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Dear readers,
Coffee is hugely important to Vietnam not just culturally, but
also economically. After the French introduced the bean in colonial
times, farming went from strength to strength and this country is
now among the top growers and exporters in the world. This issue of
Timeout is dedicated to coffee, with a range of features the brands,
cafes and key players in the coffee scene here.
The central province of Dak Lak is the epicenter of coffee farming,
and the city of Buon Ma Thuot is fast becoming a big tourist attrac-
tion for coffee lovers. Read our special feature on the city for the run-
down on how to get the most out of a trip here.
All three of the country’s biggest cities - Hanoi, Danang and Ho
Chi Minh City – also have long-standing coffee scenes that continue
to thrive and evolve. This issue we have reports from each. In Hanoi,
we take a look at some of the oldest cafes and the history behind
them before giving tips on some of the best contemporary options.
Heading south, John Garner, general manager of Caravelle Hotel
and self-confessed coffee addict, takes you on a tour of his adopted
city’s caffeine scene and all it has to offer.
Sticking with the coffee theme, we have an interview with the
founder of Oriberry, a company operating the Direct Trade model.
Spurning the Fair Trade logo, this Oriberry nonetheless pays good
prices to its farmers while focusing on providing premium roasts for
its consumers. To find out more about Direct Trade and this ethical
business, turn to page 36.
This issue we also have an exciting feature on Hanoi’s cultural
scene. Last year a new cultural space, Zone 9, took the capital by
storm, but not long after it had burst on to the scene, it was abruptly
closed down. However, some of the key players behind Zone 9 have
been busy creating a new version just across town. Read our report
on page 12 to learn more.
Yours sincerely
NGUYEN ANH TUAN
Editor-in-Chief
PRICE: VND52,000 if sold separately
Editor-in-Chief
Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan
Deputy Editors-in-Chief
Le Trong Minh
Bui Duc Hai
Do Xuan Khanh
Deputy Managing Editor
Tran Ngoc Son
Designer
Lai Hoang Yen
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REGULARS
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What's on
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Update
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Hot deals
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Timeout Guide
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Voyeur
CAST & CREW
TIMEOUT
THE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE FOR LIVING AND TRAVEL IN VIETNAM
JUNE 2014
RUNNING HIGH
The Vietnam Mountain Marathon
THE COFFEE ISSUE
NOSTALGIC DINING
Re-living the state subsidy period
ZONE 9, TAKE 2
Hanoi’s cultural quarter re-born
The past, present and future of Vietnamese coffee