Buzz
1. Hoàng Thị Cafe - Immerse yourself in an extremely 'artistic' space
Drawing inspiration from a famous song and poetry from the 1970s, 'Ngày xưa Hoàng Thị' (The old days of Hoàng Thị), Hoàng Thị Cafe exudes artistic charm and memories of bygone days, surely leaving every visitor nostalgic.
Back to Hoàng Thị - Revisiting the olden days.
Setting itself apart from all other establishments here, Hoàng Thị doesn't renovate its small room but instead keeps the old walls intact as if to reminisce about a bygone era. Hence, visitors here momentarily forget about the bustling Saigon and instead, gently, solemnly collect the fragments of time left here.
The artistic ambiance of Hoàng Thị.
“A small roadside café, with music, paintings, and beautiful people” is how Hoàng Thị Cafe introduces itself. Though the space is small, everywhere one looks exudes poetic charm along with classical music that has made many embrace memories and keep coming back to this place.
Why wait when you can instantly have such vintage photos like these?
Every corner is filled with artistic paintings.
Not only beautiful, but the drinks here are also exceptionally delicious. The salted lemonade, salted plum drink, all meticulously prepared by the shop itself. Even the tea has a refreshing taste rather than overly sweet with sugar. Each drink is full of quality yet reasonably priced.
Old yet classy, a luxurious bar counter right in the middle of the shop.
The menu is both delicious and diverse.
The only downside of the shop is the heat since there is no air conditioning here, so I usually avoid coming at noon when the sun is intense. Early morning is my favorite time to visit Hoàng Thị, peaceful yet bright enough to fully appreciate the space here.
The early morning sunlight through the window frame is truly magical.
Hoàng Thị Cafe |
2. Mockingbird - 'Chill' and embrace the vibrant sunset
Perched on the top floor of Tôn Thất Đạm apartment building, Mockingbird embodies the beauty of contrasts, simplicity and sophistication, classic and modern, bathed in brilliant sunlight illuminating a dark corner of the apartment building.
Sunset on the mockingbird's wings.
Mockingbird is divided into two rooms, light and dark, each with a completely contrasting style to cater to every customer who comes here. Whether you love tranquility, classicism, or prefer simplicity and rusticity, Mockingbird has it all.
Do you prefer peaceful reading in a bright space...
Or contemplation under dim, ethereal lights?
For me, the most beautiful time at the café is in the late afternoon, when the entire room is filled with the soft, ethereal glow of the vibrant sunset. Just lift your camera, and every corner becomes adorned with lovely pictures.
The famous window corner produces countless stunning photographs.
However, due to direct sunlight, it can get quite hot in the bright room during noon. I recommend finding shady corners or moving to the dark room after finishing your work, which will be much cooler.
The drinks here are not particularly outstanding, and the menu is quite simple. The prices are also quite high. However, if you're not too picky and are looking for a beautiful, unique space to chill with friends, then this will be a perfect choice.
Iced lemonade with salted plums to cool off in the summer.
Mockingbird Cafe |
3. Snuffbox Bar - The secret room for the sophisticated.
Without any elaborate signs or advertisements, Snuffbox is for curious souls who enjoy exploration. And if you're lucky enough to find this place, you'll surely be amazed by the deep surprises hidden in this small attic.
The small door conceals many secrets.
The grandiose bar counter reaches the ceiling of the shop.
As a loyal customer since the shop's early days under the old name Banksy, I've been captivated by the unparalleled charm of Snuffbox. I remember hesitating to enter the first time because there were no signs, and the shop was covered by two layers of black doors to ensure absolute mystery. Yet inside Snuffbox lies a whole new world, beautiful and completely separate from the outside world.
Calling all buddies to come over for some Insta-worthy photos.
The outdoor area of the café is equally stunning.
Although it's labeled as a bar, Snuffbox rarely plays loud music. I usually choose to visit on Tuesdays and Thursdays when the playlist is filled with classic jazz tunes, gentle and romantic. Additionally, the music can vary daily with diverse genres like in-house, dub, and electric.
What's more romantic than listening to music in a space like this, right?
A beautiful space is incomplete without great drinks. Snuffbox is one of the few places where I'm completely satisfied with the harmonious blend of flavors. Because the menu is so diverse, you should ask the server to explain some of the items as a few are quite strong. Additionally, for the more discerning, you can still order cocktails not listed on the menu. If you enjoy robust flavors, I recommend a 'White Russian,' which is my personal favorite.
The drinks not only taste good but also look fancy.
I like to go to Snuffbox in the early evening, when it's still quiet, to really 'live deep' and soak in the atmosphere, and this is also when the bar becomes most glamorous. The place is quite popular with foreigners, so you'll meet a lot of 'Westerners' here.
Good music, great drinks for a perfect evening.
Snuffbox Bar |
4. Countless excellent photo spots
Tôn Thất Đạm apartment building is an ideal spot for 'virtual living' enthusiasts. Just take a few rounds, and you can churn out a series of beautiful photos with a 'vintage' style.
Faint glimpse of old Saigon.
In the apartment building, there are still many households living, so remember to adhere to the motto 'walk lightly, speak softly, smile graciously.' Moreover, if taking photos in front of private houses, remember to ask for permission from the homeowners. The residents won't be too difficult if you don't bother them.
Even small window frames are enough for a beautiful frame.
Especially, there will be a neighborhood leader collecting fees and issuing receipts if you go to take photos in the residential areas behind. However, even though I've been here several times, I don't always encounter her.
A hidden corner behind the residential area.
Photographing at the apartment complex
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Conclusion
Beautiful and stylish, unique and exotic, this place holds many interesting things waiting for you to discover. Peaceful in a sunny morning or adventurous in a mystical evening. So, why hesitate? Make the Tôn Thất Đạm apartment complex your next check-in destination!
Author: Mytour Intern Phùng Thị Phương Ánh
