SudhikshaThao Dien offers a gentler introduction to Ho Chi Minh City. Located in Thu Duc City along the Saigon River, the neighbourhood pairs leafy streets with a strong café culture and a quietly global food scene. It is compact, walkable, and easy to enjoy at a slower pace. Spend a full day here, and you will see why many travellers linger longer than planned.
Also read: Three-Day Long-Weekend Itineraries from Singapore to Southeast Asia (in 2026)
24 hours in Thao Dien, a neighbourhood on the clock
Start slow with speciality coffee at The Workshop Coffee
Image credit: Cafe Scene
Begin your morning at The Workshop Coffee, one of the pioneers of speciality coffee in the city. Tucked away in an old apartment building, it feels deliberately removed from the street below. Inside, industrial interiors meet large windows and communal tables. Order a pour-over or a flat white made with Vietnamese-grown beans. Pair it with a simple pastry and settle in.
From your seat, watch Thao Dien ease into the day. Freelancers open laptops. Friends catch up quietly. It sets the tone for what lies ahead.
Shop on the streets of Thao Dien Market
Image credit: Wander On
With your morning caffeine fix out of the way, explore the lanes around Thao Dien Market, the informal heart of the neighbourhood. This is where daily life and design-led retail intersect. Small fashion boutiques, homeware shops, and lifestyle stores cluster along the surrounding lanes, many of them independently owned and quietly curated.
Browse racks of linen clothing, handmade jewellery, and understated resort wear by local designers. Step into shops selling ceramics, rattan pieces, and contemporary Vietnamese décor. Between stores, you will find cafés doubling as retail spaces, encouraging you to slow down rather than shop with urgency.
Refuel with a global lunch at Maison Marou Saigon
Image credit: Mindtrip
For lunch, head to Maison Marou Saigon, the flagship café of Vietnam’s celebrated bean-to-bar chocolate brand. While known for desserts, the space also serves a solid lunch menu featuring light savoury dishes. Think sandwiches, salads, and comfort food with a refined touch.
The airy interior, filled with natural light, makes it easy to linger. Order a savoury main, then stay for a chocolate tart or iced cacao. It is indulgent without being overwhelming, ideal for midday.
Get creative at The Factory Contemporary Arts Centre
Image credit: ArchDaily
After lunch, walk off the sugar with a visit to The Factory Contemporary Arts Centre. This converted warehouse complex is one of the city’s leading spaces for contemporary art. Exhibitions rotate regularly and focus on Vietnamese and regional artists.
Even if you are not an art expert, the space is approachable and thoughtfully curated. Spend an hour exploring the galleries, then sit in the courtyard café to reflect. It is a calm, cultural pause in the middle of the day.
Snack your way through the afternoon at Pasha Garden Lounge
Image credit: Tripadvisor
As afternoon hunger creeps in, stop at Pasha Garden Lounge for a casual snack. Known for its Middle Eastern flavours, the menu is ideal for grazing. Order hummus with warm bread or a small mezze plate to share.
The leafy garden setting keeps things relaxed and unhurried. This is also a good spot to cool down with a mint tea or fresh juice before the evening begins.
Dress up to dine in style at Quince Eatery
Image credit: quincesaigon.com
For dinner, book a table at Quince Eatery, a neighbourhood favourite that balances comfort with creativity. The menu focuses on European-inspired dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Plates are designed for sharing, making it easy to sample more than one.
The atmosphere stays warm and buzzy without tipping into loud. It is refined but welcoming, ideal for a long, relaxed meal after a full day on foot.
End the day with cocktails at Layla – Eatery & Bar
Image credit: Chill Vietnam
Conclude the night at Layla – Eatery & Bar, one of Thao Dien’s most popular cocktail spots. The vibe is intimate, with low lighting and a well-crafted drinks menu. Expect classic cocktails alongside inventive house creations.
On certain nights, live music adds to the mood without overpowering conversation. It is the kind of place where one drink easily turns into two or more.
Also read: Must-Try Family-Friendly Chinese New Year Experiences Beyond Chinatown in Singapore
Time well spent
Image credit: Jackfruit Adventure
Spending twenty-four hours in Thao Dien proves that you do not need to rush to feel fulfilled. The neighbourhood moves at its own pace, blending good food, creative spaces, and quiet moments by the river. By the time the day winds down, it feels less like ticking off a schedule and more like slipping briefly into local life. In a city known for its energy, Thao Dien shows that slowing the clock can be the real luxury.
