“110,000 VND coffee in Da Lat: Menu clearly lists prices, why still complain about being ‘overcharged’?”
After an article was published about the price of a coffee cup at 110,000 VND at the tourist café Me Linh Coffee Garden (Cam Ly Ward – Da Lat), many readers debated the issue of pricing and service quality.
“Willing Buyer, Willing Seller” – Why Complain After Purchasing?
One reader shared their opinion: “The café clearly displayed the price with a ‘buyer beware’ notice, yet people still complained online. When purchasing a service, one should know the price beforehand and not let emotions lead to blaming others.”
Another reader, Bao Loc, agreed: “It’s a straightforward transaction—if you don’t like the price, just walk away. No one forced you to buy. I’ve been there, and the price is reasonable considering their investment.”
A reader named Minh added: “The café lists prices transparently. Customers accept them but later complain online about high prices or being ‘ripped off’—it’s hard to understand.”
From an experiential perspective, a reader named Sao Bang mentioned enjoying a cappuccino near a shopping center at a similar price, fully satisfied with the “prime location, elegant interior, clean coffee, and attentive service.”
According to this reader, whether to buy or not is entirely the customer’s choice when prices are clearly displayed.
Reader Hien compared: “Japanese Kobe beef or coffee in downtown Ho Chi Minh City costs much more than usual places, but we can’t call that a ‘rip-off.’ Only when prices are hidden or service quality is poor does it become one.”
A reader named “New Day” noted that given the scenery and investment, the price is reasonable as long as no one is forced to pay.
Reader ABC added: “The café displays prices so customers can choose. If you want a clean, beautiful space, you must pay for the upkeep—nothing is free.”
Reader Minh expressed frustration: “It’s strange how some customers accept the listed price but later criticize it online as overpriced.”
Is the Price Justified by the View?
However, not all readers agreed. One reader, Oanh, stated: “No matter how beautiful the view, 110,000 VND for coffee is too steep. Such prices will deter tourists and harm Da Lat’s image.”
Reader Nguyet Cat questioned whether the experience truly justified the high price.
Reader Phong emphasized coffee quality: “I’d pay more if the coffee is excellent. I’ve had 25,000 VND coffee that tasted better than a 90,000 VND cup.”
Others argued that the cost includes more than just drinks—it’s about the overall experience.
Reader Huu Pham explained: “Visitors here explore coffee farming, care for civets, and enjoy scenic views with great photo spots. The listed price is fair.”
Reader Minh Phan agreed, saying the café offers a memorable experience, making the price reasonable.
Tourists taking photos at Me Linh Coffee Garden
Reader Vu Nguyen added: “The café sells the view—drinks are secondary. Customers come for the ambiance, so the price is normal.”
Reader Nhat noted this price is standard at famous Da Lat check-in spots.
The debate over the 110,000 VND coffee extends beyond pricing to service quality, tourism value, and consumer responsibility when prices are transparent.
Many opinions have been shared about the coffee price at Me Linh Coffee Garden in Cam Ly Ward, Da Lat (Lam Dong).
Me Linh Coffee Garden
Me Linh Coffee Garden is a scenic coffee plantation located in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, known for its high-quality Arabica and Robusta beans. Established during the French colonial era, the garden benefits from the region’s fertile basalt soil, which creates rich, flavorful coffee. Today, it serves as both a working farm and a tourist attraction, offering visitors insights into traditional Vietnamese coffee cultivation and processing.
Da Lat
Da Lat is a picturesque highland city in southern Vietnam, known for its cool climate, scenic landscapes, and French colonial architecture. Established as a hill station by the French in the early 20th century, it became a retreat for officials and elites. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, famous for its flower gardens, pine forests, and landmarks like the Crazy House and Xuan Huong Lake.
Cam Ly Ward
Cam Ly Ward is a district located in Da Lat City, Vietnam, known for its picturesque landscapes and the famous Cam Ly Waterfall. Historically, the area was inhabited by indigenous ethnic groups before becoming part of the French colonial development of Da Lat in the early 20th century. Today, it blends natural beauty with cultural significance, attracting tourists to its scenic views and tranquil atmosphere.
Lam Dong
Lam Dong is a picturesque highland province in southern Vietnam, known for its cool climate, lush landscapes, and vibrant ethnic minority cultures. It is home to the charming city of Da Lat, once developed by the French as a hill station during the colonial era, and features attractions like coffee plantations, waterfalls, and traditional villages of the K’ho people. The region’s rich history blends indigenous traditions with colonial influences, making it a popular destination for nature and culture enthusiasts.
Japanese Kobe beef
Kobe beef is a highly prized type of Wagyu beef originating from the Tajima strain of cattle raised in Japan’s Hyōgo Prefecture, with the city of Kobe being the most famous production center. Known for its exceptional marbling, tenderness, and rich flavor, it comes from cattle raised under strict standards, including a specific diet and care regimen. The tradition dates back to the late 19th century, when foreign influence introduced beef consumption to Japan, and Kobe beef gained global fame for its unparalleled quality.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam and a vibrant economic and cultural hub. It played a pivotal role in Vietnam’s history, serving as the capital of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War before reunification in 1975, when it was renamed in honor of revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh. Today, the city blends French colonial architecture, bustling markets, and modern skyscrapers, reflecting its dynamic past and rapid development.
shopping center
A shopping center, also known as a mall, is a modern commercial space housing multiple retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues under one roof. The concept originated in the mid-20th century, with early examples like the *Southdale Center* in Minnesota (1956) pioneering the enclosed, climate-controlled design. Today, shopping centers serve as social and economic hubs, evolving to include mixed-use developments with residential and office spaces.
civets
Civets are small, nocturnal mammals native to tropical Asia and Africa, known for their role in producing civet coffee (Kopi Luwak), where coffee beans are harvested from their feces. Historically, civets were also hunted for their musk, which was used in perfumes. Today, they are protected in many regions due to declining populations from habitat loss and exploitation.
