The Cafe Apartment: Best Coffee Shops in Ho Chi Minh City

The Café Apartment Building, located at No.42 Nguyen Hue Street, is an unique blend of old-world and modern charm. The apartment was originally constructed in the mid-1960s, this block of nine-storey apartment has undergone various transformations over the years. Today, it houses a vibrant array of workshops, independent cafes, boutique fashion stores, and co-working spaces. Nestled along Nguyen Hue Flower Walking Street, it has become a very popular destination for visitors seeking a lively atmosphere and creative experiences in Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City.

1. History of The Café Apartment Building:

The Café Apartment Building, originally built in the mid-1960s, initially served as the dormitories for government and military personnel, including US advisors during the 1950s and 1960s, as well as naval officers in the post-war period. After the Fall of Saigon in 1975, some of the apartments were allocated to shipyard workers.

However, it wasn’t until around the 2010s that the owners of these apartment buildings began embracing the concept of cafe apartments, which subsequently blossomed into a cultural phenomenon in Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City. Today, the nine-storey apartment block, addressed at 42 Nguyen Hue stands as a testament to its history, housing a vibrant mix of cafes, boutiques, and creative businesses.

2. Exploring the Café Apartment Building:

- Directions and How to Get there: To Get to the Café Apartment Building, just head to Nguyen Hue Street – City Center in District 1. As it is in the city center you could check on google map if you are able to walk there, otherwise a grab taxi will cost you not more than 5 USD from any other place in District 1.

When you are on the Nguyen Hue Flower Walking Street, look for the eye-catching construction with its entrances on the backside. The best hours to visit is in the evening time when the street comes alive with its vibrant atmosphere. In addition the construction itself and surrounding buildings are nicely illuminated.

- Getting Inside the Café Apartment Building: To get inside the Café Apartment itself, look for the entrance to the left of the bookstore when facing the building from the Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

Inside the Café Apartment Building, you can access each floor using the old staircase entrance or opt for the convenience of the lift/elevator by paying a fee of 3,000 VND (around $0.13 USD). Many shops and cafe bars in the building will reimburse the elevator fee when you make a purchase.

3. Layout of the Café Apartment Building:

The Café Apartment Building includes nine floors, each of them housing a unique array of shops and establishments. On the ground floor, you’ll find the expansive Fahasa Bookstore.

As you ascend the floors, you’ll encounter a variety of businesses including beauty salons, a multitude of cafes bars and coffee shops, a fashion boutique, an English-style tea house, and even co-working spaces.

4. Navigating Inside the Café Apartment:

When being inside the building, take your time to explore the different floors and businesses. Look for signs and check the menu facing Nguyen Hue Walking Street, and remember that the entrances are located on the back where the staircase and elevator are located. If you’re unsure about the layout, a helpful tip is to identify the café or shop reviews you want to visit from outside before entering the building.

Adventure Journey

See Also:

• What Things to Do & Best Places to Visit in Ho chi Minh City?

• Best Local Restaurants That Should Not Be Missed in Saigon