
Cafe Pho Co
A hidden cafe in Hanoi's Old Quarter with stunning rooftop views of Hoan Kiem Lake and unique vintage charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the heat and crowds

Cafe Pho Co
Best Time
Escape the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden cafe in Hanoi's Old Quarter with stunning rooftop views of Hoan Kiem Lake and unique vintage charm.
"Experience Hanoi's charm from above at this hidden gem with delicious drinks and breathtaking lake views."

🎯 Find the Hidden Entrance
Enter through a clothing store and climb stairs. It's part of the adventure!
📸 Rooftop Views
Head to the rooftop for the best lake views, especially at sunset.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rooftop Lake View
Rooftop seating area
Savor your drink with panoramic views of Hoan Kiem Lake, especially magical at sunset.

Unique Architectural Charm
Throughout the cafe
Experience a beautifully preserved old dwelling with decor reflecting Chinese influence.

Signature Drinks
Cafe counter
Try the delicious matcha, salt coffee, or the unique buckwheat triangle coffee.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Finding the Hidden Entrance
Best Seats for the View
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Find the Hidden Entrance
Enter through a clothing store and climb stairs. It's part of the adventure!
📸 Rooftop Views
Head to the rooftop for the best lake views, especially at sunset.
☕ Try Unique Drinks
Don't miss the matcha, salt coffee, or buckwheat triangle coffee.
👟 Be Prepared for Stairs
The cafe has many narrow, steep stairs; pack light if possible.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Find the Hidden Entrance
Enter through a clothing store and climb stairs. It's part of the adventure!
📸 Rooftop Views
Head to the rooftop for the best lake views, especially at sunset.
☕ Try Unique Drinks
Don't miss the matcha, salt coffee, or buckwheat triangle coffee.
👟 Be Prepared for Stairs
The cafe has many narrow, steep stairs; pack light if possible.
💰 Pricey but Worth It
Drinks are a bit pricier than average, but the ambiance and view justify it.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cafe Pho Co is celebrated as a charming hidden gem in Hanoi's Old Quarter, offering a unique architectural experience and stunning rooftop views of Hoan Kiem Lake. While the climb and potentially higher prices are noted, visitors consistently praise the delicious drinks and the overall ambiance, making it a highly recommended spot for relaxation and photography.
"This was part of our Michelin food tour around Hanoi and it was our last stop for the day. I'm usually sensitive to caffeine and it was already past noon so I went for the matcha. It was really delicious! My companions ordered the salt coffee and I got to taste it too, those were yummy as well.
The cafe is such a fun little hole in the wall. You enter through a clothing store then climb a bunch of stairs to reach the seating area. The views of the lake at the top were a nice bonus!"
Bianca A
"Nice cafe nestled in the back of a store. It's a thing about the old quarter here in Hanoi, it seems there are establishments hidden down tiny alleys and at the back of shops.
Place looks like a done up version of an actual dwelling. Decor and format looks very similar to that in Peranakan culture, probably reflecting the heavy Chinese influence in Vietnamese culture.
While ground and 2nd and 3rd floor seating is available, this cafe relies heavily on the roof view of Hoan Kien Lake for it's appeal, and this was not lost upon me.
Counter staff quickly escaped however, after seeing me, causing me to be unable to leave my luggage at the counter. Had to lug it up 3-4 stories to the roof. Very narrow steps, so it was awkward to lug my luggage up the stairs. Would have the liked if the staff were more helpful.
On the roof, two women who appeared to be cafe staff also hogged the lake view and refused to move. Granted, it was late in the day.
Drinks were nice but pricey for Vietnam.
With all that said, had a nice time in this cafe, though improvements could have been made."
JR FF
"A hidden gem in Hanoi. I almost missed the place as it’s hidden behind the cloth shop. You can go upstairs to see the view and there is an AC area as well.
We ordered iced coconut coffee and avocado smoothie and love both. Not too sweet and refreshing.
Recommended to sit and relax here a bit especially during such hot afternoon😅"
Sukhumarn Lertpanyaroj (Benz)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cafe Pho Co is a hidden gem located in the Old Quarter. You'll need to enter through a clothing store and then climb several flights of narrow stairs to reach the seating areas. Look for signs indicating the cafe within the shop. The journey through the alleyways is part of the charm!
Yes, the Old Quarter is well-served by local buses. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the cafe's location. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available and a convenient option for reaching the area.
Once you're in the Old Quarter, navigate towards the area near Hoan Kiem Lake. Cafe Pho Co is tucked away, so keep an eye out for the entrance within a shop. Walking is the best way to explore the charming streets and find this hidden spot.
Parking in the Old Quarter can be challenging. It's best to use ride-sharing services or taxis to get close to the area. If you're driving, look for designated parking lots on the outskirts of the Old Quarter and walk the rest of the way.
Yes, map applications can help you navigate to the general vicinity of Cafe Pho Co in the Old Quarter. However, since it's a hidden spot, you might need to look closely for the entrance once you're nearby.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance tickets required for Cafe Pho Co. You simply walk in through the shop and pay for your drinks and any food you order.
Cafe Pho Co generally operates from morning until late evening, but specific hours can vary. It's advisable to check their social media pages or a local guide for the most up-to-date opening times, especially around holidays.
The rooftop view is part of the cafe experience and is included with your order. There is no separate fee to access the rooftop seating area.
Reservations are generally not taken, especially for the popular rooftop spots. It's a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving earlier in the day or during off-peak hours increases your chances of securing a good seat.
There is no formal dress code for Cafe Pho Co. However, given its charming ambiance and the fact that it's a popular spot for photos, many visitors dress casually but stylishly.
🎫 ☕ Onsite Experience
Visitors highly recommend the matcha, salt coffee, and the unique buckwheat triangle coffee. Many also enjoy the iced coconut coffee and avocado smoothie for a refreshing treat.
The cafe offers a unique ambiance with its preserved old dwelling architecture and decor. The rooftop provides a relaxed atmosphere with stunning lake views, making it a great spot to chill.
Absolutely! Cafe Pho Co is a popular spot for photos, especially with its charming interior and the scenic rooftop view of Hoan Kiem Lake. It's a great location for capturing memorable moments.
While the focus is on coffee and drinks, they often have smoothies and some light snacks. It's best to inquire directly at the cafe about specific vegetarian or vegan options available during your visit.
Most cafes in Hanoi offer Wi-Fi. While not explicitly mentioned in reviews, it's generally expected to be available. However, for critical tasks, it's always wise to have a backup mobile data connection.
📸 📸 Photography
The rooftop area offers the most iconic photo opportunities with the panoramic view of Hoan Kiem Lake. The cafe's interior, with its vintage decor and preserved architecture, also provides a beautiful backdrop.
Sunset is highly recommended for photography due to the golden hour light casting a beautiful glow over the lake and city. Early mornings can also offer softer light and fewer crowds.
The railing overlooking the lake on the rooftop is a very popular spot for photos. Many visitors also capture shots of their drinks with the lake in the background.
Yes, Cafe Pho Co is a popular location for photoshoots, including those with traditional Vietnamese attire like 'ao dai', especially during festive seasons like Tet.
Cafe Pho Co is ideal for landscape photography (lake views), lifestyle shots, and capturing the charming vintage atmosphere of Hanoi.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Influencers
🚶 Solo Travelers & Backpackers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Old Quarter Charm
The architecture of Cafe Pho Co reflects the traditional dwellings found in the area, with decor that hints at historical influences. This unique setting provides a stark contrast to modern cafes, immersing patrons in a piece of Hanoi's past. The climb itself, while potentially challenging for some, leads to a rewarding experience.
When exploring the Old Quarter, be prepared for narrow sidewalks, vibrant street life, and a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. It's a district best explored on foot, allowing you to truly appreciate its character and stumble upon hidden treasures like Cafe Pho Co.
The Art of the Hanoi Coffee Experience
The cafe's rooftop seating offers not just a place to enjoy your beverage but also a prime vantage point for observing the city. This integration of a scenic view with the coffee-drinking ritual is a hallmark of many popular cafes in Hanoi, particularly those overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. It transforms a simple coffee break into a memorable experience.
While some reviews mention that drinks can be slightly pricier than average for Vietnam, the quality of the beverages, combined with the ambiance and the stunning views, makes it a worthwhile indulgence for many travelers seeking an authentic Hanoi coffee experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit