If you’re traveling through Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and searching for a uniquely Vietnamese café experience, look no further than Cộng Cà Phê. This retro-style coffee chain has become a beloved stop for locals, expats, and tourists alike. Known for its nostalgic ambiance, military-inspired decor, and rich coconut coffee, Cộng Cà Phê is more than just a coffee shop—it’s a window into Vietnam’s past blended with the present.
🌿 What is Cộng Cà Phê?
Founded in Hanoi in 2007, Cộng Cà Phê (often stylized as Cộng Café or Cong Caphe) has since expanded across Vietnam and even internationally. The name “Cộng” is a reference to “Cộng sản,” which means “Communist” in Vietnamese. While the name might sound political, the café’s vibe is warm, artistic, and rooted in post-war nostalgia, rather than propaganda.
When you step into any Cộng Cà Phê location, you’re greeted by a decor that reflects Northern Vietnamese life in the 1970s and 1980s. Old radios, vintage typewriters, enamel cups, green military fabrics, wooden furniture, and bookshelves filled with yellowing paperbacks set the tone for a time-traveling coffee experience. It’s both quirky and comfortable.
📍 Best Locations of Cộng Cà Phê in Saigon
There are several branches in Ho Chi Minh City, each with its own charm. Here are some of the most popular:
🏠 1. Cộng Cà Phê – 26 Ly Tu Trong, District 1
- Right next to Ben Thanh Market
- Cozy with upstairs seating and street views
- 📍Google Map Location
🏠 2. Cộng Cà Phê – 2nd Floor, 42 Nguyen Hue, District 1
- Located in the famous Café Apartment building
- Offers a beautiful view of Nguyen Hue Walking Street
- 📍Google Map Location
🏠 3. Cộng Cà Phê – 336A Phan Xich Long, Phu Nhuan District
- Less touristy and a bit more spacious
- Great for digital nomads looking for a quieter space
- 📍Google Map Location
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🍹 Must-Try Drinks at Cộng Cà Phê
Cộng Cà Phê is famous for its Vietnamese-style coffee and creative twists. Here are some top drinks you shouldn’t miss:
- 🥥 Cà Phê Cốt Dừa (Coconut Milk Coffee)
- A blend of robusta espresso, condensed milk, and coconut cream.
- Cold, sweet, and creamy. Signature drink!
- ☕ Cà Phê Đen Đá (Black Iced Coffee)
- Strong, simple, and energizing.
- 🧊 Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Milk)
- Classic Vietnamese drink with sweetened condensed milk.
- 🍫 Cacao Cốt Dừa (Coconut Cocoa)
- Non-caffeine option for chocolate lovers.
- 🍹 Sinh Tố Xoài (Mango Smoothie)
- Refreshing and tropical, ideal for Saigon’s heat.
Each drink is usually served in vintage-style glasses or enamel mugs—an Instagrammer’s dream. 📸
🖼️ The Aesthetic and Atmosphere
Cộng Cà Phê stands out from other modern coffee chains because it embraces old-school charm. The moment you walk in, it feels like stepping into a 1970s Vietnamese living room or library. The lighting is dim and warm, the walls are adorned with old photos, and sometimes, revolutionary music plays softly in the background.
Many locations have second-floor seating, giving you a good vantage point to watch the hustle and bustle of the Saigon streets below. It’s the perfect environment for:
- ✍️ Writing your journal
- 💻 Working remotely
- 📖 Reading a book
- ☕ Enjoying a slow afternoon
💬 What Makes Cộng Cà Phê Special?
✅ Authenticity: The blend of retro interior and local coffee recipes creates an atmosphere that’s authentic to Vietnam.
✅ Affordability: Prices are affordable (35,000–60,000 VND), making it accessible for students, backpackers, and digital nomads.
✅ Atmosphere: Whether you want to work, chat, relax, or sip quietly, it offers a setting for every mood.
✅ Instagram-worthy: Aesthetic drinks, old furniture, soft light—every corner is a photo opp! 📷
✅ Nationwide Popularity: While it started in Hanoi, the Saigon branches have their own southern charm.
✨ Tips for Visiting
- 🕒 Go during off-hours to get a good seat (before 11 AM or after 4 PM).
- 🔌 Bring a power bank if you’re working—outlets can be limited.
- 🎁 Check for souvenirs like mugs and tote bags featuring the Cong logo.
- 📶 Free WiFi is available, but sometimes shared networks can be slow during peak hours.
- 📸 Don’t be shy to take pictures—the staff are friendly and used to it!
🧭 Final Thoughts
Cộng Cà Phê is more than a coffee shop—it’s a piece of Vietnamese cultural storytelling. For travelers seeking a mix of local flavor, historical charm, and modern café culture, this spot should be high on your list when visiting Ho Chi Minh City.
Whether you’re cooling down from a hot day of exploring or need a quiet corner to reflect and recharge, a visit to Cộng will leave you with a full heart and a full camera roll. So grab a seat, order a coconut coffee, and soak in the beautiful nostalgia of Saigon’s past blending with its vibrant present.
Anna KH 
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