In Vietnam, drinking coffee is among the top experiences you can’t miss. Apart from sipping the signature weasel coffee and old-but-gold egg coffee, spare a few hours rejuvenating at these Ho Chi Minh City garden cafes.
Overview of Garden Cafes in Ho Chi Minh City
Despite the increasing number of coffee chains, independent cafes that are against the self-service and takeaway trend still imprint on the locals’ minds. Among those, the greatest representatives are Ho Chi Minh City garden cafes. You can take your time, be served from A to Z at these places, and only pay once you’re ready to leave. As they mainly target office workers, breakfast and lunch are often on the menu.
Best Garden Cafes in Ho Chi Minh City
Coi Rieng
At this quiet haven, seats are under bamboo shades, beside a lotus pond, or inside an air-conditioned room. But for a complete experience, staying outdoors is the best. There are free piano performances on Sunday mornings, and the musicians can play songs on request. However, it is usually crowded at weekends, so for your serenity, choose weekdays.
Address: 334 Nguyen Trong Tuyen, Ward 2, Tan Binh District
Opening hours: 7 AM – 10:45 PM
Price: VND 40,000 – VND 80,000
Notes:
- Be aware that they’ll add VND 6,000 to the price if you leave after 7 PM.
- You should go in the morning for a better look at the beautiful garden.
Tram
Tram has a mysterious ambiance due to the faint agarwood smell and the surrounding wooden houses. In each part of the cafe, you will see a collection of decorative items ranging from Japanese pottery to Renaissance-inspired statues. Though it looks like an Oriental garden, some details came from the Occidental world.
Address: 100 Tran Huy Lieu, Ward 15, Phu Nhuan District
Opening hours: 7 AM – 11 PM
Price: VND 40,000 – VND 80,000
Notes:
- You should choose open-air seats as they are more spacious and airy.
- Mind your steps since the hallway and the stairs are quite narrow and steep.
Stay outside with these wooden items
…or go inside to admire a bunch of aesthetic ornaments
Fly Cupcake Garden
Hidden in a tranquil road near the War Remnants Museum, this dessert cafe is meticulously adorned with many plants. It specializes in cupcakes and offers seasonal sets throughout the year. Thus if you are seeking practical yet meaningful gifts, why not pick a charming box of cupcakes here?
Address: 25A Tu Xuong, Ward 7, District 3
Opening hours: 7 AM – 11 PM
Price: VND 40,000 – VND 80,000
Notes:
- If you don’t like cupcakes, there are other sweet dishes (cheesecake, flan, sweet soup, etc.)
- You should choose cupcakes that are on display because some types on the menu might be sold out.
The enchanting interior
Terrace
With miraculous lights and a green plant wall, Terrace is a fairy-tale wonderland. Here, there are stylized cages where you can have a private space, take impressive pictures, and view the whole cafe from above. Sitting in one of them is an ideal choice if you go with your lover or spouse.
Address: 1st floor, Takashimaya, 65 Le Loi, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Opening hours: 7 AM – 10:30 PM
Price: VND 50,000 – VND 350,000
Notes: Terrace might not suit those who love bright places as it’s always dark regardless of the time.
Camellia Tea & Coffee
In an old French house, Camellia greets you with a romantic vibe and nostalgia. The whole space is filled with pleasant music and tranquility, so you can focus on your work or have small talk. Tea is the most recommendable drink here, so take a chance to enjoy this healthy drink.
Address: 120/4 Tran Quoc Thao, Ward 7, District 3
Opening hours: 7 AM – 10:45 PM
Price: VND 40,000 – VND 90,000
Notes:
- You should ask the waiter about the tea taste since some types might be too strong.
Camellia’s green garden
Go upstairs if you want more privacy
A tea set includes a teapot, two teacups, and some sweetened dried fruits
Final Thoughts on Garden Cafes in Ho Chi Minh City
If anything can be as diverse as Vietnamese cuisine, it is Vietnamese coffee. As an indispensable part of our culture, this drink never ceases to develop and learn from the world’s quintessence. For those seeking other coffee experiences apart from garden cafes in Ho Chi Minh City, why not try cold brew coffee shops or cafe apartments?