Hello from Saigon! After what felt like the longest travel day of my life—22 hours in the air—we finally touched down in Vietnam just past midnight. By the time we reached our hotel, exhaustion and excitement were battling for dominance, but jet lag had the last laugh. Instead of sleeping, we found ourselves wide awake at dawn, stepping into the humid morning air just in time to catch the city waking up.
Our first stop: District 1. With the streets already alive with motorbikes and morning chatter, we tucked into a tiny café that instantly felt like stepping into a scene from a film.
The space had that effortless charm you can’t manufacture—walls painted in washed-out shades of aqua and red, fans humming overhead, and the earthy scent of Vietnamese coffee swirling around us. A single motorbike leaned against the front door, while inside, bookshelves lined the walls, a little cluttered but deeply inviting. Every now and then, a cat darted across the room, adding to the cozy, lived-in feel. It was hot, damp, a little chaotic, and yet somehow, completely perfect. This was my first time at Café 81, but I already knew it wouldn’t be my last.
Dressing for the Heat
If there’s one thing about Saigon that makes itself known immediately, it’s the weather. The heat here is intense—the kind that makes your skin glow (whether you want it to or not). My face didn’t need highlighter; the humidity handled that effortlessly. Even with the lightest touch of foundation and cream blush, my makeup seemed to vanish by mid-morning.
Because of this, my suitcase was almost entirely filled with easy, breathable dresses. When the air feels this heavy, I want pieces that are uncomplicated, lightweight, and forgiving. My favorite so far has been a lace-trimmed cotton mini dress that feels like it was made for weather like this. The airy fabric, layered with soft ruffles, creates just enough volume to keep it playful without feeling fussy. I especially adore the detailing around the neckline and shoulders—it gives the dress a delicate, romantic touch while staying practical in the heat.
It’s the kind of piece that makes getting dressed effortless, which is exactly what I need when navigating humid mornings and long days exploring a city as vibrant as Saigon.
Adding Structure to Softness
To keep the look balanced, I paired the dress with accessories that bring in a bit of structure and contrast. A pair of red raffia pumps instantly elevated the airy cotton, while a leather-trimmed straw bag grounded the whole look with its boxy silhouette.
You probably already know this about me: I have a soft spot for straw bags, especially those with unique shapes. They add a playful yet polished vibe, and this one in particular felt like the perfect travel companion—chic, functional, and versatile. The contrast of textures between the delicate cotton dress and the sturdier accessories created a look that felt sweet yet city-ready, which mirrors Saigon itself in a way—frenetic and vibrant, but with moments of softness and charm tucked in the corners.
A City That Lingers
As we wandered back into the buzz of District 1, I found myself falling in love with Saigon’s rhythm. It’s fast and loud, yet it constantly surprises you with moments of stillness—a quiet café, a shaded street, or the way the light hits the rooftops at sunrise. It’s a city that asks you to lean into the chaos and find beauty in the contrasts.
I know this is just the beginning of our time here, but I already feel like Saigon has carved out a little space in my heart. The heat may be unrelenting, but the energy, the food, the style, and the people more than make up for it.
I hope you enjoy the photos we captured here—both the styling and the atmosphere of this little café that I’ll never forget. And as always, thank you so much for reading and sharing these moments with me. Here’s to more mornings, more coffee, and more adventures in the heart of Vietnam.
