Reaching Out Vietnam
Set up as part of a social enterprise programme to provide employment and empowerment for people with physical disabilities, this pretty, old-world tea house is a peaceful haven with equally gentle waiting staff, most of who suffer from hearing or speech impairments. There is a silent hush here, an oasis in which to escape the noise of your trip and for us, the chaos of London life. 
In keeping with the ambience and ethos of the place, there are small wooden blocks at each table for customer requests, eliminating the need to verbally request the bill, request ice, say thank you etc. This serves as a reminder of the importance of empathising and being mindful of the daily challenges faced by those with sensory impairments. I came with Pumpkin and sister, both of whom felt the need to explicitly tell me to be quiet before we entered (I’m the loud one in our world in case this wasn’t already obvious) but this is an ideal place to come to alone, to close your eyes for a moment of quiet reflection or for an afternoon of reading.
There is a nearby Reaching Out Gift Shop, selling ethically-made, traditional, Vietnamese handicrafts, proceeds of which support affected local families. This is also where you’ll find the beautiful teapots and tea-sets that feature at the cafe.
The tempting menu includes a range of traditional teas and coffees (hot and cold) or fresh lime juice with a choice of syrups for those in need of a thirst-quencher in the heat. The place stays true to its name in that it is very much a tea house for nibbles and a drink rather than a meal so don’t come too hungry. If you are peckish and want a cookie with your tea, then have a glance at their selection of delicate biscuits and sweet bites (the coffee-flavoured coconut shards being my favourite) and if they sound too intriguing to choose from, then don’t – they have a tasting option, which allows you to indulge in all so sit back, relax and shhhhhh…… 
Why Waste Annual Leave? 
I have also visited one of the local tea-houses when in Vietnam. I was served an amazing cup of traditional Vietnamese tea with some biscuits. Great experience and locals were so hospitable!
I completely agree about the hospitality Agness – the warmth of the Vietnamese people in welcoming tourists was one of the most endearing aspects of our trip – glad you had a chance to enjoy it too!
Ahh this looks so nice! We definitely missed this when we were in Hoi An. Next time!
Don’t worry Silva – good excuse to go back again!! It was very unique&beautiful but, I actyally didn’t know about it either till almost the end of my trip when I was looking up reviews of things to see/do in hoi an and saw the rave reviews! Hope you enjoyed Hoi An!
Thank you from the staff at the Reaching Out Tea House
Thank you so much for your comment Elaine, it was my pleasure completely – the staff were all so warm and hospitable and we were so glad to have been able to spend an afternoon at the tea house 🙂
This looks awesome we will be there in a few weeks – will will have to stop by and visit! 🙂
Oh Stacey – if you’re going there, you must definitely check it out!! They are the warmest-hearted people and it’s just such a special little place 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Yes we will put it on the list – thanks for the post! 🙂