Vietnam Biased Bests — Place Makes

What is indispensable for creative life in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City?

We asked designers, musicians, writers, and artists where they feel inspired, where they collaborate, and where they create. From their answers, we have created a list of the five essentials to creative life in Vietnam.

Red Chair — Red Plastic Chairs

Sitting on a red plastic chair, watching the world go by.

Vietnamese Coffee

Fueling your day with coffee, served hot or cold

Motor Bike — A Motorbike

Finding that perfect moment when traffic is light to hop on your bike a explore a new area of the city.

A Creative Cafe

Discovering the perfect nook in a hidden cafe for a brainstorm, an impromptu gallery opening, poetry readings or concert.

Best Creative CAfes

Beer Bia Hoi — Bia Hoi

Keeping the creative juices flowing for happy hour and enjoying a glass of bia hoi (fresh beer) with friends.

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Chicko takes on Graffiti, Interior Design and The Saigon Projects

Nguyen Tho (aka Chicko) takes us on a cross-country graffiti tour of Vietnam and share where he finds inspiration in Ho Chi Minh City.

Will Phu Quoc become an Island for Art?

Will this Vietnamese island become a destination for contemporary art? Peter, owner of The River Mouth and The Phu Quoc Gallery of Contemporary Art on the island hope so.

From tagging in Paris to festivals in Saigon – the journey of Suby One.

Suby One chats with us about graffiti crews in France, his Vietnamese roots, and building an art scene in Saigon.

Creative Essentials, VietnamPlace MakesMarch 6, 2018Vietnam Biased Bests, Chicko Recommends, linh recommends, Place

Best Creative Cafes in Vietnam

Tranquil

SOMA Art Cafe

Tang Tret Cosmo Cafe

Manzi Art Gallery

Mockingbird Cafe

Cafes are central of Vietnam's creative scene. They are a place to work, a place to collaborate and are places where poetry readings, open mic nights, art galleries, and musicians come together.

Tang Tret Cosmos Cafe, Hanoi

Hop up to the second floor to find a cozy nook to make your own.

SOMA Art Cafe, Ho Chi Minh City

In District 2, this graffiti art clad venue not only makes a mean coffee, but also features up and coming local artists.

Manzi Art Gallery, Hanoi

This art gallery and cafe in Hanoi in an old French Villa where you can enjoy your drink while seeing art from leading Vietnamese contemporary artists.

Mockingbird Cafe, Ho Chi Minh City

In what may look like a rundown apartment building from the outside, leads up 4 flights of stairs to this wonderful little cafe.

Tranquil Books & Coffee, Hanoi

Leave you shoes downstairs and sneak on up to the second floor to find a silent retreat. Swing by in the evening for their open mic, piano night, or movie screenings!

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Best Creative Cafes in Vietnam

Cafes are central of Vietnam's creative scene. They are a place to work and a place to collaborate. Head to a cafe to see a poetry reading, open mic night, art gallery, or musician.

Biased Bests, VietnamPlace MakesJanuary 31, 2018Vietnam Biased Bests, Chicko Recommends, place