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Dalaland Coffee is in Thao Dien, District 2 – an area with a high concentration of relaxed cafes.
If you, like me, are a digital nomad, then you will appreciate cities that can offer pleasant environments to work in. I’m someone who loves to carry a backpack wherever I go. Creative inspiration can come at anytime and it’s best that my laptop is handy to store my ideas.
In the 38 nights I spent in Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, I found many independently-owned cafes which were wonderful for half a day of remote working.
If you are looking for recommendations in Ho Chi Minh City, feel free to message me on Instagram. Alternatively, you can book a meeting.
Garry Ho
Garry was born in Hong Kong but moved to Sydney, Australia at an early age.
Dalaland Coffee
24/4/1 Đ. Trần Ngọc Diện, Thảo Điền, Quận 2
A calm and unconventionally designed sanctuary in the high-end neighbourhood of Thao Dien, Dalaland Coffee serves food and beverage in a zen atmosphere. The pond with fish is a popular space for bloggers to take photos in.
See the Google Map link here. Dalaland Coffee is great for couples too.
The Melbourne Cafe
137 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, Võ Thị Sáu, Quận 3
If you are missing poached eggs, smashed avocado, and hash browns, this conversational gem in District 3 is a must-visit. As you can presume from its name, the cuisine is Australian-influenced. The hospitality is friendly, a team member gladly helped me find a power socket.
For those craving the brunch dishes found in Australian cafe menus, The Melbourne Cafe will answer your prayers. My favourites include classic Eggs Benedict with Bacon & Sourdough Bread, fluffy pancakes and granola fruit yoghurt.
See the Google Map link here. The Melbourne Cafe is great for groups too.
The Running Bean
115 Đ. Hồ Tùng Mậu, Bến Nghé, Quận 1
This western-style cafe in District 1 is always buzzing with a neighbourhood hang-out vibe. Deservedly so – the menu is full of choice, the cakes are lovely, and the baristas are passionate about coffee.
The Running Bean offers both cafe food and restaurant-quality dishes. I tried their smoothie bowls, Bolognese pasta and fish skin crisps. With coconut crispsy, walnuts, sliced strawberries and blueberry smoothie all in one mouthful, I felt happily nourished for endless hours of work.
See the Google Map link here. The Running Bean is great to bring a family, the kids (and adults) will love the variety of sweets.
The Loop
49 Đ. Thảo Điền, Thảo Điền, Quận 2
During the Lunar New Year eve of 2024 many cafes in Saigon were closed. The Loop, with a major customer base of foreigners, stayed open. Not willing to lose the opportunity to nail down a few hours of productivity, I called a Grab motorbike and was soon on my way to District 2.
The Loop feels like a big, modern family home, with plush seating and a vast oak table. I liked how quiet the ambience was and the polished, sturdy tables. Magazines are available to read too. The menu features a wide variety of European dishes, including vegan options.
I loved the Arabian Bean Soup, Ginger & Pumpkin Soup, and Shrimp & Broccoli Spaghetti. Those who like sandwiches will relish the panini varieties available.
See the Google Map link to here. The Loop is great for solo dates, you can work for a few hours and then just read!
The Workshop Coffee
27 Ngô Đức Kế, Bến Nghé, Quận 1
Apart from being a wonderful cafe for digital nomads, The Workshop Coffee is a haven for espresso, cold brews and pour overs. It’s designed like a loft, with a pleasant view of Saigon’s colonial architecture through high windows.
When I first walked in, I felt like I had arrived in a co-working space. There are two meeting rooms on one side where start-up company teams can collaborate in.
You’ll find The Workshop Coffee on the top floor of an old building near The Reverie Saigon.
See the Google Map link to here. The Workshop Coffee is perfect for hardcore, solo remote work.
The Coffee House
313 Đ. Nguyễn Thị Thập, Tân Phú, Quận 7
This particular branch of The Coffee House chain was pleasant. It’s in District 7, where you can also find plenty of Korean restaurants. The interior is huge and I enjoyed the sun flowing in. There are plenty of tables to choose from, be wary of finding one that’s close to a power socket though.
Being a franchise, the menu isn’t spectacular. The fruity drinks are refreshing though.
See the Google Map link here. I can recommend visiting The Coffee House District 7 for a casual meet-up with friends.
OKKIO
120 – 122 Đ. Lê Lợi, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1
This cafe near Ben Thanh Market and Takashimaya centre has charm and a firm dedication to its drinks. You’ll need to go up a winding, narrow staircase to arrive at OKKIO and you might feel like the space is a little too cozy. It’s definitely not for half a day of remote work, but a lovely spot for an hour or two of reading.
OKKIO has that hidden gem charisma and if you haven’t already, is a great place to try specialty Vietnamese coffee. Have you heard of the version with egg in it?
See the Google Map link to here. OKKIO is great for a pair of friends to enjoy conversation and gossip.
The Cocoa Project
143 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, Phường 6, Quận 3
Not far from The Melbourne Cafe is another venue with a convivial atmosphere. The Cocoa Project has a cacao garden at the front, starting an impression of nature and relaxation that continues inside. The interior blends an industrial look with the comfort of contemporary design.
As you can expect from its name, The Cocoa Project is dedicated to chocolate, offering it in drink, bite-sized, and cake forms. Enjoy a cup of Dalgona White Chocolate, Iced Dark Chocolate, or other varieties curated for Saigon’s warm weather.
If you can find a spot, it’s great to sit upstairs. I saw other digital nomads working in the light-filled, leisurely space.
See the Google Map link here. If you’re a university student, The Cocoa Project has nice tables to work on group assignments.
Café Slow Thao Dien
39 Đ. Lê Văn Miến, Street, Quận 2
Nestled in the comfortable, green district of Thao Dien, Café Slow infuses Japanese design elements into an interior that’s cozy, busy, yet minimalist. It’s perfect to visit with a close friend to catch-up over a flat white and a croissant.
See the Google Map link here. Café Slow is great for a solo date.
Là Việt Coffee Saigon (Hai Bà Trưng)
193 Hai Bà Trưng, Phường 6, Quận 3
A quiet and friendly cafe that serves coffee professionally. The staff were attentive and proactively poured me water. A lot of younger people were here, working on group projects or by themselves. Là Việt Coffee is hidden in an alleyway.
If you’re feeling hungry, there are attractive combos, like the “Vietnamese Condensed Milk + Croissant” deal or the “Cappucino + Cookie” deal.
See the Google Map link here.
Katinat District 5
400A Đ. Trần Hưng Đạo, Phường 11, Quận 5
Katinat is a chain of upmarket cafes in many areas of Ho Chi Minh City. I can recommend their milk teas, the one I bought had a balanced flavour and quality pearls to chew on.
If you visit the Katinat in District 5, you’re close to lots of Cantonese food. After a productive session of remote work, you can treat yourself to Hong Kong cuisine at “Kowloon Bing Sutt” (as featured in my article here).
Leiden Homestay and Cafe
138/13 Đ. Bùi Thị Xuân, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1
Run by two brothers, Leiden Homestay offers accomodation to guests from around the world. I met the people of Leiden during my first week in Saigon. I came because of the glowing Google reviews and stayed because of the young and friendly team. I even made a video with the two brothers!
Leiden Homestay’s cafe is on their ground level. They have a “secret recipe” signature milk coffee, the ingredients of which remain a mystery despite my many attempts to ask. The Jasmine Pearl Milk Tea had quality flavour.
Leiden Homestay is hidden away in a residential enclave of Pham Ngu Lao, around 10-minutes walk from Bui Vien Street. It’s very quiet, warm, and homely. Look for “Huy” or “Bao” if you go! They are the two brothers.
See the Google Map link to here. Leiden Homestay is great to hang out with your family in.
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My name is Garry Ho, I’m the founder.
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