Singer Cao Minh sits in his cafe in HCMC’s Binh Thanh District

Located near the end of No Trang Long Street in Ho Chi Minh City’s Binh Thanh District, the Cao Minh Cafe makes a unique place to stop for a beverage and take in a musical performance.

Opened more than six years ago, the cafe was temporarily closed for renovations more than a year ago and was re-opened in September this year.

Owner of the cafe, singer Cao Minh, designed the coffee shop using architecture that resembles a medieval European castle.

Tables and chairs are arranged to facilitate conversation and make customers feel at ease.

Taking a seat under a parasol or tree in the cafe’s garden provides for a relaxing retreat and a view of quiet windmill.

Indoors, calligraphic works line the walls along with instructions on how to write calligraphy.

Every Tuesday, the Cao Minh Cafe offers a live music show from 6:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. Performances take place on a simple stage in the middle of the garden by Cao Minh and other guest singers.

The singers perform songs by well-known local musicians such as Van Cao, Doan Chuan, Tu Linh and Trinh Cong Son.

Prices are also very reasonable at around VND30,000 (US$1.9) for a drink and a live show.

At present, Cao Minh Cafe is also the headquarters of a club for senior citizens. The club, which was established in September, serves as a rendezvous for the elderly and provides free courses in flower arrangement and calligraphy.

Occasionally, the club also holds forums for seniors to speak out and share ideas.

The Cao Minh Cafe is located at 255/47bis No Trang Long Street, Binh Thanh District, HCMC.

Reported by Diem Thu