In 2024, TimeOut named Thao Dien one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world, and it’s easy to see why.
Once a quiet residential suburb along the tranquil banks of the Saigon River in District 2, Thao Dien is now blended with an international flair, drawing in creatives and young professionals.
While downtown Saigon hums with nonstop energy, Thảo Điền moves at its own pace, slower, and just a metro ride away from the city center, District 1.
9:00 AM: Skip The Traffic, Take The Metro
Start a day by riding Metro Line 1, Saigon’s first-ever urban railway. This new line connects the heart of District 1 to the city’s eastern edges in minutes; no motorbike, no traffic, no honking.
Catch the train from Ba Son Station, glide across Sai Gon River. After three stops, you will arrive at Thao Dien Station. It’s air-conditioned, clean, and surprisingly peaceful for public transport.
- Tickets prices: 7,000–20,000 VND.
- Tickets can be purchased via station counters, contactless bank cards, or the HCMC Metro app.
- Riders can buy single-use tokens or pick up a reloadable metro card.
- Trains depart every 8–12 minutes.
10:00 AM – Brunch In The Garden At Kashew Cheese Deli
Just a 10-minute walk from Thao Dien Station, Saigon Concept is a refreshing escape from the city’s buzz. Tucked inside a French-style villa courtyard surrounded by greenery, this creative complex brings together 13 cafes, restaurants, and boutiques—offering a calm, garden-like atmosphere that feels worlds away from the traffic outside.
At the heart of it all is a serene water table, setting the stage for Kashew Cheese Deli. One of the few spots in Saigon making house-crafted, plant-based cheeses. This café-deli champions mindful eating, offering fresh dishes and cold-pressed juices in a space that feels as nourishing as the menu itself.
Try their signature cheese board or go for a colorful plant-powered breakfast bowl. If you fall in love with the flavors, they also offer their cheeses and eco-conscious home goods to take home.
- Address: 14 Tran Ngoc Dien, Thao Dien, D2, HCMC
- Open Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
12:00 AM – Discover Local Design at Oh Quao
A short stroll from Saigon Concept leads you to Oh Quao, an independent boutique dedicated to celebrating Vietnamese local designs. Its bright, thoughtfully arranged interior invites exploration, with a rotating curation that showcases work from over 100 Vietnamese designers and small brands.
Shoehorning their name into its meaning “Oh, quao” sounding like “oh, wow” the founders aimed to surprise both locals and visitors with items that can’t be found elsewhere. For those in search of creative souvenirs, this is a should-visit stop.
- Address: 19 Street No. 38, Thao Dien, Thu Duc, HCMC
- Open Hours: 9 AM - 8 PM
3:00 PM – Matcha Break at Cafe 1/4 (Oishi Town)
By mid-afternoon, wander into Oishi Town, a Japanese-inspired located in an alley on Thao Dien Street. This compact complex feels like a slice of Tokyo in Saigon—hosts ramen shops, record stores, beauty salons, and tranquil cafés nestled under lanterns and greenery.
At the end of the garden-like pathway sits Cafe 1/4, a matcha-focused café that has become a cult favorite among Saigon’s creatives. The space is minimalist and tranquil, with soft lighting, pale wood furnishings, and a bar-style counter that encourages slow sipping rather than scrolling.
Their specialty is authentic Kyoto-sourced matcha, prepared traditionally or reimagined through blends like the standout iced coconut-matcha—a creamy, earthy drink that’s refreshing without being overly sweet. Beyond matcha classics like lattes and affogatos, Cafe 1/4 also offers sake-based cocktails from a hidden menu, revealed only to those in-the-know.
Whether you're here for restorative flavor or creative inspiration, this tucked-away café provides a serene pause in your Thảo Điền exploration.
- Address: Alley 28 Thao Dien, Thu Duc, HCMC
- Open Hours: 9 AM - 11 PM
4:00 PM – Explore Chillala House of Art
Art lovers, don’t skip Chillala – House of Art. With over 1,000 square meters of open space, high ceilings, and minimalist architecture, this independent gallery provides an ideal setting for large-scale works, experimental installations, and visual storytelling.
Divided into two primary exhibition areas, a main ground-floor hall and a more intimate upper-level space, Chillala often showcases work by both emerging and established Vietnamese artists. The gallery’s commitment to accessible, community-centered curation has helped establish it as a creative hub for those interested in Vietnam’s evolving visual culture.
Clean lines, natural light, and an intentional quietness define the viewing experience here. It’s the kind of place where you can linger without pressure, letting the artwork speak at its own pace. After wandering the gallery, visitors can head upstairs to the rooftop bar, open in the evenings, for a drink and panoramic views over leafy Thảo Điền.
- Address: 75 Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien, Thu Duc, HCMC
- Open Hours: 7 AM - 9 PM
6:00 PM – Dinner at Dotori Dining
Just a few steps from Cafe 1/4, tucked inside the same quiet alley of Oishi Town, you’ll find Dotori Dining—a cozy, softly lit restaurant offering both indoor and garden seating. The interior combines natural wood accents, ambient lighting, and minimalist design, setting the stage for a meal that feels both relaxed and thoughtfully crafted.
Led by a Korean culinary team, Dotori serves Japanese-Korean fusion dishes with a creative twist on nostalgic comfort food. The menu is compact but well-executed, featuring standouts like the '80s Retro Tonkatsu, their signature tornado omelette, and a rotation of seasonal small plates that layer bold flavors with subtle detail.
- Address: Alley 28 Thao Dien, Thao Dien, Thu Duc, HCMC
- Open Hours: 11 AM - 9 PM
8:00 PM – Drinks & Outdoor Cinema at Satsuma House
End your Thao Dien day with a drink and skyline views at Satsuma House, a riverside café-bar tucked inside a renovated 1970s villa. With ambient lighting, leafy garden seating, and signature cocktails like the lychee gin or citrusy spritz, it’s a favorite for laid-back evenings and low-key hangouts.
What sets it apart is its Silent Movie Night—a recurring outdoor cinema event held once or twice a month, typically on Wednesday evenings at 7 PM, organized by Cinewav Vietnam. Guests use wireless headphones to tune in privately, preserving the venue’s relaxed atmosphere while still offering a cinematic experience under the stars.
- Address: 28b Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien, Thu Duc, HCMC
- Open Hours: 3:00 PM - 11:30 PM (Tue - Fri), 8:00 AM - 11:30 PM (Sat - Sun), Closed on Mon