Coffee Apartment

Ho Chi Minh City

This nine-story old building, constructed in the 1960s, was originally the residence of U.S. military advisors and government officials. Today, it has undergone a magnificent transformation, preserving the weathered concrete stairs and exterior while hosting dozens of uniquely styled independent cafes, clothing stores, and nail salons inside. Each cubicle (balcony) showcases a different personality and decor, making it the perfect embodiment of the blend of old and new in Ho Chi Minh City.

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Detailed Content

History and Architecture: From Government Dormitories to Hipster Hangouts The Coffee Apartment is located at 42 Nguyen Hue Walking Street, the busiest street in Ho Chi Minh City. It has witnessed the prosperity and changes of Saigon. Originally built as dormitories for government officials, it later attracted young entrepreneurs who saw its unique nostalgic atmosphere and excellent location, leading to a wave of renovations. Although the government once considered demolishing or renovating it due to safety regulations, its high popularity in international tourism has allowed it to stand strong to this day.

Must-Visit Popular Spots Although the turnover of shops is high, the following few have remained long-term favorites with stable quality:

% Arabica (4th Floor): A well-known coffee brand from Kyoto, Japan. The pure white minimalist design forms a strong contrast with the old apartment, and the balcony seating offers a panoramic view of the walking street, making it the most popular shop in the entire building.
Saigon Ơi Cafe (5th Floor): This is a café filled with greenery and a natural style. Its signature feature is a lightbox with the names of customers, perfect for photos, and it provides a spacious area suitable for working or daydreaming.
The Letter Cafe (6th Floor): Known for its yellow walls and vintage decor, the balcony is adorned with lanterns and ceramic decorations, full of Vietnamese charm.
Dosh (3rd Floor): If you love desserts, their American doughnuts are very famous, colorful, and perfect for sweet tooth enthusiasts.

Note: The famous Partea English tea house has recently moved to District 7. If you're looking for afternoon tea, it's recommended to check their latest updates to avoid disappointment.

Visiting Tips

Route Suggestion: For those with good stamina, it is recommended to take the elevator directly to the 9th floor and then slowly explore down the vintage spiral staircase. This way, you save energy and won’t miss the little surprises on each floor (many unique shops are hidden deep in the corridors and may not have balconies).
Best Photo Spots:
1. Center of the Walking Street: Standing on the median of Nguyen Hue Street, you can capture the full frontal view of the "Grid Building".
2. Balconies on Each Floor: Overlooking the flow of people on Nguyen Hue Street and the distant Saigon River from above.

Practical Information

Ticket Price Information

No entrance fee: Access to the apartment itself is free.
Elevator fee: If you prefer not to climb the stairs, taking the elevator requires a "toll fee" of 3,000 VND to 5,000 VND (approximately 4-7 TWD).
Tip: Some shops are willing to offset this elevator fee (with a receipt), but not all of them do, so it's recommended to consider it as a one-time small experience fee. If you want to save money or experience the atmosphere of the old house, you can choose to take the stairs (free).

Opening Hours

Operating hours for the entire building: Daily from 08:00 to 22:00 (subject to individual store hours).
Best visiting times:
Daytime: Ideal for taking photos on the balconies of each floor, with ample lighting.
Evening: It is recommended to enjoy the view from the pedestrian street below, as all the store signs light up, making the entire building glow beautifully like a grid of lights.