A Gentlemen's Guide to Saigon
Third Culture Guides | Vol. 01
Curated by Dao Huynh, Founder of Third Culture Vietnam
Five places, five different experiences, and a personal perspective on the city I've called home for the past four years.
Finding my own rhythm in Sài Gòn
When I moved to Vietnam in 2022, I was 36 years old. I had spent most of my life in the United States, growing up Vietnamese American and trying to understand what it meant to belong to two cultures.
I came to Vietnam with a curiosity about my heritage, but I didn't know how much my life would change here.
Four years later, I'm 40. I've gotten married, become a father, built a business, and found a community of people who have made this city feel like home.
And somewhere along the way, my relationship with Sài Gòn has changed, too.
When I first arrived, I wanted to experience everything. Every new restaurant, café, neighborhood, and hidden corner felt like another opportunity to discover the city.
These days, I'm a little more intentional about where I spend my time.
I appreciate a good conversation more than a crowded room. I'm drawn to businesses with thoughtful design, people who take pride in their craft, and places where I can slow down for a moment.
Perhaps that's something that comes with getting older. You become more comfortable with your own preferences, less concerned with what's popular, and more interested in the things that genuinely make you happy.
That's the perspective behind this first edition of Third Culture Guides.
Each guide in this series will be curated by a different person, shaped by their experiences, interests, and relationship with Vietnam.
This one is mine.
And while I've called it A Gentlemen's Guide, it isn't really about what a gentleman should wear, where he should spend his money, or how he should present himself.
It's about appreciating the smaller details of everyday life.
A thoughtfully designed space. A comfortable place to stay. A meal that brings people together. Clothing that expresses individuality. A haircut that turns into a meaningful conversation.
Here are five places that reflect the Sài Gòn I've come to know and appreciate.
01. DRINK
RAW + Atelier
Where the experience matters more than what's in your glass.
97B Lý Tự Trọng, central Sài Gòn
I have a confession to make.
I don't drink alcohol.
But I've always enjoyed the experience of going to a good bar.
I appreciate the atmosphere, the lighting, the music, and the small details that make a space feel different from everywhere else.
And perhaps most importantly, I enjoy the conversations that happen there.
I've visited RAW + Atelier a few times with friends, and it's become one of those places I appreciate after a long day.
What makes RAW interesting is that it offers two experiences within the same address. Downstairs is a café, while upstairs is a cocktail bar. The transition between the two feels like moving from one part of your day into another.
The space uses natural materials, including wood and stone, creating an atmosphere that feels considered without needing to be overly elaborate.
There's a certain intimacy to the setting that I appreciate.
You can spend time downstairs over coffee, or head upstairs to enjoy the evening atmosphere with friends.
And even though I don't drink alcohol, I don't feel that I need to.
I think that's something worth talking about, especially in a guide about men's lifestyle.
Sometimes, we associate going out with drinking, celebrating, or making an occasion out of something.
But I've learned that a good evening doesn't necessarily require any of those things.
Sometimes it's simply about finding somewhere comfortable to sit, having an interesting conversation, and giving yourself permission to unwind.
As a business owner, there are days when my mind is constantly moving. I'm thinking about projects, responsibilities, deadlines, and the things I need to accomplish tomorrow.
When I spend time with friends at RAW, I appreciate having a place where I can set some of that aside.
What makes a good bar, in my opinion, isn't only the quality of its drinks.
It's whether you want to stay a little longer.
And RAW has that quality.
Why go: For its two-level café and bar concept, considered interior, and relaxed atmosphere.
Who it's for: Friends catching up, couples looking for an intimate evening, or anyone who appreciates a well-designed space, with or without alcohol.
My take: You don't need a drink to enjoy a good bar. Sometimes, the company and atmosphere are enough.
02. STAY
M Village Premier Hotel Thi Sách
Because where you stay should feel connected to the city you're discovering.
26 Thi Sách, District 1
Living in Sài Gòn has completely changed how I think about recommending hotels.
Before moving here, I approached accommodation the way many travelers do. I'd compare locations, prices, amenities, and photographs.
But after living in this city for four years, I've realized there's something else that matters just as much.
The neighborhood.
When friends visit Vietnam, I want them to experience more than the city's major landmarks.
I want them to discover the smaller streets, the local cafés, the restaurants tucked between buildings, and the everyday rhythms that make Sài Gòn interesting.
That's why M Village Premier Hotel Thi Sách caught my attention.
Located in the heart of District 1, the hotel sits near the city's Japanese neighborhood, an area where small restaurants, cafés, and narrow streets create a different atmosphere from the larger boulevards nearby.
It's a location that gives visitors access to both sides of central Sài Gòn.
You can explore the Opera House and surrounding downtown streets, but you can also wander into quieter corners and discover something unexpected.
The hotel itself has 79 contemporary rooms, with a design that incorporates East Asian influences, natural light, and a softer approach to urban hospitality.
There's also a rooftop swimming pool, gym, lounge, and dining spaces, including Every Half, giving guests opportunities to slow down without needing to leave the property.
What I find interesting is the balance between being in the center of everything and having somewhere to retreat.
Sài Gòn is an exciting city, but it can also be overwhelming.
The traffic, the sounds, the constant movement, and the sheer number of things happening around you are part of what gives it character.
But after spending an entire day exploring, sometimes all you want is a comfortable room, a shower, and a little quiet.
I also appreciate the broader idea behind contemporary Vietnamese hospitality brands like M Village.
They're contributing to a different conversation about what accommodation in Vietnam can look and feel like.
Not every memorable stay needs to be a traditional luxury hotel.
Sometimes, thoughtful design, a convenient location, and the feeling of being comfortable in your surroundings matter more.
For me, this is the kind of place I'd suggest to someone who wants to experience Sài Gòn without feeling disconnected from it.
Why go: A central location, contemporary rooms, rooftop pool, and convenient access to the surrounding neighborhood.
Who it's for: First-time visitors, returning travelers, couples, or friends looking for a comfortable base in District 1.
My take: A good hotel gives you somewhere to sleep. A thoughtfully located hotel helps you experience the city.
03. TASTE
Society Cafe and Dining
Good food is memorable. The people behind it make it meaningful.
Near Phạm Ngọc Thạch, central Sài Gòn
One of the things I love most about Sài Gòn is how many interesting places are hidden in plain sight.
You can walk past a small alley without giving it much thought, only to discover a café or restaurant that feels completely different from the busy street outside.
Society Cafe & Dining is one of those places.
Tucked away near Phạm Ngọc Thạch, Society brings together the familiarity of a neighborhood café with a creative approach to food.
The interior feels warm and approachable, with wood, natural light, and the kind of atmosphere that invites you to spend a little more time than you originally planned.
But what makes Society especially interesting to me is the philosophy behind the business.
Its founders, Vân and Phương Phạm, also known as Culinary Frank, have developed a concept that places the people working there at the center of the experience.
One example is Món Của..., a series that invites members of the team to contribute their own food and drink ideas.
Rather than treating creativity as something that belongs only to the chef or owner, the concept gives employees an opportunity to participate in shaping the menu.
That might seem like a small detail, but I think it says something meaningful about the kind of business they're trying to build.
As someone who has spent the past few years building Third Culture Vietnam, I find myself paying more attention to the people behind the businesses I visit.
I think about the team members who arrive before opening, the people preparing ingredients, the conversations happening in the kitchen, and the small decisions that shape how a guest experiences a place.
We often talk about restaurants in terms of what we order.
Was the food good? Was the coffee worth it? Would we come back?
Those questions matter, of course.
But I'm increasingly interested in something else.
What kind of culture is being created behind the scenes?
Are the people working there encouraged to contribute? Does the business have a sense of identity? Is there something about the experience that feels personal?
Society's menu also reflects the way cultures naturally influence one another.
It draws from different culinary traditions while incorporating Vietnamese ingredients and flavors. One example featured in Vietcetera is a pesto pasta made with Vietnamese herbs and peanuts rather than a strictly traditional Italian preparation.
As someone who grew up between cultures, I find that approach familiar.
Not everything needs to fit neatly into one category.
Sometimes, the most interesting things come from allowing different influences to exist together.
And perhaps that's why Society feels appropriate for a Third Culture Guide.
It's not only about the food.
It's about creativity, collaboration, and the people who make a place feel alive.
Why go: A warm café and dining atmosphere, a creative menu, and an interesting approach to involving the team in its food culture.
Who it's for: Friends meeting over a meal, casual daytime gatherings, or anyone interested in independent cafés with a distinct personality.
My take: Pay attention to the people behind the food. Sometimes, their stories are just as interesting as what's on the plate.
04. SHOP
Rue Miche L'Édition
Rethinking what Vietnamese fashion can be.
Level LL3, Union Square, 171 Đồng Khởi, District 1
Growing up in Minnesota, I remember wanting to wear the same clothes as my American classmates.
I wanted the brands they wore.
I wanted to look like them.
And like many children growing up between cultures, I sometimes believed fitting in meant looking a little less different.
I remember begging my mother for a white Tommy Hilfiger T-shirt with an American flag on it.
At the time, that shirt represented something much bigger than clothing.
It represented acceptance.
I thought that if I wore the right thing, perhaps I'd feel a little more like everyone else.
It's interesting to reflect on that now.
Because at 40, my relationship with clothing has changed.
I'm less interested in wearing something because everyone else has it.
I'm more interested in discovering brands with a point of view, understanding the people creating them, and choosing pieces that feel connected to my own identity.
And living in Vietnam has given me a new appreciation for the creativity happening here.
Rue Miche L'Édition represents an exciting part of that movement.
Located within Union Square on Đồng Khởi, the concept brings together Vietnamese designers and emerging creative brands in a space that feels closer to a cultural destination than a conventional clothing store.
The design incorporates raw cement, wood, and flexible retail areas that can evolve around different collections and creative experiences.
It's a thoughtful approach to retail.
Instead of treating a store as simply somewhere to display products, Rue Miche creates an environment where fashion, design, and contemporary Vietnamese culture can intersect.
There's also something significant about its location.
Union Square is associated with international luxury brands, making the presence of a platform dedicated to Vietnamese creative talent particularly meaningful.
For years, Vietnam has been recognized internationally for its manufacturing industry.
But there's another story that deserves more attention.
Vietnamese designers are creating their own brands, developing distinct aesthetics, and contributing to how contemporary fashion is understood both locally and internationally.
I think that's something worth celebrating.
As a Vietnamese American, there's a certain pride in seeing this generation express itself with confidence.
They're not simply creating clothing for Vietnamese consumers.
They're contributing to a broader conversation about Vietnamese creativity and what it can become.
And personally, there's something meaningful about how my own perspective has changed.
As a child, I wanted American clothing because I thought it would help me belong.
Today, I'm excited to discover Vietnamese brands because they remind me of how much there is to be proud of.
Why go: To discover Vietnamese designers and explore a retail concept that brings fashion, culture, and creative expression together.
Who it's for: People interested in contemporary Vietnamese fashion, independent labels, design, and personal style.
My take: The most interesting part of Vietnamese fashion today isn't simply what people are wearing. It's the confidence of the people creating it.
05. GROOM
Loopline Barbershop
Sometimes, the best conversations happen in the barber's chair.
Sài Gòn
I think most men understand the feeling of finally finding a barber they trust.
Someone who knows how you like your hair.
Someone who remembers the small details.
Someone you don't have to explain everything to each time you sit down.
For me, that person is Văn Truyền, the owner of Loopline Barbershop.
And over time, our relationship has become more than simply a barber and a customer.
What started as regular visits for a haircut gradually became an opportunity for us to catch up and share stories about our lives.
Sometimes we talk about business.
The challenges of being entrepreneurs, the responsibilities that come with running something of your own, and the uncertainty that often accompanies building a business.
Other times, our conversations move away from work entirely.
And most recently, we've found ourselves talking about something we now have in common.
Fatherhood.
It's interesting how relationships develop.
You meet someone because you need a service, and over time, you begin learning about the person behind the work.
You share stories.
You talk about the things you're excited about, the things you're worried about, and the changes happening in your lives.
And without necessarily planning it, a familiar routine becomes a meaningful connection.
I've been thinking about this more since becoming a father.
Life can become incredibly busy.
Between running Third Culture Vietnam, spending time with my family, and navigating all the responsibilities that come with this stage of life, it's easy to move from one task to another without slowing down.
But I've come to appreciate these smaller moments.
The conversations that happen naturally.
The relationships that grow over time.
The people who become part of your everyday life without needing a special occasion.
There's also something about the tradition of barbershops that I find meaningful.
Across different cultures, they've often served as places where men gather, exchange stories, discuss their lives, and build relationships.
They're places where conversations can happen without feeling overly formal.
And I think there's value in that.
Especially for men, who don't always create enough opportunities to talk openly about what they're experiencing.
Not every conversation needs to be serious.
Sometimes it's about business.
Sometimes it's about family.
Sometimes it's just catching up.
But those interactions matter.
For me, Loopline represents that kind of connection.
Of course, I go because I trust Văn Truyền with my haircut.
But I also appreciate the person I've gotten to know along the way.
And I think that's one of the things that makes Sài Gòn feel more like home.
Not just discovering businesses you enjoy, but building relationships with the people behind them.
Why go: For a good haircut and the experience of a neighborhood barbershop built around personal service.
Who it's for: Anyone who appreciates a regular grooming routine and the relationship that can develop with a trusted barber.
My take: A good barber knows how you like your hair. A great relationship means having someone you look forward to catching up with.
What these places have taught me about Sài Gòn
Looking at these five recommendations together, I realize they're not necessarily connected by price, style, or location.
What connects them is something more personal.
Each represents a different part of the life I've built here.
RAW + Atelier reminds me to slow down and spend time with friends.
M Village Premier Hotel Thi Sách reflects how I want people visiting Vietnam to experience the city, not simply as tourists, but as people discovering the everyday life around them.
Society Cafe & Dining reminds me to appreciate the teams and relationships behind the businesses we enjoy.
Rue Miche L'Édition reflects a growing sense of pride in Vietnamese creativity and the confidence of a new generation.
And Loopline Barbershop reminds me that sometimes, the most meaningful connections happen in the most ordinary places.
Four years ago, I was still learning how to navigate Sài Gòn.
Today, I'm still discovering new things, but I've also developed a deeper appreciation for the places and people that have become familiar.
I think that's one of the beautiful things about living somewhere long enough to call it home.
You begin to notice different things.
The person who remembers your usual order.
The business owner who shares a little about their journey.
The barber who asks how your family is doing.
The café you return to without needing a reason.
Those details might seem small, but together, they shape your relationship with a city.
And as I continue getting older, I find myself appreciating them more.
I hope this guide encourages you to discover these places, but also to look beyond the businesses themselves.
Take time to learn about the people behind them.
Ask questions.
Have conversations.
Support the work they're creating.
Because for me, a good city guide shouldn't only tell you where to go.
It should help you understand why a place matters.
With appreciation,
Dao Huynh
Founder, Third Culture Vietnam
About Third Culture Guides
Third Culture Guides is an ongoing editorial series exploring Vietnam through the personal perspectives of the people who call it home.
Each edition is curated by a different member of our community, bringing together the places, people, and experiences that shape their relationship with Vietnam.
Our guides aren't intended to be definitive lists of the best places to visit.
They're personal collections of experiences worth sharing, from food, fashion, and design to independent businesses, creative communities, and everyday rituals.
Different perspectives. Different stories. One Vietnam.
