5 coffee shops to view Saigon from apartment blocks

Shibui Concept

Shibui Concept is a Japanese-themed coffee shop on Le Lai Street in an old apartment building. Despite the fact that it is not particularly big, and does not have a large number of tables, the coffee shop does not feel crowded due to the way the tables are set up. If you enjoy watching the barista make drinks, there are a couple of seats at the counter near the main entrance.

This is a quiet coffee shop that is ideal for both studying and working. The large windows allow plenty of natural light into the coffee shop. The Shibui Concept also has a lovely little balcony where you and your friends can relax while watching the busy streets of Saigon.

A matcha drink at Shibui Concept. Photo courtesy of Shibui Concept

Since it is a Japanese-style cafe, Shibui Concept has some delicious matcha drinks. While in the shop, you will be surrounded by the sweet smell of coffee and cakes, as well as a great selection of soothing music.

Address: 176 Le Lai St., Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1

Price: VND25.000-VND220.000 ($1.06-$9.29)

Mockingbird Coffee

Mockingbird Coffee is a place of simplicity and peace on the top floor of the Ton That Dam apartment building. Mockingbird Coffee has a cool retro vibe, with a hint of simplicity and modernity. The atmosphere is incredibly calm and gentle. The coffee shop is an ideal place for you and your friends to have conversations or work.

This coffee shop seats approximately 20 people. You have the option of sitting inside or on the small balcony outside. The room is just big enough to let in gentle sunlight through the windows, keeping it warm and cozy.

The yellow light brings a cozy feeling to the room. Photo courtesy of Mockingbird Coffee

Mockingbird Coffee offers a diverse menu of drinks and snacks to suit everyone's taste. Coffee, tea, milk tea, and soda are all available, as are cakes and savory pastries.

Address: Flat No.4, 1st floor, 42 Ly Tu Trong St., Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

Price: VND40.000-VND70.000

Mo di Hoi

Mo di Hoi (Dreaming of going to a festival) is located in an apartment complex designed in the classic French style. The shop allows you to be immersed in greenery with various types of trees. Customers can feel like they have entered a tiny summer garden thanks to the shop's modest decoration with wooden chairs and tables.

The shop's space is quite large and is divided into two floors. On the 4th floor, you can enjoy your favorite tea drinks. The 6th floor space is ideal for workshops or private parties. The shop has a relaxing vibe and is ideal for anyone looking for a cozy hidden spot.

The place offers a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Photo courtesy of Mo di Hoi

Mo di Hoi serves not only drinks but also delicious home-cooked meals, as well as cocktails. Most of the drinks are low in sugar and made with organic ingredients.

Address: 4th floor, Ton That Dam St., District 1

Price: VND50,000-VND120,000

Okkio Tu Do

Okkio Tu Do is one of four branches of Okkio, a coffee shop chain that prefers to be located in older apartments or in less bustling areas of Saigon. This cafe is located in an old, small apartment building on Dong Khoi Street. The shop's space, like the other branches, is painted with the dominant red color. In contrast to the building's old appearance, the coffee shop features a more contemporary and industrial style.

The highlight of Okkio Tu Do is the balcony with a panoramic view of the Opera House and Dong Khoi street. There is nothing better than watching the traffic pass by while enjoying your drink from one of the best views in Saigon. Another notable feature of the business is the brew bar in the middle, which emits the aroma of coffee. Whether you visit the shop alone or with a group of four to six people, there are enough seats available.

Okkio Tu Do looks over one of the busiest corner of Saigon. Photo courtesy of Okkio Cafe

The menu is quite diverse, with drinks ranging from coffee to non-caffeinated beverages, as well as bakery items. Prices are reasonable when compared to other shops in the area, as most Okkio stores are located in busy areas.

Address: 151 Dong Khoi St., District 1

Price: VND50,000-VND85,000

Manki

Manki is one of the typical retro-themed cafes in Saigon, located in an old apartment building on Ly Tu Trong Street, in the central area of the city. Manki is the place to be if you want to concentrate on studying, working, or simply want to relax.

Visitors can choose to sit at the counter as well as on the balcony. Photo courtesy of Manki

Manki is a small shop, but it has a pleasant nostalgic atmosphere filled with the aroma of coffee. You can choose to sit at the bar to watch the baristas making coffee, and even chat with them about your beverage. The staff is friendly, the setting is elegant and the coffee excellent.

Address: Floor 1, Apartment 42 Ly Tu Trong St., Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

Price: VND65,000-VND115,000