Saigon’s favorite riverside hideaway just got the regional recognition it deserves Thảo Điền has been officially named one of Asia’s 10 Super-Cool Neighbourhoods, according to Tatler and Seasia Stats.
The list celebrates districts across Asia where culture, creativity, and community collide, spotlighting places that offer a refreshing escape from the noise and stress of modern city life. Think leafy boulevards, neighborhood vibes, and a perfect mix of the old and new and you’ve got Thảo Điền down to a tee.
Once a sleepy suburb tucked along the Saigon River, Thảo Điền has transformed into Vietnam’s creative expat heartland. It’s now a thriving cultural pocket with everything from stylish cafés, craft bakeries, global cuisine, indie boutiques, wellness studios, and co-working spaces all nestled among lush trees and a breezy riverside setting. Add in international schools and an open-minded, eclectic crowd, and you’ve got a place where locals and expats blend seamlessly.
This new title puts Thảo Điền in great company next to Tokyo’s Tomigaya, a hipster haven near Shibuya; Shanghai’s Yuyuan Road, where European villas meet modern Chinese vibes; Haji Lane in Singapore, famous for street art and vintage stores; Pererenan in Bali, and Manila’s Binondo and Bonifacio Global City. The list also features Seong-dong in Seoul, Sheung Wan in Hong Kong, and Ginza in Tokyo each a cultural beacon in its own right.
What makes Thảo Điền stand out isn’t just its cool factor it’s the way community spirit meets creative energy, all while staying effortlessly laid-back. Whether you’re into yoga at sunrise, brunch-hopping on Sundays, or late-night cocktails by the river, this is a neighborhood that knows how to do it all — without trying too hard
As Saigon continues to grow and evolve, Thảo Điền remains a symbol of its modern spirit: grounded in heritage, fueled by innovation, and always buzzing with new ideas. If you haven’t explored it yet consider this your sign.