RETURNING TO THE OLD BRICK KILN OF DUY VINH

From Forgotten Landmark to Trending Spot

The old brick kiln, long abandoned in the middle of the Duy Vinh rice fields, suddenly shot to fame after young travel enthusiasts discovered it and began sharing photos on Facebook.

Recently, a young woman with an eye for quirky business ideas seized the opportunity—not only to earn money but to pursue her passion. She rented the fields around the kiln to grow deep purple rice and opened a café with a name that nods to Chi Pheo, the famous short story by Nam Cao: “Old Brick Kiln Café.”

A Café Like No Other

This isn’t your average countryside coffee shop. Along with a diverse menu of rustic-style drinks crafted with care and served warmly, the owner built a charming bamboo walkway that stretches across the rice paddies, leading visitors to the old kiln—a perfect backdrop for stylish, cinematic photoshoots.

It may sound a little over the top, but honestly, that lonely old kiln standing in the middle of the fields holds a unique kind of beauty. You could easily imagine it as the setting for some romantic, slow-paced film.

Back After the Lockdown

Today, after 45 days of letting the bike gather dust during social distancing, I finally hit the road again with a few friends. We pedaled to Duy Vinh to revisit the old brick kiln—and were stunned. The café was packed, bustling with guests clutching cameras, and even a few bold brides in wedding gowns climbing the cement stairs of the kiln, hoping for those perfect, dreamy photos on this picture-perfect day.

Why We Ride

Cycling isn’t just about fitness—it’s about finding joy in every journey, every road, every unexpected stop along the way.

And the old brick kiln of Duy Vinh?

It’s one of those places where joy quietly waits.

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Mr. Old Man, 9/2020