Top 5 Cafes for Working in Saigon to Maximize Your Productivity

For many of us, working from home has been the norm for a long time. A change of scenery can often be what you need to get your creative juices flowing at times.

If you’re finishing up a freelance job, doing some life admin, or planning to smash out an essay, these Saigon hotspots will help you ramp up your productivity. Follow me to explore hidden café gems in our lovely Saigon.

The Chai Cafe

Escaping from the traffic and chaotic streets, you can easily spot the coffee shop, decorated in a vintage concept, from afar. This place is a perfect shelter for anyone who loves the quiet space with strong Wi-Fi so that they can focus on getting their work done. It is worth noting that the coffee shop is adorned with an elegant and smart arrangement of antique furniture, reminding you of the 1980s. With a wide variety of teas and coffee, you can also enjoy one of the most delicious cakes ever! One thing special about the place is you can bring drinks back home in the lovely bottles specifically designed by The Chai.

• Address: 1st Floor, 200 Nguyen Thuong Hien St, District 3
• Wi-Fi speed: Strong
• AC: Yes
• Price: 30,000 – 50,000 Vietnamese Dong for a drink

2D Café Vietnam

2D Café Vietnam prides itself on being a hub of caffeine-fuelled creativity, and they are not wrong. I believe that when you walk into the coffee shop, you will be impressed by the concept of black and white decorated all over the place. Not only does 2D offer nice creative drinks depending on the season with a fast working Wi-Fi connection, but they also organize a bunch of activities to engage with customers actively. The place is small and quiet, which is suitable for working individually or in groups. Also, I’m particularly fond of the board games in the cafe; they have quite the selection! Let me tell you one secret tip: board games and good coffee are the perfect way to awaken your inner ideas and boost your work performance.

The quirky little café is the ideal spot to sip on a coffee and work away; you may even find yourself inspired by the beautiful artwork around you!

• Address: 28 Tran Trong Cung St, District 7, HCMC.
• Wi-Fi speed: Strong
• AC: Yes
• Price: 40,000 – 60,000 Vietnamese Dong for a drink

Okkio Caffe

Okkio, which takes its inspiration from Japanese coffee houses, is located at the top of a narrow spiral staircase that runs over Le Loi Street in the city’s heart. It’s a peaceful, spacious area where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and read a book while jazz plays on the speakers. When it comes to the beverages here, you will feel a bit hesitant about what to choose since Okkio offers a diverse range of expertly made espresso beverages as well as pour-over coffee. My recommendation is to go for egg coffee or coconut coffee if you would like to try one of the best genuine coffee in Saigon. You also should not miss their fabulous homemade baked goods.

The coffee shop has a welcoming family feel with reliable and free Wi-Fi. Trust me; you will like how Okkio puts its best effort into serving the customers by well-trained and super friendly staff and the cosy ambience. Thus, it is a perfect venue to complete any work or study.

• Address: 120-122 Le Loi St, District 1, HCMC.
• Wi-Fi speed: Strong
• AC: Yes
• Price: 45,000 – 75,000 Vietnamese Dong for a drink

The Hidden Elephant Books & Coffee

Hidden Elephant has set itself apart from the rest of Saigon’s hangouts right from its name: it’s a spot for “books and coffee.” Indeed, auditory distractions are not welcome here since you can immediately see the post at the entrance: “the elephant is hidden because he’s too noisy” and “don’t be like him.” Seems interesting, right? I have to say Hidden Elephant is a hidden oasis because it is well-camouflaged by surrounding money exchange shops, three-star hotels, tour agencies and souvenir kiosks.

In addition, filled with books from floor to ceiling, this is a book lovers paradise. Added to that is a great selection of coffee and tea, making this place an ideal getaway from the noise, traffic, and tourist traps outside and a great destination for those who need a 100% concentration on working. I highly suggest egg coffee and Banh Mi if you want to try a traditional meal of locals. With light music is playing in the background, this is a very chilled place.

• Address: 2^nd Floor, Phan Chu Trinh St, District 1, HCMC.
• Wi-Fi speed: Strong
• AC: Yes
• Price: 55,000 – 75,000 Vietnamese Dong for a drink

Aramour Coffee & Roastery

When you walk into the front of Aramour Coffee & Roastery, you’re right in the middle of magic taken place by the baristas with an espresso machine, a coffee roaster, and a display of take-home coffee beans. And don’t miss the amazing view from an outdoor rooftop patio that’s surrounded by a beautiful assortment of foliage and flowers. I am impressed with one more special thing when visiting Aramour is their divine coffee made by their own in-house roasted Vietnam origin coffee beans. You will not be let down by the quality of drinks or service here since everything is meticulously done with an extreme focus on quality. Their toasted vegan sandwiches are also amazing.

Their beautiful interior and calm atmosphere have become a favourite hangout in Saigon for those looking to spend a day working or capture a few photos on the patio.

• Address: 7 Le Van Mien St, District 2, HCMC.
• Wi-Fi speed: Strong
• AC: Yes
• Price: 35,000 – 89,000 Vietnamese Dong for a drink

We hope that you will enjoy it if you visit one of these places as much as we did. Are there any cafes that leave a strong impression on you? Let us know by commenting below, and we will check out next time!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are a few questions and answers to help you find your perfect workspace in Saigon.

Q: What are the criteria for an ideal cafe for working in Saigon?

A: An ideal cafe for working in Saigon should meet key criteria such as strong and stable Wi-Fi, a quiet atmosphere for concentration, sufficient power outlets, comfortable seating for long hours, and of course, great coffee or tea to keep you energized. All five cafes in this article meet these standards well.

Q: Do these cafes have enough power outlets for laptops?

A: Yes. Cafes that cater to freelancers and students are generally well-equipped with power outlets. However, during peak hours, the best spots with outlets can be taken quickly. It’s advisable to arrive early or ensure your devices are fully charged beforehand.

Q: Among these five, which is the quietest cafe for working in Saigon for deep focus?

A: Based on the descriptions, The Hidden Elephant Books & Coffee is the top choice for absolute quiet, given its “no noise” policy at the entrance. Additionally, The Chai Cafe offers a perfect shelter from the city’s hustle and bustle, making it another great spot to focus on getting your work done.

Q: What is the average cost for a work session at these cafes?

A: The price for a drink at these cafes ranges from 30,000 to 90,000 VND. For this price, you can comfortably use the space, Wi-Fi, and other amenities for a few productive hours. This is a reasonable cost for a quality cafe for working in Saigon.