Coffee shops in old apartment buildings in Ho Chi Minh City.

(NLĐO) - Ho Chi Minh City is not just about trendy cafes with millions of views or famous chain cafes.

There's a type of chill cafe that city dwellers and adventurous people are fascinated by : cafes in old apartment buildings.

That might sound a bit strange, right? But the cute part is right there!

These cafes are like little secrets for everyone. To get in, you have to park your car a few hundred meters away. Then you have to walk up several floors up a dilapidated staircase. At first, it seems a bit tiring, but once you get there, it's amazing...

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Stepping into the cafe feels like entering a different world. It's not noisy or bustling. These cafes often have their own unique and charming decor! The tables and chairs might be refurbished antiques, and you might add a few vases, a peacock-patterned fabric, a sewing machine, or a black and white TV in a corner.

The rich aroma of coffee, mingled with the old smell of peeling walls, creates a unique sensation! Sitting here, you don't need to be reserved at all. Feel free to order a coffee or any drink you like, then sip it while looking down at the old rooftops and narrow alleyways to get a glimpse of the city's inhabitants.

You can sit and read a book, work, or simply chat with friends without fear of disturbing anyone. And you can even take some great photos because there are plenty of picturesque, green spots perfect for Instagram.

Actually, going to a coffee shop in an old apartment building isn't just about having a drink; it's about the experience, like rediscovering a bit of the past, a sense of slowness amidst the city, something you can't find just anywhere.

If you have the chance to visit Ho Chi Minh City or simply want a change of scenery for the weekend, try exploring the cafes located in old apartment buildings!

(Entry for the "Impressions on Vietnamese Coffee and Tea" contest, part of the 3rd "Celebrating Vietnamese Coffee and Tea" program, 2025, organized by Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper).

Rules of the "Impressions on Vietnamese Coffee and Tea" contest. Graphic: CHI PHAN

Source: https://nld.com.vn/ca-phe-chung-cu-cu-o-tp-hcm-196250501194429461.htm