Spotlighting Saigon’s most laid back neighbourhood, our guide to Thao Dien features the best cafés, restaurants and bars in the area. Read on for the best of everything from sleepy coffee shops to buzzing craft beer specialities.
Known for its laid back vibe, low-rise buildings and creative atmosphere, Saigon’s Thao Dien neighbourhood in District 2 is all about a slower pace of life and a chilled-out atmosphere. Read our guide to Thao Dien’s top picks for the coolest cafés, best bars and outstanding eateries to be found along its charming streets.
Best Cafés in Thao Dien
Chill Corner
Need some peace and quiet and an escape from city life? Chill Corner does what it says on the tin. This niche little café might not be as busy as other coffee spots, but it’s fast becoming popular thanks to its delicious cuppas, airy, plant-filled decor and supremely relaxing vibe.
Insider Tip: With so many varieties of coffee on offer, be sure to try different ones from each origin!
Address: 32 Đường D10, Thai Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Open From: 7 am – 10 pm
Dolphy Café
This little gem is located on the corner of Thao Dien Street and serves every coffee iteration you can think of. With a unique, open layout, head to the terrace to sip on your coffee, catch up with friends, or get some work done.
Insider Tip: Be sure to try the cookies and coffee ice blended for a double, sugar craving hit and energy boost!
Address: 31 Thao Dien Street, Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Open From: 6 am – 10 pm
FB: @chill.inthaodien
IG: @dolphycafe
the Hive Villa Café
Want a change from working inside? Check out the Hive Villa’s Café. With an outdoor terrace lined with comfy sunbeds by their serene pool and delicacies such as coconut coffee on tap to cool you down, it’s an oasis in the middle of this bustling part of town.
Insider Tip: Feeling a productive buzz? Try a day pass (or book a tour) to gain access to the Hive’s premium flexible working spaces (and printing services), from a wide range of events to building networking connections.
Address: 94 Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Open From: Mon – Fri: 8 am – 8 pm, Sat – Sun: 10 am – 8 pm
You might also like An Insider’s Guide to District 2, Vietnam
Best Restaurants in Thao Dien
Laang
For a healthy lunch head to Laang. This new Asian-inspired, vegetarian-friendly restaurant wants to connect its diners to Vietnamese culture with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a healthy, authentic dining experience. Housed in a large white villa, it also features chic decor and a great garden, making it an all-round stylish lunch spot.
Insider Tip: Try the Laang Mixed Starter of wraps and rolls (to share) and the incredibly tender Duck Char-Sui.
Address: 22 Đặng Hữu Phổ, Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Open From: 7 am – 11 pm
IG: @thehivesaigon
IG: @laangsaigon
KAZAMA
Date night coming up soon and you have no idea where to go? Try KAZAMA! A Japanese-fusion restaurant located in the heart of the neighbourhood, this exciting restaurant is innovative from its menu up, giving everything from udon noodles to burgers a Japanese-Western twist. Factor in sleek, modern decor and an abundance of creative flair coupled with your favourite dishes and you’ve got a fail-safe evening sorted.
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 Đường Thảo Điền, Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Open From: 11 am – 11 pm
L’Herbanyste
Part restaurant and café, part healthy hangout, L’Herbanyste is a community hub for those wanting to live their best life! Serving up a menu of plant-based comfort food – think Buddha and Acai bowls, treatment rooms where you can be pampered with ethically-sourced ingredients and a garden pool where you’re encouraged to chill out and relax by, here is the place to go to destress over lunch.
Insider Tip: Get there early to relax by the pool and maybe even enjoy a facial!
Address: 215E4 Nguyễn Văn Hưởng, Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Open From: Tue – Sun: 9 am – 6 pm
IG: @kazama_restaurant
IG: @herbanyste
Best Bars in Thao Dien
Sky 9 Bar Saigon
This rooftop bar is all about the views. With a spectacular outlook from the 9th floor of the Nam Anh building, head to its outdoor terrace overlooking the city for an evening of cocktails, food and music.
Insider Tip: Check out their wide range of events here, from open mike nights to live sports nights.
Address: Level 9, 41 Street 41, Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Open From: Tue – Thu: 4 pm – 2 am, Fri: 4 pm – 4 am, Sat: 3 pm – 4 am, Sun: 3 pm – 12 am
FB: @Sky9BarSaigon
Buddha Bar
A long-running local favourite, Buddha Bar is one of the district’s most established watering holes and the place to head for post-work drinks, a relaxing atmosphere, and live sports nights. With its huge TV screens, nights featuring live bands, and games to play covering everything from pool to foosball, shuffleboard to darts, it’s got all you need for a lively Friday night out with friends.
Insider Tip: Ladies get 50% off all cocktails and wine on Wednesdays, with 50% off whiskey for the guys on Monday nights.
Address: 7 Thao Dien, An Phu, Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Open From: 2 pm until late
BiaCraft
For passionate ale lovers, this tiny hidden gem tucked away on Xuân Thủy Street that claims to have the “most extensive collection of craft beers in Vietnam” is well worth a visit. As well as its own brews, BiaCraft serves up beers and ciders from local Vietnamese breweries, all accompanied with delicious, fuss-free bar food and a friendly, unpretentious environment.
Insider Tip: Arrive with an empty stomach as the food here is delicious – we recommend the chicken wings!
Address: 90 Xuân Thủy, Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Open From: Mon – Thu: 3 pm – 11 pm, Fri – Sun: 11 am – 11 pm
IG: @itsthaole_
IG: @biacraftartisanales
Pasteur Street
Pasteur Street is an ideal location if you’re looking for somewhere to head with a big group of friends. This beer specialist has many taprooms around town, but the biggest (and best) is located in District 2, seating up to 115 people. Check it out for your work and birthday parties, or a great place to head en masse for a weekend beer and burger.
Insider Tip: Love their beers? They distribute their top four craft beers by keg internationally here.
Address: 120 Xuân Thủy, Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Open From: Mon – Thu: 4 pm – 12 am, Fri & Sat: 11 am – 1 am, Sun: 11 am – 12 am
Saigon Outcast
A buzzing hotspot of culture, Saigon Outcast is a must-visit, whether you’re an expat or a local. What started out as three shipping containers and two entrepreneurs has grown rapidly into an iconic venue that’s hosted everything from drag queen shows to Lego conventions and burger festivals with hundreds of attendees. With free food available every Wednesday at 8pm and happy hour on Friday evenings, what’s not to love?
Insider Tip: Why not take your pick from their hefty events schedule available here?
Address: No. 188/1 Nguyen Van Huong, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Open From: Tue – Sun: 10 am – 12 am
pasteurstreet.com
FB: @saigonoutcast
Banner Photo Credit: @my_photography_bag
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