Rainy Day Retreats: Cosy cafes in Saigon to snuggle up with a coffee

In a city pulsing with perpetual energy, pockets of peace in the form of cafes and restaurants are highly sought after, especially during the rainy season in Saigon. Luckily, Saigon, renowned for its vibrant cafe culture, is home to plenty of cosy cafes where one can seek solace, savour a steaming cup of coffee, and witness raindrops gracefully pirouetting on the windowpane.

Cafe Oshima's

Photo courtesy of  Cafe Oshima's

Cafe Oshima’s stands as a sanctuary, perfectly poised to embrace the falling raindrops. Step inside this coffee shop, adorned with a white-themed interior, wooden floors, and generous streams of natural light cascading through expansive windows. The shop exudes an inviting warmth, allowing patrons to choose between the snug indoor seating or the blissful respite of the outdoor area sheltered by a glass roof. Picture wooden chairs and a comfy sofa nestled amidst tastefully curated decor, creating a serene setting accentuated by verdant foliage and scattered pebbles. Embrace the rainy day and relish your favourite beverage in this tranquil retreat.

• Address: 2/37 Cao Thang, Ward 5, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening Hours: 8am to 10pm

Roast & Smoke Thao Dien

By day, Roast & Smoke Thao Dien is a delightful coffee shop, while at night, it transforms into a go-to spot for savoury smoked meats, sandwiches, pizzas and lip-smacking calzones. On weekends, here’s also where you can get your Bun Bo Hue fix with yes, its signature smoked meat on the top. Its furtive location, lush green garden, exposed brick walls and comfy leather sofas, make this spot a popular go-to for many seeking a quiet respite in busy Saigon. 

• Address: 188BE14 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, Thu Duc City

• Opening Hours: 7am to 10am

Photo courtesy of Aramour Coffee Roasters

Aramour Coffee Roasters

Aramour Coffee Roasters beckons with its white façade and open design, radiating warmth and welcome. Despite its ideal street front location, this cosy cafe sits under tall, lush trees, potted plants and vines, that create a serene oasis. For a change of perspective, find your way to Aramour’s second floor, where a large floor-to-ceiling window-framed room greets you. Here, you’ll find many reading, doing work and even crocheting with a cup of freshly roasted coffee in undisturbed peace - a luxury in a city filled with constant energy and excitement. 

• Address: 7 Le Van Mien St., D.2, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening Hours: Mon - Wed: 7 AM - 7 PM; Thur - Sun: 7 AM - 9 PM

Photo Courtesy of @Cafearoundsaigon

The Thousand Beans

Think warm earthy hues and rustic interiors such as wooden floors and bamboo, and that’s what you get at The Thousand Beans. Comfy seats and equally comforting hues of deep and light tones, enjoy a relaxing afternoon with a hot cup of coffee or perhaps a natural fruit-infused tea sans preservatives.

• Address: 506/15/27 3/2 Street, Ward 14, District 10, Ho Chi Minh city

• Opening Hours: Mon-Wed: 8am - 6pm; Thu- Sun: 8am - 9pm

Photo courtesy of in nờ corner

in nờ corner

A ceramic shop turned cosy refuge serving up hot brews and iced lattes, in nờ corner emanates warmth and rustic charm thanks to its homey vibes courtesy of its hidden location on the second floor of an apartment building. The best part? On a rainy day, here’s the perfect place to cosy up to a hot cuppa’ followed by a pottery workshop where you get to make your own ceramic - talk about the perfect lazy afternoon.

• Address: 2nd floor, Apartment 26 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh city

• Opening Hours: 9 AM - 9:30 PM

Photo courtesy of Cafe Slow

Cafe Slow

Step inside and be greeted by a captivating blend of wooden and metal elements, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Besides its charming decor and lush greenery, Cafe Slow is also known for its exquisite coffee selection, homemade pastries such as Canelé flavoured with rum and vanilla as well as freshly-made flakey croissants by none other than Breadventure. Plus, if you’re looking to cosy up to a good book, Cafe Slow’s got a library of them courtesy of the good guys at Paperbacks Saigon. With multiple locations in the city, Cafe Slow is a popular go-to for many looking for a slow weekend cafe fix.

• Address: 39 Le Van Mien, Thao Dien Ward, District 2

• Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 6 AM to 7 PM; Weekend: 6 AM to 8 PM

Photo Courtesy of Cư Xá 

Cư Xá 

Step into Cư Xá and experience a captivating establishment that welcomes you with cosy interiors and captivating views. The large window provides a glimpse of lush greenery, creating a tranquil backdrop for your rainy-day retreat. Sink into the floor seatings adorned with plush cushions, enveloped by the warm-toned interior that offers respite from the dreary weather outside. Beyond its inviting ambience, Cư Xá offers more than just coffee. Occasionally, this hidden gem hosts private movie shows as well as live music performances, showcasing talented indie bands that add a unique and soulful spirit to the intimate space.

• Address: M8D Huong Giang, Ward 15, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening Hours: 8 AM - 9 PM

Photo courtesy of Oromia Coffee & Lounge

Oromia Coffee & Lounge

The modern charm of wooden accents sets the tone, while the second floor offers dedicated spaces for quiet reading, conversations, and work. The presence of trees inside and outside the shop creates a soothing atmosphere. Oromia Coffee & Lounge is a cosy sanctuary where you can enjoy the rich flavours of coffee and find shelter from the rain. And if coffee just isn’t your thing, you’ll be pleased to know Oromia Coffee & Lounge also doubles as a restaurant, serving a delightful selection of snacks and meals for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.

• Address: 85 Phan Ke Binh, Dakao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening Hours: 7 AM - 11 PM

Photo courtesy of 15.22 Café

15.22 Café

Indulge in the inviting atmosphere of 15.22 Café, where plush seats invite you to unwind and let the soothing music wash over you. The café creates a chilling vibe, perfect for a laid-back day. Immerse yourself in soulful melodies as you sip your favourite coffee or wine. For all music buffs, make sure to not miss the live music performances every Sunday at 15.22 Café.

• Address: Alley 15M, number 15/22 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening Hours: 6.30 AM - 10 PM

Hungry for more? Check out my tried-and-tested guide to the best restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City

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