Darkroom Cafe Saigon: A haven for film photography enthusiasts.

Saigon, or Ho Chi Minh City as it is now known, is a popular tourist destination not far from home.

Saigon is not only renowned for its vibrant nightlife, but also boasts a plethora of cafes.

Besides the famous cafes in guidebooks that tourists often visit, this time let's take a look at some trendy cafes for young people.

Darkroom Cafe

This is a small coffee shop located in a school and university district, making it a popular spot for students to visit.

The shop staff appeared to be young teenagers who seemed to be enjoying their conversations.

The interior is simply decorated with green walls and cement board panels cut at the bottom, painted white, which have become stained and worn over time.

The building's floors and components appear to be original to its construction, dating back to its inception.

Immersed in Vietnamese Coffee Culture

Sitting in a Vietnamese cafe, one cannot resist indulging in the local drip coffee. Vietnamese coffee boasts a robust flavor, yet without excessive bitterness. Two sips in, and you'll feel energized, ready to conquer the day. The best part? The affordability. A cup of coffee typically costs around 20-25k VND, which translates to roughly 30-35 Thai baht. (Unfortunately, I forgot to capture the English menu, so your guess is as good as mine regarding the specific offerings.)

The second floor features vintage furniture and decor, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The room is air-conditioned, although it doesn't seem to be very effective. I was surprised to see the two girls wearing thick clothes, as I was feeling quite warm in my T-shirt. I would have loved to show off my six-pack, but I didn't want to make them uncomfortable.

Initially, upon entering the establishment, we assumed it was merely a store decorated with cameras and film canisters, reflecting its name. However, to our surprise, we discovered that it also housed a film developing facility. The second floor features a small retail space selling film and photography equipment, while the third floor is dedicated to a development and scanning lab known as LLAB.

Since I was already there, I went in to talk and ask about the price and turnaround time. It was very cheap, only 40,000 dong (about $55) for developing and scanning. Plus, it didn't take long. After I dropped off the film, it took about 3-4 hours for them to upload the photos to Google Drive and send me the link. I picked up the film the next day. It was a fun experience to be able to take film photos in the morning and see them by the evening. If you're a film enthusiast, I recommend trying their service if you have the time.

The Darkroom Cafe is a small coffee shop that offers film developing, printing, and scanning services. It is located near several tourist attractions, making it a convenient stop for visitors. The cafe is a popular spot for young people in Saigon, and it offers a relaxed and stylish atmosphere.

A friendly reminder that smoking is prevalent among patrons at this establishment. Individuals with smoke sensitivities may find it challenging to remain for extended periods.

If you're a cigar aficionado, this is the place for you.

Coordinates >> Darkroom Cafe

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