Some people call them quirky, some odd and some downright bizarre. But these cafés all have one thing in common – they are unique and worth paying a visit to. The café scene is huge in Hanoi and you can find everything here from chain cafés to smaller, local businesses. But if you want to try something very different, here are the cafés you need to go to.

1. Unicorn Café

Address: 16 Cửa Bắc, Trúc Bạch, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

This café is a bit of a hidden gem still, mostly because it is located outside the Old Quarter and is located close to the Temple of Literature. If you are looking for a café with a different touch to it, come visit Unicorn Café. Here you can sit and have a cup of coffee, a piece of unicorn themed cake and even dress up as a unicorn. This is the perfect place for the ones who wants to unleash their inner child and have fun. The colors, cuteness and delicious pastries will make you want to visit this place more than once. Get your camera ready and snap some adorable photos with you and your friends.

2. Cong Caphé

Although this is a chain café, one might find it a bit odd the first time you enter the café. Cong Caphé has a quirky design, recalls the socialist era with a bit of humor, and the furniture is decorated with floral patterns and is in army green. The staff dresses to fit the theme as well, in army-inspired attire. Do not go out of the café without trying their iced coconut coffee and coffee with yoghurt (sua chua).

3. The Note Café

Address: 64 Lương Văn Can, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

The café is famous for its many colorful post-it notes that are plastered all over the walls. You are welcome, and also encouraged, to write down your own, personal messages on post-it notes and stick them on the walls. What is so good with this café is that it is away from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi so you can spend a few hours here without getting disturbed. A simple idea as putting personal post-notes everywhere can make a place feel so much more unique and special.

4. Cafe Giang

Address: 39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Don’t forget to try “egg coffee” when you are in Hanoi

Not really a quirky café, but their speciality might seem a bit odd at first – egg coffee. Yes, that is right. Sounds terrible, but is in fact delicious and the rumour about this café has spread fast so go there and prepare to wait for a spot. The man who opened this coffee shop invented egg coffee. So if you ever want to try egg coffee, then you must do it here.

5. Cafe Pho Co

Address : 11 Hàng Gai, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

A hidden gem that is quite difficult to find if you do not have proper directions. There are no signs for Cafe Pho Co, so just walk right in once the directions has taken you into the proper way. This place is quite special because it does not really resemble a café, but more of a temple. Around the cafe you can see some altars and mini shrines, and you might feel like you are sitting in someone’s house. Head upstairs to get a great view over Hanoi while sipping on a cup of coffee.

Hanoi is full of amazing cafés and these are just a handful selection of some you must try. What is so good about the cafés in Hanoi is that everyone of them has their own unique character, each offering a different atmosphere and menu. Whatever you are looking for, you are bound to find one café which will satisfy your tastebuds.

Do not forget to apply for a Vietnam visa before you enter the country. Apply either for a Visa on Arrival, E-visa or go to your nearest Vietnam Embassy or Consulate and apply there. Note that the E-visa is only available for certain countries, so if yours is not on the list, getting a Visa on Arrival works just as smoothly and well.