Tucked away on the top floor of a 100-year-old apartment building in Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, a tiny café with just three tables has become a sought-after retreat. Each day, it quietly welcomes only 10–15 pre-booked visitors.

An unusual hideaway café

Playfully dubbed the “mystery café” by its patrons, this quaint spot perches on the fifth - and highest - floor of a timeworn apartment block.

To reach it, visitors can choose between a nearly century-old elevator, which costs 5,000 VND (approximately $0.20) per ride, or take the stairs. However, both options stop at the fourth floor.

From there, guests must climb an outdoor staircase at the rear of the building. Winding upward through narrow bends, the staircase leads to the rooftop, where the café awaits.

Once on top, the atmosphere is strikingly different from the hustle and bustle below. The rooftop hosts a quiet residential enclave, where modest homes line a narrow, winding corridor.

At the far end of this path, visitors walk past small household kitchens covered in old corrugated metal roofs before reaching a weathered wooden door. Beyond it lies a serene, vintage-styled café that feels frozen in time.

The space features a tiny bar and just three classic wooden tables set atop old French tiles, surrounded by sun-faded yellow walls. The décor, carefully curated, echoes the charm of old Saigon.

What truly sets the café apart is its view. Through a single open window, guests can gaze out at Saigon’s iconic landmarks: Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, the location where the iconic Fall of Saigon photo was taken, and the historic Catinat building.

A space reserved for the mindful

Nguyen Thi Hang, born in 1999 in Tay Ninh and a co-founder of the café, said the concept began in 2019 when she and a group of friends rented the old space with the goal of transforming it into a peaceful retreat.

“Right after opening, the café drew attention for its nostalgic, quiet ambiance,” Hang shared. “It quickly became a go-to spot for students, artists, and foreign travelers alike.”

During the pandemic, the café temporarily closed. After reopening, it adopted a new operation model: reservations only.

Because the café is located in a tight-knit rooftop residential community, unrestricted visitor traffic would disrupt the daily lives of locals.

“We screen visitors,” Hang explained. “When someone requests a booking, we share our house rules and intentions. That way, guests know if our space suits their needs.”

As a result, the café now attracts a well-matched clientele - those who appreciate quiet reflection, meaningful conversation, or a peaceful place to study or work.

A unique pricing model

The café does not charge per drink. Instead, it offers time-based pricing - 125,000 VND (around $5) for a two-hour visit.

That fee includes unlimited access to its renowned salt coffee or other well-made drinks, and, most importantly, full enjoyment of the calm, intimate setting.

“We usually leave guests alone once we serve their drinks,” Hang said. “It’s not a place for romantic dates. It’s for people seeking quiet, authentic connections or solo space to focus.”

The café is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., serving only 10–15 guests each day.

A collection of handwritten notebooks filled with reflections, thank-you notes, and shared memories from past visitors speaks to the café’s emotional resonance.

“Over the years, we’ve built a loyal following - not just among city residents but also among travelers, especially groups from both domestic and international travel agencies,” Hang added.

Ha Nguyen