The Story Behind The Cafe Apartments
Found in the heart of Walking Street, the Cafe Apartments is a charming relic of old Saigon that has transformed into a hub for caffeine, socialising and more.
If you like peace and quiet, then Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam is probably not for you. The streets hum with the sound of motorbikes weaving through traffic, horns beeping in bursts, and street vendors calling out their daily specials. On nearly every footpath, something is happening - noodle stalls steaming, shoeshiners crouched beside their boxes, students huddled over iced coffees, and impromptu games of cờ tướng unfolding under banyan trees. It’s a city that seems to never slow down, where life spills out into the streets at every hour of the day.
Amidst all this activity, food and coffee are never far from reach. Street food culture here is woven into the rhythm of daily life, with vendors setting up as early as dawn and staying open late into the night - but just as central to modern Saigon is its café culture.
Trendy espresso bars and quiet tea rooms are tucked between busy intersections and office blocks, offering locals a place to meet, work, or simply pause. It’s not uncommon for people to visit two or three cafés in a day, each with its own style, specialty, and loyal following. WHile Ho Chi Minh City is home to thousands of these establishments, one of the most prominent is the Cafe Apartments.
In a city this hectic, finding a sanctuary to catch your breath in Ho Chi Minh City is no easy feat for first-time visitors from abroad.
What are the Cafe Apartments in Vietnam?
Despite its size and prominent location, the Cafe Apartments in Ho Chi Minh City is a building that feels like a secret waiting to be discovered. Set along bustling Nguyen Hue Walking Street in District 1, this former 1960s-era apartment block now houses a vertical maze of independent outlets.
At first glance, the Cafe Apartments looks like a worn-out residential block - but inside, each old apartment has been reimagined as a café, boutique, gallery, or creative studio. The building has become a destination in its own right, drawing both locals and travellers who come to explore its eclectic mix of spaces and enjoy the atmosphere.
With little to no structure, each floor opens onto narrow corridors and balconies with small signs, fairy lights, and menu boards inviting you in. From quiet tea rooms with books and vintage furniture to bright espresso bars and concept stores, the variety is what makes this place so enjoyable.
Many of the units also have balcony seating, offering elevated views of the walking street and a welcome break from the pace below. In a city that moves fast and often loud, the Cafe Apartments is one of the most unusual places to visit in Saigon.
Set along bustling Nguyen Hue Walking Street in District 1, the Cafe Apartments in Saigon are a former 1960s-era apartment block which now houses a vertical maze of independent cafes, boutiques and more.
What is the history of the Cafe Apartments in Saigon?
The Cafe Apartments were originally constructed during the 1960s, in what was then known as Saigon, during the Republic of Vietnam period. Strategically located on one of the city’s most prominent boulevards, it was built to house government workers, military officers, and American advisors during the Vietnam War. The building’s architecture reflected the utilitarian style of the era - concrete, rectangular, and functional rather than decorative.
After the Fall of Saigon in 1975, the apartments were reallocated by the new socialist government to accommodate shipyard and port workers, many of whom remained in residence for decades. For a long time, the building served as standard public housing, with little attention paid to its appearance or commercial potential.
It wasn’t until the early 2010s, when Vietnam’s economic and cultural shifts were transforming Ho Chi Minh City, that the building began to change. With rents still low and creative industries beginning to flourish, independent entrepreneurs started moving into the old apartments and converting them into cafes, design studios, bookstores, and co-working spaces.
The transformation was organic - driven by young Vietnamese seeking alternatives to malls and chain coffee shops. What began as a few scattered ventures soon evolved into a full-blown cultural landmark. Without formal renovation or outside investment, the building became a kind of vertical village, where each unit expressed its own identity and aesthetic.
Today, visitors can still see the traces of its residential past - rows of old mailboxes, worn stairwells, peeling paint - blended with hand-painted signs, potted plants, neon lighting, and carefully curated interiors.
Once upon a time, the Cafe Apartments housed government workers, military officers, and American advisors during the Vietnam War.
Where are the Cafe Apartments in Ho Chi Minh City?
The Café Apartment is located at 42 Nguyen Hue Street, right on the edge of Nguyen Hue Walking Street in District 1 - the commercial and cultural heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
This wide, tree-lined pedestrian boulevard stretches from the Saigon River to the city’s grand colonial-era People’s Committee Building and is a popular gathering place for locals, tourists, and street performers. In fact, taking a stroll down Nguyen Hue Street is often regarded as one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for first time visitors.
In the evenings, the street comes alive with families, couples, and photographers enjoying the open space, fountains, and light displays. Set among high-end stores, modern offices, and gleaming towers, the Cafe Apartments stands out with its weathered facade and creative energy.
The Cafe Apartments are located on Nguyen Hue - a lively pedestrian boulevard in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, known for its wide open space, modern fountains, and views of historic colonial buildings.
How do I get into the Cafe Apartments in Vietnam?
To enter the Cafe Apartments, head to the side entrance of the building, just to the left of the Fahasa Bookstore on the ground floor. The entrance is narrow and easy to miss, but you’ll usually spot a small signboard or a menu display from one of the cafés inside.
Once inside, you’ll find a small lobby area with a staircase and an old elevator. Most visitors choose to walk up the stairs to explore each level, but if you prefer the lift, it’s available for a small fee - typically around 3,000 VND (about 20 cents AUD). Many of the cafés will reimburse this fee when you make a purchase.
Each floor opens onto narrow corridors, with balconies and doors leading to over 30 independently run cafés, boutiques, and creative spaces. There’s no official reception or directory, so the experience is all about wandering, discovering, and choosing whichever space catches your eye. It’s open daily, with most cafés operating from late morning to around 9:00 or 10:00pm.
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On the hunt for more things to do in Ho Chi Minh City on your next adventure to Vietnam? Established in 2017, Remarkable East specialises in small group touring in Asia. With a focus on offbeat itineraries designed for curious travellers, get in touch with us today to uncover more of Vietnam and beyond.