Just across the river from Saigon’s fast-paced business hub, District 2 is home to a stunning array of chic cafés, delicious restaurants and hip hangout spots. We’ve included our absolute favourites in our guide to District 2!
A rapidly modernising neighbourhood on the cusp of extraordinary change, District 2 is Saigon’s most exciting creative hub, packed with incredible breakfast spots and exquisitely decorated restaurants, not to mention a heady atmosphere of innovation. Home to the Hive Thao Dien and the Hive Villa, this friendly, community-focused locale is a must-visit for anyone new to Saigon. With a selection of hot spots so extensive it’ll make your head spin, our Hive Life team thought we’d put together a list of our best-loved haunts in a handy guide to District 2 so you can enjoy them too!
Best Coffee Shops in District 2
Haven Book Café
Known as a cosy little sanctuary for bibliophiles and coffee lovers, Haven Book Café is arguably the cutest coffee shop in Saigon, complete with book-lined shelves, bamboo straws, beautiful leafy plants, and a thoroughly welcoming vibe. Pop in for a caffeinated pick-me-up in the morning, or linger in the afternoon to take advantage of the quality WiFi, snack on a pastry, and get some work done.
Insider Tip: Snag a table in the back room for a little more peace and quiet.
Address: 206 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
Open From: 9 am – 5 pm
the Hive Café
A brand new locale, the Hive Café brings a fresh vibe to Thao Dien’s coffee scene. Pop over to their outdoor terrace for some sunshine, or plonk yourself down on one of their plush couches as you sip your picture-perfect, heart-topped latte. In the mood for something different? Order a smoothie bowl to treat yourself.
Insider Tip: Feeling a productive buzz? Why not consider getting a day pass to gain access to the Hive’s premium flexible working spaces, not to mention their printing and networking services.
Address: 94 Xuan Thuy, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 713385
Open From: Mon – Fri: 8 am – 8 pm, Sat – Sun: 10 am – 8 pm
IG: @onetuthuy
IG: @thehivesaigon
Best Restaurants in District 2
Villa Royale
Stop by this luxury tea room if you’re feeling peckish after lunch for high tea. Modelled after Queen Victoria’s chambers, this lavishly ornamented store will transport you back to an antiquated past where you’ll feel like royalty. Perch on one of their rich velvet armchairs and indulge your palate with petite pastel macaroons, freshly baked pastries and savoury quiches.
Insider Tip: Aside from top-notch tea, the Villa Royale also collects rare vintage and antique pieces, so take a peek at their crystal furnishings, or examine their fine silverware items for some amazing finds to take home.
Address: 3 Tran Ngoc Dien St Thao Dien D2 & Downtown 25 Ho Tung Mau D1, Level 1 HCMC
Open From: Tue – Sun: 10 am – 5 pm
The Deck
Settle down by the Saigon River at this picturesque restaurant for a stunning view as you watch the sun go down. Offering exquisite food in a fabulous yet relaxed setting, this city-wide favourite will astound you with its juicy chargrilled Wagyu Rib-Eye and rich truffle mushroom parmesan arancini balls packed with flavour – not to mention excellent cocktails.
Insider Tip: Fancy yourself a wine connoisseur? Check out their delectable wine list, featuring wines from world-famous vineyards across the globe.
Address: 38 Nguyễn Ư Dĩ, Quận 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 700000
Open From: 8 am – 11 pm
IG: @luis.and.his.lens
IG: @thedecksaigon
Kazama
If you’re searching for a combination of zen and zeal, Kazama is a Japanese-fusion restaurant built like an oasis. With terrace seating and private rooms encased in floor-to-ceiling windows, this idyllic garden-meets-eatery is the perfect spot for elegant, yet affordable, dining. With a menu that expertly walks the line between modern and traditional cuisine, from the Mushroom and Bacon Cream Udon to the Salmon Carpaccio, Kazama is the spot to visit if you’re looking for indulgence with a side of romance.
Insider Tip: For a 15% discount, either follow @Kazama_Restaurant on Instagram or like, share and check-in at Kazama Restaurant on Facebook. When you arrive, show staff the Kazama ‘Gift Voucher’ posted on either of these pages for a little markdown on your bill!
Address: 14B15 Thao Dien | Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
Open From: 11 am – 11 pm
IG: @Kazama_Restaurant
Best Bars in District 2
Escape Lounge & Rooftop
A cosy hideaway from the stresses of your work day, this retro-inspired rooftop lounge and bar offers a welcome refuge for Saigon’s inhabitants. With a fun tropical theme, warm lighting, and homely wicker couches, Escape is the perfect spot for relaxed, post-work drinks.
Insider Tip: Aside from the old classics, Escape does its own signature cocktails, each with their own character, ranging from ‘Tropical Elvis’ (White Rum, Banana, Raspberry, Cranberry Juice, Pineapple Juice, Lime Juice, Sugar Syrup) to ‘The Mile High’ (Gin-infused Peach Tea, Aperol-infused Hibiscus Tea, Elder Flower Syrup, Lychee Juice, Espuma).
Address: 11 Thao Dien Street, Thao Dien District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Open From: Mon – Fri: 4 pm – 2 am, Sat – Sun: 11 am – 2 am
Tap & Tap Craft Beer – Temporarily Closed for Renovation
With their one-of-a-kind futuristic digital tap system, Tap & Tap Craft Beer gives you the power to decide. Simply take your pick from their array of twenty craft beers, head up to their self-serve taps, and pour yourself a cold one.
Insider Tip: Have a taste of adventure with their unusual brews such as Mango IPA, Dragon Fruit Pale Ale, and Dark Chocolate Cherry Imperial Stout.
Address: 94 Xuan Thuy, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Open From: 4 pm – 12 am
escapelounge.vn
FB: @Tap & Tap Craft Beer
What To Do in District 2
Yoga Pod
Find your inner zen in the sunshine at this peaceful retreat with the help of Yoga Pod’s experienced and friendly instructors. Tucked away from the bustle of the city centre, the studio has a secret garden of its own, helping you reconnect with nature in the middle of one of the buzziest cities in Asia. Lay down your mat in their airy sanctuary and feel yourself relax from head to toe in one of their classes catering to all skill levels from absolute beginner all the way up to advanced practitioners.
Insider Tip: Overwhelmed by the versatility of yoga styles? Known for its slower pace and relaxation-based techniques, Hatha yoga is a good place to start for beginners. Up for something more challenging? Get your heart pumping with a Vinyasa yoga class.
Address: 28 Đường Thảo Điền, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Open From: Mon, Wed, Fri: 6:30 am – 7:15 pm, Tue – Thu: 6:30 am – 8:30 pm, Sat: 8:30 am – 4 pm
Saigon Outcast
An iconic destination in Saigon, this contemporary events space is host to the unorthodox, the incredible, and the unforgettable. Started out of two shipping containers, this buzzing spot now regularly transforms itself from a music festival to an outdoor cinema, local theatre and a barbecue site. Saigon Outcast is a safe haven where people from all walks of life go to discover themselves.
Insider Tip: Sounds like this might be your jam? Check out their detailed events schedule here.
Address: No. 188/1 Nguyen Van Huong, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Open From: Tue – Sun: 10 am – 12 am
IG: @yogapodsaigon
IG: @saigonoutcast
The Factory Contemporary Art Center
Whether you’re just dipping your toes in or already a fully-fledged art aficionado, this dynamic contemporary art centre is sure to have something that will catch your eye. Showcasing up-and-coming local artists and a vast range of mediums from video art to contemporary dance, sculptures and modern photography, The Factory prides itself on challenging the status quo, reinventing social structures, and injecting some much-needed creativity into our everyday lives. Past exhibitions have included Poetic Amnesia, a visual arts installation toying with the construct of memory, interpretation, and comprehension, and TechNoPhobe, fusing emerging technologies such as 3D printing and video holograms together with artistic expression.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss out on their upcoming exhibitions. Sign up for updates here!
Address: 15 Nguyen U Di, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Open From: Tue – Sun: 10 am – 7 pm
factoryartscentre.com
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