Admire the colors of the old Ton That Dam apartment building in the heart of District 1

1Go back in time at Ton That Dam apartment building

Address: 14 Ton That Dam, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Ton That Dam is one of those apartments that is not only valuable in terms of time, but also offers many interesting experiential activities as well as impressive virtual living. The apartment building was built during the French colonial period (around 1886), including 1 ground floor and 4 floors. Near Ton That Dam apartment building, there are many famous Saigon tourist attractions such as Bitexco building, State Bank of Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh City branch…

In the middle of the bustling city, the apartment seems to have a very unique beauty with bars, cafes… next to old yellow walls, old rusty iron doors, simple stairs… In the past, this place was The office building was built by the French. After 1975, the apartments were assigned to officials of state agencies such as the post office, Saigon port, insurance…

2 Instructions for moving to the apartment

This tourist attraction is open all day so visitors can visit and take pictures at any time. Ton That Dam Apartment is about 1km from the center of District 1 and Ben Thanh Market is only within a radius of 1.8km, very easy to move by personal means and bus. The easiest route is to follow Nam Ky Khoi Nghia street, then Ham Nghi for about 10 minutes. Bus routes with stops near the apartment are: No. 01, No. 03, No. 04, No. 18, No. 38, No. 39 and No. 88.

3Experiences not to be missed at Ton That Dam apartment

3.1 Check-in at cafes with nostalgic colors

One of the activities that you must definitely experience at Ton That Dam apartment building is visiting the beautiful small cafes here. Most of the shops have a classic and simple design style, with a beautiful view of the center of District 1. The drinks are diverse and not too expensive. A restaurant that Vietnamtravelio suggests readers should try is Mockingbird and Hoang Thi Cafe.

3.2 Enjoy shopping at Ton That Dam apartment building

In the Ton That Dam apartment complex, there are also many clothing shops operating. To match the surrounding nostalgic space, most of these shops pursue a vintage fashion style with European and American styles. Items such as pants, skirts, tops, dresses, jackets… are constantly updated, helping customers have the best choices.

3.3 Enjoy taking virtual photos

Ton That Dam Apartment is often known as an ideal photography location for those who like a nostalgic atmosphere. Here you will enjoy the beauty of time left behind and the antiquity of classical architectural works. The unique mossy walls and faded iron frames marked by time will bring you photos of old Saigon.

4Suggestions for outstanding coffee shops in Ton That Dam apartment building

4.1 The art of the 70s at Hoang Thi Cafe

Address: 1st Floor Ton That Dam Apartment

Open door: 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m

The coffee shop at Ton That Dam apartment building was inspired by the famous music and poem “Once Upon a Time Hoang Thi” in the 70s, so it also has a nostalgic beauty of old memories. Unlike many other shops, Hoang Thi Cafe did not remodel the apartment but kept the old wall intact, a reminder of the past.

That is also the reason why any tourist who visits this place will temporarily forget the familiar hustle and bustle of Saigon and return to the memories saved in the room. The shop introduces itself as “Small roadside shop, with music, paintings, and beautiful people”. Diners visiting this place can enjoy poetry appearing everywhere along with classic music that has accompanied many generations.

4.2 Embrace the sunset at Mockingbird Coffee

Address: 4th Floor Ton That Dam Apartment

Open door: 9h00 – 23h00

Mockingbird cafe is nestled on the top floor of Ton That Dam apartment building, bringing outstanding beauty in contrast between classic and modern, simple and sophisticated. The bright sunlight shining from early morning to late afternoon is a special feature that attracts diners to visit this place. The salon is divided into light rooms and dark rooms with contrasting styles, able to please all customers with classic or simple style.

According to travel and check-in experience, you should come here to take photos at noon and wait until sunset. The restaurant’s drink menu is also quite simple, the price is not too cheap but suitable for chilling and taking virtual photos.

4.3 Snuffbox Bar is hidden in the middle of an old apartment building

Address: 1st Floor Ton That Dam Apartment

Open door: 18h00 – 3h00

A special bar in Ton That Dam apartment without elaborate signs or advertising, suitable for those who like to discover surprises in a small attic. Behind the simple black door is a completely opposite majestic space, with a not too noisy space with soothing classic jazz music played on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Other days the music will be changed. changed into many different genres such as in-house, dub, electric.

Besides, the restaurant also has a delicious drink menu with harmonious and unique flavors. You can ask the bartender for further advice if you get lost in the too long list of dishes. This is also a quite famous bar with foreigners.

4.4 Haru Cafe is small and beautiful, full of poetry

Address: 2nd Floor Ton That Dam Apartment

Open door: 10h00 – 22h00

Cafe Haru has a clear Korean style because the owner is also Korean. Every small detail of the interior, including glasses, cups, spoons, forks… are skillfully chosen. In addition to the drink menu including tea, coffee, latte, juices…, the shop also has many extremely interesting dishes that are not too expensive compared to the general area of ​​District 1. In addition, the shop also has They also sell lovely ceramic items for decoration, you should try them out.

5 Some clothing shops worth checking out

–  Owl Fox: The shop specializes in youthful and stylish clothes with a European-American style and vintage items. If you are a fan of unique and new costumes, you can stop by here.

Address: 1st floor Ton That Dam apartment building

– Cow’s House – Clothes For Girl: A shop specializing in cute Korean-style fashion clothes, suitable for girls with a princess and feminine style. Here you will be able to choose dresses and clothes according to the latest trends.

Address: 2nd floor Ton That Dam apartment building

– Dust Shop: The shop is famous for second-hand items in a cool, individual style.

Address: 1st floor Ton That Dam apartment building

6Some notes for visitors when coming to Ton That Dam apartment building

– Avoid making noise when visiting because there are still many households living here.

– Ask people for permission if you want to take photos in front of their house.

– Most cafes here do not have air conditioning, so you should be careful if you go on hot days.

It can be seen that Ton That Dam apartment is an ideal destination for those who want to experience a different color of Saigon. In addition to taking photos to check-in, shopping, and enjoying cool drinks, we can also feel a very different beauty of the most dynamic city in the country.