Mariah Lattas, a reporter for Australian newspaper news.com.au , explored the "culinary paradise" in this "unique" apartment building.

Built in the mid-1960s, the 42 Nguyen Hue apartment complex has undergone many changes. Now, it has been transformed and it seems that each apartment has a cafe and a restaurant. The 9-storey apartment building is definitely a "food paradise" for foreign tourists to explore.

"On each floor you will find restaurants, cafes, beauty salons and clothing stores. There is so much to explore and experience. The moment we arrived at the apartment complex, I was amazed at how different it was," wrote Mariah Lattas.

Guests can take the elevator to the upper floors for a small fee or just walk, climbing many stairs which is tiring but also interesting when you can admire the surrounding scenery.

"However, climbing to the fourth floor, I realized that I was really not healthy enough, but I was willing to overcome everything to eat what I liked. And I am sure, I am not the only tourist who came to this apartment complex for the same reasons. While climbing each floor, I met dozens of other foreigners who were constantly amazed by the apartments," she shared.

The walls are decorated with beautiful artwork, plants, and signs advertising each cafe. The reporter said she looked at several cafe options, but ultimately couldn't pass up the meatloaf.

The small bakery had walls covered with handwritten notes from customers who had visited from all over the world. The online reviews were also overwhelmingly positive, and she couldn’t resist.

The bread was crispy on the outside but soft on the inside, the meat was tender and served with a delicious sauce. "It was my first banh mi of the trip and I couldn't be happier with the experience," she said.

However, apartment cafes are just one of the endless great dining options in Ho Chi Minh City.

If you love banh mi, one of the most iconic places to visit is Banh Mi Huynh Hoa. There is only one type of banh mi on the menu and you will often have to queue to order. Banh mi is a popular dish in the city and a must-try for visitors.

The article notes that Vietnam is also famous for its street food and markets. "When in Ho Chi Minh City, be sure to try one of the many delicious Vietnamese coffees, which are available from vendors and cafes everywhere. Personally, I am obsessed with the coconut coffee, a delicious blend of coconut cream and Vietnamese coffee," Mariah Lattas recommends.

Other must-see landmarks include Saigon Central Post Office, where you can send postcards to loved ones or buy souvenirs, and the iconic Book Street.

As the name suggests, this is an ideal place for book lovers with a wide range of novels in both Vietnamese and English, lining both sides of the street. Pick up a book and sit in a nearby cafe for a perfect afternoon.

The article cited data from Intrepid and said that Australians are flocking to Vietnam, with the number of Australian tourists to Vietnam increasing by 166% in recent times.

Vietnam is known as a budget-friendly destination and is expected to become more popular than ever by 2024, Jestar CEO Jenn Armour told news.com.au.