10,000 antiques take you back to old Saigon

In Ho Chi Minh City, there is no shortage of old-fashioned coffee shops. But there is one place where nostalgia is not just for decoration. There, every wooden chair, old newspaper or everyday object of Saigon people is preserved as historical witnesses.

The cafe "takes you back to the past" with 10,000 antiques in Saigon

As soon as you step in, you will be immediately drawn into a distinctly nostalgic space. Each tile, wooden table and chair set stained with time, or the cupboard, oil lamp... all bear the mark of an old Saigon.

As a person who is passionate about old things, Mr. Huynh Minh Hiep, the owner of the shop, has spent 13 years diligently collecting each item associated with the life of Saigon people. For him, this is not only a journey of collecting souvenirs, but also a way to tell a story about a very familiar Saigon.

"Of the more than 10,000 artifacts I own, only about 2,000 are currently displayed at the shop. But to me, each item is a piece of memory, a witness to a bygone era. I want this space not only to drink coffee, but also a place where the next generation can better understand the life, culture and people of Saigon at that time," Hiep shared.

He added gently: "Not everything old is precious, but there are very small things that help a whole generation remember their childhood."

If you are an antique lover, or simply want to find a small corner to live slowly, calm down in the space of a bygone era, this place is a great choice. You will feel the atmosphere of a Saigon that is not hasty, where affection and memories always exist.

One of the items that makes everyone stop to look closely is the fossilized ancient coins, dating back to the reign of King Minh Mang (around 1820). The green rust covering each coin seems to encapsulate the breath of history, both ancient and mysterious.

For many young people visiting the shop for the first time, the yellowed newspapers are probably something they have only seen in movies or history books. But when they see them with their own eyes and touch the fragile pages with bold handwriting from decades ago, it feels like they are opening up the memories of an entire city.

More than just paper and ink, those newspapers are living memories, the breath of Saigon in the past, encapsulated in each title, each tiny advertisement. And strangely, in that space, people can talk more easily, with friends, with parents, or with themselves.

This space quickly became a favorite destination for young people, especially those who love ancient culture, old style or need materials for creative projects. On weekends, this place often welcomes many groups of students, artists, designers, photographers to "recharge their inspiration".

"Coming here, I feel like I'm reliving a Saigon that I've only known through my parents' stories, from the old music, the smell of old wood to familiar items like cassette players or old newspapers. I understand my parents' memories better, and I also have more stories to sit down and tell them," Doan Canh Nghi (18 years old) shared.

And don't forget to bring your camera or simply your phone ready to take pictures, because every angle here is beautiful! Whether you are a fan of the nostalgic style or not, it's hard not to take a few photos.

If you ever thought that old Saigon was just a story of books or old photos, then try visiting this place once. Who knows, you might be "intoxicated" by that space like many other young people, not because of the coffee, but because of the feeling of touching memories.

Amidst the music of Pham Duy resounding from the reel-to-reel tape player, the sunlight shining through the wooden window, illuminating the old, faded newspaper… you will find yourself quiet, slow, and full of emotions. A Saigon that is very romantic, very poetic, and very easy to make people want to come back again.

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