Late night in HCMC reminds you just how beautiful the city actually is.

Saigon is absolutely *not* a 24-hour city and this is the only time that the traffic sounds don’t fill the air and you’re surrounded by people. It’s remarkably peaceful, quiet, and cool - which makes it a great time to get out of the house for a bit.

There are a few all-night food options and cafes here and there, but this is a country that knows when bedtime is and is also accustomed to getting up pretty early in the morning (AKA the only time the sun isn’t actively trying to murder you).

As such, 24-hour cafes are something of a rarity. However, I have ventured out a few times, because sometimes you just can’t sleep and are restless.

These are all in District 1 and cover a variety of cafe styles - pick your vibe, and enjoy the stillness of a city that is otherwise rarely still.

Note: I visited these all after midnight.

NYNA Coffee

Hours: 24 Hours

Address: 212B/D18B Nguyễn Trãi, Phường Nguyễn Cư Trinh, Quận 1

https://maps.app.goo.gl/qmtZHEmjXTFvM5Ey9

Fresh drinks, a variety of baked goods, and a fresh, modern style mark this relatively new addition to the 24 hour cafe scene, and the university students have definitely taken notice. It’s off the main roads, and parking is bit hard to see but it’s just a few doors down from the cafe in the bottom of a building. You pass it before reaching the cafe entrance.

It’s pretty packed with young people doing their work and humming but not overly loud. There’s also a rooftop area reachable by elevator, but there’s no rain protection.

I visited in early November, which explains (sort of) the Christmas decorations.

Tiệm Cafe Sài Gòn Xưa

Hours: 24 Hours

Address: 101-101a Phạm Ngũ Lão, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1

https://maps.app.goo.gl/DoTXKTTSVSMWVJsT9

This is just one branch of a mini-chain that has locations all over the city center, and they are all open 24 hours. I particularly like this one because it’s on a great corner across from the park, and the outside chairs and sofa are slightly more comfortable than other branches.

The vibes are Old School Saigon - lots of natural wood and nostalgic decorations, and the coffee is excellent (it was at this point in the evening I decided to screw it and just drink coffee for the rest of the night - I don’t know what I was thinking, either).

Kai Coffee

Hours: 24 Hours

Address: 139 Nguyễn Thái Bình, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1

https://maps.app.goo.gl/fdfj6scfEws2jHup7

Another mini-chain, although I consider this branch the best of them. This is a great option if you need to get some work or studying done, or are having a late-night meeting. The drinks are pretty good, they have a few baked goods available, and the space is modern with lots of power outlets for electronics.

There are air conditioned floors and the top floor is open air with great views of the neighborhood. You’ll occasionally get groups of rowdy young people, be warned (young people are the same everywhere, it turns out).

Cafe Vy

Hours: 24 Hours

Address: 277E Lê Thánh Tôn, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1

https://maps.app.goo.gl/hg6svzoqa2BhLQi28

I dropped in this cafe because it’s near Tiệm Cafe Sài Gòn Xưa, and it’s kind of a weird one to keep open 24 hours - it serves only coffee, and it’s your typical open-air sidewalk corner cafe. The coffee is also weirdly expensive for the setting, but it’s pretty good (I got an iced robusta no sugar, as always).

This place gets super crowded during the day but it’s pretty peaceful late at night and I really enjoyed hanging out as a light rain fell. I have a soft spot for sidewalk cafes in general, so I’m glad I found one for this list.

If you can’t sleep and have no intention of sleeping, and also don’t need a place to work, this is a great option.

Other options I’ve already posted about include:

• YoshiYoshi (District 5)

• giang café (District 10)

• Nhâm Cafe (District 10)

• Chiêu Cafe Sách (District 1)

I’m always looking for other 24-hour cafes, especially in other districts - if you know of a few, please drop them in the comments!

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