Northwestern VietnamSapaOn Mount Fansipan, the highest place in Asia,Starbuckshas opened. At an elevation of 3,063 meters, it's attached to the cable-car station at the summit called the "Roof of Indochina," where you can enjoy coffee while gazing at a sea of clouds.
News overview
On March 14, 2026, Starbucks Vietnam opened a new store on the Cloud Terrace (Sun May) at "Sun World Fansipan Legend," the tourist facility atop Mount Fansipan in Sapa. Located at an elevation of 3,063 meters, it becomes the highest-altitude Starbucks in the Asia region.
The interior has an open, glass-walled design with a panoramic view of the mountain scenery of northwestern Vietnam. In the interior, cloth woven by local ethnic minorities is used as an accent on the pillars, giving it a space that reflects the regional culture.
To commemorate the opening, the "Cloud Macchiato" was sold for a limited time from March 14 to 20. This special drink, evoking clouds and sky, tops fluffy cream foam with caramel sauce.
More than 10 years have passed since Starbucks entered Vietnam, and in early 2026 it reached 150 stores domestically. However, compared with local chains such asHighlands CoffeeandPhuc Longthere's a big gap in store count. Amid that, what Starbucks is pushing is a strategy of "experiences in special places."Hoi Anold-house-style stores inNinh Binhand the Trang An store in — it is rolling out, one after another, stores with designs that blend into tourist destinations.
Vietnamese readers' reactions
In response to this news, various reactions appeared on Vietnamese social media and news sites.
- "Being able to drink Starbucks at the summit of Fansipan is the best. One more reason to ride the cable car." (man)
- "But I wonder if the price is the same as on the flatland. Since it's up a mountain, isn't there a markup? Given Sapa'ssense of pricesI worry it might be too expensive." (woman)
- 「Vietnamese Coffee"Even though the culture is world-famous, having a Starbucks rather than a Vietnamese café open at the summit leaves me a bit conflicted." (man)
- "As an Instagrammable spot, it's undoubtedly top-class. A photo of a Starbucks cup against a sea of clouds is unbeatable." (woman)
- "It's a shame the hours only go until evening. I wanted to drink there watching the sunset or the starry sky." (man)
Impact and key points for Japanese tourists
A new go-to spot for Sapa sightseeing.The Fansipan summit is accessible by cable car in about 20 minutes from central Sapa. Until now, the pattern was often to take in the view, snap photos, and descend, but with Starbucks' opening, time spent at the summit will naturally grow longer. The round-trip cable-car ticket is about 800,000 dong (about 5,000 yen).
Watch the opening hours.Open Monday–Thursday 8:30–16:00 and Friday 8:30–17:00. Since fog tends to roll in at the summit in the afternoon, a morning visit is recommended if you want to enjoy the clear scenery.
The possibility of limited-edition goods.Starbucks' regional limited tumblers and mugs are very popular with Japanese travelers too. There's a chance that goods with a design exclusive to the Fansipan store will be sold, so collectors should keep an eye out. It's also recommended as a Vietnam-travelSouvenirssouvenir as well.
Don't forget cold-weather gear.At over 3,000 meters, the summit is even colder than central Sapa. Even in March it can drop below 10 degrees, so bring a light down jacket or windbreaker. A hot coffee should taste even better than usual.
Reference:Starbucks mở cửa hàng cao nhất châu Á trên núi Fansipan
