"Something to remember" with Lake Biển Hồ

Việt Nam•06/07/2024

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Southern Northern Vietnam
Northern women
Southern women
Southern Vietnam

(GLO) - Captivated by the charm of the land and people of this mountain town, artist Dinh Nhat Tan fell in love with the place from his first encounter. A touch of affection, a "memory to cherish," lingers in the space of Lem Coffee (169 Ton Duc Thang Street, Pleiku City), near the "jewel" of Bien Ho Lake.

Tại Lem coffee, thực khách vừa thưởng thức cà phê vừa thưởng ngoạn vẻ đẹp của danh thắng Biển Hồ. Ảnh: Bi Ly

At Lem Coffee, customers can enjoy coffee while admiring the beauty of the scenic Lake Bien Ho. Photo: Bi Ly

Lem Coffee's space is imbued with the spirit of the Central Highlands, with a view of the pine forest reflecting on the "Full Lake" year-round, creating something memorable and captivating for visitors to Gia Lai.

Artist Dinh Nhat Tan recounts that his first visit to Gia Lai was as a tourist. While strolling leisurely around Bien Ho Lake, he felt the cool mist on his skin in the summer heat. The pine trees rustled like a gentle melody with each step. Ripe bananas hung from the trees along the pedestrian walkway. Birds chirped, and a few squirrels, unafraid of the people, played among the pine cones. That moment stirred the artist's heart with the gentle and endearing nature of this land.

Vật liệu gỗ chủ đạo tạo nên không gian ấm cúng tại Lem coffee. Ảnh: Bi Ly

The predominant use of wood materials creates a warm and cozy atmosphere at Lem Coffee. Photo: Bi Ly

The Hrê ethnic artist said: “While I was feeling the charm of this place, a friend connected me with a coffee shop that was for sale near the scenic Biển Hồ lake. That was my connection with this mountain town. I decided to transform Lem Coffee into a space that embodies the spirit and unique beauty of this place. In the Hrê language, Lem means genuine, simple beauty. That's exactly what I want people who come to Lem Coffee or travel to Gia Lai to experience – that relaxed, rustic beauty.”

A corner of Lem coffee shop. Photo: Bi Ly

Having decorated many famous cafes reflecting the cultural characteristics of different regions, artist Dinh Nhat Tan has created a space rich in artistic flair at Lem Coffee.

Visitors come here not only to enjoy drinks but also to admire a collection of wooden statues and folk masks from the Central Highlands in various shapes and styles. Every corner of the cafe, from the chairs and wooden stairs to the collection of statues and masks, is imbued with the cultural flavor of the Central Highlands. The artist has dedicated a room to displaying his wood carvings for visitors to appreciate.

Phòng trưng bày các sản phẩm điêu khắc gỗ tại Lem coffee. Ảnh: Hoàng Ngọc

A showroom displaying wood carvings at Lem Coffee. Photo: Hoang Ngoc

Phòng trưng bày các sản phẩm điêu khắc gỗ với rất nhiều tượng gỗ và mặt nạ đa dạng hình dáng, sắc thái. Ảnh: Hoàng Ngọc

The gallery displays wood carvings with a wide variety of wooden statues and masks in diverse shapes and styles. Photo: Hoang Ngoc

Khách đến Lem Coffee cảm nhận rất rõ phong vị của một vùng đất giàu bản sắc. Ảnh: Hoàng Ngọc

Visitors to Lem Coffee can clearly feel the flavor of a region rich in cultural identity. Photo: Hoang Ngoc

The artist, born in 1981, shared: “I am a Hre ethnic child born in the forest, and I have lived close to nature since childhood, so I love things that belong to nature. I believe that protecting Mother Nature is also protecting my own life. Therefore, all the sculptures in the cafe are made from recycled wood. In this way, I want to give wood one or more different lives.”

Sitting at Lem Coffee on a rainy afternoon, diners can take in the tranquil beauty of the famous Biển Hồ Lake, one of the most renowned tourist attractions in Gia Lai. The lake's surface acts like a giant mirror reflecting the thousand-year history of this land, filled with legends. The rustling of pine trees blends with the rustic sound of wind chimes, creating a soothing afternoon melody that lulls the soul into a dreamy state.

Therefore, to admire the scenic beauty of Lake Biển Hồ, one cannot miss Lem Coffee to further experience the culture and unique flavors of this land.

Artist Dinh Nhat Tan: “I want tourists to come here not only to have another check-in spot next to the scenic Bien Ho Lake, but also to experience the flavor of local life. Recently, Lem Coffee held a summer market where ethnic minorities brought their goods, agricultural products, and brocade to display, exchange, and sell. Or there's a book exchange program for young people to interact, share their reading tastes, and personal experiences.”
Artist Dinh Nhat Tan (left cover) brings art into Lem Coffee. Photo: Nguyen Linh Vinh Quoc.