Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City Ranks Among the World's Top Coffee Destinations
The city is recognized for its rich coffee culture and affordability, placing sixth in the Holafly Coffee Travel Index.
Ho Chi Minh City has secured a spot as one of the top coffee destinations in the world, ranking sixth in the 2026 Holafly Coffee Travel Index with a score of 66.8 points. The city trails closely behind Colombia's Eje Cafetero, which topped the list with 71.4 points, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which came in third with 64.1 points, according to VnExpress.
The Holafly index evaluated 18 coffee destinations worldwide based on five categories: coffee origin heritage, café density, coffee tourism infrastructure, specialty coffee affordability, and global demand. Each category contributed equally to the overall score, making the ranking a comprehensive guide for travelers interested in coffee tourism.
Ho Chi Minh City's appeal lies not only in the affordability of its coffee—where a specialty pour-over or traditional sweet iced coffee averages around $2—but also in the variety of experiences it offers. Visitors can enjoy a strong brew at traditional sidewalk stalls or opt for contemporary specialty cafés, highlighting the city's diverse coffee culture. Holafly noted that the contrast between sipping a strong brew sitting on a tiny plastic stool at a sidewalk stall and then walking two blocks to a quiet, air-conditioned third-wave roaster makes exploring the city enjoyable.
“The contrast here is what makes exploring so fun: you can sip a strong brew sitting on a tiny plastic stool at a sidewalk stall, then walk two blocks to a quiet, air-conditioned third-wave roaster.”Holafly
Vietnam is the largest exporter of Robusta coffee globally, accounting for about 40% of the market share. This robust coffee bean is a key element of Ho Chi Minh City's coffee culture, particularly in the popular drink cà phê sữa đá, which consists of dark-roasted coffee brewed through a filter and mixed with sweetened condensed milk before being poured over ice. This drink is emblematic of the city's vibrant sidewalk café culture.
Moreover, Ho Chi Minh City has also been recognized for its culinary scene, ranking sixth in Time Out's list of the world's best food cities in 2026. This ranking reflects a growing appreciation for the city's food culture, which combines street food with high-end dining experiences. The city's culinary landscape has been evolving, with establishments like CieL, a restaurant that earned a Michelin star shortly after opening, showcasing the potential of Vietnamese cuisine on the global stage.
As the city continues to enhance its coffee and culinary offerings, it reinforces its status as a vibrant destination for both coffee lovers and food enthusiasts. The blend of traditional and modern experiences in Ho Chi Minh City contributes to its growing reputation as a must-visit location for coffee tourism.