{"id":9871,"date":"2021-12-09T18:33:29","date_gmt":"2021-12-09T10:33:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/?p=9871"},"modified":"2022-05-12T15:50:47","modified_gmt":"2022-05-12T07:50:47","slug":"dalaland-saigon-cafe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/dalaland-saigon-cafe\/","title":{"rendered":"Dalaland: A Saigon Cafe With Lush Gardens & Ponds Where Fish Swim Above Your Head"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dalaland: an oasis-themed coffee joint in Th\u1ea3o \u0110i\u1ec1n<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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While there are many \u2018grammable themed coffee places in Saigon, finding one draped in scenery is not always easy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Decked out with lush plants and awe-inspiring pool landscapes that resemble a relaxing oasis with fishes swimming above your head, <\/span>Dalaland<\/b> in Th\u1ea3o \u0110i\u1ec1n looks like a park and an aquarium combined in a cafe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Dalaland is located in quirky and vibrant Th\u1ea3o \u0110i\u1ec1n<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\nA street in Th\u1ea3o \u0110i\u1ec1n<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit: <\/span>@<\/span>emisamrai<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Before we delve into this green sanctuary, let me briefly explain why Th\u1ea3o \u0110i\u1ec1n, albeit small in size and rugged in appearance, is so popular among local day-trippers and even dubbed the <\/span>Beverly Hills of Saigon<\/span><\/em> by many.<\/span><\/p>\n

What I love about this quirky neighborhood is that there\u2019s more than that meets the eye.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Boasting roads that are bumpy and narrow, say one lane fits only one car, Th\u1ea3o \u0110i\u1ec1n sees congestion during rush hours and flooding during the rainy season.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\nTh\u1ea3o \u0110i\u1ec1n is home to plenty of unique F&B establishments<\/span><\/em>
\nImage credit: <\/span>@ngocdiepngdo<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

However, don\u2019t let that discourage you from venturing into these quaint streets, since their alleyways are home to many gems hidden in plain sight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Because of land scarcity, not many F&B outlets here are streetfront, making most not easy to find. Instead, they\u2019re often found inside complexes, which are basically large, deep, and creative-looking repurposed alleyways that house several retail stores each.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t be surprised if you walk through the small entrance of what looks like an uninviting alleyway and find an ornately designed space fitted with restaurants, furniture stores, barber shops, or even a swimming pool under one roof. In some riverside complexes, you\u2019ll even enjoy a wide view of the Saigon River and the city\u2019s skyline.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\nA large swath of Th\u1ea3o \u0110i\u1ec1n lie alongside the Saigon River<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit: <\/span>@<\/span>careyz<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Therefore, whenever you walk past a lovely alleyway with several signs on it and a line of scooters parked in front, chances are it\u2019s a commercial complex. The fact that you don\u2019t know what innovative food creations or entertainment await you inside those alleyways is what makes Th\u1ea3o \u0110i\u1ec1n so irresistible and perfect for a walking food tour.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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It features an oasis-like landscaped pool and an eye-fooling fish tank\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\nImage credit: <\/span>Dalaland.saigon<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Situated in Th\u1ea3o \u0110i\u1ec1n, home to the city\u2019s most unique F&B establishments and garden cafes, it\u2019s no wonder that Dalaland is also an architectural masterpiece itself.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\nImage credit: <\/span>Dalaland.saigon<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The moment you reach the venue, which sits in a small alleyway of Tr\u1ea7n Ng\u1ecdc Di\u1ec7n Street, what jumps out at you is a big, apricot building decked out with white archways.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\nImage credit: <\/span>Dalaland.saigon<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

As you walk inside, you\u2019ll find a spacious, all-white space punctuated with countless plants and bamboo furniture in various shapes and sizes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\nImage credit: <\/span><\/em>Dalaland.saigon<\/span><\/em>
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Aside from its natural elements, the presence of arched corridors and staircases sans handrails makes Dalaland look like a Greek beach house.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\nIndoor seating area<\/em>
\nImage credit: <\/span>Dalaland.saigon<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Housing ample outdoor and indoor seating across two floors, this cafe is perfect for both small and large gatherings.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\nImage credit: <\/span>Dalaland.saigon<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The focal point of the venue must be its tropical-style pool, which features a grove of palm trees and well-trimmed shrubs in the middle.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\nImage credit: <\/span>Dalaland.saigon<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

If you take a shot here from an aerial view or as you\u2019re looking up to capture the verdant canopy, this spot will look like tropical woods instead of a pool.<\/span><\/p>\n

Needless to say, this re-imagined island resort is a big drawer among local visitors.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Dalaland
\nImage credit: <\/span>Dalaland.saigon<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Another detail about this place that\u2019ll certainly send you to lalaland is the sight of fishes swimming above your head. Thanks to the transparent roof that reflects the color of the sky, it looks as if the fishes are swimming amidst a sea of clouds, and sometimes, you\u2019ll see a person floating in their pool.<\/span><\/p>\n

To find out how it is possible, go upstairs and you\u2019ll find a large tank featuring real koi swimming in an aquarium that\u2019s so transparent that it looks like a real fish pond.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\nImage credit: <\/span>Dalaland.saigon<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

This eye-fooling artwork is even accented by the presence of a mattress in the middle looking as if it could float at any moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t hesitate to hop on that mattress for some cinematic 3D snapshots – you won\u2019t get wet anyway.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For a change of scene from this white-steeped venue, check out this perfectly Mediterranean-inspired corner right beside the fish tank.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\nImage credit: <\/span>Dalaland.saigon<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Featuring arctic blue walls and floors ornamented with woven rugs and antique-inspired vases, this corner can totally pass for a Greek theatrical setup.<\/span><\/p>\n

From the second floor, you can also enjoy sublime views of your surroundings.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\nImage credit: <\/span>Dalaland.saigon<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

With towering apartment buildings in your backdrop, you\u2019ll be able to create some ethereal, high-fashion photos here.<\/span><\/p>\n

In a place filled with photo opps like this, it\u2019s really hard to pinpoint which corner is the most Insta-worthy.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Dalaland offers drinks and ice cream from VND60,000<\/b><\/h3>\n
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\nImage credit: <\/span>@<\/span>dalaland.coffee<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

At this unique cafe, you\u2019ll find an assortment of tea, smoothies, coffee, and desserts from <\/span>VND60,000 (~USD2.61)<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To quench your thirst, check out the fresh-tasting and aesthetically appealing<\/span> lychee tea <\/b>or <\/span>lemon peach tea<\/b> (VND65,000,~USD).<\/b><\/p>\n

Priced at <\/span>VND60,000 (~USD2.61)<\/b>, the earthy matcha or sweet coconut flavors make tempting options for a delicate, frozen treat.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Spend the day in nature-filled Dalaland in the heart of Saigon<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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With the Covid-19 situation escalating in many parts of Vietnam, it\u2019s hard for us to just pack our bags and hit a tranquil resort island for a holiday.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, you can still play tourist in Dalaland, a place where nature seamlessly integrates into urban life, and take advantage of its decent share of \u2018grammable photo spots.<\/span><\/p>\n

Address:<\/span> <\/b>24\/4\/1 Tr\u1ea7n Ng\u1ecdc Di\u1ec7n, Th\u1ea3o \u0110i\u1ec1n Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City<\/span>
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/span> <\/b>7AM-11PM, Daily<\/span>
\n<\/span>Telephone:<\/span> <\/b>098 8743 297<\/span><\/p>\n

Dalaland’s <\/span>Facebook page<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n