5 Best Hidden Cafes in HCMC Loved by Locals

Ho Chi Minh City is full of cafes, but the best ones are those that locals quietly keep to themselves. From hidden book cafes to retro vinyl hideouts, here are 5 cozy gems we love (that not many people know of), and after one visit, you probably will too.

1. Ngâm CAFE – A Hidden Book Café in HCMC (⭐ 4.1/5)

If Pinterest had a café, Ngâm would be it. This spot gives off total retro library meets garden hideaway vibes.

Photo credit: Phuong Trang Vu via Google Reviews

The centerpiece? Rows and rows of books everywhere. Outside, they line the courtyard. Inside, the walls are packed with even more shelves, paired with soft lighting and wooden furniture. There’s also a calm playlist in the background, making it an easy place to lose track of time.

Photo credit: Tu Minh via Google Reviews

You’ll find coffee, tea, and a pastry counter loaded with croissants and buns, but it’s really the space that makes people fall in love. No wonder it attracts a crowd, especially with Saigon’s many ‘muses’ popping in for photos.

Photo credit: Nhoc Toms via Google Reviews

So if you’re looking for a quiet corner to read, sip tea, and just relax, I’d recommend going early in the morning or later at night. Don’t worry, it’s open 24/7 – a rare gem for night owls.

2. Memento Saigon – A Cozy Riverside Café-Bar (⭐ 4.9/5)

Memento Saigon is a café and cocktail bar tucked inside an old building in the city. You’ll find it on the 4th floor – just look for the bookshelf hiding the entrance (yes, really!).

Photo credit: Glen Belovsky via Google Reviews

In the morning, it’s quiet and peaceful – ideal for a slow coffee while enjoying scenic views of the river. But in the evening, the vibe shifts slightly. With dim lighting and a few well-picked cocktails, it turns into a relaxed spot to unwind.

Photo credit: Faye Tran via Google Reviews

The menu has a mix of classics and house specials. If you’re not sure what to try, the Iced Caramel Pandan Latte (80,000 VND) and Iced Mekong Milk Coffee (50,000 VND) are marked as recommended picks on the menu.

Photo credit: Trân Nguyễn via Google Reviews

The bartenders are known for more than just being friendly – they greet regulars by name, offer tailored drink recommendations, and somehow make a packed bar feel intimate. It’s the kind of place where good service doesn’t just happen, it stands out.

3. Matte Matcha & Teabar – One of the Best Hidden Cafes in HCMC for Matcha Fans (⭐ 4.9/5)

Matte Matcha & Teabar has an open space concept with a minimalist green-on-cream aesthetic. There’s also a quiet tearoom space tucked in the back – it’s a nice bonus if you’re looking for something more private than the main seating area.

Photo credit: Coffeetimeofhang via Google Reviews

If not, grab a seat right at the open bar, the staff are super chill and always happy to chat about matcha while they’re whipping up your drink.

Photo credit: Hiền Thu via Google Reviews

Almost everything here revolves around matcha — from lattes and soft-serves to mousse cakes and cheesecake. Even the basic matcha latte is a standout: smooth, earthy, and nutty with a rich tea aroma. It’s simple, but you can tell they take the matcha seriously. Prices are a bit on the higher side, but honestly, it feels fair for the quality you’re getting.

Photo credit: Thu Bui via Google Reviews

4. ThiBa Coffee – A Peaceful Escape Among HCMC's Crowded Cafes (⭐ 4.4/5)

Tucked away from the city's hustle, ThiBa Coffee isn't just a cafe; it's a whole vibe. Thiba truly believes a beautiful cafe isn't just about good coffee, but the feeling you get when you sit down.

Photo credit: Brian Chuang via Google Reviews

What sets Thiba apart is its incredible collection of over 300 ceramic and pottery pieces, meticulously gathered from various places. Some are flawless, others a little cracked or worn, which actually adds to the charm. You won’t find them in glass cases — they’re just there, adding texture and character to the whole vibe.

Photo credit: Yili via Google Reviews

But the real showstopper? A stunning, mossy rock garden right in the middle of the cafe that brings a little piece of serene nature indoors.

Photo credit: Minh Anh via Google Reviews

And here's a little secret about the evenings: around 7:00 PM, they dim the lights and light candles at every table, transforming the place into an even more romantic and chill hideaway. Sounds pretty magical, right?

Photo credit: Steven Chang via Google Reviews

As for their menu, you’ll find everything from espresso to cocktails, even bingsu if you’re in the mood for something cool!

Photo credit: David Do via Google Reviews

5. Things Atelier – Retro Cafe With Vinyl Records & Quiet Vibes (⭐ 4.9/5)

Things Atelier feels like one of those places you stumble upon and want to keep to yourself. It’s tucked away in an old building, making it easy to miss if you’re not looking, but that’s part of the charm.

Photo credit: Saleto Filmmaking via Google Reviews

Inside, it’s quiet and a little nostalgic – classic vinyl records spinning gently in the background, making it perfect for journaling, diving into a good book, or even getting some work done.

The drinks here are a pleasant surprise: the matcha is rich and well-balanced, while the houjicha has a lovely smoky aroma that lingers in the best way. The menu is handwritten and delightfully varied, adding a personal touch to an already intimate space.

Photo credit: Trang Hoàng via Google Reviews

Finding the Best Hidden Cafes in HCMC

So, what really makes these hidden cafes in HCMC the best? Well, it’s the otherworldly feeling you get as soon as you step inside.

Photo credit: Valor Studio

There’s Ngâm with its book-lined courtyard and interior, Memento hidden in one of Saigon’s oldest buildings, Matte for all things matcha, Thiba’s mossy rock garden and ceramics, and Things Atelier with vinyls and vintage mood.

These aren’t your typical tourist cafés, they’re lesser-known gems in HCMC that locals actually go to... and love.

And even better, these cafés are all just a quick ride away from Kin Hotel’s stays. You’re already perfectly placed to start exploring like a local.

Grab your camera, bring a bit of curiosity, and let your café adventure start from Kin.

🛎️ Book your stay with Kin Hotel

Love discovering places like this? We share even more hidden corners, cafes, and city gems over at @kinhotel. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for your daily dose of Saigon charm.