Amid the intense heat of summer, familiar free iced tea stands along many streets in Ho Chi Minh City offer a welcome respite to workers struggling with the heat.

In recent days, the city has entered a hot season, with temperatures reaching 35-36 degrees Celsius. 

Working outdoors under the scorching sun has made daily life even more challenging for many laborers, making the availability of cold iced tea all the more essential.

On the corner of Thu Khoa Huan and Le Thanh Ton Streets in District 1, the sight of a free iced tea stand has become a familiar one for many. 

Every morning, Cuong, 50, fills the tank with cold water and sets it up at the corner for anyone in need of a drink.

Many motorbike drivers and street vendors stop by for a drink or take some with them to keep hydrated throughout the hot day.

“This water station has been here for more than 20 years, almost as long as my child’s age,” Cuong said, explaining the long tradition of helping others in the neighborhood.

For over two decades, the daily cost of VND60,000 (US$2.35) for water and ice has come directly out of Cuong’s pocket. 

Despite a modest lifestyle, Cuong smiles and says, “I help where I can.”

About 50 meters away, at her small rice restaurant, Cuong also keeps another iced tea station for customers to enjoy.

Nam, Cuong’s relative, takes charge of refilling the station and maintaining it. 

Throughout the day, Nam keeps a close eye on the water level, refilling the tank whenever it runs low. 

When it is empty, Nam goes to Cuong’s restaurant to replenish it.

Day after day, the two stations have served countless workers for the past 20 years.

Similarly, on Cach Mang Thang 8 Street at the intersection with Nguyen Thi Minh Khai in District 1, another free iced tea stand has become a familiar stop for many workers.

For nearly two years, Ho Thi Tu Quyen has quietly maintained a large container of cold tea, offering it to anyone who needs a drink. 

She prepares the tea every day and refills the container about every three hours.

“It’s so hot, and I see many people struggling in the streets,” Quyen said. 

“I think I can help a little bit.

“It only costs a few dollars per day to provide cold tea for people.”

At the gate of Phu Long Pagoda in Phu Nhuan District, a large iced tea container is always kept full and available for free. 

This initiative is a collaboration between the pagoda’s compassionate spirit and contributions from local Buddhist followers.

“This iced tea station has been maintained for two years using funds from the pagoda and donations from followers,” said Hao, a pagoda secretary. 

“The abbot always reminds us that the tea should be strong, cold enough, and never run out, to help people cool down during these hot days.”

On Hai Ba Trung Street in District 3, Nguyen Thi Xeo also runs a free iced tea stand that she and her children have been maintaining since last summer to help workers stay hydrated.

As Nguyen Hoa, 50, who sells goods on the street, stopped to refill her water bottle, she said that the iced tea stations are truly invaluable, saving her a small amount each day.

“It’s so kind of people to offer iced tea for workers like me to drink and relieve our thirst,” Hoa said.

As temperatures rise, these acts of kindness offer relief to the workers of Ho Chi Minh City, proving that small gestures can make a big difference in easing the burden of extreme heat.

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