Dong Khoi & Nguyen Hue Ho Chi Minh City - Image 1
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Dong Khoi & Nguyen Hue Ho Chi Minh City

4.3
·3k reviews·, Vietnam

Explore Saigon's heart: the vibrant Nguyen Hue Walking Street and the quirky, retro Cafe Apartment.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

City lights and lively atmosphere

CrowdMedium
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Dong Khoi & Nguyen Hue Ho Chi Minh City - Image 1

Dong Khoi & Nguyen Hue Ho Chi Minh City

Best Time

Evenings

City lights and lively atmosphere

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Saigon's heart: the vibrant Nguyen Hue Walking Street and the quirky, retro Cafe Apartment.

4.3
(3k reviews)

"Nguyen Hue offers a calm, relaxed atmosphere, feeling very safe and friendly any time of day or night."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Navigate the Cafe Apartment

Use the stairs for free exploration or pay a small fee for the elevator. Look closely for floor numbers!

📸 Retro Photo Ops

The old corners of the Cafe Apartment building offer a unique retro vibe for photos.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cafe Apartment Exploration

Cafe Apartment Exploration

42 Nguyen Hue Street

Discover a retro vibe with unique cafes, shops, and photo spots in this old apartment building.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Nguyen Hue Walking Street

District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

A vibrant, pedestrian-friendly boulevard perfect for evening strolls, people-watching, and soaking in the city atmosphere.

Vincom Center Dong Khoi

Vincom Center Dong Khoi

72 Le Thanh Ton, District 1

A modern shopping destination featuring international and local brands, cafes, and entertainment.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigate the Cafe Apartment Maze

The Cafe Apartment at 42 Nguyen Hue is a unique spot with many small businesses. Be prepared for narrow, winding staircases. While there's an elevator, it costs a small fee. Plan your visit to explore the diverse shops and cafes.

Evening Charm on Nguyen Hue

Nguyen Hue Walking Street truly comes alive at night. The boulevard offers a safe and friendly atmosphere, perfect for people-watching and enjoying the city lights. It's a great place for a relaxed evening stroll.

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
City lights and lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds at Cafe Apartment
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

"Em là cái gì ??? Em là ...🌷🌷🌷#ĐồngKhởiMarchingBand #dongkhoimarchingband #thcsdongkhoitanphu #emlabupmangnoncuadang #nhacken #vietnamtoiyeu
@clb.nhacken.dongkhoi
21K likes • 366.5K views

🚶‍♀️ Navigate the Cafe Apartment

Use the stairs for free exploration or pay a small fee for the elevator. Look closely for floor numbers! Reddit

📸 Retro Photo Ops

The old corners of the Cafe Apartment building offer a unique retro vibe for photos. Reddit

Vòng tay Vàng 18K đính đá ECZ cao cấp. #pnj #pnj58dongkhoibentre #trangsucpnj #vipday #vang750
@pnj58dongkhoi.bentre
7.5K likes • 456.1K views
Closet calling? CARA CLUB answering loud and clear. Our brand new store just dropped at Vincom Dong Khoi with fire deals and cute gifts waiting for you to come slay your fits. 📍 The New Playground – B1 Vincom Dong Khoi, 72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 HCMC, Vietnam #CARACLUB _________ STEP OUT STAND OUT Social-First Apparel Club Website: www.caraclub.com
caraclub.shop
287 likes • 426.5K views

🌃 Evening Stroll on Nguyen Hue

Enjoy the safe and friendly atmosphere of Nguyen Hue Walking Street after dark. Reddit

🛍️ Shopping at Vincom Dong Khoi

Explore a variety of shops, including CARA CLUB and New Balance. Instagram+1

\ドンコイ通り店が復活!お土産に買いたい人気のテーブルウェアブランド/ 「アマイ」がホーチミン・ドンコイ通りに帰ってきた! ベルギー人とオランダ人が立ち上げたベトナム発のテーブルウェアブランド「amai(アマイ)」。 ホーチミン中心地にあったドンコイ通り支店がコロナの影響もあって閉店に。。 なので今回また再び少し場所を移転しての復活と聞いてアマイ好きには何とも嬉しい限り♥ カラーバリエーションが豊富なので もう全色揃えたくなってしまう!! 私はまたまた大好きな金縁シリーズを✨ (※金縁のものは電子レンジNGなので、ご注意をー!) 魅力的なホーチミン発のテーブルウェアブランド。 何度見てもやっぱり可愛いですね! 日本の通販サイトで買うより半額近いので ホーチミンに来た際にはぜひGETしちゃいましょう🇻🇳 @amaivietnam 📍amai dong khoi 🏠76 Dong...
gocchihcm
242 likes • 28.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Navigate the Cafe Apartment

Use the stairs for free exploration or pay a small fee for the elevator. Look closely for floor numbers! Reddit

📸 Retro Photo Ops

The old corners of the Cafe Apartment building offer a unique retro vibe for photos. Reddit

🌃 Evening Stroll on Nguyen Hue

Enjoy the safe and friendly atmosphere of Nguyen Hue Walking Street after dark. Reddit

🛍️ Shopping at Vincom Dong Khoi

Explore a variety of shops, including CARA CLUB and New Balance. Instagram+1

☕ Cafe Hopping

Discover unique cafes like Po, Arabica %, and Michi Sushi within the Cafe Apartment. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Nguyen Hue Walking Street for its safe, friendly, and lively evening atmosphere, perfect for strolls and people-watching. The Cafe Apartment is a unique find with its retro charm and diverse small businesses, though the narrow stairs require caution. Vincom Center Dong Khoi offers a modern shopping experience.

"Nguyễn Huệ Square is a wide, open boulevard linking the river to the main town centre in District 1.

Its lined with great restaurants, cafés, and side streets. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll, for people watching, and for feeding pigeons. Despite being in the heart of the city, it has a calm, relaxed atmosphere especially in the evenings when the lights come on and feels very safe and friendly any time of day and night."

Russell Reed

"Is this the same Cafe Apartment? And yes the stairs are still the same old narrow spiral. There’s lift are chargeable. A new bingsoo stall that I have never seen before. And we were toasted from the horrible weather out there, bingsoo was really satisfying."

Kong Wen Sheng

"This place is basically an old school apartment complex however there’s all these mini businesses inside ranging from tourist souvenirs, cafes, restaurants, and services like massage. It was very cute & beautiful however the only negative was the stairs were very narrow and a bit of the stairs were chipped. This means it was a little easy to misplace your stepping if not paying attention and there was a little bit of water around which caused it to be a bit slippery. I would definitely recommend and come back to this place."

Adrian

What People Like

Vibrant evening atmosphere
Unique retro charm
Safe for walking

What People Dislike

Narrow, slippery stairs
Elevator fee

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Both Dong Khoi Street and Nguyen Hue Walking Street are located in the heart of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. They are easily accessible by taxi, Grab (ride-sharing app), or by walking if you are staying in nearby hotels. The area is well-connected to major city routes. Reddit

Parking can be challenging in this central area. It's often easier to use ride-sharing services or public transport. If you do drive, look for designated parking lots or underground garages near the street. Reddit

Yes, Dong Khoi Street and Nguyen Hue Walking Street are very close to each other, often intersecting or running parallel in parts of District 1. They are easily walkable from one to the other. Reddit

For a quick exploration, focus on walking Nguyen Hue Walking Street and visiting the exterior of the Cafe Apartment. If you have more time, dedicate an hour or two to explore the shops inside the Cafe Apartment. Reddit

While there isn't direct metro access to these specific streets, buses do run along nearby main roads. However, taxis and ride-sharing apps like Grab are the most convenient and popular options for tourists. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a public boulevard and is free to access at all times. You can stroll along it at your leisure. Reddit

There is no entrance fee to enter the Cafe Apartment building itself. However, some businesses inside, like the elevator, may charge a small fee for use. Reddit

The elevator at the Cafe Apartment typically costs around 3,000 VND per ride. Many visitors opt to use the free staircases to explore the different floors. Reddit

Vincom Center Dong Khoi is a shopping mall, so there are no admission fees to enter. You only pay for the items you purchase from the stores. Instagram+1

Operating hours can vary. Shops in Vincom Center Dong Khoi generally follow mall hours (e.g., 9 AM to 10 PM). Cafes and businesses within the Cafe Apartment often have their own hours, typically opening mid-morning and closing late evening. It's best to check specific business hours if you have a particular place in mind. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Cafe Apartment is a multi-story building filled with small, independent businesses like cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, and boutiques. Each unit has its own unique decor and vibe, offering a quirky and retro atmosphere. Reddit

The staircases are narrow and winding, characteristic of older buildings. While generally safe, some reviews mention they can be a bit slippery or have chipped edges, so caution is advised. Reddit

Vincom Center Dong Khoi houses a wide range of shops, including fashion brands like CARA CLUB and New Balance, as well as electronics, cosmetics, and more. Instagram+1

Yes, Nguyen Hue Walking Street is generally family-friendly, especially in the evenings. It's a pedestrian zone, making it safe for children to walk around. There are often street performers and open spaces. Reddit

The Cafe Apartment offers unique retro backdrops. Nguyen Hue Walking Street provides wide-angle city views, especially at night. Look for interesting architectural details and street art. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Popular recommendations include Po cafe, % Arabica coffee, and Michi Sushi on the 8th floor, known for its city views and fresh sushi. Reddit

Yes, Nguyen Hue Walking Street and its side streets are lined with numerous restaurants offering various cuisines, from Vietnamese to international. Many cafes within the Cafe Apartment also serve food. Reddit

Michi Sushi offers fresh sushi with generous portions at surprisingly affordable prices. It's also noted for its cozy atmosphere and fantastic city views from the 8th floor. Reddit

While not explicitly highlighted, many Vietnamese restaurants and cafes offer vegetarian dishes. It's advisable to ask staff for options or look for dishes featuring vegetables and tofu. Reddit

While the main streets have established restaurants and cafes, you might find some street food vendors on the side streets or in smaller alleys. However, the focus in this area is more on sit-down dining. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The narrow staircases, quirky doorways, and the unique interior decor of each shop provide excellent photo opportunities. The retro vibe is a major draw for photographers. Reddit

For vibrant cityscapes, photograph Nguyen Hue Walking Street at dusk or night when the lights are on. During the day, it's great for capturing the grand architecture and people-watching. Reddit

You can capture the 'retro Vietnam' aesthetic in the Cafe Apartment, the modern city life along Nguyen Hue, and the bustling shopping scene at Vincom Center Dong Khoi. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the narrow spaces of the Cafe Apartment and the expanse of Nguyen Hue. A standard zoom lens is versatile for general shots. A tripod can be helpful for low-light photography at night. Reddit

Generally, yes, but it's always polite to ask permission from the staff or owners before taking extensive photos inside private businesses. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a great spot for families, offering a safe, open space for kids to run around, especially in the evenings when it's pedestrian-only. The atmosphere is generally lively and friendly. Reddit

While the Cafe Apartment has narrow stairs, it can be an interesting place for older children to explore with supervision, offering unique sights and potential for fun photos. For a more controlled environment, Vincom Center Dong Khoi offers air-conditioned comfort with various shops and food courts that cater to families. InstagramReddit

🛍️ Shoppers and Fashion Enthusiasts

Dong Khoi Street and its adjacent Vincom Center Dong Khoi are prime destinations. Explore high-end fashion at Vincom Center Dong Khoi, featuring brands like CARA CLUB and New Balance. Dong Khoi itself is known for its upscale boutiques and department stores. Instagram+1

For a more unique shopping experience, the Cafe Apartment offers a curated selection of independent boutiques and souvenir shops, perfect for finding distinctive items and gifts. Reddit

📸 Photographers and Content Creators

The Cafe Apartment is a goldmine for photographers seeking a retro Vietnamese aesthetic, with its quirky interiors and narrow staircases. Reddit Nguyen Hue Walking Street offers grand architectural shots and vibrant street life, especially stunning at night with its city lights. Reddit

Vincom Center Dong Khoi provides a modern, sleek backdrop for fashion or lifestyle content. Consider visiting during golden hour for softer light or at night for dramatic cityscapes. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Charm of the Cafe Apartment

The Cafe Apartment at 42 Nguyen Hue Street is a fascinating transformation of an old residential building into a hub of independent businesses. Visitors can explore a labyrinth of small cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and souvenir shops, each occupying a former apartment unit. The unique appeal lies in its retro Vietnamese aesthetic, offering a glimpse into the past with its vintage decor and architectural style. It's a popular spot for young people and tourists looking for unique photo opportunities and a break from the typical shopping mall experience. Reddit

Navigating the building requires a bit of adventure. While there is an elevator, it comes with a small fee, and many visitors choose to use the narrow, winding staircases to discover the treasures on each floor. Be mindful of the stairs, as some reviews note they can be a bit slippery or have worn edges. Despite this, the experience of climbing floor by floor, peeking into each unique establishment, is part of its charm. Reddit

From cozy coffee shops like % Arabica and Po cafe to restaurants offering delicious food with city views, like Michi Sushi on the 8th floor, the Cafe Apartment provides a diverse range of options. It’s a place where you can easily spend an hour or two browsing, sipping coffee, and soaking in the distinctive atmosphere. Reddit

Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Saigon's Grand Boulevard

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a wide, pedestrian-only boulevard in the heart of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. It stretches from the Saigon River to the City Hall, serving as a central artery for the city. During the day, it's a place for locals and tourists to enjoy a leisurely stroll, feed pigeons, and admire the surrounding colonial-era architecture. Reddit

However, Nguyen Hue truly transforms into a vibrant spectacle in the evenings. As the sun sets, the street lights up, creating a magical ambiance. It becomes a popular gathering spot for families, couples, and friends to walk, relax, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Street performers often add to the entertainment, making it a dynamic and engaging public space. The area is known for feeling safe and friendly at all hours. Reddit

The boulevard is lined with impressive buildings, including the iconic Ho Chi Minh City Hall and various hotels and commercial establishments. It's a prime location for people-watching and experiencing the pulse of modern Saigon. The proximity to other attractions like the Cafe Apartment and Dong Khoi Street makes it a convenient starting point for exploring the city center. Reddit

Shopping and Modernity at Vincom Center Dong Khoi

Vincom Center Dong Khoi represents the modern face of shopping in Ho Chi Minh City, located at a prime address on Dong Khoi Street. This upscale shopping mall offers a curated selection of international and local brands, catering to a discerning clientele. Visitors can find fashion, accessories, electronics, and more within its sleek and contemporary design. Instagram+1

Among the notable stores are CARA CLUB, a fashion brand known for its trendy apparel, and New Balance, offering the latest in athletic footwear. The mall also features a variety of dining options, from quick bites to more formal restaurants, and entertainment facilities, making it a comprehensive destination for shoppers and visitors alike. Instagram+1

Its location on Dong Khoi Street places it within a prestigious commercial district, surrounded by luxury hotels and historical landmarks. Vincom Center Dong Khoi provides a stark contrast to the retro charm of the Cafe Apartment, showcasing the city's blend of old and new. It's a place to experience contemporary retail and urban lifestyle. Instagram+1