Near Hotel

Things to Do Near Mai House Saigon Hotel

By The Soft Opening ·
Mai House Saigon Hotel, Saigon - PinGuide

Guests at Mai House Saigon Hotel sit on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street in District 3, near District 1. However, they are far enough that most default to a Grab ride downtown. The hotel actually sits inside a dense pocket of Tu Xuong, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia and Tran Quang Dieu addresses. This means you can walk to your coffee, dinner and evening drinks without ever touching a car door. Pavements here are usable, though they are regularly crowded with parked motorbikes, so a steady pace is required. Still, the neighbourhood rewards those on foot. It has an exceptional concentration of things to do near Mai House Saigon Hotel. Here are the category-by-category picks.

Mai House Saigon itself occupies a commanding position on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street. It is housed in a striking French-Indochinese building that opened in 2019. It serves as an ideal base for exploring District 3.

Coffee

Every Half Coffee Roasters Tu Xuong

Morning coffee within five minutes of the hotel begins at Every Half Coffee Roasters. Founded in 2021, this Tu Xuong branch features an operational on-site roaster. Visitors can watch the daily roasting process directly from the seating areas. The cafe occupies a quiet residential plot with an open garden courtyard shaded by mature leafy trees. An enclosed indoor room offers air conditioning and individual work tables with electrical outlets, making it the preferred choice for a laptop morning.

Là Việt Coffee

A short walk further down Tu Xuong brings you to Là Việt Coffee, which operates inside a two-story white villa set back from the street. Established in 2013 by Tran Nhat Quang, the brand focuses on a tree-to-cup philosophy. It uses high-quality Arabica beans sourced from the Dalat region. It serves traditional Vietnamese phin coffee alongside pour-overs, espresso, and creative signature drinks like Phở Coffee infused with cinnamon and star anise.

Opening daily from 07:00 to 22:00, the bright, glass-fronted interior features light color schemes and wooden furniture.

XLIII Specialty Coffee

Visitors who want a third-wave pour-over rather than a traditional Vietnamese ca phe sua da should make the slightly longer walk over to Pasteur Street. XLIII Specialty Coffee occupies a minimalist, black-and-white three-story building. It is defined by a glossy black facade and a large central terrarium on the ground floor. Formerly known as 43 Factory Coffee Roaster, the shop focuses on lightly roasted single-origin Arabica beans sourced from international regions. The philosophy centers on transparency and preserving the coffee fruit’s original taste. That is why the baristas do not use sweeteners in their coffee.

The Melbourne Cafe

A short walk from the hotel on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street brings you to The Melbourne Cafe. This Australian-style brunch spot serves all-day breakfast alongside specialty coffees like flat whites, coconut coffee, and salt coffee. The kitchen prepares dishes such as Eggs Benedict, smashed avocado on sourdough, and Aussie burgers.

Operating daily from 07:00 to 21:30, the casual interior also sells imported Australian snacks like Tim Tams.

Au Parc Café

A short stroll away on Han Thuyên Street, Au Parc Café occupies a preserved colonial-era building opposite April 30th Park. It serves a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern menu. This features dishes like shakshouka, beef kofta kebabs, and various mezze platters with hummus and baba ghanouj. The kitchen makes many items in-house, including multiple types of bread, pastries, and falafel.

Open daily from 07:30 to 23:00, the multi-level venue provides indoor and outdoor seating with park views.

Dining

Cuc Gach Restaurant

Traditional countryside cuisine in a restored French colonial house makes Cuc Gach Restaurant a compelling dinner option. Opened in 2009 by architect Tran Binh, the restaurant recreates a traditional Vietnamese family home atmosphere. It spans two buildings alongside a small koi pond and lush plants. The kitchen actively avoids MSG or chemical preservatives, using fresh produce from its own farm. Signature dishes include thịt kho tộ, đậu hũ chiên sả ớt, and canh chua cá hú. Booking ahead is wise given its Michelin Bib Gourmand status.

Quan Bui

Quan Bui on Le Thanh Ton offers a broad selection of classic home-style dishes from Vietnam’s northern, central, and southern regions. Occupying a multi-story building near Ben Thanh Market, the interior evokes an Indochine aesthetic. It features dark wood, yellow walls, and decorative lanterns. Diners frequently order the Quan Bui style Platter of Wraps and Rolls, braised pork with coconut, and fried seabass. Reservations are recommended for balcony seating overlooking the market activity.

Mặn Mòi, Tao Đàn

Located near Tao Dan Park on Vo Van Tan, Mặn Mòi serves traditional home-style cuisine within a calm setting that combines simple wooden furniture with an outdoor courtyard garden. The kitchen prepares family-recipe regional specialties, including papaya salad with fermented sour shrimp and grilled pork jowl. The Bib Gourmand recognition reflects the quality, and the space accommodates solo diners and large families alike. Booking ahead is recommended for courtyard tables during peak dinner hours.

Propaganda Vietnamese Bistro

Propaganda Vietnamese Bistro sits right across from April 30th Park on Han Thuyên Street. The modern eatery features bold, colorful murals inspired by Vietnamese propaganda art across its walls. The menu highlights shareable home-style plates like fresh spring rolls, noodle salads, banh mi, and crunchy tri-colored rice. Doors open daily from breakfast through late evening.

Bars

Drinking & Healing

Drinking & Healing occupies the second floor of a colonial-era building on Ho Tung Mau Street that is reported to be over 150 years old. Operating with a concept of bartenders as healers, the speakeasy features exposed brickwork and industrial lighting. It has small balconies offering views of the Bitexco Financial Tower. The menu focuses on classic cocktails, bespoke creations, and drinks utilizing local Vietnamese ingredients. It also features barrel-aged options like the Vieux Carré and the Dalat bourbon.

Doors open at 17:00, making it an excellent post-dinner stop.

Angels’ Share

Situated on Pasteur Street, Angels’ Share focuses on a large collection of rare and whisky-forward bottles from Scotland, Japan, and the United States. Its interior features a stepped ceiling and a blue dome inspired by Hieronymus Bosch. It occupies the upper floor of a French colonial building.

The drink menu lists classic cocktails like the Penicillin, Whisky Sour, and Manhattan alongside spirits, welcoming guests daily from 18:00.

House of Merlin

House of Merlin occupies a small alley off Pasteur Street with a steampunk design concept featuring 19th-century industrial aesthetics and a 200kg hanging globe. The bar specializes in aged rums and signature cocktails utilizing local Vietnamese ingredients alongside 20 classic options.

Guests can also order Asian-inspired bar snacks and handmade sourdough pizzas with toppings like bò lá lốt until midnight, while the bar stays open until 01:00.

Sights

War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum on Vo Van Tan Street documents the Vietnam War through a comprehensive collection of photographs and artifacts. Its outdoor courtyard displays large military hardware, including an F-5A fighter jet, a UH-1 helicopter, and an M48 Patton tank.

The museum is open daily from 07:30 to 17:30.

Shopping

Trần Quang Diệu Street Fashion Street

Tran Quang Dieu Street in District 3 functions as a prominent shopping destination for independent Vietnamese fashion boutiques and contemporary streetwear labels. The two-lane corridor features storefronts like SWE, Miều Fashionista, Happy Zoo Store, KIDO Studiowear, and 3 Boutique. Individual boutique hours vary, and retail activity typically peaks in the afternoons and evenings.

RECHIC LÊ VĂN SỸ

RECHIC LÊ VĂN SỸ showcases contemporary womenswear from the Vietnamese designer label along one of the city’s busiest shopping corridors. The inventory focuses on structured blazers, tailored trousers, A-line skirts, delicate blouses, and cocktail dresses. The boutique features neutral walls, stainless steel racks, and dedicated fitting rooms. Staff are available to assist with sizing.

Morra Perfume Experience Center

Morra Perfume Experience Center on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street offers guided fragrance workshops where visitors can blend their own signature scents. The center sources ingredients from international houses adhering to IFRA standards. Guests can customise their perfume bottles and select laser-engraved metal labels on-site.

Co.opmart

Co.opmart on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street operates as a multi-level supermarket stocking fresh produce, household goods, and local groceries. Opened in 1996, this location holds historical significance as the first modern supermarket launched by Saigon Co-op. It provides a convenient stop for travelers looking to pick up shelf-stable souvenirs such as instant noodles, mung bean cakes, and regional coffee brands with fixed pricing.

Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market offers a historic central market experience on Le Loi Street in District 1. Recognized by its large clock tower, the market spans 13,000 square meters. It dates back to its 1914 French colonial construction. Nearly 1,500 stalls sell textiles, áo dài, clothing, handicrafts, and fresh produce.

Operating daily from 06:00 to 18:00, the market provides a classic destination for picking up local souvenirs.

A single day on foot from the hotel door begins with morning coffee at Every Half Coffee Roasters on Tu Xuong at 08:30, followed by a walk to Tran Quang Diệu and Le Van Sy for fashion shopping. Afterwards, walk over to XLIII Specialty Coffee on Pasteur for an afternoon filter brew at 14:00. Enjoy dinner at Cuc Gach Restaurant or Mặn Mòi at 18:30. Finish the night with a cocktail at Drinking & Healing by 21:30.

Frequently asked questions

Are the coffee shops and restaurants near Mai House Saigon Hotel within walking distance?

Yes, venues like Every Half Coffee Roasters, Là Việt Coffee, and Mặn Mòi are located within a short 5 to 10 minute walk from Mai House Saigon Hotel, though some shopping spots require a longer walk or a quick ride.

Do the venues near Mai House Saigon Hotel accept credit cards?

Payment methods vary by establishment, as some specialty cafes like Every Half operate strictly cashless, while larger restaurants and supermarkets accept standard cards and digital payments.

Is advance booking required for restaurants near the hotel?

Booking ahead is recommended for popular Michelin Bib Gourmand spots like Cuc Gach Restaurant and Mặn Mòi, especially during peak dinner hours.

What are the typical opening hours for bars near Mai House Saigon Hotel?

Cocktail bars like Drinking & Healing open in the late afternoon around 17:00 and stay open past midnight, while live music venues like Acoustic Bar operate from 19:00 to midnight.

Can I buy local coffee and souvenirs near Mai House Saigon Hotel?

Yes, Co.opmart on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street offers shelf-stable local souvenirs including instant noodles, ground coffee, and mung bean cakes with fixed pricing.

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