One of the top coffee experiences that can only be found in Saigon is cafe apartments in Saigon. Having a modern atmosphere in old architecture, these places are where modern meets culture. Not only will you encounter people from all walks of life here, but you can also view Vietnamese culture through a very different lens.
Constructed as dormitories for officers in state-owned companies, these buildings were initially used for accommodation. It was not until the 2010s that their owners started doing business and cafe apartments in Saigon became a culture. You can find there an array of locally-owned coffee shops, clothing stores, restaurants, bars, and stationery shops.
Address: 42, Nguyen Hue Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Back in the 1960s, this was the lodgement of high officials in South Vietnam. Despite being surrounded by modern constructions, it maintains a feeling of old Saigon with winding stairs and sloughing walls. At present, each floor is full of cafes and fashion shops so you will need to spend more than an hour here.
Before getting inside, take a moment to picture this vibrant look
Love this bright interior? Visit Saigon Oi (5th floor)
Seeking tea houses in Saigon? Give Orientea (7th floor) a try
Address: 90, Nguyen Hue Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Unlike the aforementioned apartment, 90 Nguyen Hue only has two businesses. The entrance is hard to find but what you get is worthwhile. From its balcony, you'll have the perfect view of Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street and the People's Committee Building.
La Verita Caffe (2nd floor) with its romantic design
B3 Steakhouse & Craft Beer (1st floor) serves tasty Western dishes
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Address: 9, Thai Van Lung Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Located on a tranquil street near the Japanese Town, this place brings you a classic sense with dark aisles and yellow lights. From its windows, you will have a panoramic view of the nearby houses interlaced with tamarind trees. Must-visit spots include Bang Khuang - a quiet haven to try Vietnamese coffee, and Le Saigonais - a flashback of retro Saigon. If you are into cold brew, Vietnam Coffee Republic (84/7B2, Thai Van Lung Street) is few steps away.
Visit Le Saigonais (1st floor) at night to enjoy these performances
Bang Khuang (2nd floor) specializes in tea and Vietnamese coffee
Vietnam Coffee Republic is one of the few places to serve good cold brew
Address: 14, Ton That Dam Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1
Hidden in a myriad of shops and street vendors, this 134-year-old construction is strongly influenced by the French style. Though what you see from the outside are mossy walls and a bunch of cables, the activities here are truly dynamic and diverse. Want an exciting day and a vintage album? Have a date with Ton That Dam Apartment soon.
From the apartment, you can see the ancient State Bank of Vietnam
Opt for an alcoholic drink? Go to Snuffbox Bar (1st floor)
If you are a fan of rustic style, choose Hoang Thi (1st floor)
Visit Mockingbird Cafe (4th floor) to find your inner peace
Address: 26, Ly Tu Trong Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Just a stone's throw away from the French Quarter, this one gathers restaurants, bars, clothing shops, a gallery and of course, cafes. The most distinctive part is the main hall, which is a gallery embellished with colorful oil paintings. If you come at the right time, you can even see the artist creating his brainchild.
What you will see from the high floors
The mysterious stairs leading to hidden gems
The mesmerizing balcony of 1st Garden (1st floor)
Cong Cafe (1st floor) - a remake of Vietnam's Subsidy Period and a place to enjoy egg coffee in Saigon
The Loft (1st floor) is a combination of a factory-inspired cafe and a Western restaurant
Address: 158, Pasteur Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
This building is a serene oasis in the city's creative pulse. From the outset, it is insignificant and a bit messy but once you come inside, the vibrancy will change your mind. The most famous spots here are She Cafe - a tender place dedicated to women and Secret Garden - a well-decorated restaurant serving Vietnamese cuisine.
Secret Garden (rooftop) - a quintessential Vietnamese house
The cozy interior at She Cafe (1st floor)
As witnesses of history, these cafe apartments in Saigon help you trace back to the old days while enjoying the local delicacies. If you want to learn more about other unique coffee experiences in Saigon, check out weasel coffee and net-filtered coffee.
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© Written by Uyen Ho for itourvn.com
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Comments
Oh we went to the Nguyen Hue Apartment for some coffee and shopping. I was told that the price would be a little bit higher than average, but it's worth spending a night there with friends