Vietnamese coffee is famous for its bold and rich flavour. From egg coffee (yes, egg) to coconut coffee that involves ice cream, jelly, and always condensed milk, there’s nothing quite like the Vietnamese coffee experience.
This year, I visited Hanoi and stayed in the West Lake district. I was pleasantly surprised to discover this small area had an abundance of coffee shops meaning I could start each day trying out somewhere new.
I was inspired to create this list of my favourite spots in Hanoi’s West Lake that would be perfect for any remote worker or digital nomad to complete a productive afternoon or morning.
What is West Lake?
West Lake refers to Hoan Kiem Lake in the northwest of Hanoi with the area spanning its surroundings.
West Lake has quickly become known as the expat district of Hanoi. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, buzzing hospitality scene, and slight calm against Hanoi’s famously busy streets, West Lake is a great spot for any digital nomad or remote worker looking to spend a few weeks or months in the city.
From leisurely strolls along the water’s edge to exploring hidden alleyways filled with trendy shops and eateries, the West Lake area captivates a blend of tradition and modernity. The neighbourhood also boasts some of the most interesting and inviting cafes in the city, perfect for those seeking a productive space for work or study.
How to choose the perfect remote work spot?
To find the best remote work cafes for you, I’ve chosen locations that meet the following criteria:
- High-quality and delicious coffee
- An atmosphere that both relaxes and inspires
- Comfortable work stations
- Welcoming staff that don’t mind you staying for hours
You can trust that this top five list of remote work-friendly coffee shops in Hanoi is carefully curated for space, vibe, and functionality so you don’t need to waste hours scrolling Google Maps for interior images or table layouts!
If you’re new to working from a coffee shop, check my post How to Work From a Cafe (and actually be productive) for tips and tricks for your best remote work day yet.
Top Five Remote-Work Cafes in Hanoi
VOU Cafe & Eatery
Known For: Laid-back luxury
Why I Love It: Vou is an ideal spot for spending an afternoon writing, brainstorming, or any sort of creative work. The interiors are modern and minimalist with a fantastic view of Hoan Kiem Lake that can be viewed from the outdoor area. The coffee is delicious with the coconut coffee a stand-out order. They offer food, although often certain meals are unavailable, and the quinoa salad is both vegan and delicious.
Address: 18b P. Tông Đản, Tràng Tiền, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
PingPong
Known For: Iconic French-inspired interiors
Why I Love It: Visiting PingPong feels like sipping a coffee along the French Riviera. The interiors are fun, cool, and relaxed, representing a great twist on French classics. This theme continues into the extensive croissant selection in unique shapes and flavours. It’s a little smaller on the inside so not ideal for taking meetings, but with a beautiful lake view, PingPong is sure to inspire anyone into their workflow. This is also where I tried my first ever Egg Coffee – it was not at all what I expected and completely delicious!
Address: 148 P. Từ Hoa, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội 100000
Capella Coffee Roasters
Known For: Specialty coffee served in a great courtyard space
Why I Love It: If you find yourself in West Lake, Capella is a must-visit cafe. They pride themself on their speciality coffee menu, with each drink made with care. The space is open with lots of indoor tables and plug sockets perfect for zoning into work or taking meetings. Outdoors is a large courtyard with comfy chairs and plenty of shady spots for those hot Hanoi days. With reliable wifi, you can comfortably work from Capella for hours.
Address: Alley 12 P. Đặng Thai Mai, St, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội 100000
Bonjour Cafe
Known For: Trendy coffee drinks and open space work environment
Why I Love It: Bonjour is the ultimate remote worker spot. With multiple floors, tables of all sizes, great wifi, and an abundance of plug sockets (even outside on the balcony), Bonjour is always filled with digital nomads and studying students. Their coffee and drinks are all delicious and they even offer oat milk – the iced matcha is my particular favourite!
Address: 11 Đ. Tô Ngọc Vân, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội
Hanoi Shouten Lakeside
Known For: Fun drinks menu, ice cream, and a place to beat the heat
Why I Love It: Lakeside is right next to the famous Chùa Trấn Quốc and only a 20-minute walk to the Old Quarter making it the perfect pit stop for some work between sightseeing in Hanoi. The cafe is large enough for you to feel comfortable taking meetings and spreading out across a table without being in the way of other patrons. They have a really fun drink and sweet treat menu including boba, ice cream, and crepes.
Address: 160 P. Trấn Vũ, Trúc Bạch, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
From this list, you’ll see the type of cafes radiating warmth, hospitality, and a unique charm within Hanoi’s West Lake Area. Despite its small size, the city’s food and drink scene is unparalleled, and its cafes are no exception. Whether you’re seeking a cosy corner to get lost in writing or a vibrant atmosphere perfect for taking meetings in public, these coffee shops offer something for everyone.
If your Asia trip is continuing towards Japan, check out my Top Tokyo Cafes for Remote Workers.
Have you visited Hanoi and have another great coffee shop in mind, why not leave it in the comments below?!
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