Thao Dien Cafés and Riverside in Ho Chi Minh City
Part of the Ho Chi Minh City travel guide — see every topic in All Ho Chi Minh City Guides.
Thao Dien is a leafy riverside neighbourhood on the east bank of the Saigon River. It was part of the old District 2, and since the 2025 reforms it is part of An Khanh ward. Thao Dien is known for quiet lanes, garden cafés, brunch spots, small shops and an international feel. This guide covers what to do, where to sit by the water and how to get there.
About the area
Thao Dien sits on a bend of the Saigon River, a short ride from the city centre. Many people who work for international companies live here, and the area has international schools, villas and modern apartment towers. Compared with the busy centre, the streets are greener and calmer, with less traffic in the small lanes. Xuan Thuy and Thao Dien streets are the main roads for cafés, shops and restaurants. The area is easy to walk in parts, but the pavements are not always even. Many places are hidden down side lanes, so a map app is helpful.
Cafés and brunch
Thao Dien has one of the best café scenes in the city. You can find specialty coffee shops that roast Vietnamese beans, bakeries with fresh bread and pastries, and large garden cafés with trees and fans. Many places serve all-day brunch, with both Vietnamese and Western dishes. Some cafés are in old villas with gardens. Others are modern and minimal. Most have good Wi-Fi, and many people come to work on laptops. Prices are higher than in local street cafés but still fair. Weekend mornings are the busiest time for brunch.
Riverside spots
Several cafés, bars and restaurants in Thao Dien sit right on the Saigon River. They have terraces, gardens and decks where you can watch boats and the city skyline. Late afternoon and sunset are the best times, when the light is soft and the air cools down. Some places have swimming pools for guests. The river is wide here, and on clear evenings you can see the towers of the centre and Landmark 81. Further south, the Thu Thiem area has new riverside parks with open lawns and views back to the old centre.
Shops and evenings
Thao Dien has small boutiques selling clothes, homewares, ceramics and design items, often made by local brands. There are also organic food shops and small markets. In the evening, the area has wine bars, craft beer bars and restaurants serving food from many countries, along with good Vietnamese places. The nightlife is relaxed and quieter than in the city centre. Many restaurants have outdoor seating. Book ahead for popular places on Friday and Saturday nights. Most restaurants and bars in the area are open every day of the week.
Getting there
The easiest way to reach Thao Dien is Metro Line 1. Get off at Thao Dien or An Phu station, about 15 minutes from Ben Thanh. From the station, walk or take a short Grab ride to the cafés. Grab cars and motorbikes from the city centre take about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. The Saigon Waterbus also runs on the river between the centre and the Thao Dien area. Check the latest timetable, because services can change. The best months to visit are about December to April, the dry season, when the river evenings are pleasant.
Thao Dien Cafés and Riverside at a glance
| Getting there | Metro Line 1 to Thao Dien or An Phu station; Grab about 15 to 30 minutes from the centre |
|---|---|
| Hours | Cafés from early morning; riverside bars and restaurants into the night |
| Cost | Mid to high range compared with local street cafés |
| Best time | Late afternoon and sunset; dry season about December to April |
| Area name | Old District 2; now part of An Khanh ward (2025 reforms) |