1. An Overview of The Cafe Apartments

Located in the heart of Nguyen Hue Walking Street, The Cafe Apartments is a charming relic of old Saigon that has been transformed into a bustling hub of coffee shops, creative spaces, and retail stores. This destination is perfect for those looking to relax, work, or simply enjoy the vibrant cityscape from above.

• Address: 42 Nguyen Hue, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Opening hours: Most cafes operate from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Google Maps Link: View here

The Cafe Apartments is the iconic complex, located on Nguyen Hue Walking Street

1.1. The History of The Cafe Apartments

Originally built as a residential complex in the mid-20th century, The Cafe Apartments has since evolved into one of the most unique cultural landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. Many of the original apartment units have been converted into trendy coffee shops and boutique stores, but the building still retains its old-world charm. This fusion of past and present makes it a fascinating spot to explore.

The complex stands as a symbol of resilience and creativity, where history and innovation converge in a harmonious blend

Over the years, The Cafe Apartments has witnessed the transformation of Nguyen Hue Street from a traditional thoroughfare into a bustling pedestrian avenue. As the city embraced modernization, the building remained a nostalgic reminder of Saigon’s past while adapting to contemporary demands.

After your visit to The Cafe Apartments, you can continue exploring the city's rich history. The museum in Ho Chi Minh City offers fascinating insights, with the Saigon Vietnam War Museum being a key highlight, providing a detailed look at the Vietnam War. For a deeper understanding of the city’s history and culture, make sure to visit the other Museum in Ho Chi Minh City as well.

1.2. Unique Architecture of The Cafe Apartments

From the outside, The Cafe Apartments showcases a raw, aged facade that hints at its history. The building’s vintage balconies, rustic walls, and scattered signage give it a distinct aesthetic that has made it a popular photography spot.

Inside, the complex features a nine-story layout, with each floor occupied by an eclectic mix of cafes, fashion boutiques, and creative spaces. The building retains its original architectural elements, including narrow hallways, patterned tile floors, and wooden doors, which transport visitors to a bygone era of Saigon. Each level offers a unique experience, ranging from cozy traditional coffee shops to modern, stylish eateries, making it an ideal space for exploration and discovery.

One of the biggest draws of The Cafe Apartments is the spectacular view it offers. Many cafes have balcony seating, allowing visitors to enjoy an unparalleled view of Nguyen Hue Walking Street, which comes alive in the evening with street performances and lively crowds.

Great views to the street from Dosh Donuts

2. How to Get Around The Cafe Apartments

Located at the heart of District 1, The Cafe Apartments is easily accessible from various parts of Ho Chi Minh City. Whether you're a local resident or a first-time visitor, reaching this iconic building is hassle-free with multiple transportation options available. Here’s how you can get there efficiently:

• By Motorbike: Parking is available nearby for around 10,000 VND (USD 0.4) per bike.
• By Bus: Several bus routes, such as 03, 19, and 45, stop near Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
• By Taxi/Grab: The most convenient way to get there, with fares from 30,000 - 70,000 VND (USD 1.2 - USD 2.9) depending on the starting point and types of vehicles.

Once you've arrived at The Cafe Apartments, you'll find yourself stepping into a nostalgic yet lively environment. With multiple floors filled with charming cafes, unique boutiques, and cozy restaurants, navigating the building itself is part of the adventure. Upon arrival, visitors have two options to reach their preferred floor:

• Elevator: A fee of 5,000 VND (USD 0.2) is required, but many cafes will refund it upon purchasing a drink.
• Stairs: The vintage staircases add to the old-world charm of the building and are a great option for those who enjoy exploring at a slower pace.

Note: During peak hours, the elevator can get crowded, so taking the stairs down after your visit is a great alternative to avoid waiting times.

The staircase gives an aesthetic vibe, making it a great spot for vintage photos

3. Explore 9 Floors of The Cafe Apartments

The Cafe Apartments features a unique nine-story layout, with each floor offering a distinct experience. Most floors have two wings: the coveted south-facing wing overlooking Nguyen Hue Street with balcony views, and the quieter rear wing. Here's your complete guide to exploring each level:

Ground Floor: Gateway to Discovery

The entire ground floor houses Fahasa, Vietnam's most renowned bookstore chain, perfect for browsing books, maps, and magazines. The diminutive entrance to the apartments lies to the left of Fahasa, covered in electrical cables and plastered with signs from the various businesses above. Before heading inside, step back into the middle of Nguyen Hue pedestrian street for the best exterior views, especially stunning at night when colorful lighting illuminates each cafe.

• Parking inside is for residents only
• Visitor parking available at Lucky Plaza next door (15,000 VND for motorbikes)
• Best photo spot: middle of Nguyen Hue pedestrian street

First Floor: Hidden Speakeasy

This floor primarily houses PNT Beauty Salon offering hair treatments and beauty services, but its real treasure is the hidden Krystalini Cocktail Bar. To access this prohibition-era speakeasy, you must go to the second floor, turn right to the corridor's end, take the rear staircase down, and find the revolving bookcase entrance.

• Access route: 2nd floor → rear corridor → rear staircase down → revolving bookcase entrance
• Atmosphere: Dimly lit with rose-red upholstered seating
• Drinks: Classic and signature cocktails
• Architecture note: Perfect spot to observe original building materials - vintage tiles, glass panes, ceiling details

Second Floor: Creative Diversity

The second floor showcases the building's commercial diversity beautifully. The standout space is Gốm x Nicotin Cafe & Workshop, a light and beautifully designed pottery workshop-cum-cafe featuring repurposed wood furniture and a calming atmosphere despite its urban location.

• Gốm x Nicotin: Pottery workshops available for fee, perfect for creative sessions
• The Indian House: Well-furnished balcony, Indian snacks and masala tea
• Poke Saigon: Healthy poke bowls in rear wing
• Bún Đậu Tràng An Quán: Authentic Hanoi dishes (mid-morning to mid-afternoon)

Third Floor: Culinary Paradise

This floor transforms into a food lover's paradise, headlined by Dosh Donuts with its creative gourmet donuts and ever-changing menu including the decadent "Marvelous Craquelin Jasmine" double-decker creation.

• Dosh Donuts: Creative gourmet donuts, fresh juices, specialty coffee
• Downtown Steakhouse: Extensive American menu - steaks, burgers, pasta
• Meraki Cafe: Instagram-friendly decor (drink purchase required for photos)
• Shopping: HẠC Organic Cosmetics, L'étranger/O.N Workshop (Vietnamese designer fashion)

Fourth Floor: International Sophistication

The fourth floor offers an eclectic mix of international experiences. Partea stands out as an over-the-top English tea room where customers choose their tea variety, English-themed teapot, crockery, and cakes before settling into memorabilia-filled corners.

• Partea: British tea room experience with encyclopedic tea selection
• % Arabica: Sophisticated Japanese coffee, 100% arabica beans, sleek design
• 21Grams: Vegetarian restaurant with excellent Asian fusion cuisine
• Shopping: The E.Y.E (cards only, no cash), Closete (women-only thrift store)

Fifth Floor: Organic Elegance

HẦC Organic dominates this floor with its comprehensive selection of 100% organic Vietnamese cosmetics including soaps, candles, moisturizers, and fragrances, staffed by knowledgeable English-speaking employees perfect for gift hunting.

• HẦC Organic: 100% organic Vietnamese cosmetics, ideal for souvenirs
• Saigon Ơi: Elegant cafe with large balcony, wooden floors, hanging lanterns
• The Boulevard: Intimate cocktail bar, custom drinks with domestic liquors
• Target crowd: Young artistic community

Sixth Floor: Vietnamese Authenticity

Madam Quyên Restaurant serves as this floor's crown jewel, offering a family-run dining experience featuring culinary specialties from Vietnam's three regions. The open kitchen layout allows diners to watch food preparation while walls decorated with customer messages from around the world create a welcoming international atmosphere.

• Menu highlights: Cơm tấm, bún chả, bánh xèo, bánh mì, bánh cuốn + vegetarian options
• Signature drinks: Coconut coffee, salt coffee, egg coffee
• Atmosphere: Open kitchen, international customer messages on walls
• The Letter: Coffee + fashion boutique + cosmetics
• 6even: Mysterious boutique accommodation (often closed)

Seventh Floor: Intimate Hospitality

Buihaus creates the most unique experience in the building, blurring the line between business and private residence as Trâm and her teenage son Bean operate their "sharing house" from their actual home. Bean often engages customers with his electronic music and guitar skills, embodying his philosophy of supporting smaller establishments.

• Concept: Family home turned cafe with bedroom/bathroom at one end
• Unique feature: Bean often shares electronic music and plays guitar with guests
• Philosophy: "Support small shops, not just big-name ones" - Bean
• Michi Sushi: Only Japanese restaurant, reasonable prices, cartoonish decor

Eighth Floor: Retro Vietnamese Cool

Pờ Coffee claims the title of coolest coffee shop in the building, located in the rear wing where it compensates for limited views with incredible atmosphere. The space retrofits items and aesthetics from Vietnam's post-war era, reimagining them within contemporary urban vernacular.

• Design: Post-war Vietnamese aesthetics meets 21st-century urban style
• Signature drinks: Salt-milk Japanese matcha, pineapple ginseng coffee
• Location: Rear wing (less views, more vibe)
• Other options: The Letter, Good Day Coffee, Saigon Fast (nail salon)

Ninth Floor: Residential Views

Despite offering the building's best city and river views, the ninth floor maintains a predominantly residential character. Quán Nhà provides the most authentic experience as building resident Nhân, who has lived here since 1989, operates a restaurant from her apartment living room using her personal kitchen.

• Quán Nhà: Home restaurant by resident Nhân (since 1989), call ahead +84 779 666 396
• Cuisine: Southeast Asian dishes, no consistent schedule
• Good Day Coffee: Excellent balcony views, dependable drinks menu
• Shopping: The E.Y.E second location (colorful souvenirs)
• Services: Ruby Beauty (nail/hair), 4K Hostel (accommodation)

4. 3+ Places to Explore at The Cafe Apartments

The Cafe Apartments is not just about coffee - it’s a vibrant space filled with a variety of experiences. While most of the building is dedicated to charming coffee shops, visitors can also explore boutique stores, jewelry shops, salons, and souvenir outlets.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy café, a unique dining experience, or stylish fashion items, this multi-functional space has something for everyone.

4.1. Chilling at Famous Coffee Shops

One of the main highlights of The Cafe Apartments is its diverse selection of coffee shops, each with its own distinctive ambiance and specialty drinks. Here are some of the must-visit cafes within The Cafe Apartments:

• Sai Gon Oi Cafe: A cozy café with a nostalgic Vietnamese ambiance. The vintage wooden furniture, old books, and local artwork create a homely atmosphere, perfect for relaxing.
• Buihaus: A minimalist café with Scandinavian-inspired decor. It’s known for its specialty coffee and quiet ambiance, making it a great spot for work or reading.
• % Arabica: This globally renowned coffee brand has a branch in The Cafe Apartments, offering high-quality espresso drinks with a breathtaking view of Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
• Dosh Donuts: A favorite for those with a sweet tooth, Dosh Donuts offers handmade gourmet donuts paired with refreshing coffee and tea options.
• Oops Cafe: A hidden gem in The Cafe Apartments with quirky decorations and creative drinks that make for an Instagram-worthy experience.

Sai Gon Oi Cafe and Dosh Donuts offers great interior design, atmosphere and view to Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Whether you prefer a vintage-inspired setting, a modern minimalist café, or a quirky, artistic space, you'll find a spot that suits your taste. Many of these cafés offer balcony seating, providing a scenic view of Nguyen Hue Walking Street while you enjoy your favorite cup of coffee.

4.2. Dining at Chic Restaurants

While The Cafe Apartments is primarily known for its coffee culture, it also houses a selection of excellent restaurants catering to different tastes. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty steak, fresh sushi, or unique international cuisine, these chic dining spots offer both flavorful dishes and cozy atmospheres, making them perfect for a leisurely meal after a coffee break:

• Downtown Steakhouse: A must-visit for meat lovers, Downtown Steakhouse is known for its premium cuts and expertly grilled steaks, served in an intimate setting.
• Michi Sushi: A Japanese-style eatery that offers fresh sushi, sashimi, and authentic Japanese rice bowls. The interior is cozy and features a warm wooden design.
• Chao Ech Singapore Jurong: This restaurant specializes in Singaporean-style frog porridge, a dish loved for its savory, flavorful taste and comforting warmth.

A corner of Downtown Steakhouse at The Cafe Apartments

4.3. Going Shopping for Books and Jewelry

Beyond its cozy cafés and vibrant restaurants, The Cafe Apartments also serves as a hub for unique boutique stores, offering an exciting shopping experience for book lovers, jewelry enthusiasts, and fashion aficionados alike.

• Nguyen Hue Bookstore: Nguyen Hue Bookstore is a haven for book lovers seeking a curated selection of literature, art books, and locally published works. The space itself exudes a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to browse, discover new reads, or even enjoy a quiet moment with a book in hand.
• Tinh Lam - Timeless Jewelry and Artisan Crafts: For those with a passion for elegant and handcrafted jewelry, Tinh Lam is a must-visit boutique within The Cafe Apartments. Specializing in artisanal jewelry, the store offers a diverse selection of beautifully designed rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, often inspired by Vietnamese culture and nature.

Nguyen Hue Bookstore - situated at the 1st floor of The Cafe Apartments

These shops feature a mix of locally made fashion, handcrafted jewelry, and unique souvenirs, making it an ideal place to find a stylish keepsake or a thoughtful gift. Whether you're looking for trendy apparel, custom accessories, or artisanal crafts, you'll discover a variety of options that reflect the creative spirit of Saigon.

If you’ve enjoyed learning about the blend of modern and historical elements at The Cafe Apartments, you may also be interested in diving deeper into Ho Chi Minh City’s rich history and cultural evolution. Check out our article on the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City: Discover Its History & Culture to explore one of the city’s key cultural landmarks.

The Cafe Apartments Ho Chi Minh is more than just a collection of coffee shops. It’s a cultural experience that blends history, creativity, and modern urban life. We recommend adding this one-of-a-kind landmark to your travel itinerary to experience the best that Ho Chi Minh City has to offer.

For detailed guides on other exclusive destinations, local delicacies, and travel tips, explore more articles from Vietnam Airlines. Stay updated on our latest promotions and services to make your journey even more exceptional!