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A culture-lover's itinerary for exploring Vietnam's largest city

This PinGuide itinerary covers 18 places for food, coffee, and shopping in Ho Chi Minh City. Sol Life’s travel video provides a framework for exploring the city’s vibrant culture over four days. This guide features local eateries, specialty coffee shops, and unique boutiques. It also includes historical sites and lively markets.

The focus keyphrase for this guide is “Ho Chi Minh City 4-day itinerary.” This guide highlights key experiences from the video. It offers concrete advice for navigating these diverse locations.

🎬 Guide based on a video by Sol Lifewatch the video

The Pins

01

Start your Ho Chi Minh City 4-day itinerary at Giang cafe.

Giang cafe

Coffee · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

06:30–00:00 daily

Giang Cafe sits on Hồng Lĩnh street. It resides in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 10. The cafe occupies a space in the Cư xá Bắc Hải residential area. It operates with a vintage design concept. The establishment opened as Young Coffee & Tea. Later, it underwent renovation and rebranding.

The interior features classic-style furniture. Guests see wooden bookshelves and soft lighting. A glass case displays a collection of vinyl records. The cafe plays music from a record player. This contributes to its nostalgic atmosphere. Seating is available across multiple zones. Guests choose from both indoor and outdoor areas. The space accommodates individual patrons and small groups.

The menu offers a variety of beverages. Coffee options include Vietnamese-style preparations. Patrons enjoy salt coffee and milk coffee. The cafe also serves matcha lattes. It offers fruit teas and juices too. A selection of sweet items complements the drinks. The menu lists cakes like tiramisu and cupcakes. The venue frequently updates its decor. It aligns with seasonal events and holidays.

Giang Cafe provides a quiet setting. Its different sections offer varied environments. Locals recognize it as a prominent coffee spot. It attracts students and working professionals. The cafe stays open from early morning until midnight.

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Y12 Hồng Lĩnh, Phường 15, Quận 10, Ho Chi Minh City

1 insider tip

Sol Life · curator · Giang cafe

This cafe is open 24 hours. Consider trying their sweet coffee. The atmosphere is quiet, filled with old records and books.

02

After coffee, head to Phở Việt Nam for a traditional meal.

Phở Việt Nam

Vietnamese Cuisine · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

06:00-22:00 daily 02838201237

Phở Việt Nam is a Vietnamese phở restaurant on Trần Quốc Toản street in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. The restaurant specializes in traditional beef noodle soup. A signature offering is phở thố đá, or stone bowl phở. This version arrives with the broth boiling in a heated stone bowl.

The menu features numerous cuts of beef for its phở. Options include brisket, flank, beef shank, oxtail, and tendon. The restaurant makes its own fresh rice noodles on-site. Diners can observe the noodle-making process from the dining area. The kitchen also prepares traditional bowl phở alongside the stone bowl version.

The space is air-conditioned, with a clean and open layout. The restaurant has an open kitchen design. This allows patrons to see the food preparation area. The venue serves a local clientele and international visitors. It is one of several branches within a larger restaurant group in the city.

Beyond its main phở dishes, the menu includes side orders. Diners can add items like fried breadsticks or extra meat. The restaurant also serves a selection of drinks. These include fresh juices and smoothies. The price point is above that of typical street-side phở stalls.

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66 Trần Quốc Toản, Phường 8, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

2 insider tips

Sol Life · curator · Phở Việt Nam

This spot is known for fresh, bouncy noodles made in-house. Order a bowl of southern pho with mixed meats. You can customize your soup with various herbs and condiments.

Mr.Pin · curator · Phở Việt Nam

If you value authentic phở crafted with house-made ingredients, Phở Việt Nam on Võ Thị Sáu Street in District 3 provides a dedicated experience. This restaurant specializes in traditional phở, presenting a focused menu for diners. It is a good option for those who seek genuine preparation and a straightforward approach to this iconic dish.

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03

Cross the street from CAB APT to visit 廣肇會館 – Quảng Triệu Hội Quán.

廣肇會館 – Quảng Triệu Hội Quán

Film Photography · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Quảng Triệu Hội Quán sits on Võ Văn Kiệt Street. It is in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. This Chinese assembly hall functions as a community center. It also serves as a place of worship. Chinese immigrants from Guangdong’s Guangzhou and Zhaoqing prefectures first established it. The hall serves the local Cantonese-speaking community. Locals know it as Miếu Thiên Hậu, or the Temple of the Empress of Heaven.

The assembly hall opened in 1887. A fire damaged the original structure in 1920. Workers fully reconstructed the building by 1922. Vietnam recognizes the site as a national historical and cultural relic. Its architecture displays traditional Cantonese design elements. The layout combines several buildings. They surround a central courtyard, which locals call a “sky well.” This arrangement forms a shape resembling Chinese characters.

The main hall venerates Thiên Hậu, the sea goddess. Worshippers traditionally sought her protection during ocean voyages. Shrines also honor other deities. These include Quan Công, the god of war, and Long Mẫu, the dragon mother. Large, slow-burning incense coils hang from the ceilings. Visitors purchase these coils. They attach prayer papers to them.

The roof ridges feature intricate porcelain dioramas and figurines. These decorative pieces depict scenes from Chinese legends and operas. Historic local kilns produced them. Bửu Nguyên and Đồng Hòa were two such kilns. The hall also contains detailed woodwork and stone carvings. Visitors note a significant brick relief sculpture. The assembly hall remains an active religious and community site.

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122 Võ Văn Kiệt, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

2 insider tips
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04

Continue your coffee exploration at Sipply Specialty Coffee.

Sipply Specialty Coffee

Film Photography · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

08:00–20:00 daily +84866331587

Sipply Specialty Coffee is a café and roastery on Lê Thánh Tôn in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The venue operates from the first floor of a building located in an alley. It specializes in coffee made from beans roasted in-house. The café is situated near the Bến Thành Market area.

The menu features a range of specialty coffee drinks. Baristas prepare classic espresso-based beverages and pour-overs. The café also creates signature drinks with unique flavor profiles. Named offerings include the “Cloudy Coconut” and the “Almond Rice” cold brew. The business focuses on sourcing and highlighting Vietnamese-grown coffee beans, particularly Arabica. Staff provide information about the different beans available.

The interior design uses wooden elements and incorporates greenery. The space has a modern and minimalist aesthetic. Seating is available indoors, and the café also has a small outdoor balcony. The founder, Mai Vu, established the space to blend traditional Saigon architectural features with contemporary design. The venue sells its house-roasted coffee beans for customers to take home.

Sipply Specialty Coffee serves a clientele of local residents and international visitors. The café provides a quiet setting away from the main street. It functions as both a coffee shop for daily patrons and a roastery supplying its own beans. The business maintains another location in the Tân Định ward of District 1.

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Floor 1, 200 Lê Thánh Tôn, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

2 insider tips

Sol Life · curator · Sipply Specialty Coffee

This cafe features a vintage design and an open balcony. Try the cloudy coconut coffee. The cold brew with rice milk foam is another option.

Mr.Pin · curator · Sipply Specialty Coffee

Sipply Specialty Coffee, a café and roastery on Lê Thánh Tôn in District 1, operates from the first floor of an alley building. It specializes in coffee made from beans roasted on-site, ensuring optimal freshness and flavor. This is an excellent destination for those who appreciate the nuances of freshly roasted specialty coffee.

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05

For lunch, stop at Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa.

Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa

Vietnamese Cuisine · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

06:00–22:00 daily 0962455517

Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa operates a popular bánh mì stall. It sits on Lê Thị Riêng street in District 1. Ho Chi Minh City locals know it for its substantial sandwiches. Each baguette holds many layers of ingredients. These include cold cuts, house-made pâté, and butter. The standard sandwich offers chả lụa, jambon, and pork floss. Pickled vegetables, cucumber, cilantro, and fresh chili complete each order.

The business serves customers from a street-front counter. Staff build sandwiches to order in an assembly line. A continuous queue of customers and drivers lines up. The stall sees activity throughout its opening hours. It offers no designated seating area. A sandwich here represents a premium street food price point. The stall has served customers for over 35 years.

Founder Mrs. Lê Kim Hoa established the business. She continued a family street vending tradition. The shop uses a proprietary pâté recipe. All daily ingredients sell out each day. No items remain overnight. Besides its main offering, the stall sells pork floss and cơm cháy. It provides a vacuum-sealing service for travelers.

Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa ranks among Ho Chi Minh City’s food scene favorites. International press and food blogs often mention it. Locals also call the business “Bánh mì O Môi.” The stall’s consistent process defines its reputation. Its ingredient-heavy sandwiches maintain its renown for decades.

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26 Lê Thị Riêng, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

3 insider tips

Sol Life · curator · Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa

This spot serves a large, deconstructed bánh mì. It is recommended to buy one to share. A small sitting area is available for eating.

Mr.Pin · curator · Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa

If you are looking for a bánh mì that offers generous fillings, this popular stall on Lê Thị Riêng street is a prime destination. Locals frequent Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa for its substantial sandwiches, which include a rich variety of ingredients packed into each crispy baguette. It is an ideal stop for a hearty, authentic snack or a quick meal in District 1.

Trip Moito · curator · Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa

Arrive early to experience this popular spot. Order the bánh mì sandwich. It features multiple cold cuts, pâté, and fresh pickled vegetables.

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06

Begin your shopping excursion at Rue Miche Boutique.

Rue Miche Boutique

Film Photography · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

10:00–21:30 daily +84 904260842

Rue Miche Boutique is a multi-brand concept store on Phùng Khắc Khoan in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The store showcases contemporary Vietnamese fashion and lifestyle brands. It occupies a restored French colonial villa originally built in 1952. The space spans more than 700 square meters across four floors. Each floor presents a different experience for visitors.

The boutique curates a collection of over 25 independent local brands. The selection includes clothing, accessories, and other lifestyle products. Featured designers and brands include Lartique, victomofthePRIME, and Maison Meng. The store’s mission is to provide a physical retail space for Vietnamese designers to gain visibility. It aims to connect consumers with high-quality, locally designed products.

The interior design blends modern aesthetics with traditional Vietnamese elements. Details such as screens and bamboo litters appear in a contemporary context. The boutique functions as a retail and cultural hub. It was founded by a group of young entrepreneurs to celebrate local creativity. The store officially opened on November 12, 2024.

Rue Miche Boutique offers a curated shopping experience. The space arranges brands into distinct areas, allowing for focused browsing. It serves a clientele interested in avant-garde fashion and Vietnamese heritage. The venue is part of a growing trend of fashion complexes in the city. These complexes bring multiple Vietnamese brands together in one location.

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9B Phùng Khắc Khoan, Đa Kao, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

1 insider tip

Sol Life · curator · Rue Miche Boutique

This boutique offers unique designs and cuts. It is considered a well-curated shopping spot in Saigon.

07

From there, discover jewelry at Deeritage – Vintage Jewelry.

Deeritage – Vintage Jewelry

Film Photography · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

09:30–22:00 daily +84 946 224 495

Deeritage – Vintage Jewelry is a vintage accessories shop on Trần Quý Khoách in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The store specializes in a large, curated collection of vintage and antique jewelry pieces. It sits down a small alley, a short walk from the Tân Định Church. The shop’s extensive inventory includes rings, brooches, necklaces, and watches.

The collection features a significant number of items for sale. The shop stocks approximately 2,000 different rings. It also carries around 400 distinct brooches. Some pieces in the collection are unique, bearing engravings from previous owners. These marks sometimes include names, dates, or personal messages, reflecting the items’ history. The selection appeals to collectors and individuals seeking one-of-a-kind accessories.

Beyond jewelry, Deeritage offers a range of other vintage goods. The store sells classic timepieces and various retro home decor items. The shop provides services to adjust certain pieces for customers. Staff can resize or alter the length of bangles and necklaces after a purchase. This service ensures a better fit for the wearer. The interior of the shop is arranged to display the wide variety of items available.

The shop presents its collection as a treasure trove for shoppers. Each item is sourced for its specific aesthetic and historical value. The assortment of goods provides a diverse selection for patrons interested in past design eras. The store maintains a consistent focus on items with a distinct history and character, from small accessories to larger decorative objects.

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18/4 Trần Quý Khoách, Tân Định, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

2 insider tips

Mei Time · curator · Deeritage – Vintage Jewelry

This secondhand vintage jewelry shop is popular on social media. It has a cozy atmosphere and offers many cute items. It is a good spot for unique finds.

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08

Next, explore shoes and bags at waa. studios.

waa. studios

Film Photography · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

09:30–21:30 daily +84898797179

waa. studios is a gender-neutral accessories brand with a flagship store on Đặng Thị Nhu street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The brand designs and sells a range of accessories, including leather shoes, bags, and other small leather goods. Three partners founded the brand in January 2021. The store presents a collection of items intended to be versatile and understated.

The brand’s product line focuses on minimalist aesthetics and what it terms “quiet confidence.” All pieces are designed to be gender-neutral. The company works directly with a small group of local artisans and workshops in Vietnam for its production. This collaboration involves traditional craftspeople with extensive experience. The brand states it aims to blend this heritage with fresh design perspectives.

The physical store is the brand’s first retail location. It opened on September 25, 2022. The space allows customers to see and handle products in person. The interior design reflects the brand’s minimalist visual identity. It is located a short walk from Bến Thành Market, on a street known for housing other local fashion brands. The shop maintains a calm and organized atmosphere for visitors.

The collection includes footwear, various styles of bags, and other accessories. Products are crafted to be integrated into daily life. The brand emphasizes mindful creation and consumption. The physical store complements its online presence. It serves as a direct point of contact between the brand and its customers in the city center.

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38 Đặng Thị Nhu, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 702003, Vietnam

1 insider tip

Sol Life · curator · waa. studios

This store features cool pieces for shoes and bags. It is a good place to find unique accessories.

09

Visit Forward Perfume for unique fragrances.

Forward Perfume

Film Photography · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Forward Perfume is a Vietnamese artisan fragrance house on Tôn Thất Thiệp in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The brand creates niche perfumes that interpret Vietnamese culture and mythology. Founder Jay Madox designs the fragrances and packaging in-house. The store operates from a space within an apartment building.

The brand organizes its scents into distinct narrative collections. One collection centers on the animals of the Vietnamese zodiac. Another collection, Trà, interprets the country’s tea traditions. The Signature Artisan collection features other unique compositions. Fragrances draw on native Vietnamese ingredients like agarwood, jasmine, and green tea. The founder also creates tinctures from flowers and spices in his lab.

Each perfume is developed to represent a specific story or feeling. The brand’s philosophy is articulated as “Slower. Deeper. Faster.” Production quantities are kept small to maintain quality control. The house presents its fragrances in varied bottle sizes. It also offers customized packaging options, including signature leather wraps for certain bottle sizes. The brand also produces a line of Bát Tràng ceramic candles.

Forward Perfume is an independent fragrance brand. It aims to connect heritage with contemporary artistry. The scents are formulated to evoke memory and cultural narratives. The brand also offers scent workshops for customers. It has gained recognition on social media for its unique concepts. The entire creative process, from story to formulation, is handled internally.

Open in Google Maps ↗

42 Tôn Thất Thiệp, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

1 insider tip

Sol Life · curator · Forward Perfume

This shop, located in an apartment complex, offers unique scents. The packaging is pretty. The staff are knowledgeable, and candle cups are reusable.

10

Head to Ho Chi Minh City Book Street for literature and souvenirs.

Ho Chi Minh City Book Street

Landmark · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

08:00–21:00 (Monday-Friday), 08:00–21:30 (Saturday-Sunday)

Ho Chi Minh City Book Street sits on Nguyễn Văn Bình Street in District 1. This cultural space welcomes only pedestrians. The street stretches about 140 meters. It functions as an open-air center for literature. The street officially opened on January 9, 2016. It neighbors two city landmarks. Visitors find the Saigon Central Post Office here. The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon also sits nearby. No vehicles access the street.

The street features over 20 book stalls. Many of Vietnam’s major publishing houses operate these shops. These include Kim Đồng Publishing House and Nhã Nam. The Ho Chi Minh City General Publishing House also has a presence. The book selections offer diverse Vietnamese genres. Some shops also provide titles in foreign languages. These languages include English and French. Vendors also sell stationery and souvenirs.

Several small cafés line the street. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating. Establishments like Phuong Nam Book Cafe and Dep Cafe provide reading spaces. The street’s design incorporates green spaces. Large trees offer shade over wooden benches. The area regularly hosts cultural events. These events include book launches. Author signings and exhibitions also take place here. The street nurtures a public reading culture.

Historically, the street had many names. Locals called it Hongkong Street during French rule. It became Cardis in 1897. Then it was Nguyễn Hậu in 1955. The city adopted Nguyễn Văn Bình in 2000. Its transformation into a book street created a distinct cultural destination. It attracts local residents and international visitors.

Open in Google Maps ↗

Đường Nguyễn Văn Bình, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

4 insider tips

Sol Life · curator · Ho Chi Minh City Book Street

This street is near the post office. It features many small bookstores. You can find a wide range of Vietnamese literature, postcards, and notebooks.

losterah · curator · Ho Chi Minh City Book Street

This street offers a calm break from city traffic. It is lined with bookstores, cafes, and souvenir shops. The street is small, so you can see it in about an hour.

Trip Moito · curator · Ho Chi Minh City Book Street

Explore this pedestrian walkway. It is lined with bookstores and cafes. This street connects the city's colonial past with modern Vietnamese culture.

Mei Time · curator · Ho Chi Minh City Book Street

This walking street is in the city center and is lined with bookstores. It is clean and shaded by trees. You can find English books and unique editions here.

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11

Walk to the Saigon Central Post Office, a historic landmark.

Saigon Central Post Office

Landmark · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

07:00–19:00 daily +842838221677

Saigon Central Post Office offers full postal services. This historic building sits on Công xã Paris Square. It is located in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The building stands opposite the Notre Dame Cathedral. Construction happened from 1886 to 1891. This was during the French colonial period. Its architecture blends Gothic, Renaissance, and French colonial styles. It serves both locals and tourists. The post office functions as a tourist attraction.

The exterior displays a large clock. It sits prominently on the main facade. Bright yellow walls feature green-shuttered windows. The building’s front lists names of French inventors. These include Benjamin Franklin and Alessandro Volta. Many attribute the design to Gustave Eiffel. However, records also credit French architect Alfred Foulhoux. His associate Auguste-Henri Villedieu also contributed. The structure became French Indochina’s main communication hub.

Inside, the main hall features a high, vaulted ceiling. Exposed ironwork is visible. The structure evokes a 19th-century European railway station. Ornate, patterned tile floors cover the grand interior. Original wooden telephone booths remain. A large Ho Chi Minh portrait hangs at the hall’s end. Two large, hand-painted maps adorn the walls. One map shows Southern Vietnam and Cambodia’s 1936 telegraph lines. The other depicts Saigon and its 1892 surroundings.

The post office continues its role in city life. Service counters line the main hall. Staff handle mail and parcels there. Visitors buy stamps and send international postcards. The building also houses souvenir stalls. It provides areas for public services. Its central location makes it a focal point. Visitors explore the area’s historical landmarks from here.

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2 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

3 insider tips

Sol Life · curator · Saigon Central Post Office

This building remains a functioning post office. Purchase postcards and souvenirs here. You can mail items on the spot for a special memory.

Trip Moito · curator · Saigon Central Post Office

Note the building's design by French architect Marie Alfred Foulhoux. Admire the high arch ceilings and Victorian-era wooden phone booths.

Mei Time · curator · Saigon Central Post Office

This French colonial building features various architectural influences. The high, airy dome provides a comfortable experience. You can send postcards or buy souvenirs.

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12

Find handcrafted gifts at LaMay – Authentic Handcrafted Vietnam Gifts & Souvenirs.

LaMay – Authentic Handcrafted Vietnam Gifts & Souvenirs

Film Photography · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

LaMay – Authentic Handcrafted Vietnam Gifts & Souvenirs is a gift shop on Thi Sách street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The store offers a curated collection of items made by Vietnamese artisans. It focuses on traditional crafts and materials sourced locally. The selection represents various forms of Vietnamese artistic heritage.

The shop features a range of lacquerware products. These items include decorative boxes, bowls, and trays. Artisans apply multiple layers of lacquer to create a glossy, durable finish. Many pieces display intricate, hand-painted motifs inspired by nature or daily life. The store also presents a collection of ceramics, reflecting styles from traditional pottery villages. These ceramic pieces range from functional tableware to decorative vases.

Textiles are a significant part of the inventory at LaMay. The shop sells silk scarves, embroidered pictures, and other fabric-based crafts. These items showcase traditional weaving and needlework techniques. Products made from bamboo and wood are also available. This selection includes woven baskets, utensils, and small home decor items. Each product highlights sustainable and natural materials.

The store provides a retail space for authentic, locally made goods. It avoids mass-produced souvenirs in favor of unique, handcrafted pieces. The items connect to the cultural traditions of different regions in Vietnam. The shop is located a short distance from the Saigon River and the city’s central business area.

Open in Google Maps ↗

15 Thi Sách, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

1 insider tip
13

Cross to the east side of HCMC for Trốn Cà Phê – Thảo Điền.

Trốn Cà Phê – Thảo Điền

Coffee · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

07:00–17:00 daily 0902494593

Trốn Cà Phê sits on Đường Số 47. This street is in Thảo Điền ward. Thảo Điền is part of Thủ Đức City. Ho Chi Minh City locals find this coffee shop there. The cafe embraces a minimalist design. Its interior space features simple, clean lines. An outdoor garden offers more seating. The venue highlights specialty coffee and tea drinks.

The beverage selection includes many cold brew coffees. Patrons enjoy Cold Brew Lemon. They also like Cold Brew Orange. Cold Brew Flower is another popular choice. The menu lists several matcha-based drinks. These include the standard Matcha Latte. Dirty Matcha is available. The signature Matcha Me is also a favorite. The cafe serves traditional Vietnamese coffee. Bạc xỉu is a popular option.

Trốn Cà Phê offers non-coffee choices. Guests can order kombucha. Freshly baked pastries are also on the menu. The interior space is compact. Its design uses simple, deliberate details. The atmosphere remains calm and quiet. This makes the space ideal for work. It also suits focused conversations.

The cafe is on a Thảo Điền side street. This neighborhood ranks among areas with many cafes. It also has many restaurants. International residents populate the area. Beverage prices fall into the city’s mid-to-high range.

Open in Google Maps ↗

1 Đường số 47, Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

2 insider tips

Mr.Pin · curator · Trốn Cà Phê – Thảo Điền

Trốn Cà Phê, located on Đường Số 47 in Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức City, offers a peaceful environment defined by its minimalist design. The uncluttered interior spaces are conducive to quiet contemplation or focused work. This cafe provides a tranquil setting away from the city's bustle, perfect for a relaxed coffee break.

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14

Nearby, explore lifestyle items at objoff.

objoff

Film Photography · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

11:00–21:00 daily

Objoff is a creative space and concept store on Street 4 in Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức City, Ho Chi Minh City. The venue combines a retail store with an in-house café. It stocks a curated selection of local Vietnamese fashion brands. The store also sells accessories, art objects, and other trinkets.

The retail space occupies two floors within the building. The ground floor often features thrifted and secondhand items. The upper floor showcases clothing from contemporary Vietnamese designers. The collections frequently appeal to shoppers interested in modern and Y2K fashion aesthetics. The store presents a mix of emerging and established local labels.

The integrated café offers a range of beverages. It provides a space for shoppers to pause during their visit. The venue has an outdoor seating area available for café patrons. The interior design of the space is a notable feature, often described as a cool and creative environment. The store is located down a small alley, or hẻm, off the main street.

Objoff functions as a destination for discovering local design talent. It brings together various independent brands under one roof. The product selection changes over time, reflecting current local trends. The space supports the city’s independent fashion and creative scene. It serves both as a retail outlet and a gathering spot.

Open in Google Maps ↗

73 Hẻm 4, Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

1 insider tip

Sol Life · curator · objoff

This shop offers fun items and cool designs. Look for cute coffee cups and unique presents. The store has many appealing products.

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Discover Vietnamese designers at OHQUAO Living etc.

OHQUAO Living etc.

Film Photography · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

10:00–20:00 daily 0708337556

OHQUAO Living etc. sits on Street 38 in Thảo Điền. This gift store is in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City. The shop showcases products from Vietnamese brands and artists. It focuses on home living and decoration items. This branch caters to the Thảo Điền neighborhood. Its collection includes home decor and furniture. Shoppers also find lifestyle goods here. Simon Phan and Hoa Phạm founded the brand in 2017.

The store presents a curated selection of local products. It carries stationery, ceramics, and apparel. Original art fills its shelves. The company works with over 100 local brands. Products reflect contemporary Vietnamese design. Items range from small gifts to larger home pieces. The brand started with paper goods. It then expanded its collection. The founders aimed to offer modern, locally designed souvenirs.

The Thảo Điền space offers a calm shopping environment. It emphasizes home-focused items. This product mix targets District 2’s large expat community. Many families live in the area. The store stocks boardgames and art prints. It also carries textiles. Shoppers find scented products like candles here. Essential oils are also available. The interior helps visitors discover various Vietnamese brands.

OHQUAO began with local markets. It also participated in pop-up events. The first permanent store opened in 2020. The name OHQUAO is a Vietnamized version of “Oh, wow!”. The brand represents modern Vietnamese creativity. It highlights contemporary design. It also champions local talent. The store offers an alternative to traditional souvenirs.

Open in Google Maps ↗

19 Đường Số 38, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

1 insider tip

Sol Life · curator · OHQUAO Living etc.

This store features a good selection of local designers. It is known for a silver jewelry brand. Many cool items are available.

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Continue your shopping at TuHu Ceramics.

TuHu Ceramics

Film Photography · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

09:00–18:00 daily +84 349 096 060

TuHu Ceramics operates a showroom and store. It sits on Nguyễn Ư Dĩ street in Thảo Điền, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City. This brand specializes in handcrafted household ceramics. It reinterprets traditional southern Vietnamese stoneware. Founder Lê Thị Hiền established the brand in 2017. Designs infuse contemporary styles into historic pottery traditions. These include Sông Bé and Lái Thiêu.

Collections feature tableware, plates, bowls, and cups. Vases and decorative items are also available. Artisans handcraft each piece. They focus on preserving traditional techniques. They adapt forms for modern living. The brand’s first collection, ‘The color is blue,’ highlights a common historic color. TuHu Ceramics uses unique southern Vietnamese clay. This gives pieces a distinct undertone.

The showroom occupies a quiet area of Thảo Điền. It displays products on vintage dressers and bookcases. This creates a warm, homely setting. The store sometimes features items from other local artisans. The brand also offers custom-made tableware concepts for restaurants. It works with them to create unique pieces. These align with their interior design and menu.

TuHu Ceramics supports the local artisan community. It preserves Vietnamese craft heritage. The brand commits to improving ceramic workers’ quality of life. It also focuses on sustainable practices. TuHu considers environmental impact in material selection. It also considers manufacturing processes. The name ‘TuHu’ comes from a Vietnamese songbird. This reflects the brand’s concept. It borrows from tradition to create new items.

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11/4 Nguyễn Ư Dĩ, Thảo Điền, District 2, Hồ Chí Minh City, Vietnam

1 insider tip

Sol Life · curator · TuHu Ceramics

This shop sells beautiful ceramics with subtle and earthy colors. Prices are reasonable. Consider buying a unique cup.

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Conclude your journey at Ben Thanh Market, one of the city's largest markets.

Ben Thanh Market

Landmark · District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

06:00–18:00 daily

Ben Thanh Market offers a historic central market experience. It sits on Lê Lợi Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. This market building ranks among the city’s earliest surviving structures. Visitors recognize it by its large clock tower at the main entrance. The market spans a 13,000-square-meter space. It occupies a major traffic intersection. Four main gates open onto different streets. Twelve sub-entrances also welcome visitors.

The current market building dates back to 1914. French contractors Brossard et Maupin completed its construction. This structure replaced an earlier market. Fire destroyed the previous market in 1870. The building saw a major renovation in 1985. Workers preserved its original French colonial architecture. The market’s name connects to the city’s past. ‘Bến’ means wharf and ‘Thành’ means citadel. This name references an old riverside market. That market once sat near the former Gia Định Citadel.

Inside, nearly 1,500 stalls sell a wide range of goods. The market splits into distinct zones for various products. Stalls offer textiles, áo dài, clothing, and handicrafts. They also sell souvenirs. Other sections focus on fresh produce, meats, dried foods, coffee, and spices. A dedicated food court area serves Vietnamese dishes. The South Gate on Lê Lợi Street leads to textiles and dried goods. The North Gate on Lê Thánh Tôn Street features fresh produce and flowers. The East Gate on Phan Bội Châu Street has cosmetics. The West Gate on Phan Chu Trinh Street sells shoes and souvenirs.

After the main building closes, a night market operates. It opens on the surrounding streets. Outdoor stalls and food vendors open from evening until late. These vendors sell clothing, souvenirs, and street food. The night market creates a different atmosphere. It differs from the daytime operations inside the main hall. The market serves as a major hub for city buses. It sits adjacent to the Ben Thanh metro station.

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Đ. Lê Lợi, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

2 insider tips

Sol Life · curator · Ben Thanh Market

This market houses thousands of stalls. You can find clothes, accessories, and fresh produce. It offers a lively atmosphere for browsing.

Trip Moito · curator · Ben Thanh Market

This famous market is touristy yet functional. It offers a wide variety of Vietnamese goods. Look for food, handicrafts, and textiles.

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