The Note Coffee Hanoi: The Colourful Sticky-Note Café Everyone Visits.
Just as I was finishing my daily walk around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, something suddenly piqued my curiosity…
A coffee shop completely covered in sticky notes.
Welcome to The Note Coffee — Hanoi’s most Instagrammable café.
If you’re visiting the city and wondering whether this sticky-note-covered spot is actually worth stopping for, you’re in the right place.
The tiny multi-storey café is filled with thousands of handwritten messages from people all over the world.
But it’s more than just a colourful idea…
The vibe is buzzing, and the café is packed with a mix of people — from young backpackers to retired locals enjoying their daily coffee.
And if there’s one thing Hanoi has, it’s an abundance of unique cafés that reflect the city’s coffee-obsessed culture.
The Note Coffee is right up there as one of the most fun options.
Let’s look at exactly what you can expect inside.
The quirky cafe can be spotted from the distance.
Where to Stay in Hanoi’s Lively Centre 👇
If you want to experience the lively Old Quarter at its best, you should stay central. These options are ideal for a walk over to Banh Mi 25, or the famous Train Street:
La Siesta Classic Ma May ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (One of Hanoi’s most-loved boutique hotels, located right in the Old Quarter — just a short walk from Train Street) - My Number One Pick.
The Oriental Jade Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (A chic modern hotel just a few minutes’ walk from Train Street and Hoan Kiem Lake).
Solaria Hotel Hanoi ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (A stylish mid-range choice in the Old Quarter, close enough to walk to Train Street in under 10 minutes).
Read my full in-depth guide on where to stay in Hanoi here.
What is The Note Coffee & Why is it famous?
Over time, The Note Coffee has turned into one of Hanoi’s best-known cafés…
It started as a small, quirky café, but it’s now one of the most recognisable spots in the city, and one of Vietnam’s most Instagrammable places.
There are sticky notes are everywhere, literally everywhere!
The walls, tables, staircases, railings, and even the ceiling are covered in colourful notes left by travellers from all over the world.
The appeal of Hanoi really is global, which was apparent as I read many of the notes.
Things like travel memories, love notes, quotes, or simple messages about people’s time in Vietnam, in multiple languages!
The café is perfectly located, sitting just steps away from Hoàn Kiếm Lake, which means most people stumble across it naturally while exploring the Old Quarter.
During my time in Hanoi, it was a daily ritual to grab a coffee and then wander around the famous lake.
It’s an easy stop when you’re wandering between landmarks, taking photos, or heading towards other popular spots like Cafe Giang, which is famous for serving Hanoi’s original egg coffee, and offers a more traditional café experience in contrast.
Over the years, The Note Coffee has earned a reputation as ‘the most positive café in Hanoi’.
There’s something about being surrounded by thousands of handwritten messages from people all over the world that I found gives the place a genuinely uplifting atmosphere.
The cafe is literally covered.
So… what’s it actually like inside?
My first reaction walking in was simple, there are sticky notes everywhere…
Every wall, table, beam, and staircase is covered in handwritten messages, and it’s almost impossible not to stop and read a few straight away. Some are funny, some are emotional, and others are just quick notes saying where people are from.
The café is spread over multiple small floors, which adds to the experience, but it also means space is tight.
The staircases are narrow, the seating is cosy, and I found myself squeezing past other customers as I moved up and down the stairs.
I found this to be typical of a building in Hanoi, and part of the charm.
Tight. but colourful stairs all the way to the top floor.
I obviously wrote a note, as the staff give you a sticky note and pen along with my iced Vietnamese coffee.
You will be encouraged to leave your own message somewhere in the café. This is only a small thing, but it makes the visit feel more interactive and memorable.
An Instagram worthy room.
Without a doubt, Hanoi is one of the best places in Vietnam for café culture.
I’ve spent time in cafés all over Vietnam, especially in places like Da Nang, which has one of my favourite café scenes (I talk more about that in my Da Nang itinerary). But The Note Coffee felt completely unique to Hanoi.
In fact, it’s easily one of the quirkiest places I visited during my travels, and moments like this are exactly why I love exploring destinations across the region
Experiences like Note Coffee are what made my Southeast Asia trip so special!
Views of the French Quarter.
Does the coffee taste good?
Honestly? The coffee is fine, but it’s not the main reason people visit.
There are plenty of options on the menu, including hot and iced coffees, egg coffee, smoothies, and juices, so most people will find something they like.
I ordered a standard iced coffee, and while it did the job, it didn’t particularly stand out compared to some of the other cafés I visited in Hanoi.
If you’re specifically looking for a special coffee experience, there are better places in the city. Cafe Giang, for example, is still the best place to try traditional Vietnamese egg coffee, and offers a much more coffee focused experience.
You’re here for the atmosphere, the notes, and the experience, the coffee just happens to come with it.
Interesting decor.
Prices, service & atmosphere.
Prices at The Note Coffee are slightly higher than your typical local Hanoi café, but still very affordable by Western standards.
You’re paying a little extra for the location and the experience rather than just the coffee itself, and for most travellers, it still feels like good value, especially if like I was, you’re spending a few days exploring the Old Quarter.
The staff are genuinely friendly, which adds a lot to the overall vibe. One small detail I really liked was that they hand-write short, positive messages on your cup, which fits perfectly with the concept of the café and makes the visit feel more personal.
It reminded me of other local stops I really enjoyed in Hanoi, like Banh Mi 25, where the staff were also awesome.
If you are a first time visitor to Vietnam, and are deciding whether Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City is best, I find these small quirky stops in Hanoi are the difference!
It stands out from a distance.
Practical info for visiting Note Coffee.
Visiting The Note Coffee is easy, especially if you’re already exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter:
Location:
The café sits right by Hoàn Kiếm Lake, making it a natural stop while walking the lake loop or moving between nearby sights. It’s also close to popular spots like Train Street and Phung Hung Mural Street, so it fits neatly into most first-time Hanoi itineraries.
Opening hours:
Note Coffee usually opens early in the morning and stays open until late evening (roughly 7:00am – 10:00pm), though hours can vary slightly depending on the day.
Best time to visit:
If you want a quieter experience, mornings are best. Late afternoons and evenings are much busier, especially once people finish sightseeing around the lake.
What to expect:
The café is spread across several small floors, connected by narrow staircases, with limited seating. It can feel cramped during peak hours, but that’s part of the charm. Expect a lively atmosphere rather than a calm coffee shop.
Accessibility:
Because of the steep stairs and tight layout, The Note Coffee isn’t ideal for anyone with mobility issues or pushchairs. The ground floor is the easiest option if needed.
How to fit it into your day:
The Note Coffee works perfectly as a short stop rather than a long café session. It’s easy to combine with a walk along the lake, a visit to Train Street, or as a break while following your Hanoi itinerary.
Views of the capital from upstairs.
Is Note Coffee worth visiting?
Yes, as long as you know why you’re going.
Note Coffee isn’t about finding the best coffee in Hanoi. It’s about the experience.
Sitting in a café covered in handwritten notes from travellers all over the world is something you don’t come across very often, and that alone makes it worth a quick stop.
For me, it summed up Hanoi perfectly, busy, a little chaotic, and full of personality.
I wouldn’t plan an entire day around it, but it fits in effortlessly while exploring the Old Quarter or walking around Hoàn Kiếm Lake.
If you’re a first-time visitor, a solo traveller, or someone who enjoys quirky cafés with character, it’s well worth popping in
Love the Quirky Side of Vietnam?
Maybe Hoi An next — the riverside town is full of character and perfect for first-time visitors.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.