for a relaxing coffee, work on your laptop, enjoy scenic views and even grab some photos for instagram!
Ngam Cafe
Located along the path to the night market, this is actually a pretty big coffeeshop with 3 storeys. And even mid levels between the three.
The cafe really stands out at night because of its big, flashy neon sign, and the organ glow emitting from the lights.
The first floor interior, despite not being too big, is incredibly beautiful. One table sits amidst a fireplace setting, and another surrounded by greenery and a big bookshelf.
On the second and third floor, you will find patios that give you the street view. If the weather is warm, level 2.5 has an air-conditioned sitting area. So there’s lots of options here depending on what you prefer.
Staff here are friendly and bubbly. Prices are comparable to other cafes. I tried the signature Ngam coffee, which is sort of like a Tiramisu Coffee. It makes for a good dessert-y coffee which is perfect since I came after dinner.
They take card payment
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 22/26 mbps
Marou Chocolate Cafe
If you seen my list of restaurants in Hue, you will already know this is a great spot for some post-meal chocolate indulgence.
This is a brand that sources cocoa beans from all around Vietnam. They do sell their own artisanal chocolates but the place is a cafe which offers up very nice chocolate drinks, milkshakes and pastries.
Prices are on the higher side, but the milkshakes are thick and flavorful. I tried the Chocolate Caramel shake as recommended by the staff and it was a nice ending to an evening in Hue.
The staff here are definitely much better versed in English and are very proactive to greet and introduce things to you.
The cafe itself is super bright and vibrant. There’s fun decorations everywhere and the seats here are super comfy (at least the one next to the windows on level 2).
It is great for working; their super fast wifi is a bonus. Although there’s not as many power sockets around, partly because they don’t need portable fans. Air conditioning here is strong enough unlike many places in Hue.
Do note though that parents like to bring their children here, so it can get noisy at times when kids are playing around.
They take card payment
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 135/119 mbps
Phinholic Hand-brew Cafe
There’s a couple branches of Phinholic cafe around Hue; they are actually in rather close proximity. I’ve only visited the one on Nguyễn Tri Phương road, but the other one on Bến Nghé also looks very beautiful with a balcony overlooking the street.
You are very likely to pass by that as it is on one of the street leading up to the Hue Walking Street.
However, the outlet at Nguyễn Tri Phương is abit of a nice, hidden gem. The entrance is a very small and tight alley, but gets you to this three storey cafe. The first floor is a hue specialty souvenir store. But level 2 and 3 is a quiet, cozy cafe.
Level 3 even has an outdoor space facing the backyard, so it’s quite tranquil, away from the Main Street. You will see people coming here to work because of that. Many of the tables are good height and there are power sockets around.
The cafe is of course known for their coffee. I went their signature Robusta Phin salted coffee and it’s superb. They also serve food like croissants and sandwiches. Prices here are pretty fair.
They take card payment
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 90/94 mbps
ChocoHouse Hue
This is another cafe that also seem to sell their own brand of chocolates. Admittedly I didn’t spend much time looking through the products since I was more interested in the cafe.
The storefront is at the entrance, and you will find the cafe counter at the back. They have a wide range of chocolate drinks as well as other coffee/tea/gelato options. They also have pastries and snack-ish food items like Banh Mi. Y
Pricing here is pretty standard for cafes in Hue. If you are overwhelmed with the selections, feel free to ask the staff for recommendations.
I ended up trying the Midnight Mocha and brownie cheesecake. Both were indulgent and chocolatey.
Seating is on the second floor. They have an indoor air conditioned space and two balconies on each side. Both balconies have nice view of the Francis Savier Church beside it.
This is one of the best cafes in Hue for working on your laptop that I’ve seen. Many tables here are good height, there are power sockets around the whole area. They provide bottles of drinking water and the chairs are cushy.
They take card payment
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 94/77 mbps
View Cafe
This is a very popular spot for locals as I often see it quite full. The cafe has a rustic, raw vibe that works surprisingly well both during the day and night. The dark tone make it feel cooling amidst the warm Hue weather, and
They have a nice balcony area on the second floor that is surrounded by plants, and offers a view of the busy road intersection. I went early in the morning and took up the best view seat. It’s a nice place to do some work.
Although I wouldn’t say its the best cafe for working and I doubt you will find many people of their laptops here. The first floor seats are all short stools for chilling.
Staff here have very limited English since bulk of their clients are locals, but they are very polite. I recommend the Sesame Coffee, it was aromatic, along with a salty hint like your salted coffee. Delicious.
They don’t take card payment
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 91/94 mbps
N.Cafe & Food
If you are looking for a spot with view of the Imperial city walls, N.Cafe is one of those cafes that’s just about the right distance. In addition, they serve very affordable food and drinks which makes it a great spot to chill.
The cafe have a few outdoor seats by waters of the old city moat, which are best for the morning. The sun rises from behind the shophouse, thus hitting the imperial city wall before the seating zone.
As it gets later in the afternoon, the sun sets behind the imperial wall, so the cafe pavement gets more and more sunny even though they have umbrellas.
In any case, they do have a second floor which has air conditioning. That was not open though when I visited.
They don’t take card payment
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 33/10 mbps
Tram Cafe
A cafe that’s pretty popular among the locals, I think because it’s cheap, they have a very good selection of drinks (many of which I did not see in other Hue cafes), and beautiful interior.
While they went for a bit of rustic vibe, the colourful paintings, several vintage elements, greenery and funky shaped wall holes works peculiarly well together.
The cafe has 3 levels with the top one offering views of the river and the bus parking right outside. It’s probably also another reason why the cafe is quite regularly frequented by locals.
I like their selection of tea here amidst other menu items. E.g. I have never seen hibiscus mango tea around. So that’s what I tried. The drink is on the sweeter side but refreshing, and best of all, has those bubble tea white pearls in it!
Although the place does not have air conditioning, it’s pretty cool with the fans and how they shaded the place.
The cafe also has like the faster wifi speed I’ve seen in Hue, although most of the tables on level 1 and 2 are not great height for working.
They take card payment
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 156/105 mbps
Hue’s Coffee Scene
Each cafe here tells its own story, served with a dose of strong Vietnamese coffee and unique atmosphere that is well worth exploring.
Escape the blistering heat, and spend some time checking out coffee places that paints a different picture of Hue’s cafe culture. Or hop in to one after dark, many cafes open until 10pm which is a reflection of how they play into the Vietnamese city lifestyle!
As Da Nang increases in popularity among digital nomads and remote workers, there are more and more coworking spaces opening up in the city. Unlike Hoi An where there’s not much options, Da Nang have quite a good selection on offer.
Although I personally prefer cafes over coworking spaces, I did manage to check out some of them. At the end, I also included a couple cafes with a coworking element that I like.
For additional cafes that aren’t marketed for working, but still laptop friendly, check out my article on cafes in Da Nang.
Coworking Spaces In Da Nang
Enouvo Coworking
This is a modern coworking space you find in the An Hai, Son Tra area. They have a cafe on the first floor which serves beverages at affordable prices and you can even work there if you don’t really need a big space.
The coworking space is on the second floor, with private offices taking up much of the rest. The coworking area looks vey much like your typical startup office. There’s an open zone with big tables and also 3 meeting rooms with desk inside as well.
The minimum is a day pass which gives you access to the space for the opening hours. They provide instant tea/coffee, water and some snacks. Lockers are only for monthly members.
I visited on a weekend so there wasn’t much people except for a few of us. I was actually sitting at the cafe, but the staff was kind enough to move me to the coworking space since they were having a workshop at the cafe and was afraid it might be noisy.
Hive Coworking
When I visited, Hive is still a very new coworking space in Da Nang that have just opened for about a month.
The main thing that caught my attention here is the electronic standing desks that comes with an external monitor. So if you are talking about work desk facilities, this is the best in my opinion.
Despite having 4 levels, the coworking space or room isn’t actually big. It takes just the 3rd floor and there’s like only 6 tables. The benefits of this is that it is probably very quiet, and a good place to focus.
The 2nd floor seems to be a studio of sorts, my guess is that they are going to work on organising events. And the 4th floor is nice rooftop chill zone, where they also offer ice bath packages.
And the ground floor is their cafe, so if you don’t really need a specific table or quiet zone to work, you can patronise the cafe and just work there as well. Prices are similar to the modern cafes around, maybe even slightly cheaper, and they serve both food and drinks.
The coworking space comes with free coffee/tea and detox water. They offer packages from 2-hours to monthly rates. The location is great as it’s in one of the most popular districts in Da Nang among foreigners – An Thuong.
Seaview Coworking
This is an interesting one as the coworking space is on the top (9th) floor of a hotel. It’s near the beach, so as its name suggests, you actually get nice views of the ocean and city from here.
Seaview coworking is one of the most flexible and cheapest of the lot. They have a 3 hour pass that’s just slightly higher than the price of coffee. So if you’re like me who is more spontaneous and don’t usually need a coworking space, this is a great option.
All the facilities are also available for use regardless of your package. They have lockers, monitors for rent, phone booth for calls etc. They also provide free tea/coffee, water and bananas.
Hana who manages the place is very welcoming and friendly. She also organises outings/events for the members so it’s a great launchpad to meet other nomads. It’s not your typical big commercial coworking space, so there’s a more personal touch to this one.
ACE Coworking
Photo Credit: ACE Coworking Da Nang
If you are looking for a community and bigger coworking space, ACE coworking is one of the popular ones around. They position themselves as a lifestyle coworking space with a blend of work and wellness.
The coworking space is located down South from the main An Thurong district. It has 3 levels, each with sorta its own “unofficial” vibe, from more quiet air conditioned work zones to open air areas and casual, interaction spaces.
The place is equipped with proper office tables/chairs, as well as meeting rooms and phone booths for calls. There are activities lined up across the weeks from tea break sessions to yoga sessions and beach days.
So overall it is much better organized and managed like an established commercial workspace. If you are looking for a mid term coworking space with a community element, this is worth checking out.
Da Nang Coworking
Further down south from that, you will find Da Nang Coworking. They are one of the newer players in the market. While it’s further from the typical expat zone, one of their biggest advantage is a huge, beautiful garden area.
If you are into greenery and nature, this is likely a big plus. A well-equipped, spacious coworking space while cultivating a fun community. There are events being organised regularly so you will meet others if you’re staying for awhile.
They have 24/7 access for long term passes, and office hour access for daily passes. They do not offer shorter hourly ones, so that’s a potential downside.
Overall, I will classify ACE and Da Nang Coworking to be of similar model. If you are looking for a more dedicated desk/space with community element, try out both and see which one vibes with you more.
Cafes In Da Nang With Workspace
These are specifically cafes that also sort of market themselves as a great spot for working, or even has a coworking zone/pricing attached to them. It’s just the cafe business seems to be the major component.
Hi4 Cafe & Workspace
So this is not actually a coworking space in the sense that they don’t charge you for using the workspace. It is a cafe with seatings that are superb for working. And they open 24/7.
It’s a huge space covering 2 levels. I doubt it will ever be fully occupied. The place has a combination of standard work tables and also small japanese style huts.
There’s lots of power socket around, and the cafe serves a good selection of food and drinks at very affordable pricing.
As such, you get different types of people coming here. Most are here to work, study or sleep.
The second floor is supposed to be a quiet zone, but I don’t actually see a big difference. I also don’t think the staff enforces it strictly unless someone is really making a ruckus.
I personally don’t really mind any of those, which is also why I prefer cafes over paying extra for coworking spaces. So this is a really great spot for me.
But if you are very particular about your work environment where the surrounding matters to you, then this might not be the best option for you. I think they get a bit of unfair bad rep due to that.
Remember they aren’t charging extra for the space usage. You simply buy a drink or food and get to use it. So their operational model is actually that of a cafe. If you view it as such, this is a great spot.
But if you compare it to coworking space where you want private rooms and enforced quiet or chill zones, then it might not meet your expectations.
Gear Coffee And Souvenirs
This is one of those cafe that also has a coworking space at the 4th floor. I did not actually see that space, but from photos it looks more beautiful.
The good thing is that at Level 3, you have a seating area that is already similar to a workspace, and you can access that area just as a cafe customer. It is barely decorated but filled with proper tables and chairs suitable for working, with power sockets all lined up on the wall.
There’s also a row of window seats that gives you the street view. 2nd floor is more cafe style, with both an aircon area and a outdoor patio that also has a street view. First floor is the most well decorated in my opinion, and has a cozy atmosphere.
Drink prices are competitive so you often see locals coming here to chill, work or study. The cafe also have a lot of interesting drink options that you don’t typically see in other cafes.
If you want to work, the internet on level 3 is the strongest I believe, since it taps into the coworking space connection rather than the cafe one.
Working Remotely In Da Nang
There’s a reason why Da Nang has grown increasingly popular among digital nomads, and I can definitely see the market adapting to this trend. Apart from the coworking spaces that are popping up, many cafes are now also looking to target this group of customers.
Internet infrastructure in Da Nang is not much of a concern; you can easily find good speed. If you are looking to spend some time in the third largest city in Vietnam, be sure to check out our Da Nang Travel Guide.
When it comes to food, Da Nang has quite an international gastronomic scene. Admittedly, I found myself marking out more foreign cuisine restaurants compared to Vietnamese eateries. You really have a lot of choices for food in Da Nang.
Here are restaurants in Da Nang that I tried and enjoyed. Some of them are very popular, while others are hidden gems. Look out for those unassuming alleys, sometimes you will find good stuff there.
Donald Trung Da Nang
I know I know, the name’s a bit funny but this was recommended by a local friend and the place is actually very popular among the locals compared to tourists.
Donald Trung is the place to make your own wraps and rolls. There have a free flow supply of greens that you help yourself to. The signature here is the boiled/grilled meat (pork or beef). It goes by portion per pax. So does not matter if you are dining alone.
You will get served rice papers and meat. Then you make your own wraps and sauce with the ingredients and veggies available.
If you are like me, who often over orders, get yourself a bowl of noodles or sticky rice as well. They also have a great selection of drinks, which are cheap! This whole meal + a juice cost just over $5 during my last visit, I was bloated.
I love the staff here. They don’t speak much English, but instead of shying away, they proactively helped me when they see me doing the sauce mixture or wrappings wrongly.
You’re going to learn some knowledge about how to make/eat Vietnamese wraps if you aren’t familiar. They could really have easily ignored me amidst the crowd.
That said, it gets busy during lunch time, so you want to come before 12pm, or after 1pm. This is sort of the kind of food people like to sit and have ample time to enjoy. So by 1pm, office crowd is gone, I think because it’s “too rush” to start eating then.
The restaurant is actually quite big, but the outdoor area is usually too hot in the afternoon, so everyone goes into just the aircon area.
You can pay by card here.
Nhà Hàng Nhà Bếp Chợ Hàn
This is one of the restaurants in the city center that is very popular among Koreans. And there are a few of such places within the same vicinity.
Prices here are more expensive than eating in local places, but not ridiculous like a tourist attraction. For the more premium price, you are basically getting a beautiful and comfortable space, along with good service.
The place is big so I did not have to wait despite the busy lunch crowd. And although there are many customers, they are well staffed and service is fast.
The restaurant also provide tea and wet napkins. It is clean and has a nice atmosphere even during peak time. The place was almost full, with people going in and out, but it didn’t feel super chaotic or messy.
I tried the seafood noodles and it was a satisfying meal. The prawns and clam meat were plump. I like that the seafood were substantial both in terms of quantity and quality.
Coffee is good here and cheap as they have a cafe that operates separately. There is seating space outside for just having coffee.
This is a place that I would return with a group but unlikely to go back alone. Most of the dishes are better shared; they even have family combos. With the variety and ambience, it is best enjoyed with company.
if you are coming in a group, I recommend making a reservation in advance.
They take card payment but with 5% fee.
Burger House (햄버거)
I took note of this restaurant since it was near where I stayed and a friend recommended it too. With the raving reviews, I was expecting a good burger, but was still very pleasantly surprised at the quality.
Now the storefront doesn’t even look super appealing or western. It looked exactly like an Asian place serving burgers. But this is where you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
Oh, and when I visited, it wasn’t crowded. But all the customers coming in and out were individual westerners, who looked like they are regular expats. So that’s a very good sign.
I tried the Blue Cheese Burger and highly recommend it. The bun was warm and crispy, the patty was juicy, and the blue cheese wasn’t overpowering. It was the right amount.
I also had the avocado smoothie, which I think is on the cheaper price point, and it was thick and substantial. My friend recommends the Double Cheese Burger and he also enjoys the thick chips/fries which is served with roasted garlic and special dip (I think it’s mayo mixed with something)
Pricing wise is fair. Typical of what you would see for western food in Vietnam.
They do accept card payment.
Mlem Pudding
Hidden in a small, tight alleyway, you will find Mlem Pudding. A tiny store selling all sorts of delicious looking desserts. I think their most popular ones are the puddings and toasts. But they also have cookie bombs, cakes and drinks.
The whole place and food has a very Korean/Japanese style vibe. It is small but vibrant. The biggest bonus is the cute, fat Corgi that likes to lay around the cafe.
I had a real dilemma deciding what to get because they all looked super tasty. Not just the type of dish but also the different flavor options.
Ultimately I went with the Salted Egg toast. The bread crust was crispy but the interior was soft. The salted egg “sauce” gives the flavor but not overwhelming; I consider it to be on the lighter side of taste.
Do note that the salted egg option can be a bit of a wait (they warned me about it), which I didn’t mind. It means the dish is prepared fresh. And it’s a comfortable place to sit since it’s not too busy.
Prices here are also cheap in my opinion. Many non-local dishes usually command a higher pricing, but at Mlem’s you are paying like the price of a cup of cafe coffee. And these desserts will cost much more in many other countries.
I definitely hoped to be back to try the puddings.
They do not take card payment.
Umm Banh Mi
This is one of the popular Banh Mi cafes in Da Nang, so you are looking at a comfortable, air conditioned space while enjoying your crispy, tasty Banh Mi.
In fact they even opened up a second spot that is pretty near the first in the same district. I went to the original one at Le Quang Dao and was not disappointed.
They have quite extensive options from the traditional ones to filling like beef with cheese and even vegetarian options. I’ve heard the tofu one is good as well.
The grilled pork was delicious, as the pork is well marinated and not dry at all. Whole bread was served warm and crispy. I also got a traditional Vietnamese coffee with milk that paired nicely.
There can be a bit of wait time even if the cafe is not super crowded. So I think they are definitely making something fresh, and I’m not complaining. It’s a nice place to sit for awhile.
It is actually well suited for working on your laptop. Seats are of decent height, some even cushy and there are several power sockets around. But the place can get busy, so you want to be respectful based on the situation.
This poke place is actually in a restaurant that consists of 2 other food businesses – “Vietnom” that serves Vietnamese dishes and “A Quiet Place” that is a juice bar.
You can order anything from all 3 places at the same time. It is within the same ordering app.
The restaurant is beautifully decorated with different elements. It felt to me like a fusion of cultures and vibes.
The special thing about this establishment is that they hire the deaf. Most of the staff speak sign language, and I also observed customers who did as well.
Now, the social cause is only a bonus, it’s not why I recommend the restaurant. The food is great! I really enjoyed the Double Rainbowl Poke Bowl (Tuna & Salmon). It was very flavorful, and you can choose from three different bowl sizes.
In addition, the extensive menu covering three restaurants means you can cater to different preferences when visiting in a group. I also got the Lotus Logan Che and the Pineapple Turmeric Kombucha, both were nice.
Service here is top notch, the staff is always smiley and attentive. It is also very convenient as well, you can order and call for the staff/bill on the web app.
They accept card payment as well.
Quán Cô Hồng
This is quite a popular restaurant known for serving local food in Da Nang. The tagline on the storefront “Đặc Sản Đà Nẵng” essentially means local food of Da Nang.
Let’s start by managing expectations, because I think the service and cleanliness here can be improved. Service is not unprofessional, it’s just abit disorganised when I visited during the busy hours.
While the place has a nice, cultural vibe, cleanliness is similar to that of a typical street side restaurant. So you might see cockroaches around the back, I’m not particularly bothered by it but I know others might be.
So if the above are very important for you, then maybe this place isn’t for you. However, the food I had was tasty and flavorful. I liked that I could get different local and regional specialities here.
Wraps are always a favourite of mine, so I got the pork belly with rice paper, and for the corresponding mains, I got sort the Chao Cho (Nam O thick noodle soup) which included mashed fish. I have never heard or seen this dish before – fish isn’t something I typically associate with Vietnamese food, so I was more cautious and just went with the basic.
The pork belly was soft and tender. You make you own wrap with a basketful of veggies. The rice paper given was the hard one that you need to soak in water beforehand. It is a bit of a hassle but if you see it as a DIY experience then its all in good fun.
The mashed fish noodle dish was surprisingly tasty, and I think they cooked the broth with anchovies as I spotted bits of dried fish in it. While the fish is not bony as typical big fishes, you should still be cautious, especially if a kid is having it. Overall, looks simple but very satisfying dish.
My recommendations is if you’re doing fish for the wraps (yes, they have that and I think it’s the specialty), then get a pork noodle dish. If you’re doing pork for the warps like I do, then get a fish noodle dish.
P.S I’ve heard that they would charge extra service fee for the wet tissue and the grilled rice paper that’s served at the start. So you can skip those if you don’t really need them. Although if you’re having the wraps, good to have tissues on hand.
They do accept card payment here.
Jeremy’s Kitchen
This is quite a well known spot among expats for comfort food. I’m talking common English/American breakfast plates and dishes, as well as pastries like cakes and donuts.
They also happen to be located in the main An Thurong zone which is popular for tourists and nomads, so it is an easy stop. However, it is also a common option for many of us to order it via food delivery apps like Grab.
Their cakes are somewhat expensive but the portion is big and the chocolate they use are of certain quality. Doesn’t just taste like cheap chocolate, which is common in this part of Asia. I tried the Devil’s cake and it certainly satisfied my sweet craving.
For savory options, the Spicy Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit is really good value. The chicken was crispy and tender even when I ordered it as delivery. The sauce that came with it was tasty and pairs well with the chicken (although I wouldn’t consider it spicy for the Asian palette).
Bánh Mì Cô Tiên
Located at the end of a long alley, this place might not be as easy to find but is getting increasingly popular. It’s a small, comfortable store serving some tasty Bahn Mi.
Their signature best sellers are the more special options of beef with cheese, and pan fried chicken. I had to give the first one a go.
While it might not look anything special visually, the beef and cheese one is stuffed with stringy cheese that is guaranteed to pull for quite a length whenever you take a bite.
There is a generous amount of beef which comes with a nice hint of peppery taste. The texture is more on the tangy side so it can be slightly difficult to break them into small bites. Nevertheless, every mouthful comes with stuffings alongside a soft yet still crispy bread.
It gets busier around lunch time but service is rather fast. There is also a second level for seating so walk in to ask even if you see the ground floor is full.
They do not take card payment.
2 Ladies Kitchen
Another delicious Bahn Mi spot to try, and it’s in the main An Thuong district that’s filled with spas, cafes and restaurants, so you will certainly visit, if not stay, in the area.
While they offer other food items as well, they are probably most known for their Banh Mi. You have the classic of grilled pork, chicken, beef, but also vegeterian options like tofu, tofu skin and even vegetable steak.
I went for the slightly more special one caramelized pork and egg. The bread is probably the crispiest I have tried out of all the Banh Mi places.
I like that the sandwich was served very warm, thus feeling really fresh. The pork pieces were more chunky ones that feels substantial, although a bit tougher compared to typical grilled pork, and the sesame seeds added an extra fragrant flavor.
The restaurant also serves up a complimentary drink to customers. I’m not talking about water or light tea that some cafes or spas provide. It’s tasty stuff that can easily be a menu option. The drink varies but I had passionfruit (maybe mixed with butterfly pea) juice.
2 Ladies Kitchen also hires people with disabilities (mute and deaf), giving them equal opportunities to work. So that’s a bonus! While they mention it might be less convenient to order, it didn’t actually felt so. You just write your order on a piece of paper instead and submit that.
For nomads, I have seen people working from here. It’s not as popular of a work spot as surrounding cafes, but this place is well suited for it. Quiet, big tables and several power sockets. So if you want to hang for a bit, that’s possible too.
Thìa Gỗ Restaurant Da Nang
For some awesome Vietnamese noodle dishes, this is a great haunt that is visited by both expats/tourists and locals. They actually serve a bunch of Vietnamese dishes like spring rolls, Banh Xeo and more, but noodles are certainly a staple here.
Although it’s “hidden” in one of those more residential streets, the place gets pretty busy during dinner hours so you might have to wait for a bit if you visiting then. So they have really built quite a reputation themselves.
Portions are big and the prices are very fair. Despite being quite full at the time, I still enjoyed the Bún thịt xào, particularly the flavor and tenderness of the beef. Tip: The salted lemon soda is great for stroking your appetite.
Easily a place that gets repeat visitors so give it shot. It’s not too far from the main An Thurong zone and is near the bustling Nguyễn Văn Thoại road.
They do take card payment with 3% fee.
Nhà Bếp Xưa Restaurant
This is a popular restaurant one street away from the beachfront. They serve traditional Vietnamese classics like Mi Quang, Bun Cha, Bun Bo Hue and more. But I personally think their special dishes are those in the claypots.
They will certainly recommend many of the Vietnamese signatures but if you have already tried those, I recommend going for the others like braised snakehead fish, pork stews etc. I had one of their bestsellers – the poached pork meat, and it was awesome.
They got everything right there, from the taste to the texture, and the sauce. The only downside is that the portion is slightly small. So if you are a midsize eater, one serving might not be sufficient.
Prices are ok for the touristic area, but if you get 2 main dishes per pax, it tilts towards the more expensive end for Vietnamese food.
The small portion wasn’t a big deal to me because I wanted to try another Banh Mi place in the area. And to my surprise, the restaurant actually gives a 10% discount voucher to that place. So here’s my recommendation or what I did – I had one serving here and then went for a Round 2 at the Banh Mi place (read below for my review of that spot).
There was a queue during weekend lunch time, I waited about 10-15 mins even being just 1 pax. So I suggest avoiding peak meal times especially if you’re are a big group.
Overall, a restaurant I would return if I want a light meal. Or a main dish + a side/soup could be good as well. They have many offerings that I would still like to try.
The restaurant do take card payment.
Nha Viet Banh Mi & Coffee
This is the Banh Mi place I mentioned in the section about Nha Bep Xua Restaurant. It’s just right around the corner from the restaurant.
The dish that caught my attention here is the Bo Ne (Sizzling Beef with Bread). I’m not sure this is a fair comparison to regular Banh Mi since the eating experience is very different. You are basically served a crispy baguette separately from a hotplate of beef steak and fried egg.
And you assemble or eat it whatever way you want. It’s special, thus why I came for it. But it was almost a bit of a mess to eat since the baguette crust kinda flies everywhere. If you ever had a Banh Mi before, you’ll know. So imagine trying to do the cutting and stuffing as well.
The beef was tender and tasty, but if I were to compare this with a Banh Mi, I would say I prefer others on this list. Nha Viet do serve regular Banh Mi options which has earned many praises as well.
What I did enjoy a lot was their orange, lemongrass, peach tea which is marked as a best seller. It’s on the sweeter side but refreshing.
The restaurant/cafe has an aircon space at the back, which is good for sitting and working as well.
They do take card payment.
PER Korean Food
This is quite a popular Korean food restaurant judging from the people I see during meal times. To be honest, the food here isn’t Korean standard but tasty enough. And it’s super value for money.
There have 2 restaurants, the one in the city center is bigger but they are expanding the one in the Son Tra district (probably done at the time of your reading).
I think the jajangmyeon set with sweet and sour pork or pork cutlet is super bang for buck, and can feed 2 pax if you’re not a big eater. When I order that alone, I skip a meal after.
The sweet & sour pork is the best seller (presumably because that’s the typical combo in Korea). But their crispy pork tastes better so I would recommend that. For reference, it comes with 2 pieces of meat.
I also tried their different tteokbokki dishes. The sauce is more towards the watery side, but they give a bowlful of it. So those dishes are good for dipping with other stuff, like dumplings or potato chips.
Overall, great place for food and value. Both branches take card payment.
Cơm Tấm Ốp Lết 1940
If you are looking to try some nice Vietnamese Com Tam (broken rice) alongside nice grilled meat, this is definitely one restaurant to check out.
It’s in a convent location in the city centre, and prices are super affordable, many locals come here to eat as well.
The restaurant is beautiful with a village vibe, makes you feel like you have traveled back in time. And it’s air conditioned, so it’s comfortable.
I was bit tempted to try the beef, but it seems pretty obvious that the pork is their signature so I had to go with that. There’s a few different “cuts” options even for pork, cutlet, curved ribs, pork belly etc. I went for the classic pork cutlet with two toppings (mea omelet and pork skin).
The cutlet was tasty and not too dry, definitely left me wanting more. Luckily, I ordered an additional plate of Char Siu pork that helped satisfy that craving. The 2 toppings I think are classic items that comes with Com Tam. They are pretty interesting to try.
The restaurant does not take card payment.
Bikini Bottom Express
This American style restaurant is a great place to satisfy any of your western food cravings. They have an extensive menu from burgers to steaks, milkshakes to brownies, so it’s an easy go-to option.
The brand started in 2018 and now have three branches, two in Da Nang and one in Hoi An. The two in Da Nang are both in very convenient spots (one in the main An Thurong zone, and the other in the city center).
I do prefer the burgers in Burger House but the smashed burgers here are also nothing to scoff at. I know people who will like them. The buns are on the soft, fluffy side with the patties are juicy although it’s smashed. I would prefer the meat to be more flavorful but this is one burger that’s very easy to devour.
The fries are double fried, which I consider a midway between your typical string cut and the rustic fries. Speaking of that, they have a range of options from truffle fries to different types of poutine. So if you are into the potato craze, there’s a real dilemma here.
I consider prices here to be slightly lower than other burger houses, so its a bonus. And the coffee here is surprisingly cheap (aka local prices). Both the coffee and smoothies I tried are thick and strong.
Also if you visit the city center branch, they have a window table and a rooftop area that give you a nice view of the pink cathedral right beside it.
Where To Eat In Da Nang
Da Nang’s food scene is pretty diverse and exciting. Whether you’re into traditional Vietnamese fare or craving a juicy burger, there are good options in the city. These were just a few of my foodie adventures, and there’s so many other places I would have liked to check out.
If you love coffee and cool cafes, Da Nang is going to win you over! During my stay, I visited many interesting coffee shops, each has its own unique charm and vibe.
Compared to cafes in Hoi An where many are suitable for both relaxing and working, I find that many Da Nang cafes that have a garden or ancient vibe offers mainly the short stools and tables. So if you are looking for laptop friendly ones, the modern cafes are usually the better option.
Regardless, here are some of the nice cafes in Da Nang to grab a cuppa! I’ve put them in broad categories for easy reference. Make sure to check out the hidden gems at the end!
Photogenic Cafes
Many of the places here are beautiful and definitely photo-worthy. As such, you will almost definitely see girls coming in pairs/groups to these ones for photos (Some people find this annoying so just a headsup, but know that this “instagrammable setting” is quite a selling point for the local market)
Chian Cafe
A modern cafe with bit of contemporary art flair. It’s white and bright decorated with colorful art pieces and furnitures.
Many people come here for photoshoots while enjoying a drink. Prices here are standard for cafes in Da Nang. I like the range of drink options here with tea and milk tea on offer. The roasted rice milk tea I had was fragrant and tasty.
What really drew me here though was their Japanese fluffy pancakes, which isn’t commonly found. For the price, I think it’s quite a steal since this dessert can be expensive in other parts of the world.
I tried the chocolate one and it’s pretty good standard. It has a right balance of bounce without collapsing, and sufficient egg taste that’s not overpowering.
From the cups to the lamps and chairs, you will see lots of funky shapes here. The cafe did build it with nomads and students in mind, so most of the tables are big and spacious with access to power sockets. They also provide self service drinking water.
Note that some of the chairs, due to their shapes, might not be comfy for long hours of sitting. So a bit of aesthetic and functional trade off there, but test out a few if you plan to hang around for long.
They do not accept card payment
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 51/56 mbps
Xi Ne Bistro & Jazz
A beautiful cafe that attracts a lot of female customers because it is filled with plants and flowers. In fact, it has a flower shop right in it and a courtyard garden with fake lemons (but still nice nevertheless). Therefore, you will see many girls coming here for their Instagram shots.
The whole place kind of takes you back to the 80s and is charming in its own right. Prices here are slightly higher than surrounding cafes, but you are kind paying abit more for the special environment.
The cafe has some special beverages apart from just coffee, so I tried the lychee, coconut and aloe vera – one of their best sellers. It’s on the sweeter end but a welcomed change.
All that said, this is actually a good cafe for working. The tables are of good height and they have plenty of cushy sofa seats. You will find power sockets around the place. The internet speed here is also super fast.
My interactions with the staff here was a bit awkward for some reason, probably due to a combination of the language barrier, them being shy about it, but yet also want to try and be welcoming.
Anyway, they always have people manning specific zones, so you will be well attended to.
They do take card payment
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 568/367 mbps
Normad Cafe
Another cafe rocking a minimalist contemporary, or what locals like to say, a Korean style. As you can imagine, its popular among the female population then. But many guys and families come here to chill as well.
It is a nice place that feels spacious due to the interior design. There are 2 levels both air conditioned. Several spots here are good of photos, including a room flower of flowers on level 2. Not to mention the whole colorful cluster at the entrance.
The cafe is also good for working or studying; it has a chill ambience. You can easily find power sockets around the walls. They also provide self service drinking water.
Prices are on the higher side here. They have a bunch of fancy drinks and pastry options. I tried the double sweet coffee after finding out it’s actually cheese coffee.
I like the cheese foam, and the drink didn’t actually taste extra sweet, so no idea why they named it that. Also got the grape cream croissant. The taste is nothing to rave about but it’s pretty substantial.
They take card payment
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 463/441 mbps
Popular Among Locals (Great Vibes)
These are cafes that you will see plenty of locals visiting as well, and they typically have nice garden or antique vibes.
Dreamer Cafe
Since I have enjoyed several garden cafes in Vietnam, this one easily fell within my radar.
Dreamer is set in sort of an enclosed courtyard garden within the city, making it a nice getaway.
The whole compound actually encompasses 2 cafes – the other being Mint cafe. I have not tried Mint but since Dreamer is deeper in, it is further from the bustling road. Despite the short separation, the surrounding at Dreamer’s side is more green and looks more beautiful.
I tried the salted cocoa and loved it. The salted layer is thick and creamy just the way I like it. And the cocoa was surprisingly strong and chocolatey.
My only rant is that despite being a relatively big cup, it had quite big ice cubes, so I finished it rather quickly. But taste wise, this was bomb. Definitely the best chocolate drink I’ve tried in Vietnam.
Prices are kind of between local places and modern cafes, and a lot of locals come here.
For nomads, note that this is not the best place for working. Most of the seats are short tables and stools. There’s only 2 tables indoors that’s good for working; those do have access to power sockets. And 3 garden benches of good height but leaves you pretty exposed to natural elements.
Overall a better place for chilling and definitely photos. You could still work here if you want to, provided you grab the suitable seats (which I did :p). They also provide drinking water.
They do not accept card payment
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 78/93 mbps
Ikigai Cafe
Another chill garden cafe near the city center area. As implied by the name, there’s a bit of Japanese vibe in terms of the whole architecture but not so much on the decoration. So it’s a good blend with some corners that are good for photos.
A few leafy trees stand out by the front garden which kind of makes the place rather secluded and tranquil. Many locals like to come relax here and most of the seats are short chairs/tables.
The cafe has an air conditioned area on the second floor, and there’s a row of seats in there that are good for working on your laptop.
PS: If those are taken up, that counter drawer table at the corner in the first floor open area is actually good height as well. I just put a chair over.
They offer self service drinking water and there’s some power sockets around. But I wouldn’t say this cafe was set up for working.
Drink prices are quite cheap here, you get your regular Vietnamese coffee options at just slightly higher price that those roadside stalls. But I went for the cheese coffee which is rare to see in other cafes.
It’s essentially like your salt or egg coffee but the top layer is cheese. I see it more as a dessert as they gave a generous cheese layer with lesser coffee. Overall tasty! The cafe also have some pastries if you want a snack.
They do not accept card payment
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 223/184 mbps
Anle Cafe
Another cafe that is super instagrammable from multiple corners. If you like the Japanese and garden vibes, this place is for you.
The small cafe entrance is sandwiched between two other cafes with bigger storefronts. However, if you walk in, you will find yourself in a spacious garden yard – greeted by a small water fountain and big anime dragon figurine.
The ordering booth is like one of those small wooden huts that is cute and cool. If you walk further in, there a whole mural of Doraemon waiting for you, in addition to a wall of plants with smoking mist. Talk about instagrammable.
Much of the area is outdoors; there is a block of indoor space with air conditioning. Regardless, there are fans outdoors that you can move around to stay cool. The cafe also has a second level patio.
This is quite a local place and prices are very reasonable. Compared to other garden cafes which only has stool seats, this one actually has several tables that are proper height – which means it’s suitable for working.
By now, I’m convinced most cafes have power sockets around because they need to power the fans. So you will find some along the walls or beams.
The staff isn’t very well versed in English since the cliente is mainly locals, but they definitely try their best to help with whatever you need.
They do not accept card payment
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 270/157 mbps
Wind Coffee
Da Nang’s beachfront is nice, but one street in, you can also find places like this. Lush greenery, vintage vibes and a Koi pond full of fishes is why this cafe has all the right ambience as a chill spot.
It is located on a relatively quiet road, but nevertheless entering into the cafe compound makes you feel like you’re in a different oasis.
The main piece here is obviously the Koi pond with these huge fishes. You can buy pellets from the counter to feed the fishes, it’s a fun activity for the kids. Nevertheless, the overall decor of the cafe cannot be overlooked.
You will find interesting stuff like vintage cameras, radios, old school TV, typewriters and even sewing machines around the cafe. The only downside here is really the mosquitoes, so be sure to apply mozzie repellent when visiting.
Wind coffee only serves drinks, and they seem ok with people bringing food in for that reason; I saw a couple of customers eating from takeaway containers.
If you haven’t eaten though, they have smoothies and these low calorie blends that all seem pretty interesting. I tried the black sesame and lotus seed blend which feels like a light meal itself.
There’s a variety of seating, so certain tables are great for working. I’ve come to realise you should be able to find power sockets in most cafes because they have to power the fans. There’s also a small aircon space which I think is good for escaping the mozzies.
They do not accept card payment
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 384/407 mbps
Trình Cà Phê
This is a popular cafe among locals seemingly for the relaxing garden vibes and their avocado coffee. It is quite a big space and the service is both fast and attentive here. The store stretches deep inside from the entrance and is filled with your typical short stools and small tables.
There are both indoor and outdoor seats, most of which are open air. I tried the avocado coffee – it’s thick and nice with a generous topping of delicious fried, coconut slices. Prices here are quite ok, it’s not as cheap some roadside local spots but also not as expensive as most modern coffee shops.
This is not a great spot for working due to the seating, but for some reason I saw multiple people working on their laptops placed either on the small table or on their laps. I presume they must really like the coffee here.
There are quite a lot of power sockets around since they have a whole bunch of portable fans to keep customers cool. The internet speed might be better upfront as I have a weak signal sitting at the back, but still worked fine (Note that the speed tested here is with the weak reception).
If you are sitting near the plants, I do recommend putting on some mosquito repellent. But overall a good spot to sit for a nice coffee and enjoy some Vietnamese music.
They do not take card payment
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 59/4 mbps
Nam House
If you are looking to revisit Vietnam in a past era (or as close as you can be), this is the place to be. This place just exudes an old school charm that it can easily be a museum.
Once you enter the cafe, you feel like you are in a different century. Every part of the cafe looks like it’s from the 60s. Hell, even when I was paying, the guy looks like he was doing accounting on those A4 books with hand drawn lines.
Some of the military stuff and wall paintings kind of takes you back to the communism era. There are elements from both eastern and western cultures which is what makes it interesting.
The cafe has two levels with the ground floor being cooler. But if you like fresh air more, then second storey is brighter with windows etc. This is a must-visit even if it’s just to look around, but many locals love to chill at this place.
They only serve drinks and also seem ok for people to bring their own food. I see a few tables eating their takeaway food here.
That said, this is not an ideal spot for working, although it’s not impossible. Seatings are short and leans back, more of a place to soak in the vibes.
I did not ask, but don’t think they take card payment.
Cafes Great For Working
Some of the cafes above are good for working as I mentioned in them. These one below either have specific working spaces or you commonly find many nomads on their laptops there.
But if a proper work desk is high priority, check out the coworking spaces in Da Nang, some of them have great views and/or a nice community.
Lighthouse Cafe
This is popular cafe for digital nomads near the beach front. You will almost certainly see people working on their laptops here. When I first visited, everyone on the cafe sitting zone was working LOL.
Both the cafe exterior and interior are quite unique. It reminds me of a blend between ancient European run-ins and an old school firehouse. Rather charming.
The interior layout is also quite different. There’s two zones, one for dining and one for coffee. Each zone is sorta segmented into 3 levels.
The cafe zone is usually filled people on their laptops or tablets. That said, all the seats are great for that purpose. They also provide free drinking water.
There is not a lot of power sockets around so I recommend coming with your devices charged.
Prices here are slightly higher compared to more local places, but similar to cafes within more touristic/expat zones.
I recommend sitting more towards the center area if possible. The Wifi connectivity gets a bit unstable, reconnecting periodically, when I sat next to the window on the top floor.
They do take card payment
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 96/154 mbps
Wonderlust Cafe
A beautiful cafe that’s filled with plants. The whole interior makes it feel spacious and refreshing. It is particularly photogenic when the sun is bright and shines into the cafe.
It’s a 3 storey compound that operates as a cafe, souvenir store and coworking space. There are seats on all 3 levels, but the top level is usually closed on Mon-Thu. The second level is where you commonly find laptop workers, it has the most access to power sockets.
The first level is the best for photos since it’s like a small indoor garden. The center is hollow with the levels connected by a side stair. This structure makes the place bright and airy. There’s also an outdoor patio area.
They have quite a large variety of drinks from coffee, smoothies and even various pots of teas. Spoilt for choice, I ironically ended up going with just the typical Vietnamese milk coffee which did not disappoint.
The cafe also serves cakes and pastries like pancakes for food. Prices are not expensive either, comparable to other cafes.
Staff here appear to have better command of English. It looks like the norm around this area where Koreans seem to be the main customer group for many businesses.
They do take card payment
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 90/91 mbps
Hideout Cafe
Hideout is quite well known among remote workers in Da Nang as it is a great spot to work from. And it’s not just the digital nomads, many locals come here as well.
All the tables and chairs are standard height, and there’s many power sockets around. Some are on the ground, so look down if you’re not near a wall socket. The whole place has a coworking cafe vibe.
They have two branches that are about 8 mins walk from each other, both near the touristy An Thuong area. No idea why some brands have outlets in close proximity, but it’s not the first I’ve seen. Anyways they are both very popular and can get crowded in the mornings.
Both cafes close quite late, so consider visiting later in the day for a more chill ambience. They might even run promotions then. On my last visit to the Đo Ba branch, they had 20% off drinks after 5pm.
Prices here are modern cafe range, comparable to market rate. They have some interesting options on their beverage offerings like lemonpresso, dalgona coffee and milk tea. Healthy smoothies and juices for the health conscious people as well.
They also serve pastries and brunch style food, thus why more people come during the day time.
They do take card payment
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 254/199 mbps
Gear Coffee
This is one of those cafe that also has a coworking space at the 4th floor. The good thing though is that at Level 3, you have a seating area that is already similar to a workspace, and you can access there as just a cafe customer.
The 3rd floor is barely decorated but filled with proper tables and chairs suitable for working. There’s also a row of window seats that gives you the street view. 2nd floor is more cafe style, with both an aircon area and a outdoor patio that also has a street view.
First floor is the most well decorated in my opinion, and has a cozy atmosphere.
Prices are competitive so you often see locals coming here to chill, work or study. The cafe also have a lot of interesting drink options that you don’t typically see in other cafes. I had the mango coffee since I remember people recommending it, but there are other stuff I was tempted to try.
The mango coffee is interesting, it’s almost part drink, part dessert with like a mango ice blend mixed with coffee.
The internet on level 3 is the strongest I believe, since it taps into the coworking space connection rather than the cafe one.
They take card payment
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 142/42 mbps
Roots Plant Based Cafe
In addition to being a great spot for vegetarians, this cafe has clearly also established itself as a popular place to work from. Upon entering the cafe, you are sure to see people on their laptops.
It’s not particularly surprising seeing that the veg/vegan movement is a trend among nomads, and the cafe is right in the expat/tourist district of Da Nang. And I would say that’s the cliente for them.
The cafe has a nice, cozy vibe with the orange and green hue. There’s two floors with both indoor and outdoor areas. Most of the tables are great for working and there are power sockets available throughout the place.
The cafe offers a great selection of breakfast bowls, smoothie bowls and, what caught my attention the most, raw cakes. I tried the snickers and also the mezze platter, which tasted great; but I was very tempted to order 3 cakes. Prices here are also very affordable for a vegetarian restaurant.
They do take card payment
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 406/306 mbps
Kite Coffee
Kite Coffee is a very popular spot for laptop workers (locals and foreigners) and students.
I’ve passed by multiple times and you will see people working there anytime from morning till their closing time at night. That’s probably their main cliente which is kinda funny because I’m not sure they marketed themselves that way.
The cafe doesn’t look anything like your super modern ones, but nevertheless very tastefully decorated with colorful paintings and porcelain waves as the main highlights.
Regardless, I think they settled into that “workspace” role nicely. Now they even have power extension chords that you can use. But most tables by the walls have access to power sockets. The tables are big and spacious which is just superb for working.
They have a big range of coffee options here and even segment it by Arabica and Robusta, so you can see they sorta take it more seriously than your regular cafes. Prices here are very reasonable which I think is another reason that people come.
The drinks are also presented very nicely. I tried the Cold Brew Pomelo (which is a mix of pomelo and peach) one evening and loved it. It’s light enough for the night, almost like peach tea but has a hint of coffee taste.
This is a small point, but they use these huge mugs for self serve water/tea which I don’t think I’ve seen any cafe offer. Plus the staff even comes around to top up your water.
Kinda insane that I’ve never actually seen the cafe fully packed. There’s always people but there’s also always seats available.
They do take card payment
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 86/93 mbps
Tie Tag Cafe
If you want something special apart from the typical coffee options, Tie Tag is a great place to check out. They have many interesting beverages on offer from Durian smoothie to purple yam and roasted almond lattes.
Best of all, prices are similar to other cafes so you aren’t paying premium for them. I tried the black sesame latte and it was a welcomed change after having 2 cups of Vietnamese coffee already. The taste was aromatic with a balanced amount of sesame.
While the cafe interior is nothing super fancy, it is simple and nice. The place is brightly lit and actually quite big. Don’t be fooled by just the immediate storefront, there are more outdoor seats in the back and also on the second floor.
Many of the seats are pretty good for working with access to power socket. The wifi here is fast and they also provide drinking water. The cafe is open till quite late. It seems many Korean travelers like to store their luggage here, so I guess they provide that service too.
They do take card payment
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 277/273 mbps
Paris Levain Bakery & Cafe
If you are looking for a cafe with more pastries than anything else, then this is your place. As you can guess from the name, they run on a french boulangerie theme and pastries are a well known pride of french bakeries.
Are the pastries as divine as those in France? Honestly no, but they are still pretty good. From the quality to selection, this is one of the best around since most cafes in Da Nang really focus on just the coffee.
Prices here are expectedly higher, but nothing crazy. The wide range of goodies on offer also means there’s several price points that cater to different budget. When I visited, there’s stuff right under $1 as well.
The second floor is a nice place to work from and I saw several people on their laptops. There are a bunch of tables with access to power sockets.
They do take card payment
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 330/299 mbps
Hidden Gems In Da Nang
Most of these cafes I’m surprised there weren’t more people in them. If I stay in Da Nang long term, I’ll probably gate keep them for myself :p
Poly Bakery
This is one of the hidden gems when I visited as they are still pretty new. Poly Bakery seem to serve more of the local cliente. The drinks menu are mainly in Vietnamese without English annotations, and the prices are great value here!
That said, the place looks amazing. They tried to put a European spin to it, along with some cute elements like their bear coffee cups.
The salted coffee is tasty with, what I think is, a strong dark roast. Definitely rivals that of other cafes, and is the cheapest I have seen in a modern Da Nang cafe.
I also tried the garlic butter bread. While I would prefer the bread to be crispier (this one is more on the soft, fluffy end), they did not skimp on the butter or garlic – so it’s flavorful.
They have 2 levels, the second storey has two separate spaces. One of them even has a fragrant smell, like they put an aroma diffuser. This is also the best decorated room, with sunlight shining in through a big European style door that leads to a balcony.
Both area have tables that are great for working. There are also sufficient power sockets around. The upload speed here isn’t the best, but should be fine for most work.
Although the staff don’t speak great English, don’t miss out on it. Just use google translate on anything you need, they are very polite.
They do not accept card payment
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 40/12 mbps
Noi – The Cabin
The Noi brand has several locations, but two of the most special are probably the one in the city center with its vintage vibe and the one by the fishing port.
The Cabin is the one by the fishing area, and while it’s out of the way, people who knows it come here for the special setting. The whole place feels like an antique junkyard by the docks, kinda more raw than cultural compared to the city center one.
It’s very charming, and they have a rooftop top that overlooks the docks for fishing boats. So it’s beautiful in during the day. And you can supposedly catch the sunset here as well (I didn’t as it got rainy).
That said, I also did not get the fishy smell which you might experience depending on the time and weather during which you visit. So be warned if that affects you.
Prices here are actually ok, especially if you are used to prices in the city center or An Thurong zone. They are comparable, but most locals will find it expensive for this secluded area.
The cafe is also ok for working. Several tables are of suitable height, or you can stack up some of them like I did on the rooftop :p There are power extension chords around that are used to power the fans, so you might find a few available ones.
They do not take card payment
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 116/249 mbps
Brewman Concept Coffee
This is a quaint Da Nang cafe located at the end of a residential alleyway, so it is quiet and chill since it is unlikely for anyone to just stumble upon it without knowing. Judging from the interactions between the staff and customers, many locals seem like regulars here.
The place is not too big but has a really nice, cozy ambience that I really enjoy. They also provide self-service drinking water.
The cafe only serve drinks, no food. Beverage prices here are slightly cheaper than standard cafes. They offer the typical Vietnamese coffee options, but also specialty stuff like drip, Chemex, V60 etc, so you can assume they take their coffee seriously here.
Also, the coconut coffee comes ice blended, if that’s your jam. I continued my addiction with salted coffee, and this definitely satisfied my craving.
Internet is very fast here. The ground floor is the best area for working with big tables and power sockets. However, the chairs aren’t great for sitting for extended hours, so maybe a couple of hours is good.
Personally, I like the elevated platform (which is sorta a second floor) as you can oversee the cafe area. It only has a few seats and one free socket, so come early if you want it. They also have outdoor seats at the entrance where you can admire some Koi fishes.
They do not take card payment
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 310/93 mbps
Joy Cafe
This cafe is right smack in the busy touristic district, and opposite the popular Han market. So why is it a hidden gem? From just the storefront, this looks like a spa + cafe. Bright and beautiful but kinda small.
However, the whole building is actually a combination of spa + cafe + hostel. And the cafe has seats on the 2nd and 5th floor as well. The 5th floor is a beauty with a great view of the Han River. The place is nice and quiet.
There are not many seats here but when I visited it was pretty empty. Indoors has about 4 small tables and 1 long one that can be shared. There’s a patio as well but can get warm during the day.
It’s a good spot to sit and get some work done with an awesome scenery. The only hassle is that the lift is a bit slow and you have to order on the first floor counter. However, they do bring it up for you after you placed an order.
Prices here are ok, maybe slightly higher for the coffee but overall nothing too expensive. The staff are pretty friendly and I felt they have a better command of English since the establishment is also a spa and hostel (so everything tourism related).
They do take card payment
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 85/87 mbps (5th floor hostel wifi)
Nice Coffee
This is still one of the newer cafes in Da Nang when I visited but I expect more people to discover it due to the location.
The place has a beautiful and bright interior, and since the seating area on the ground floor is deeper in, its pretty chill and quiet despite being on the main street.
There’s a second floor which is non-air conditioned, and lets you see the street/road if you prefer more bustle. This is a smoking area though.
They have quite a big menu for drinks, and also have some Vietnamese + Korean food on offer. I tried the Oolong milk tea with pearls, good taste and I liked the texture of the peals.
Both floors have limited seats but most of them are great for working. And there’s many power sockets around. They put up another wifi connection on the second floor, but if you are sitting there, continue to connect to the ground floor wifi, it’s much faster.
They take card payment with 3% fee
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 189/53 mbps
Farmhouse Cafe
A cozy cafe in the Son Tra district that has a warm European vibe. Even though it’s right by a bustling road, it feels tranquil and peaceful with soft, melo music playing inside.
I like the ambience here; it’s great for a chill afternoon to sit with your books or laptop. Although it’s small, it’s not usually crowded. There are power sockets at some of the seats and they also provide drinking water.
It’s mainly foreigners coming here, but prices are comparable to other cafes, particularly the drinks.
The cafe serve some great brunch style food like toasts and breakfast plates which popular. I went for the beef bulgogi udon which stood out from the other options. It makes for a satisfying lunch although I could definitely eat more.
Drinks here are good as well, having tried the avocado milk tea and Saigon coffee. But they have quite a large selection including juices and fancy cocktail-like mixtures.
They take card payment with 3% fee
Internet Speed (Download/Upload): 232/262 mbps
Giang Pomeranian House
The secret of secrets! Giang Pomeranian House is literally a house, where the owner stays in. This is not a dog cafe. It’s a cafe with dogs – very very cute Pomeranians that belongs to the owner.
She opened the living room of her place as a cafe where you get to enjoy a drink and play with the doggies. You don’t pay for time with the dogs like many dog/cat cafes; just buy a drink and you can sit around at the company of these furry babies.
The Pomeranians are just crazy adorable, and most of them are super active as well. They will certainly come jump you when you just arrive. There’s a couple who are more chill and would sleep next to you or on your lap.
They only open from late morning and it’s not a big place, I was so tempted to keep this a secret. But if you are around the area, go for it. It’s along of those residential streets in the touristic zone, so you might not catch it if you’re not looking.
Clearly, this is not a place for working. But it’s a great spot to stop by in between work sessions from surrounding cafes.
Cash payment only
Did not ask for internet here, because why would you need it.
J Cafe
I have to give this cafe a shoutout, because it’s here I found the cheapest salt coffee served in the biggest cup. And it tasted great, so we are not talking a big cup of shit coffee.
This was a lucky find as the weather was insanely hot after I finished a superb lunch (remember to check out my Da Nang restaurants writeup). I had other cafes in mind but due to the weather, I decided to just hide in a random, modern looking cafe right around the corner.
Temperature wise, it wasn’t a good idea; so I gotta warn you first that the aircon here is kinda shit. But that clearly did not prevent people from coming to work or study here. The indoors only has 4 tables, and they were all full when I was there.
Coffee prices here are cheap! At my time of visit, the salt coffee was 25K when you typically see them priced at 35K or above in regular cafes. I’ve never seen salt coffee at 25K, at least not in seated cafes. You might find them at those roadside stalls,
Then it came in like a kitchen mug. I was stunned when I saw the guy bring it. That’s twice the size of what is typically served.
Whilst sitting there, I saw them packing delivery orders and just visually I don’t think the takeaway cups are as big. So I recommend “dining in” if you are looking for a big dose of caffeine.
Enjoying Some Vietnamese Coffee In Da Nang
Exploring cafes in Da Nang is an absolute blast! Each cafe offers something special, from cozy garden vibes to trendy workspaces. And there’s always new ones popping up in the different popular districts.
I can totally see how this city is developing into a digital nomad hub. Hope you get a chance to visit these awesome spots and enjoy your coffee adventures just as much as I did!
