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From plastic stools on crumbling sidewalks to lavish spaces filled with creative decor and stunning art, the cafe culture in Ho Chi Minh City has it all. No matter your budget, there’s a place to get your caffeine fix. But we’re here for the best — so here they are.

The Workshop Specialty Coffee

Cafe, Restaurant, American, European, Vietnamese

The_Workshop_Specialty_Coffee_HCMC
© Kars Alfrink / Flickr

The Workshop’s atmosphere is all about functionality. The decor feels industrial in a way, yet still fun and lively. It’s the kind of place where you could spend all day being productive, which is exactly why they count many professionals as repeat customers. They’ve struck a wonderful balance between business and pleasure, with great food and an impressive selection of specialty coffees.

The Coffee Ship

Cafe, Vietnamese

Many cafes in Ho Chi Minh City try to differentiate themselves with trendy decor and a unique atmosphere, but none can compare to The Coffee Ship. It floats on the canal that separates Districts 4 and 7, built into a boat that once worked on the Mekong River. In a city of approximately 10 million people, it’s always nice to find a place with a breeze — a place to escape the traffic madness. Enjoy your coffee as you watch barges meandering by, leaving gentle waves as they go.

Du Mien Garden Coffee

Cafe, Restaurant, Vietnamese

Du_Mien_Garden_Coffee_Go_Vap_HCMC
© Cindy Phan

You don’t expect to find too many garden paradises hidden behind cement walls, but that’s exactly what Du Mien Garden Coffee offers their many customers. Go Vap District has the highest population density in the city, so any chance to escape the hectic streets and enjoy quality coffee with waterfalls, ponds and even a tree house is a welcome one. If you’re in District 1, this cafe is worth the trip.

The Gallery Café

Cafe, Tea

This cafe is hidden at the southern edges of Ho Chi Minh City’s urban sprawl. Their decor welcomes you in with its refined simplicity, but its their wonderful coffee and other drinks that will keep you in your seat for hours. This is the kind of place where you can get work done or just chat away with friends.

Yoko Cafe

Bar, Cafe, Contemporary

Yoko Cafe | © Sam Roth
© Sam Roth

Yoko Cafe hosts some of the best live music in the city. It’s a popular nightlife spot, especially among the artistic set, attracting a cool and hip crowd. On most evenings, they have local musicians playing sets, but in the day, they’re a cool little cafe where you can lounge with nice drinks — or get up and play some tunes if you’re musically inclined.

i.d Cafe

Cafe, Vietnamese, European, American

id
© ID Cafe

The atmosphere of i.d Cafe comes from the aspiration of most cafes in the city: to be a relaxing escape from the busy streets of this mega city. When you look at the details, you can see the care that went into every choice. This cafe feels like it’s been finely tuned to create the perfect ambiance for your relaxation, with dim lighting, plush seating and subdued art. It’s easy to see why this cafe is so popular.

The Coffee Connect

Cafe, Vietnamese, Dessert

Featuring three levels of seating areas, The Coffee Connect is a wonderful spot for digital nomads, students and professionals looking to enjoy amazing drinks as they get their work done. And this cafe has a rarity among shops in this city: an elevator! That’s right, no need to break into a sweat getting up to their lovely rooftop.

The Snap Cafe

Cafe, Restaurant, Vietnamese, European, American

snapcafe
© Matthew Pike

The Snap Cafe is the definition of a hidden gem. From the street, it looks like a few boutique shops, but inside, you walk into a garden oasis for the whole family. Their menu features dishes from around the world, with an ample kids menu as well. They’re a good choice for any time of the day, and well worth the trip from downtown.

Villa Royale Downtown Antiques & Tea Room

Tea Room, Dessert Shop, Coffee Shop, French, Dessert, Mediterranean, Tea

Villa-Royale-Downtown-Saigon
© Courtesy of Villa Royale Antiques & Tea Room

If you have a taste for the finer things in life, you need to try Villa Royale Antiques & Tea Room. They have two locations in the city, and both set the standard in terms of refinement and style. If you simply want excellent tea or coffee, they’re happy to delight you — but we strongly recommend you come with an appetite, because their food is world class. This is a regular stop for professionals and socialites in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Old Compass Cafe and Bar

Bar, Cafe, Restaurant, Vietnamese, French

The_Old_Compass_Cafe_HCMC
© The Old Compass Cafe

Situated on the 3rd floor of an older-style building on Pasteur, The Old Compass Cafe and Bar is about as central as it gets in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s difficult to put a label on this place because of all the different kinds of events they host. On any given night, you might find a live band or an academic giving a speech. They’re something of a cultural hub, with tasty food, quality coffee and all the wine you could ever want.

L'Usine Le Loi

Cafe, Restaurant, Vietnamese, American, European

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© pearlbear78/Flickr

For an amazing breakfast to start your day off right, visit L’Usine Le Loi. There’s a boutique shop and gallery on the ground floor, but head upstairs to find their inviting cafe and restaurant. L’Usine has three locations around the city, and all of them are well known for their excellent menus and contemporary style.

Cúcuta Coffee

Cafe, Dessert, Tea , Vietnamese

Oromia_Coffee_Ho-Chi-Minh-City
© Oromia Coffee
With flowers, kitties, a koi pond and chic decor, Cúcuta Coffee is a wonderful retreat for those looking to enjoy their drink of choice in a stylish setting. This is an intimate cafe where it feels like all your stress just melts away as you come inside and see three frumpy cats lounging around. And in the evening, Cúcuta Coffee brings in talented musicians to play on their piano. This will likely be your new favorite cafe.

Shin Coffee

Cafe, Tea

Shin_Coffee_Ho-Chi-Minh-City_Vietnam
© Courtesy of Shin Coffee

It’s the quality and variety of the coffee that sets Shin Coffee apart from its many competitors. They’re located in the heart of old Saigon, a short walk from the Bach Dang Pier, making them an easy choice for many office workers and tourists. If you’ve never had egg coffee, Shin Coffee is one of the few cafes in the city to offer this Vietnamese specialty.

Dolphy Cafe

Cafe, Tea

Dolphy_Cafe_Thao_Dien_Matthew_Pike
© Matthew Pike / Culture Trip

Dolphy Cafe is popular among the many expats who live and work in the Thao Dien area. This is the perfect spot to setup your laptop and get some serious work done, making it the home base of choice for many digital nomads. Their drinks menu is both varied and delicious, so make sure to stop by if you’re in the neighborhood.

About the author

Canadian writer in Saigon. Three years ago I quit my job and moved to Vietnam because I knew there was more to life than sitting in a cubicle and waiting for a pension. Since then I've had more wild adventures and met more amazing people than I ever thought possible. Check out Matthew-Pike.com to see more of my rambling, or follow my weak social media game at: www.facebook.com/MatthewPikeWriter/

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