Hoi An’s shadow in a heritage coffee space

In the centre of Hoi An, The Hill Station Deli & Boutique inhabits a century-old French house, where every tiled floor and wooden shutter evokes the town’s trading heyday. With the cosy, crafted character of a European deli, the space blends intimacy with a sense of stillness.

Much of the original architecture has been thoughtfully preserved. Ochre brick walls, time-softened roof tiles, hand-carved railings and exposed beams lend a feeling of authenticity and quiet strength.

Inside, natural materials take the lead, with dark timber, rattan textures, a glow of amber light and touches of nostalgia in the form of ceramic vases, tea tins and vintage art. Every detail is arranged with an eye for beauty; even the smallest corner feels like a frame waiting to be discovered. On the ground floor, the deli offers bread, cheese, charcuterie and light wines, true to its name. Upstairs, or out on the terrace, there is space to read, to chat, or simply to sit with your thoughts, letting the slow rhythm of Hoi An unfold in its own time.

The Hill Station Deli & Boutique
321 Nguyen Duy Hieu, Cam Chau, Hoi An

Faifo Coffee has become something of a landmark for travellers. Tucked along one of Hoi An’s central streets, this unassuming spot is housed in a three-storey building that wears its traditional character with quiet confidence: a yellow-painted façade, a yin-yang tiled roof, and timeworn mahogany frames at the entrance. Step inside, and the space unfolds naturally, where the spirit of the old town meets modern life with understated charm.

On the ground floor, the café is designed with an open bar concept, with raw wooden tables, vintage ceiling fans, and tiled walls that echo another era. Upstairs, low tables and floor cushions invite a slower pace, evoking the layout of traditional Central Vietnamese homes. But it’s the rooftop that holds the magic: from here, the view stretches across a sea of tiled roofs, with lanterns dancing softly in the breeze. The thoughtful simplicity of a design that respects rather than renovates is what has made Faifo one of the town’s most evocative coffee spots.

Faifo Coffee
130 Tran Phu, Hoi An

Along the bustling Tran Phu Street, the main artery of the old town, Hoi An Roastery occupies one of the elongated merchant houses characteristic of the area. With its two-storey structure, yin-yang roof tiles and exposed wooden trusses, the café sits comfortably within the architectural language of the past.

The interior is modest but considered, relying on a palette of dark timber, baked brick and bamboo. Touches like open brickwork, suspended lanterns and a roasting station lend a quiet workshop-like feel, like a small production space steeped in tradition. The ground floor stretches back from the narrow street-facing entrance, while the upper level opens to a petite balcony—a favourite perch for guests watching the gentle ebb and flow of life below. Though rarely hushed, the ambience reflects Hoi An as it is today: full of movement, conversations, and the comforting trace of roasted coffee drifting through the air.

Hoi An Roastery
135 Tran Phu, Hoi An

Situated at 166 Tran Phu, Me Hoi An Rooftop Coffee spans an entire three-storey building in the heart of the old town. The space expands vertically, beginning with a welcoming bar at street level, followed by indoor seating on the mezzanine, and culminating in a rooftop that opens out to a sweeping view of Hoi An’s iconic tiled rooftops. From here, the town’s structure comes into sharper focus—rows of merchant houses, scattered courtyards, lanterns drifting in the breeze, and a steady current of people moving below at their own pace.

The shop’s design leans towards simplicity, with an emphasis on open space. Rough brick flooring, low wooden tables and chairs, and neatly arranged ceramic pots of greenery lend the place a purposely rustic character. Decorative elements are minimal, with much of the atmosphere coming instead from the raw textures and the unfiltered charm of the surrounding landscape. On the mezzanine, a neutral palette and warm yellow pendant lighting are paired with bare brick walls, introducing a touch of industrial style that, while modern, still feels at home in the old town.

Me doesn’t aim to be a “hidden gem” like many cafés in the area. Instead, it chooses to open up to views, to the air, and to a quiet sense of connection. It’s a place to pause and take in Hoi An from above. Not overly busy, never trying too hard, just a soft breeze and a generous view to remind you that the old town continues to breathe at its own pace.

Me Hoi An Rooftop Coffee
166 Tran Phu, Hoi An

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