Now These Are The Best Spots For Coffee In Saigon
Saigon is where trendy vintage vibes meet new modern feels. It’s where you can sip champagne from a sky-bar or adventure through the ever growing café scene. Even on a sweltering summer day, the city has an ambiance that keeps me coming back for more.
However, it’s that old school Saigon and trendy coffee culture that I love most. There’s nothing better than when these two collide in their very own cafe apartment block. The old apartment buildings scattered throughout the city are just that, a photographer’s dream, a coffee lover’s kick and the cool kid’s hangout!
These old school apartment buildings are a huge part of what make Saigon the coolest cities to discover! So, here are the 4 best old apartment building cafes in Ho Chi Minh City!
No.14 Ton That Dam: Saigon’s Most Underrated Cafe Apartment Block
We all know Saigon’s beloved The Apartment Cafe on 42 Nguyen Hue, but it’s not the only apartment block turned cafe scene in the city. Its sister cafe apartment at 14 Ton That Dam Street also has a collection of cool cafes, vintage shops, retro restaurants and chic fashion boutiques. Through a sprawling maze of stairwells, corridors, and cafes, it’s a fun and totally underrated place to get lost in for an afternoon.
With no grand entrance to this apartment block you could pass by it a thousand times and not think twice about climbing the daunting dark staircase up. Saigon is like that, you never really know if you’re going the wrong way, but eventually someone will point you in the right direction.
Once you do find your way in, its charisma and character will blow you away. Every flight of stairs leads to more beauty, every corridor is another photo opportunity and all of the cafes are a hipsters dream.
Two of my absolute favourite spots to grab a cà phê sữa đá in this apartment block are Café Hoang Thi, a trendy antique homage to the old Saigon and Mockingbird Cafe, which is a classic little coffee shop with views overlooking the gorgeous Saigon streets below.
Apartment Block No. 14 Ton That Dam is definitely worth a visit whether you’re a tourist or a local. With all the old school feels you’ll be instantly transported back to an era of classic Saigon.
42 Nguyen Hue: The Infamous Cafe Apartments On Walking Street
Built in the mid 1960s, 42 Nguyen Hue’s apartment block has undergone some pretty rad changes before becoming The Cafe Apartments. Once home to American military officers working for the South of Vietnam, it was then handed over to shipyard workers after the fall of Saigon.
As the city developed and construction changed tenants of this apartment began renting out their apartments… illegally. A cutting-edge idea, turn an old apartment building into cafés, restaurants, and co-working spaces.
There is no better way to see this cafe apartment in all its glory than by making the trek up the stairwell to each floor! Skip the elevator and take it step by step, you’re bound to find some treasures lurking in the shadows here!
There are so many attractive options for artsy caffeine lovers in 42 Nguyen Hue! So if that Saigon heat is getting to you be sure to sit back and sip the afternoon away at Saigon Ơi, checkout the views from The Letter Coffee, grab a tasty donut at DOSH, enjoy the ambiance at Thinker & Dreamer Coffee or sit back and chill in the cuteness of Boo Coffee.
The Café Apartment at 42 Nguyen Hue Street in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is a must-see!
151 Đồng Khởi: Tucked Away In Behind An Art Gallery
Tucked away in District 1, the 151 Đồng Khởi Apartment Building can only be found by walking through an old outdoor art gallery, down a dark alley and up a flight of stairs. But getting to this hidden apartment building in Saigon is only half the fun.
If you like craft cocktails and bartending with a flair, Kohei’s Bar is your new one stop shop in Saigon’s District 1! Looking for classic coffees with an edge? Lacàph Space has something for the curious. Their coffee bar serves up some of the country’s finest coffees! You just have to try their signature Espresso Tonic, wow!
In the mood for food? Checkout L’Usine in this old apartment building for tasty and delicious dishes! Did somebody say Brioche French Toast with Raspberry Compote and Truffle Honey?
The 151 Đồng Khởi Apartment Building is a place you just can’t miss out on!
26 Lý Tự Trọng: The Trendy Old School Saigon Apartment
Right in the middle of Saigon’s hustle and bustle and opposite Vincom Shopping Center is the 26 Ly Tu Trong Apartment Building. Enter through a street artists gallery and up a set of beautiful French colonial stairs! There is even an old elevator shaft dating back years and years ago. Talk about old apartment building aesthetics!
Once you find your way circling upward, the charisma and character of 26 Lý Tự Trọng are sure to leave your jaw on the floor. Each flight of stairs leads to more beauty, tucked away shops and coffee joints.
Cong Ca Phe is always a good spot for a tasty coconut coffee, but if you’re looking for something a bit more low key checkout the hipster’s paradise at Brew Bar!
For a bit of adventure and an amazing view of Notre Dame Cathedral you need to visit Người Tám Chuyện House. A small apartment located at the top of 26 Lý Tự Trọng, it’s a small room with only 3 tables! Hidden amongst private homes with a beautiful outlook over the city, they only allow visitors who have booked a table or have contacted them before arriving. If you’re up for a little adventure be sure to book a table HERE!
There is so much to uncover at 26 Ly Tu Trong Apartment Building! Don’t miss it!
If you have any questions or just want to see some more travel content find me on Instagram at @agirl.enroute! I’m always happy to chat!
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After living in Vietnam for over 4 years, a piece of my heart will always be left in Ho Chi Minh City! Vietnam should be a top destination for all travelers! White sand beaches, limestone mountains, terraced rice fields and incredible street food make Vietnam a bucket-list destination! From foodies to beach hoppers, arts & culture buffs to adventure seekers, Vietnam has something for everyone! Checkout more of my Vietnam blogposts below!
For My Ultimate 2 Week Vietnam Itinerary and Everything You Need to Know for 14 Days in Vietnam Click HERE!
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