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A nine-storey apartment in Ho Chi Minh City has been transformed into a vertical hub of over 50 cafés, attracting coffee lovers and travellers from around the world.
Inside Vietnam’s Famous Cafe Apartments: A Building With 50+ Hidden Coffee Spots
Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam is home to one of the world’s most unique cafe destinations, The Cafe Apartments. This iconic nine-storey building has become a must-visit spot for coffee lovers, tourists and creative professionals.
Located at 42 Nguyen Hue Walking Street in District 1, the building was originally constructed in the 1960s as a residential complex. Over time, it has been transformed into a vibrant vertical community filled with more than 50 independent cafés, boutiques, restaurants, and co-working spaces.
A Historic Building Turned Into A Café Paradise
From the outside, The Cafe Apartments still looks like an old residential building. Its old walls, vintage balconies, and colourful signage reflect the charm of historic Saigon. However, inside, each floor offers something completely different.
Visitors can find cosy coffee corners, designer cafés, tea rooms, and creative studios. The narrow corridors, tiled floors, and wooden doors preserve the building’s original vibe while giving it a nostalgic feel.
Stunning Views and Unique Experiences on Every Floor
One of the biggest attractions is the balcony seating available in several cafés. Visitors can enjoy coffee while overlooking Nguyen Hue Walking Street, especially beautiful in the evening when the area is filled with lights, crowds, and street performances.
Each floor offers unique experiences. Guests can explore pottery cafés, doughnut shops, organic beauty stores, traditional restaurants, and even cafés inside private apartments. Popular spots include Sai Gon Oi Cafe, known for its vintage décor, and Buihaus, famous for its peaceful atmosphere.
Easy to Reach and Fun to Explore
The Cafe Apartments is easily accessible by motorbike, bus, or taxi. Parking nearby costs around 10,000 VND (Rs 32), while taxi fares range between 30,000 and 70,000 VND (Rs 96 to Rs 224).
Visitors can either take the elevator, which costs about 5,000 VND, or climb the stairs to explore each floor slowly. Many cafés refund the elevator fee if visitors buy something.
Ground Floor – Books and Essentials
The ground floor is home to Fahasa Bookstore, one of Vietnam’s leading bookstore chains. Visitors can browse books, travel guides, magazines, and stationery before heading upstairs to explore the cafés.
1st Floor – Beauty and Nightlife
This level mainly features PNT Beauty Salon, offering hair and beauty services. Hidden on the same floor is Krystalini Cocktail Bar, a cozy spot perfect for evening drinks.
2nd Floor – Creative Café Experience
The second floor houses Gốm x Nicotin Café & Workshop, a unique pottery café where visitors can enjoy coffee while exploring pottery art and creative workshops.
3rd Floor – A Treat for Dessert Lovers
This floor is popular for Dosh Donuts, known for its handcrafted gourmet donuts and creative flavors. It’s a must-visit spot for those with a sweet tooth.
4th Floor – A Charming Tea Room
Partea Café offers a whimsical English tea-room experience. Guests can choose their tea blends, teapots, and desserts, making it one of the most unique café experiences in the building.
5th Floor – Organic Beauty and Lifestyle
HẦC Organic occupies much of this floor, offering organic Vietnamese skincare and cosmetic products. It’s a great stop for visitors interested in natural wellness and beauty.
6th Floor – Authentic Vietnamese Dining
Madam Quyên Restaurant serves traditional Vietnamese dishes from different regions of the country. The restaurant offers a warm and homely dining experience.
7th Floor – Community and Music Vibes
Buihaus provides a unique café experience inside a private apartment setting. Known for its minimalist interiors, it is popular among creatives and remote workers.
8th Floor – Retro Coffee Experience
Pờ Coffee stands out for its retro-inspired interiors that reflect Vietnam’s post-war design. It’s a peaceful spot to relax while enjoying coffee and city views.
9th Floor – Hidden Local Gem
The top floor is mostly residential, but Quán Nhà offers a rare dining experience inside a resident’s apartment. Visitors can enjoy authentic home-style food along with beautiful views of the city and river.
A Cultural and Lifestyle Landmark
Today, The Cafe Apartments is more than just a building; it is a symbol of creativity and modern Vietnamese café culture. It blends history, food, shopping, and art in one place.
With its unique concept, nostalgic design, and wide variety of cafés, The Cafe Apartments continues to attract both locals and international tourists. It has become one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most talked-about lifestyle destinations and a true paradise for café lovers.
February 21, 2026, 15:34 IST
