Let’s talk about the best cafes in Ho Chi Minh. There’s an incredible cafe culture in Vietnam, and coffee is a BIG DEAL! I spent 6 weeks in Vietnam’s biggest city, and having many excellent options for my daily dose of caffeine was a huge plus.
As a digital nomad, having so many laptop-friendly cafes in Ho Chi Minh was also beneficial. I was never short of a great cafe to work from as there’s a great mixture of larger chain coffee houses and independent cafes to be found all over the city.
Best Cafes and Coffee Shops in Ho Chi Minh
Price is rarely a factor as most cafes are so cheap, but I considered other factors including WiFi, food choices, location, and overall experience carefully when finalizing my list of the 15 best cafes in Ho Chi Minh City.
1. The Old Compass Cafe and Bar (Best Cafe in Ho Chi Minh Overall)
In the heart of HCMC’s District 1, The Old Compass Cafe and Bar is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. It’s located down a nondescript alleyway and situated on the third floor – it’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it.
As it’s slightly removed from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets, The Old Compass feels like a little sanctuary. The vibe is tranquil and calming and the decor blends traditional Vietnamese features with some modern sleek touches.
As the name suggests, The Old Compass Cafe and Bar is a great place to see out your daily coffee requirements before seamlessly merging into cocktail hour. It also has a terrific all-day food menu!
The Old Compass Cafe and Bar Information
Address: 3rd Floor, 63/11 Pasteur, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC
Phone: +842838232969
Operating Hours: 9 am – 9 pm Sun – Thurs. 9 am – 10 pm Fri & Sat.
Must-Try Items: If you like your brew strong, try a Vietnamese coffee straight up, iced or hot, and without milk – it’ll blow your socks off. The Old Compass Healthy Breakfast is a delicious way to start any day.
Average Cost: $2 – $3 for coffee, $3 – $10 breakfast and lunch options, $3 – $5 snacks and desserts
Website: oldcompasscafe.com
2. The Dreamers Dessert Bar (Best Sweets)
If you’re often tempted by a sweet treat with your coffee, then look no further than The Dreamers Dessert Bar. It quickly became my go-to cafe in Ho Chi Minh when I was craving something a little indulgent.
This place serves up some of the fanciest cakes in the city; some of which look too good to ever eat! It’s not all sweet stuff though, the coffee is very good too.
The open-air, street-facing balcony is a lovely place to sit and people-watch and it’s also a nice environment to set up a laptop and knock out a few hours of work. I find I’m surprisingly productive after a strong Vietnamese coffee and a fancy cake.
The Dreamers Dessert Bar Information
Address: 15 Han Thuyen St, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: +84985033333
Operating Hours: 9 am – 9 pm Mon – Sun.
Must-Try Items: I’m a big fan of the macarons. If you’ve only got one shot at a cake, opt for ‘The Lady’ – it’s almost too pretty to eat.
Average Cost: $2 – $3 coffees, $1.50 – $5 cakes and sweet treats, $4 – $5 smoothies.
Website: thedreamersdessertbar.com
3. Bibli Library Cafe (Best Remote Working Spot)
One of the best cafes to work from in Ho Chi Minh is Bibli Library Cafe. As a digital nomad, finding good remote working spots is very important and I’ve clocked up many work hours on the second floor of Bibli.
As the name suggests, this popular, centrally located cafe is also a small library with a designated reading/quiet area upstairs. There’s also a range of books in international languages to peruse, borrow, or purchase. The WiFi is free for all customers and is reliable enough for emails and general laptop work.
The food is very good too, so if you plan to work here, why not make a day of it and stay for lunch? They serve some excellent salads and delicious pasta dishes at prices that are tough to beat at any other HCMC cafe.
Bibli Library Cafe Information
Address: 42/5 Ho Hao Hon Street, Co Giang Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: +84769900006
Operating Hours: 8am – 10pm Mon – Sun.
Must-Try Items: Set up your laptop for a morning of uninterrupted work and enjoy excellent coffee and food choices on tap. The Tunakale salad is a delicious!
Average Cost: $2 – $3 coffees, $3 – $4 lunch and dinner plates, $3 – $4 smoothies.
Website: Facebook.com/bibli.librarycafe
4. Beanthere Cafe (Best Patio)
Beanthere Cafe is another excellent option. It’s situated next door to Bibli Library Cafe, so if you fancy a change of scenery mid-shift, it’s easy to relocate quickly.
This place has a wonderful outdoor patio and seating area which creates a tranquil ambiance amidst the backdrop of the lively surrounding cityscape. The lush greenery and colorful flowers also make it feel like a botanical garden.
There are ample tables and power sockets, as well as good, free WiFi here, and a menu of all-day breakfasts, Vietnamese dishes, and salads to enjoy with a decent range of coffees, teas, and smoothies.
Beenthere Cafe Information
Address: 42 Ho Hao Hon Street, Co Giang Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 70000
Phone: +84987168584
Operating Hours: 8am – 10pm Mon – Sun.
Must-Try Items: I enjoyed the seafood spring rolls, as they’re so tasty. They also offer an interesting selection of juices that claim to help with depression, indigestion, and weight loss.
Average Cost: $2 – $3.50 coffees, $3 – $6 breakfast, lunch, and dinner mains, $2 – $3 juices and smoothies.
Website: Facebook.com/nowherebutbeanthere
5. Highlands Coffee at Landmark 81 (Best Location)
Highlands Coffee spots are everywhere in Ho Chi Minh as it’s one of the biggest chains of coffee shops in Vietnam. They’ve often come in handy for me at just the right moment with a wide selection of affordable food and coffee options, along with free WiFi and air conditioning to escape the city heat.
My personal favorite Highlands Coffee spot is at the iconic Landmark 81 building which is the tallest building in Vietnam and 18th tallest in the world. Although the cafe is on the ground floor, the whole area screams business and success.
After the working day is done, be sure to take the elevator to the 76th floor and have a cocktail at Blank Lounge. It has the city’s most incredible view, particularly as the sun sets and the streets below light up. It’s the perfect way to end a productive day.
Highlands Coffee Information
Address: Vinhomes Central Park, Bình Thạnh, Ho Chi Minh City
Operating Hours: 10 am – 9 pm Mon-Fri. 9.30 am – 9 pm Sat & Sun.
Must-Try Items: Enjoy all your favorite coffee concoctions from here. If you’re feeling adventurous, try some of the specialty drink options like PhinDi Choco – iced chocolate coffee, or Tra Sen Vang – tea with lotus seeds.
Average Cost: $1.60 – $2.50 coffees, teas, and frozen smoothies, $1.20 sandwiches.
Website: HighlandsCoffee.com.vn
6. The Hummingbird Cafe & Roastery (Best Coffee Roasters)
Did you know the hummingbird is the only bird known to fly backward? I learned this interesting fact whilst at the best coffee roasters in Ho Chi Minh City – The Hummingbird Cafe. A place where you can choose from 8 rotating international coffee bean varieties.
The cute cafe and roastery, located in District 3, considered the hummingbird a mascot of the coffee industry, as many roasteries have taken a backward step in order to look deeper into origins and processing methods.
The Hummingbird has a calming and peaceful vibe and it’s a great spot for setting up a laptop and enjoying outstanding international coffees that you just won’t find in many other places.
The Hummingbird Cafe & Roastery Information
Address: 103bis Vo Thi Sau Street, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: +6628 6287 4715
Operating Hours: 8 am – 5 pm Sun – Tues. 8 am – 9 pm Wed – Sat.
Must-Try Items: Enjoy the selection of international coffee beans in their purest form as a straight-up black Americano or filter brew. The one constant bean choice, the Saigon House Blend, should not be overlooked.
Average Cost: $2.20 – $3.50 coffees, teas, and cold drinks, $1 – $2.50 snacks and pastries
Website: thehummingbirdsaigon.com
7. Padma Cafe (Most Unique Cafe)
If you plan to seek out some unique cafes in Ho Chi Minh, I highly recommend a trip to Padma Cafe. It’s a cafe that doubles up as a florist. Or is it a florist that doubles up as a cafe? Frankly, who cares? It’s a beautiful spot to set up for the day.
The city, especially around D1, is a constant hub of life and energy that never dissipates. Places like Padma Cafe offer a sweet release from the chaotic city streets.
The coffee here is good, and the pastries are delicious. Reliable and free WiFi, ample space in a peaceful environment, and some great lunch options made Padma Cafe one of my favorite remote working spots.
Padma Cafe Information
Address: 89/12 Ham Nghi Street, District 1, HCMC
Phone: +84835131535
Operating Hours: 9 am – 6 pm Mon – Wed. 9 am – 11 pm Thurs – Sun.
Must-Try Items: This is a great place for traditional Vietnamese coffee, (Ca Phe Sua). It’s seriously strong and served hot or iced with sweet condensed milk.
Average Cost: $2.50 – $3.50 coffees, $2 – $3 snacks and pastries, $3 juices.
8. Phuc Long Coffee and Tea (Xuan Thuy)
(Best Dog-Friendly Cafe)
I was pet sitting during much of my time in HCMC so I was always on the lookout for nice cafes that I could visit with my two temporary pups. Phuc Long is a popular coffee shop chain in Vietnam and there was an excellent branch on Xuan Thuy in D2. It quickly became one of my favorite dog-friendly cafes in Ho Chi Minh.
It’s a huge coffee shop that’s situated on one of the coolest streets in HCMC. Xuan Thuy, known by some as ‘Ex-pat Street’ is a lively strip of great bars, cafes, and restaurants where tourists, ex-pats, and locals seamlessly mix.
Phuc Long has a fantastic patio that’s welcoming to furry companions and the staff even provide free drinking water on request. A huge, attractive pond filters its way through the extensive garden, and big comfortable chairs make it a serene place to while away a few hours and get through some work if you so choose.
If you’re interested in pet and house sitting, be sure to read my previous post – 8 Expert Tips for Landing a House Sitting Job.
Phuc Long (Xuan Thuy) Information
Address: 87 Xuan Thuy Street, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Phone: +842871097087
Operating Hours: 7 am – 10.30 pm Mon – Sun.
Must-Try Items: I only ate lunch here once but the cajun chicken was delicious. Their real fruit iced smoothies and juices are also a refreshing alternative if you’ve had your fill of coffee.
Average Cost: $2 – $3 coffees and teas, $3.50 – $4 smoothies and juices, $4 – $6 breakfast, lunch, and dinner plates.
Website: phuclong.com.vn
9. Phuong Nam Book Cafe (Best Atmosphere)
One of the must-visit destinations in HCMC is Nguyen Van Binh Street, which is known to many as Book Street. It’s an entire pedestrianized walkway that’s lined with booksellers, book buyers, bookstores, and book carts.
Phuong Nam Book Cafe is a traditional and cool coffee shop in Ho Chi Minh’s Book Street region that’s well worth a visit. The coffee is cheap and yet high-quality, while the lively and popular street lends itself to a terrific atmosphere.
If you like some life and vibrance while you work, set up here. The open-fronted cafe has plenty of plugs and free WiFi for customers and it’s also a great people-watching spot. You might uncover a new favorite book while you’re there too!
Phuong Nam Book Cafe Information
Address: 7 Nguyen Van Binh Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 700000
Phone: +84915050940
Operating Hours: 8.30 am – 9 pm Mon – Sun.
Must-Try Items: This is another great spot for Vietnamese coffee. A Ca Phe Den (hot or iced) is a super strong espresso that’s sure to put a spring in your step. The strawberry smoothie is very good here too.
Average Cost: $1.20 – $2.50 coffees, teas, and smoothies.
Website: nhasachphuongnam.com
10. The Balcony Coffee (Best Cafe With a View)
Situated on the 4th floor and centrally located in D1, The Balcony Coffee is the best cafe in Ho Chi Minh with a view. The open-fronted terrace looks out onto the busy HCMC city streets and the tree-lined pedestrian walkway of the Vincom Center Mall.
The Balcony Coffee is also a vintage clothes store; home to an excellent selection of very cool second-hand apparel.
Be warned, the elevator is small, old, and rickety so for many, opting for the stairs all the way will likely be preferable! The views from the balcony are worth it and a fine selection of coffees, beers, cocktails, and snacky bites await you on floor number 4.
The Balcony Coffee Information
Address: 26 Ly Tu Trong Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: +84982785130
Operating Hours: 10 am – 10 pm Mon – Sun.
Must-Try Items: I know this article is about the best coffee in Ho Chi Minh but I have to say the cocktails are great here. You’ll receive generous servings, plenty of choices, a great price, and an amazing view here.
Average Cost: $2 – $3 coffees and teas, $3 – $4 beers, $8 – $10 cocktails, $2 – $3 snacks and small plates.
Website: Facebook.com/thebalconyhcmc
11. Work Cafe (Best Digital Nomad Cafe)
Work Cafe is a coffee house designed specifically to attract the remote working crowd.
The cafe itself offers ample seating, power outlets, and free WiFi all for the price of a cup of coffee. For $3/day you can also upgrade to the coworking area which has an office-style set-up with comfortable desk chairs and spacious desks.
Work Cafe offers the cheapest price I’ve seen for a coworking facility in Vietnam. I’d advise paying the $3 if you’re planning a long shift on the laptop because the coffee options are very good and incredibly cheap.
Work Cafe Information
Address: 519 Hoang Sa Street, Ward 8, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City 700000
Phone: +84906691280
Operating Hours: 6.30 am – 6.30 pm Mon – Sun.
Must-Try Items: Enjoy the dedicated work areas and comfy chairs of this coworking space. They also make a mean Americano for less than $1.50.
Average Cost: $1 – $2 coffees, teas, and smoothies.
Website: WorkCafe.vn
12. River View Coffee (Best River Views)
If you’d like a spectacular view of the Saigon River while sipping a cup of coffee head to River View Coffee. Downstairs is nice, but you’ll get better views of the river and city from the second-floor patio.
It’s a pleasant and usually pretty tranquil setting and is very laptop-friendly. They have free WiFi, good, cheap coffee, and a nice cool breeze blowing down the river which makes it a great place to base yourself to lock into some work.
River View Coffee Information
Address: 12 Nguyen Van Huong Street, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: +84903775006
Operating Hours: 6 am – 10.30 pm Mon – Sun.
Must-Try Items: Having spent a lot of time in Italy, I can assure you their Italian coffee meets the standard.
Average Cost: $1.30 – $2.50 coffees, teas, juices, and smoothies, $1 – $2 cakes and snacks, $3 – $4 lunch options.
Website: Facebook.com/mamdohriverviewrestaurant
13. Eddie’s New York Deli & Diner (D2) (Best Breakfast)
Eddie’s is a 3 restaurant-strong HCMC chain of New York-style diners that serve some excellent Western comfort food. If you’re craving a little of something from back home, be sure to stop by as the decor is quintessentially 50’s diner.
The menu is filled with hearty delights, with everything from French toast and pancakes to huge omelets and skillets – and that’s just for breakfast! The lunch menu is even bigger, and there are some real treats like rootbeer floats, thick milkshakes, and cinnamon buns to indulge in too.
I love Eddie’s for the bottomless coffee as in true American diner style, the servers will keep your coffee cup regularly topped up. At less than $2.50 for unlimited refills, and free WiFi for all customers, Eddies is an awesome spot to spend a few busy hours.
Eddie’s New York Deli & Diner Information
Address: 71 Thao Dien Street, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: +842822536705
Operating Hours: 8 am – 10 pm Mon – Sun.
Must-Try Items: Try a bottomless coffee for less than $2.50. Foodwise, the 4 egg omelets that come with hash browns, toast, and fruit are a great way to start the day.
Average Cost: $1.50 – $2.50 coffees, teas, and soft drinks, $3.50 – $11 extensive menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
Website: eddiesdiner.vn
14. XLIII Coffee (Best Specialty Coffee)
The best specialty coffee in Ho Chi Minh is found at XLIII Coffee, a beacon of sustainability in the bustling city. With a dedication to top-tier specialty coffee, they meticulously source premium beans, ensuring transparency and traceability every step of the way.
It’s not just about the coffee here, it’s also about the experience. A minimalist decor is mixed with well-informed staff who will talk you through every aspect of your coffee choice.
This will be the most expensive coffee you’ll have in HCMC, maybe anywhere, but the experience overall is worth it. I highly recommend stopping by at least once during your stay.
XLIII Coffee Information
Address: 178a Pasteur Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: +84799343943
Operating Hours: 6.30 am – 10.30 pm Mon – Sun.
Must-Try Items: Go for the experience and ask questions, sample different coffees, and embrace hearing about the journey your choice coffee beans have been through.
Average Cost: $8 – $20 per specialty coffee, $3 – $5 snacks and pastries.
Website: XLIIICoffee.com
15. Eck – Saigon Street Coffee (Best Cheap Coffee)
I’ll round things off with a super cheap coffee option, especially after our previous entry. (It wasn’t an error, XLIII does in fact sell a cup of coffee for $20!).
In an attempt to soothe the wallet, my favorite go-to for cheap, but great coffee, is Eck – Saigon Street Cafe, which is located centrally in D1. You can grab a coffee here for as little as $1!
Strong, Vietnamese coffee (hot or iced) is the order of the day and a scattering of low-to-the-ground stools adds to the traditional experience. This is one place perhaps not to take the laptop, but it’s a cheap and fun cafe to pick up a great coffee and brainstorm.
Eck – Saigon Street Cafe Information
Address: 10 Phung Khac Khoan Street, Da Kao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Operating Hours: 7 am – 11 pm Mon – Sun.
Must-Try Items: Order a Ca Phe Da (small black coffee) and boost your energy levels whilst taking a breather on HCMC’s busy streets.
Average Cost: $1 – $2 coffees, teas, and juices.
Coffee Tours in Ho Chi Minh City
Coffee is a big deal in Vietnam, and Ho Chi Minh is home to many excellent coffee tours, tastings, and experiences. Here are a couple of my top recommendations;
Techniques & Secrets Behind the Famed Vietnamese Egg Coffee
On this tour, you’ll learn all about the famous Vietnamese egg coffee which is a decadent beverage. It features strong Vietnamese coffee topped with a frothy mixture of egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk. Click here to book your experience.
Specialty Coffee-Making Class
You can take an immersive journey into the art of crafting premium Vietnamese coffee with this enriching culinary experience. Delve into captivating insights from an expert and create your own exquisite blend. Book your coffee-making class here.
Hands-on Discovery of Vietnamese Coffee & Culture
From mastering various brewing styles using Vietnamese coffee beans to delving into the stories of the farmers behind them through captivating videos, this experience offers an excellent mix of cultural significance and exquisite coffee tasting. Click here to book your experience today.
Ho Chi Minh Cafes and Coffee Shops: FAQs
Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions about the best cafes and coffee shops in Ho Chi Minh.
The Old Compass Cafe and Bar is the top choice in Ho Chi Minh, renowned for its cozy ambiance and exceptional brews, attracting both locals and travelers. Another standout is Bibli Library Cafe, offering a unique concept and tranquil setting, especially favored by digital nomads.
Tipping is generally not part of the culture in Ho Chi Minh. However, some higher-end restaurants may occasionally add a 5% or 10% gratuity to your bill.
District 1 hosts the best and biggest selection of cafes and coffee houses in Ho Chi Minh as with a diverse range of options from trendy to traditional spots, it’s a prime destination for coffee lovers.
Yes! Coffee is a big deal across Vietnam and is a huge part of the daily lives of many Vietnamese people.
Coffee is generally very cheap in Ho Chi Minh. A good cup of strong Vietnamese coffee, hot or iced can cost as little as $1. Even larger coffee houses offer prices that are low when compared with many other countries. A few specialty places drive the average up, but a good coffee should not cost more than $2.
Coffee is incredibly popular in Ho Chi Minh City because it’s deeply ingrained in the local culture and daily life, with numerous cafes bustling at all hours of the day.
Yes, laptops are generally allowed at coffee shops and cafes in Ho Chi Minh, making them popular spots for digital nomads and remote workers to set up shop.
Saigon-style coffee is a Vietnamese drip coffee sweetened with condensed milk, known for its strong flavor and creamy texture, popular in Ho Chi Minh.
In Conclusion
I loved my time in Vietnam and thoroughly enjoyed exploring the cafe culture and discovering some of the best coffee in Ho Chi Minh. I was a little skeptical at first because I had no idea that such a vibrant and important cultural scene existed around coffee in HCMC; as a hardcore coffee lover, I was pleasantly surprised!
If you are a coffee junkie like me, then you’ll love Ho Chi Minh. From the local and traditional super strong stuff to the traditional Italian blends, and all the fancy concoctions in between, you’ll easily find your caffeine fix in HCMC, and for a pretty cheap price too. Enjoy!
