Where: 55 Ung Văn Khiêm, Phường 25, Bình Thạnh, Hồ Chí Minh
Type: Indoor Café
Offer: Drinks & Food
Price: $$
Dalat Pho is a chain throughout HCMC (not sure outside as well – though I would guess it is a nationwide chain), but I must admit I was not aware of this during my first visit to the one in Binh Thanh. I passed the place a few times and I liked the look of it, with a lot of green and lots of light (especially at night).
This specific café has several levels for seats. One section on the bottom near the street, with a waterfall in front of you. The next level in the middle has a pond and also some “waterfall” displays, including some bridges to cross the pond. And then the upper levels with more seats. I actually prefer the middle section, especially if you can get a seat next to the pond.
It has an open environment feel and I find it rather relaxing there, especially during the day when the music was on low volume. They serve the usual options of drinks to a slightly higher price than other cafés (which is no surprise), but not too expensive. They also serve food and fruit platter. As a result you can see more people visiting the place in the evening.
At night it is actually lovely, as there are lots of lights throughout the place, which some people might find too cheesy, I am ok with that.
However, at night they also might play the music too loudly, though it is very hard to have a conversation. I had an urgent call and I had to leave the premise to hear the person on the other side of the call. I know this is a general issue in Vietnam, but this put me off slightly off. Though during the day it is quiet enough and might be a good option to work away.
Overall the setting is nice, but I find other places like Juliet’s Garden more personal, better value for money and controlling the volume of the music much better – though I have been here a few times and I will be back to enjoy the view at night.
Rating: 6/10
(First visited April 2018)
