For Dutch poet Dick Gebuys, his first impression of Viet Nam was that it was a small, brave Asian country involved in a war with the US, nothing more. After more than 10 years visiting and working in Viet Nam, his mind has changed dramatically.

In Hanoi, it is very common to see young people sitting in a coffee shop or on the sidewalk. They can sit on plastic chairs to eat noodles or put their legs on a rattan-made chair to play with smartphones. But their faces are often sad...

VietNamNet Bridge – It isn't difficult to trace their appeal. With colourful decorations and an on-the-go aspect which fits neatly with the pace of modern life, it's easy to see why "take-away" cafes have become increasingly attractive