【Travel Fun Fact】Vietnam’s Old House Renovation: The Entire Building Is a Café

Written by: Xiao Lühai

In recent years, hipster travel has been in vogue—hanging out at cafés, visiting hipster markets, and supporting handmade goods and local creativity. Many might immediately think of Taiwan, but Southeast Asia actually offers plenty of options too. Bangkok in Thailand, for instance, has seen a surge in art events and distinctive cafés. But unexpectedly, this trend actually took off much earlier inVietnam. InHo Chi Minh City, there’s a nine-story old building in the city center that became an instant hit after being renovated into a café apartment called “The Cafe Apartment”!

Originally a residence for military and government personnel in the 20th century, the building retains traces of its original use after renovation, now housing various small shops with distinct styles. In addition to cafés, there are also clothing stores, nail salons, and home decor shops. Looking up from the street, the box-like design of each unit, with uniquely decorated balconies, makes the whole place stand out.

Stepping inside the building, you’ll find signs at the ground-floor entrance indicating the names of the various shops. However, the atmosphere isn’t as artsy or fresh as you might expect—in fact, it feels more like entering a dilapidated building. The walls feature assorted graffiti, the stair railings are worn and stained, and the overall environment is rather dim. But surprises often hide around the corner.

The cafés come in a variety of styles—industrial, minimalist Nordic, romantic French, and more. Pick one that suits your taste, sit down, and enjoy the view from the outdoor terrace overlookingVietnam’s streets and the Saigon River. It’s a great spot to take a break with friends after a long walk.

The Cafe Apartment
Address:Ho Chi Minh City, 42 Nguyen Hue Street, District 1

Image source: Maze Vietnam

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