The Secret to Perfect Check-ins at XLIII Coffee – A Stunning Café in Thao Dien

With the philosophy “Protect The Origin” evident in everything from their coffee flavors to the architectural space, XLIII Coffee in Thao Dien has created a perfect Instagram paradise that beautifully blends traditional Vietnamese aesthetics with refined Indochine style.

Architecture that harmonizes traditional Vietnamese style with Indochine elegance

The first thing that will take your breath away when entering XLIII Coffee Thao Dien is its unique architectural space. Ho Chi Minh City has no shortage of beautiful cafés, but this one stands as an architectural masterpiece where traditional Vietnamese home design meets elegant Indochine details.

The façade stands out with pristine white walls contrasting against moss-green wooden doors characteristic of traditional Vietnamese architecture. The impressive focal point is the canopy of pure white bougainvillea covering the entrance, creating a scene that feels like it’s straight out of a nostalgic film about old Vietnam. The white gear-shaped emblem on the wall isn’t just the café’s logo but also a modern accent that creates a harmonious blend between past and present.

Stepping inside, you’ll immediately be captivated by the black and white patterned tile floors featuring geometric designs characteristic of Indochine style. These tiles were once common in French colonial architecture in Vietnam during the early 20th century and are now elegantly recreated at XLIII Coffee. The tile patterns aren’t just aesthetically pleasing but also create a strong visual effect, making your photos more dynamic and adding depth.

The inner courtyard – an essential element in traditional Vietnamese homes – is designed as an open space, welcoming natural light and breeze, creating an airy feeling that connects with nature. Surrounding the courtyard are strategically placed tropical plants, from cool ferns to distinctive large-leafed monstera plants, all contributing to a vibrant space full of energy.

The most impressive accent in this space is undoubtedly the spiral staircase with white railings and glossy black handrails – an architectural masterpiece combining Western construction techniques with Eastern aesthetics. The graceful curve of the staircase creates a gentle flow, naturally guiding the eye from the first floor to the second in an elegant, refined way.

The use of traditional materials like dark wood for furniture and moss-green louver doors, combined with modern elements like spotlights and a minimalist bar counter, creates a harmonious space that both deeply reflects old Vietnamese cultural influences while meeting the aesthetic needs and conveniences of modern life.

Must-visit photo spots at XLIII Coffee Thao Dien

XLIII Coffee Thao Dien features countless aesthetically pleasing photo spots, but there are at least 6 locations you shouldn’t miss if you want photos that will go viral on social media.

The iconic spiral staircase

This is the “signature spot” at XLIII Coffee Thao Dien. The perfect curve of the staircase creates a frame with depth and high aesthetic value. You can shoot from various angles: standing below looking up to capture the graceful curve, or from above for a panoramic view. Natural light streaming through the windows creates interplaying areas of light and shadow on the steps, adding an artistic element to your photos.

The courtyard space

With natural light and white bougainvillea climbing the walls, this is an ideal photo spot for those who love pure, gentle beauty. Sunlight filtering through leaves and flower petals creates natural spots of light and shade, delivering a unique “shadow play” effect. This is the perfect place for dreamy portrait photos or aesthetic shots with a coffee cup in hand.

The camel-colored sofa area

Set against black and white patterned tiles, this creates a strong color contrast perfect for vibrant photos. This leather sofa with warm tones isn’t just “photogenic” but also serves as a color accent amid the predominantly white, gray, and green space. You can pose comfortably on the sofa or take flatlay photos with books, coffee, and some cute accessories.

The workspace with green shutters

This quiet space is perfect for photos with a vintage aesthetic. Sitting at a vintage wooden table with characteristic green shutters and cool ferns in the background, you’ll get photos that look like they’re straight out of an Indochina literary work. This corner is especially suitable for “working” or “reading” shots full of inspiration.

The double green wooden doorway

This small corner at the entrance is a must-visit photo spot. The characteristic moss-green wooden doors open to create a natural frame with the café’s interior as the background. This is an ideal place for full-body shots or “candid” images of entering a new space. The light effects and shadows from the bougainvillea above enhance the artistic quality of your photos.

The art of capturing the perfect photo – Lighting, timing, and styling

To get perfect photos at XLIII Coffee Thao Dien, mastering the art of photography from lighting and timing to styling is crucial.

The key to beautiful, natural photos is understanding light. XLIII Coffee Thao Dien is intelligently designed with numerous windows and an inner courtyard, creating special lighting effects. In particular, the “shadow play” from bougainvillea and shutters creates artistic shadow patterns on white walls. To utilize this effect, you should stand near windows or in the courtyard area, allowing shadows to create natural lines on your face or outfit.

The ideal time for photos at XLIII Coffee Thao Dien varies depending on the photo spot. Early morning (7-9 am) is perfect for the courtyard area when gentle sunlight filters through the bougainvillea creating a dreamy, poetic space. Golden hour (4-5 pm) is ideal for photos at the staircase and sofa area when the afternoon light creates warm tones that highlight the furniture and architectural details. Evening (after 6 pm) is suitable for photos with artificial lighting, creating a cozy, romantic atmosphere.

Styling with specialty coffee is an art not to be missed at XLIII Coffee. For artistic flatlay photos, choose the café’s transparent coffee cups (very photogenic) placed on the patterned tile floor or wooden table, combined with a book, a small flower, or sunglasses. For hand modeling, hold the coffee cup at a 45-degree angle to clearly show the latte art pattern, with light coming from the 10-2 o’clock direction to create natural shadow effects.

Appropriate outfits play an important role in creating photos that harmonize with the space. With the old Vietnamese-Indochine architectural style, neutral-toned outfits like beige, brown, white, or pastel blue work very well. Vintage clothing like loose shirts, midi skirts, or retro-inspired items will create a perfect combination with the space. You should avoid overly bright colors or complicated patterns that could be visually overwhelming and clash with the surrounding environment.

A multi-sensory experience – Beyond just beautiful photos

XLIII Coffee Thao Dien isn’t just a place for beautiful photos but offers a multi-sensory experience, making each visit a memorable journey.

The unique flavor of specialty coffee

At XLIII, this is a highlight not to be missed. With the philosophy “Taste the Origin,” each cup of coffee is prepared from high-quality coffee beans through a professional roasting process. The specialty coffee here isn’t just delicious but also very “photogenic” with harmonious colors against white porcelain cups. Besides coffee, light pastries are also beautifully presented, ideal for food styling in your photos.

Private spaces

This is also a prominent feature of XLIII Coffee Thao Dien. The café is designed with various areas, from the airy courtyard to quiet workspaces on the second floor, from comfortable sofa areas to individual tables by the windows. This not only creates diverse backgrounds for photos but also meets the various needs of customers: whether they want a lively or quiet atmosphere, whether they’re working or meeting friends, there’s a suitable space.

Sounds and fragrances

These are invisible elements that complement the visual and olfactory experience. XLIII Coffee pays attention to every detail to keep the sound level comfortable, creating a relaxing atmosphere. The natural aroma from freshly brewed coffee mixed with the scent of wood, flowers, and sometimes baked goods creates a warm, familiar atmosphere. Although these elements can’t be captured in photos, they contribute to creating a comfortable state, helping you be more confident and natural when taking pictures.

In conclusion

What sets XLIII Coffee apart from other beautiful cafés in Thao Dien is the perfect combination of traditional Vietnamese architecture and Indochine style. While many cafés pursue minimalist Western or Japanese styles, XLIII Coffee chooses to honor Vietnam’s architectural heritage with characteristic details like shutters, patterned tiles, and courtyards. The space here isn’t just beautiful but has soul and story, making each photo carry a cultural value and unique emotion that can’t be found elsewhere.

Creative angles will make your photos stand out among thousands of check-in pictures. Instead of conventional angles, try new perspectives: shoot upward at the spiral staircase, use green shutters as a natural frame for portraits, or shoot through layers of leaves to create a peek-a-boo effect. Additionally, using a shallow depth of field technique will help highlight the subject against the complex architectural background.

Wishing you success with your authentic coffee experience and super stylish photo shoots at a beautiful café like XLIII Coffee!

Frequently asked questions

1. When is the best lighting for photos at XLIII Coffee Thao Dien?

Each area at XLIII Coffee has different optimal lighting times. Early morning (7-9 am) is ideal for the courtyard and green plant corners. Golden hour (4-5 pm) is perfect for the staircase and sofa areas. At noon, you should take photos in areas with soft light like the workspace with green shutters.

2. Should I reserve tables at the best spots for photos in advance?

On weekends or during peak hours, you should book in advance to get good spots, especially areas near the spiral staircase or in the courtyard. You can contact XLIII Coffee through their phone number or official social media pages to make reservations.

3. Are there specific rules about taking photos?

XLIII Coffee is quite friendly toward personal photography, however, if you’re taking group photos or using many props, you should notify and ask permission from the staff beforehand. Using tripods or professional equipment requires the café’s consent. Additionally, you should avoid disturbing other customers when taking photos.

4. Which corner is most suitable for group and individual photos?

The camel-colored sofa area and spacious courtyard are ideal for group photos of 3-5 people. The spiral staircase and workspace with green shutters are suitable for individual or couple photos. The double green wooden doorframe at the entrance works well for both group and individual photos, depending on the angle and composition you want to create.