On March 14, 2026, Asia's highest Starbucks opened in Sapa, the mountain resort in northern Vietnam. The location is "San May" (Sân Mây), directly connected to the cable car arrival station of Sun World Fansipan Legend, at an elevation of 3,063m near the summit of Mount Fansipan (3,147m). Drinking coffee above the clouds — a dream-like experience has become reality.
A new Asian record! A scenic cafe overlooking a sea of clouds
At 3,063m, the café's elevation is comparable to around the eighth station of Mount Fuji (3,776m). Mount Fansipan itself, where the store stands, rises to 3,147m and is Vietnam's highest peak, known as "the Roof of Indochina." It has set a new record, surpassing the store previously known as Asia's highest Starbucks.
The view from the summit is breathtaking. Through fully glass walls, you can take in the white, drifting sea of clouds and the mountains of Sa Pa. On clear days, green ridgelines stretch into the distance, and you can feel as if you're floating in the sky. The gap of sitting at over 3,000 m while spending time with a warm latte in hand has captivated visitors.
Interior design: a space alive with local materials and tradition
The store design skillfully incorporates Sa Pa's nature and culture. The exterior combines Starbucks' signature green with a local woven textile material (a fluted textile), pulled together in a calm sage green tone.
The interior draws hints from colonial architecture while using warm earth tones and wood materials. Sage green and soft beige accents are placed throughout, creating a space that feels one with the mountain's nature. The design, echoing the streetscape of Sa Pa, where French colonial-era architecture still remains, conveys respect for the local area.
The commemorative "Cloud Macchiato" series
To mark the opening, the "Cloud Macchiato" series was sold for a limited time from March 14 to 20. Offered in two versions, hot and iced, this drink layered "airy cloud foam" over milk and espresso, topped with sweet caramel drizzle. Imagined after the clouds enveloping the summit, it became a big talking point on social media.
The limited-time offering has ended, but the very act of drinking coffee at the one-of-a-kind location of the Fansipan summit is an experience beyond compare.
Reactions from Vietnamese people and tourists
When news of the opening spread on social media, it drew a huge response from within Vietnam and abroad. Posts saying "I drank Starbucks coffee at the world's highest spot" were uploaded one after another to Instagram and TikTok, and Mount Fansipan is drawing attention as a new Instagram-worthy spot.
In Vietnam, which prides itself on a "coffee-loving national character" centered on the younger generation, Starbucks is popular as a symbol of a premium feel and overseas culture. The pride of "a world record being set in our own Sa Pa" has also become a talking point among locals.
Many foreign tourists call it "one of the most surprising experiences in Vietnam," and its ratings on travel review sites are rising sharply. Vietnam tourism in 2026 is seeing foreign visitor numbers grow at a record pace, and new spots like this are becoming an even bigger draw. For details, also see our article onVietnam's record tourist numbers in the first quarter of 2026.
Access guide for Japanese travelers
Access to the Fansipan summit Starbucks uses Sun World's ropeway (cable car) departing from downtown Sa Pa. A round-trip cable car ticket is about 35 to 40 US dollars (for adults). The ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes and connects directly to the summit arrival station.
Access to Sa Pa is typically by overnight train (about 8 hours) or bus from Hanoi. From Japan, take a direct or connecting flight to Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport, then travel on to Sa Pa.
- Cable car operating hours:7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (approximate)
- Estimated time required:The ideal plan is two days and one night, combining the Hanoi-Sa Pa journey, the round-trip cable car, and time at the top
- Clothing:The summit is cold (temperatures can drop to 10 to 15°C or below). Be sure to bring a lightweight down jacket or windbreaker
- Crowds:Weekends and Vietnamese holidays get crowded, so early morning on a weekday is recommended
- Payment:Credit cards accepted (Starbucks takes Visa/Mastercard)
Sa Pa is also a popular area for trekking and interacting with ethnic minorities. Itineraries that make the Fansipan summit Starbucks the goal, combined with mountain trekking or a stay at the Four Seasons resort, are popular too. For information on new hotels in Hanoi, also check outthe Fairmont Hanoi opening news.
A mountain scenic experience with a different flavor from Vietnam's beach resorts. As a highlight spot for Vietnam travel in 2026, do add the Fansipan summit Starbucks to your itinerary. For plans combining it with a trip toward Da Nang or Phu Quoc, please also seethe latest on Da Nang and Phu Quoc.
The latest information on Vietnam travel isVietnam Giftupdated regularly at Vietnam Gift. Please use it as a reference when planning your Sa Pa and Fansipan trip.
