Vietnam Café Culture on a Budget: Best Cafes from Saigon to Hanoi

If you’re a coffee lover on a budget, Vietnam should be at the top of your travel list. With some of the most unique and affordable cafés in the world, Vietnam café culture blends local tradition, international influence, and serious style. From the iconic Vietnam egg coffee to rooftop espresso bars and quiet cat cafés, the country delivers an unforgettable coffee experience at prices that rarely crack 2.20 USD ≈ 58 000 ₫.

I spent two weeks travelling through Vietnam this past spring, sipping my way from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, with café-hopping stops in Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, and Tam Coc. Here’s how to experience the best cafes in Vietnam—without blowing your budget.

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Ho Chi Minh City: Apartment Cafés & Trendy Coffee Spots

HCMC (Saigon) is the beating heart of Vietnam coffee shops—especially in its iconic apartment blocks, where each floor hides a different café. Many boast impressive views of Nguyễn Huệ walking street, vibrant pedestrian boulevard in the heart of District 1.

I visited the Café Apartment and found 3 worthy coffee-stops:

• Cà Phê Sài Gòn Ơi – Step into a clean white aesthetic lush with healthy plants and strong brews including durian coffee and classic Saigon-style bạc xỉu, Vietnamese white coffee.

• Pờ Cafe – Dreamy wall murals and a retro Saigon vibe. Do try their incredible brûléed egg coffee and creative drinks like ginseng pineapple coffee.

• %Arabica – Japanese design meets Vietnamese beans. Minimalist, bold aesthetic. I recommend their Kyoto oat lattes, both iced and hot.

Also worth visiting in HCMC:

• The Running Bean – Great for working travellers, with strong Wi-Fi and sleek interiors.
• Every Half – Sleek, modern, serves third-wave coffee with minimalist flair.
• XLIII Coffee – A standout for serious premium coffee lovers, especially if you’re into pour-over and single origin beans.

• Whisfee Café – Local favourite for creative takes on salt coffee and coconut coffee. During 2025 Reconciliation Day in HCMC we witnessed a helicopter and jet demostration flying overhead from our balcony window seat!

• Egg Yolk – If you can’t make it to Hanoi, this is one of the best places in Saigon to try a rich, creamy cà phê trứng – Vietnamese egg coffee.

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Da Nang: Seaside Coffee Culture with Korean Influence

Da Nang delivers chill beach vibes and a growing café scene with a Korean twist.

• Tie Tag Coffee – The ambiance is Korean drama set with tropical energy and some Labubus for decor! Loved the pink dragonfruit smoothie and iced coffee.

• Gear Café & Bistro – Industrial-style, near My Khe Beach, and perfect coconut coffee.
• Baro Coffee 2 – Street-side views, relaxed setting, and fantastic coconut coffee and egg coffee. There are two cafés directly across the street from each other—Baro did so well that Baro 2 opened its doors.

• CATFE – A cosy, cat-filled café perfect for winding down or getting work done. I recommend ordering your drink less sweet, and yes they have boba here!

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Hoi An: Lantern-lit Cafés & Rooftop Views

Hoi An is known for its charming streets, but it’s also home to some of the best cafes in Vietnam.

• Faifo Coffee – Arguably the best rooftop view in Hoi An. A must-visit during golden hour.

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Hue: Serene Sips and Local Hangouts

Hue may be quieter, yet its café culture is worth exploring.

• Memorie Cafe – Charming French courtyard vibes, good prices, and strong Vietnamese coffee make this a great pre-train stop near Hue Station. The cinnamon-ginger-red date tea saved me from getting sick after too much AC.

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Tam Coc / Ninh Binh: Rural Charm with Surprising Brews

In the lush countryside of Tam Coc:

• Duc Nam Restaurant – The handmade Vietnamese egg coffee at this restaurant came with a smiley face and the a sweet older man kept refilling our tiny green tea cups.

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Hanoi: Where Vietnam Egg Coffee Was Born

Hanoi is the birthplace of Vietnam egg coffee, and it’s packed with creative, artsy, and soulful coffee shops.

• Café Giảng – The OG egg coffee spot. Frothy, sweet, and rich, similar to tiramisu.

• The Note Coffee – Famous for colourful post-it notes from around the world.

• Hidden Gem Coffee Hanoi – Built entirely from recycled materials. A hidden sustainability treasure famously visited by the Queen of Belgium! I recommend the egg coffee and pandan sticky rice coffee — a delicious dessert drink.

• Always Cafe – Harry Potter-themed café offering photo-worthy butter beer and polyjuice potion. Loved the option to don my house Ravenclaw robe!

• Nola Cafe & Bar – Alleyway café in Hanoi’s Old Quarter with retro vibes and calm rooms. Loved the kombucha as a chill Beer Street alternative.

• Hanoi 1990s (Train Street) – Sip dangerously close to a passing train. Unique and exhilarating. 🌟 Top tip: Choose “Hanoi Train Street (Southern)” on Google maps to navigate the section of Train Street outside the Old Quarter where you don’t need to pay an entrance fee. Be sure to look up train times in advance to time your visit!

• Tranquil Books & Coffee – A peaceful, book-lined hideaway for reading or working. The upper levels through sliding doors are a great place to soak up AC.

• Nang Café – Try their banana coffee, a creative local twist on a classic. Balcony seats have fun Old Quarter intersection traffic views.

Around Truc Bach Lake:

• Kuu Coffee – Outdoor open-concept spot with park views (exercise machines + dance classes!), great breakfast options and a friendly owner.
• Oleoleo Coffee Books and Cats – Cat lovers rejoice. Peaceful and quirky.

• Vintage 1976 Cafe & Bistro – Retro decor, durian coffee and perfect cà phê trứng.

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Budget Tips for Vietnam’s Café Culture

• Cost: Most drinks range from $0.75 to $2.20 USD.
• Wi-Fi: Fast and free almost everywhere.
• Cash: Bring it—many local cafés are cash-only.
• Timing: Visit late mornings or late afternoons for the best atmosphere and light.

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Vietnam Café Culture

From hole-in-the-wall Vietnam coffee shops to Instagram-worthy rooftops and hidden literary cafés, Vietnam café culture is all about discovery—and affordability. Whether you’re in search of the best Vietnam egg coffee, or simply a cosy nook with a good view, Vietnam delivers an unforgettable coffee experience, cup after cup.

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Planning your Vietnam trip? If you’re as excited for the Viet coffee scene as I am, save this guide for the best budget-friendly cafés across the country!

If you found this Vietnam coffee guide informative, please share it with your friends and follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for more Vietnam travel content!

Hẹn gặp lại, Vietnam — you’ve been a dream. ☕

♥ Agni

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