Even though there are so many cafe options, travelers still ask for some recommendations. So here is a list that has narrowed down the thousands of cafes in the city of Saigon to just nine. It excludes those well-known brands such as Trung Nguyen, Phuc Long, and the Coffee House. Despite their delicious coffee and awesome environment, they can get a bit crowded as they are popular. If you just want to find a place to relax with a book and a cuppa, then this list is definitely for you.

Here are our favorite cafes in Saigon. We recommend these not just for the taste of the coffee but also for the ambiance and environment. It doesn’t matter if you drink coffee or not – you’ll just want to go and chill or take that perfect Instagram snap.

Thinker & Dreamer

Located in the 42 Nguyen Hue building, this coffee shop was created by one of Saigon’s most popular photographers. That being said, Thinker & Dreamer is a stunning artistic space that completely stands out from other coffee shops in the same building.

It is the ideal space to think, relax, and even daydream. The coffee shop is quite small, but its layout is neat and airy. Besides coffee, you can also order a slice of cake or tea. The signature dish is their flowerpot cakes. Almost every dish on the menu looks as good as it tastes!

Address: Fourth floor, 42 Nguyen Hue street, District 1
Price: 50,000 Vietnamese Dong
Hours: 9 AM – 10 PM
Contact: Facebook page

The New Thinker & Dreamer

In addition to the Thinker & Dreamer located in the Nguyen Hue apartment building, this coffee shop has just opened a new branch aptly named The New Thinker & Dreamer. The new branch was inspired by the Saigon of 1975. Expect the same attention to simplicity and calming white walls with nostalgic wood chairs. What people remember about this shop is its quiet atmosphere, isolated from the crowded, cramped city.

Thinker & Dreamer’s specialties have always been their coffees and cakes. This is a indispensable space for you to relax with your friends and take some pretty photos.

Address: 26B Le Loi street, Ben Nghe ward, District 1
Price: 45,000 – 70,000 VND
Hours: 9 AM – 10 PM
Contact: Facebook page

The 1985 Cafe

The 1985 Cafe is a place where you can comfortably chat with friends and family, put aside the chaos of life, relax beside a cup of tea and your favorite cake, or you can simply sit and read a good book that you found somewhere in the shop.

Inspired by Japanese menus, this intimate cafe offers teas, cakes, and other dishes resonant of the Land of the Rising Sun. With a beautifully crafted pastry at hand, one can’t help but admire the overall artistry of the space.

The downside: the prices are a bit higher compared to other places on the list. But rest assured, the price is worth the experience. The perfect time to visit The 1985 Cafe is between 3 to 5 PM, with sunlight basking the interior in rays of glittering light.

Address: 223/2K Pham Viet Chanh Street, District 1
Price: 50,000 VND
Hours: 9 AM – 10 PM
Contact: Facebook page

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