Exploring the coffee scene in District 4, Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s biggest city and also one of the busiest, fun, hot and cultural cities in the country. The city is divided into districts and one of the most popular ones is District 4. It’s located just next to District 1, which lies in the heart of the city, and it’s considered the smallest district. The area isn’t the most popular one amongst tourists, but that might change sometime soon. District 4 has both heart, charm and tons of coffee shops that are worth exploring. It’s an up-and-coming area that’s turning into a hip and trendy district, where you’ll most likely see digital nomads, locals and businessmen sitting in cafés, working, enjoying a cup of coffee or even having meetings.

Whatever your purpose is to visit a café, there’s some that just cannot be missed when you’re in District 4. Get a glimpse into the city’s coffee culture by visiting these cafés.

1. Lala Coffee and Tea

Address: 237 Bến Vân Đồn, Phường 5, Quận 4, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Minimalistic, modern, sleek and elegant – all of these words perfectly describes this charming café in District 4. This industrial styled café is perfect for the ones who has to work, study or just want to sit back and relax in the garden area. They have several luxurious cabanas in the lounge as well, where you can enjoy a coffee with your friends for example. It’s probably one of the most picturesque cafés in District 4.

2. Shangri-La Coffee and Tea

Address: 6-8 Số 41, Phường 6, Quận 4, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

This cozy little café is a favourite amongst young local people. Their white bubble milk tea certainly contributes to the cafés popularity, but also their wide selection of milkshakes. The space itself is very homely, with warm colours and wooden decor. It does get quite crowded, but usually not until later at night.

3. Kopo’s Desk Work Coffee

Address: 39 Tan Vinh, District4, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

If you’re looking for a sugar rush, you should make your way over to this coffee shop. Not only do they have modern coworking spaces where you can sit for hours with your laptop, they also have some of the tastiest milkshakes in town, with syrup goodness, dripping chocolate sauce and a muffin of your choice on top. Now that’s a lot of sugar. The WiFi here is also fast, there’s plenty of plugs and seatings and the interior will leave you inspired. Even if you’re not looking for a place to work, you’ll want to sit here reading a book or talking to your friends. Don’t forget to bring your camera too and capture the over-the-top milkshake.

4. Relax Coffee Bar

Adress: 202 Đường số 48, Phường 5, Quận 4, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Just as the name says, it’s a place to relax and get comfy. Most people come here for their tea brews, which are served in china mugs. Of course, you should not miss out on this picture perfect moment. They also have a patio where you can sit outside if you are missing the sunlight. Relax Coffee Bar is still quite the hidden gem so make sure you go visit it before it becomes the new trendy coffee shop to go to.

5. Cafe Cub

Address:  Phường 4 Quận 4, 9 Vĩnh Hội, Phường 3, Quận 4, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Cute and simple, this coffee shop keep things interesting with its refreshing drinks, such as the Lychee Freezy. It’s especially appreciated during the hot days in Ho Chi Minh City. You can play a game of Jenga with your friends here too, while enjoying a cold beverage. This open-air cafe is one of the most beloved ones in District 4. And you know what they say – if the locals love it, it’s usually a good spot.

When you’ve decided to travel to Vietnam and visit the coffee shops of District 4, you’ll have to remember to apply for a Vietnam visa in order to enter the country. You can either apply online or get it through the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate. The online options are by far the most popular way to acquire a visa because it’s easy, simple and fast. You can get a visa within a few days, or even hours if you need an emergency visa. The two online visas are called Visa on Arrival and E-Visa.