The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism has included the Koi fish café model in its list of "100 interesting things to do in the city". While not a new concept, these cafés have gained popularity recently through videos shared by foreign visitors on social media.
Oasis Café, located at 176/1b Le Van Sy Street in Phu Nhuan District, is one of the most sought-after spots. In September, a video posted on Instagram by an Australian blogger showcasing the café's space garnered 100,000 likes. In the comments, many international visitors expressed their desire to visit this place.
According to Oasis Café representatives, the venue has been operating for 8 years and is one of the first locations in Ho Chi Minh City to pioneer the concept. The café is adorned with greenery and decorative features from the entrance, while stone pathways float above a Koi pond.
A couple from South Africa, visiting Ho Chi Minh City for the first time, shared that they stumbled upon the café through TikTok. Out of curiosity, they decided to visit and filmed their experience to share on social media.
The café has witnessed a 50% increase in foreign visitors over the past 3 - 4 months. Each day, international guests come across all operating hours.
A British couple captured moments of Koi fish swimming around their seating area. Tom shared that he had never visited a café with such a design. He was impressed by the floating tables above the pond and the Koi fish swimming around them.
"The atmosphere here is pleasant. I read several reviews about this place before deciding to visit," Tom said.
During his visit, he ordered iced coffee, orange juice, and a bowl of beef noodle soup. Tom remarked that the prices for food and drinks at the café were higher than the average in HCMC.
The café staff explained that most of the Koi fish are over 8 years old and come in various colors. To maintain a healthy environment for the fish, the café has a water filtration system, with impurities collected in a smaller pond at the back.
"We feed the fish every morning, though sometimes it's every 2 - 3 days," one staff member said.
Visitors can purchase fish food for VND7,000 (30 cents) per packet to interact with the fish. However, customers are reminded not to throw other food or dip their hands into the water to preserve the fish's environment.
The café features floating tables, both round and square, that can accommodate 4 to 6 guests.
An American couple, browsing the menu, shared that the café's atmosphere provided relief from the heat as soon as they stepped inside. They found it an ideal spot to rest after walking outdoors under HCMC's daytime sun.
On the second floor, aside from regular seating, there are hanging “bird’s nest” tables ideal for guests looking for a more private space.
The 800-square-meter café spans two floors, with peak hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. when the tables on the ground floor are fully occupied. Alongside international visitors, Vietnamese families also frequent the café.
Drinks at the café are priced from VND50,000 ($2), while food items start at VND70,000 ($2.75).
