Cafe-hop and try Saigon specialty drinks
Experience Saigon's vibrant café culture on a relaxed walking tour through Districts 1 and 3. Sample classic Vietnamese drinks and modern specialty creations — from the iconic cà phê sữa đá to silky cà phê trứng and refreshing coconut coffee — while visiting a mix of street-side stalls, retro colonial cafés, and hip specialty coffee bars.
Location
District 1 & 3 café trail (central Saigon), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Duration
2–4 hours (flexible)
Best Time to Visit
Best in the dry season: December – April. Ideal daily times: morning (8:00–11:00) or late afternoon (15:00–18:00) to avoid midday heat and crowds.
Pricing
Approx. 250,000–800,000 VND per person (~$10–$34 USD) depending on number of stops and whether you add snacks or food. Typical guided 2–3 hour tasting: 350,000–600,000 VND. Self-guided budget: 120,000–300,000 VND.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk)
Cà phê trứng (Hanoi-origin egg coffee — available at some Saigon specialty cafés)
Coconut coffee — cà phê dừa (espresso blended with coconut cream)
Single-origin espresso, pour-over and cold-brew at specialty bars
Street-side phin-brewed coffee for an authentic local experience
Retro colonial cafés and hidden courtyard spots for photos
Pairings with local snacks: bánh mì, sweet cakes and fresh fruit shakes (sinh tố)
Itinerary
Meet at a central landmark (e.g., Ben Thanh Market or a chosen café)
Confirm route and any dietary restrictions. Bring small change in VND.
First stop — street-side phin coffee
Try a classic cà phê sữa đá. Experience the slow phin drip and strong flavor; great for people-watching.
Vintage/colonial café
Order cà phê trứng or a traditional hot coffee. Some places have a colonial interior ideal for photos.
Specialty coffee shop for single-origin tasting
Sample espresso, pour-over or cold brew; baristas may offer tasting notes. Ask about single-origin Vietnamese beans.
Coconut coffee or creative fusion drink stop
Try cà phê dừa or a local signature drink (e.g., coffee affogato with local ice cream). Pair with a light snack.
Street juice/sinh tố & dessert stop
Finish with a fruit shake or sweet Vietnamese cake. Optional rooftop café visit for views of the city.
Safety Requirements
Be cautious crossing busy streets and motorbike traffic — use pedestrian crossings where possible
Limit raw-egg drinks (cà phê trứng) if pregnant, elderly, very young children, or immunocompromised
Check for dairy or nut allergies — many drinks use condensed milk or coconut
Stay hydrated and avoid too much caffeine if sensitive
Keep valuables secure; pickpocketing is uncommon but possible in busy areas
Tips
Carry small VND notes and coins — many street cafés are cash-only
Ask for 'ít đường' (less sugar) or 'không đá' (no ice) if you prefer less sweet or room-temperature drinks
Learn basic phrases: 'Cho tôi một cà phê sữa đá' (one iced coffee with condensed milk)
Try a mix of street stalls and sit-down specialty cafés to experience contrasts
If you plan to taste many drinks, share portions with a friend to avoid too much caffeine
Bring a portable phone charger — cafes are popular for remote work and outlets can be used
Respect café rules: some specialty shops limit photography or outside food
Consider a guided tour if you want behind-the-scenes info on bean sourcing and roasting
