Inflow Cafe offers a tranquil spot away from the street noise, characteristic of many Ho Chi Minh City cafes found within older residential buildings. This location provides a quiet alternative to the city's more visible coffee shops, suitable for focused work or a calm break.

Go here if

you prefer a quiet cafe hidden from the street for work or a relaxed break

Skip if

you want a cafe with prominent street-level visibility

1 insider tip

Irie Time · curator · Inflow Cafe

This cafe is located inside an old apartment building. It offers a calm space with music. Guests can enjoy various coffee selections here.

The Dead Bird Jewelry is included for its unique approach to accessories, crafting pieces from natural stones within a repurposed apartment space. It offers a contrasting shopping experience to larger retail stores, focusing on handcrafted items in an intimate setting.

Go here if

you are looking for unique, handcrafted jewelry made from natural stones

Skip if

you prefer mass-produced jewelry or a traditional retail store setting

1 insider tip

Irie Time · curator · The Dead Bird Jewelry

This shop is also inside an old apartment building. It specializes in unique jewelry. The shop also features vintage lifestyle items.

MoodMe Saigon distinguishes itself by specializing in fragrances and home scents, accessible through a small alleyway, reflecting the city's practice of locating specialty shops in less obvious spots. This makes it a distinct stop compared to general merchandise stores for those seeking specific aromatic products.

Go here if

you want to explore a curated selection of perfumes, room sprays, and scented candles

Skip if

you are not specifically looking for fragrance or home scent products

1 insider tip

Irie Time · curator · MoodMe Saigon

This store offers scented candles and perfumes. Visitors can also find room sprays here. The staff is known for being kind and welcoming.

Hanmaeum BBQ provides a Korean barbecue experience with a focus on a specific meat-aging process, making it a culinary highlight on a main city boulevard. It offers a distinct dining option for those interested in Korean cuisine, setting it apart from local Vietnamese eateries on this list.

Go here if

you are craving high-quality Korean barbecue with a focus on wet-aged meats

Skip if

you prefer Vietnamese cuisine or a casual dining experience

1 insider tip

Irie Time · curator · Hanmaeum BBQ

This Korean BBQ restaurant serves fresh meat. It comes with many side dishes. This spot is a favorite for its delicious food.

Funnyland Takashimaya, located within a major department store, offers a wide selection of imported and collectible toys, especially from Japanese brands. It stands out on this list as a destination for hobbyists and families, differing from the more independent, niche stores.

Go here if

you are seeking imported toys, collectibles, or educational games, particularly from Japanese brands

Skip if

you are not interested in toys or a department store shopping experience

1 insider tip

Irie Time · curator · Funnyland Takashimaya

This location has Gashapon machines. Visitors can play to receive various characters. It is a good place for a fun, quick activity.

Vina Design Store, near the Saigon Central Post Office, curates local Vietnamese design products, emphasizing contemporary culture and creative works. It offers a cultural shopping experience, providing souvenirs and gifts that are distinct from typical tourist offerings and other retail on this list.

Go here if

you want to find unique, locally designed Vietnamese gifts and cultural products

Skip if

you are looking for international brands or traditional souvenir items

1 insider tip

Irie Time · curator · Vina Design Store

This shop sells colorful and unique products. It offers good quality t-shirts with special prints. The store features other creative and thoughtful items.

Cơm Tấm 44 specializes in broken rice, a staple Vietnamese dish, and caters to evening and late-night diners from a simple, open-fronted space. It represents a quintessential local food experience, offering an authentic taste of Ho Chi Minh City beyond more formal restaurant settings.

Go here if

you want an authentic, late-night local Vietnamese broken rice dish with many topping options

Skip if

you prefer a sit-down restaurant with a diverse menu or a more formal atmosphere

1 insider tip

Irie Time · curator · Cơm Tấm 44

This local restaurant serves cơm tấm. It provides generous portions with many toppings. This spot is known for its delicious traditional dish.