Unique Coffee Culture in Ho Chi Minh
There is no doubt that Vietnam – the 2nd largest coffee producer in the world is well known for consuming coffee at a large amount. So here comes Saigon, where coffee has been an exclusive culture compared to any place in Vietnam. Coffee Culture in Ho Chi Minh City Strangers may recognize Ho Chi Minh City as a city of both ancient and modern values with historical, and cultural tourist attractions. But maybe to other wanderlusts, small things called coffee, street food, etc. are absolutely the most unforgettable experience ever! No one knows exactly the number of coffee shops in the City as apart from many eye-catching coffee shops on main large streets, there are countless ones in cul-de-sacs and even in very small, meandering alleys. The diversity and popularity of coffee shops here have resulted in a spiritual culture with distinctive features in the daily life of Saigon. When it comes to comparing the coffee culture in Hanoi and Saigon, if Hanoians would like to check in luxurious or branded coffee shops, Saigoners just need a cup of coffee, sitting on a plastic stool around where they feel comfortable and where they can freely chat with friends. There is just no chair, and no cake counter, and the coffee here is served super quickly. All you have to do is just raise your voice and your favorite drink will come in less than 5 minutes! Normally, people call for black coffee or milk coffee, and a cup of coffee costs around VND20.000 – a cheap price for a “coffee shop” in the city center in the most expensive city in Vietnam. So just try coffee your way here in Saigon!
𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐀𝐈𝐆𝐎𝐍
Saigon’s sidewalks are dyed golden brown in May as hollong petals descend to the ground, heralding the approaching rainy season.Hollong trees (Dipterocarpus retusus), known as “cho nau” in Vietnamese, can be found across the city, though Pham Ngoc Thach, Le Quy Don, and Le Duan streets in District 1 and District 3 are home to the densest population. Every March, Dipterocarpus retusus flowers bloom with a mild fragrance. Come April, these trees begin to grow seeds. As the weather heats up at the beginning of May, their petals turn brown and spin to the ground.The flowers have two petals that turn brownish yellow when they dry. They often spin like a pinwheel when the wind blows before carpeting the sidewalks. The Dipterocarpus retusus is a large tree and perhaps the best-known species in the genus Dipterocarpus. It is native to China, Vietnam, and other Southeast Asian countries.Fallen “cho nau” seeds on a street in Saigon.The pair of “rabbit ears” whirled in intense love with the wind, and then the seemingly romantic love story ended quickly. The wind returned to the clouds, leaving the dry seeds lying flat on the ground despite being mercilessly beaten, but at least, the “cho nau” shone brightly once before being forgotten.For many Saigonese, the spinning seed heralds the nearing monsoon season. The “flying hollong season” usually begins in late April and early May in Saigon. The first time I admired the flying boat on Mac Dinh Chi street was more than a decade ago. On a sunny afternoon at the bus stop, the “rabbit ears” are still the same, sparkling in the afternoon sun next to their lover – the wind. Love is beautiful but sad!| Mùa Chò Bay – Flying Hollong Season……SaigonBikeTours.