Ho Chi Minh City is one of Vietnam’s most exciting destinations for coffee lovers. In addition to the famous The Cafe Apartment, the city is home to retro-style cafés, lush garden cafés, and minimalist Korean-style coffee shops that have become especially popular in recent years.
Whether you want to try Vietnamese egg coffee, coconut coffee, or simply find a photogenic café with air conditioning where you can take a break, this guide brings together some of the best café experiences in Ho Chi Minh City.
What Makes Ho Chi Minh City Coffee Culture Special?
What Is The Cafe Apartment in Ho Chi Minh City?
Located beside Nguyen Hue Walking Street, The Cafe Apartment is one of the most famous café landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City.
The old apartment building is home to dozens of independent cafés, each with its own interior style, desserts, and drinks, making it easy to explore different café concepts in one location.
Recommended Café Styles in Ho Chi Minh City
The Cafe Apartment
A must-visit for first-time visitors to Ho Chi Minh City and one of the city’s most popular café spots for photography.
Retro Cafés
Full of old Saigon atmosphere and ideal for travelers who want to slow down and spend a relaxing afternoon over coffee.
Korean-Style Cafés
Known for minimalist interiors and bright natural light, these cafés have become especially popular as Instagram photo spots in recent years.
What Coffee Should You Try in Vietnam?
- Coconut Coffee
- Egg Coffee
- Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk (Cà phê sữa đá)
- Salt Coffee
- Specialty Pour-Over Coffee
Recommended Half-Day Café Walking Routes
Classic Coffee Walk
Saigon Central Post Office → Notre-Dame Cathedral → The Cafe Apartment → Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
Photography Route
Tan Dinh Church → Retro Café → The Cafe Apartment.
Afternoon Tea Route
Book Street → The Cafe Apartment → Dinner → Nguyen Hue Walking Street at Night.
Lanytrip Recommended Transportation
Ho Chi Minh City Airport Transfer
View OptionsHo Chi Minh City Private Car Charter
View OptionsMekong Delta Day Trip
View OptionsFrequently Asked Questions
Do you need a ticket to visit The Cafe Apartment?
No. There is no general entrance ticket. You only need to purchase food or drinks from the individual cafés you choose to visit.
How many cafés should you visit in Ho Chi Minh City?
For a first visit, 2–3 cafés is usually enough, giving you time to enjoy the drinks, atmosphere, and photography without rushing.
Is Vietnamese coffee very sweet?
Traditional Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk is usually quite sweet. If you prefer something less sweet, choose black coffee or specialty pour-over coffee instead.
Do cafés in Ho Chi Minh City accept credit cards?
Many larger cafés accept credit cards, but smaller independent cafés may still prefer cash, so it is a good idea to carry some Vietnamese dong.
Final Tips
If it’s your first time in Ho Chi Minh City, The Cafe Apartment is a great place to start. You can easily combine it with the Saigon Central Post Office, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Nguyen Hue Walking Street for a relaxed half-day walking route. If you have more time, visit a few retro cafés or minimalist Korean-style coffee shops to experience the different sides of Saigon’s café culture.
