After our visit to the Fansipan Peak and prior to our departure for Viet Tri (where we were to stay overnight at the Tru by Hilton Viet Tri City Centre), we dropped by the popular, internet-famous 10,000 sq. m. Moana Café, a coffee shop (offering Vietnamese drip coffee, fruit smoothies and simple snacks) and themed photo zone in Sapa perched on a gentle hillside, for a cup of coffee, at the open-air terrace or shaded pavilions, and some sightseeing. 

Known for its scenic and panoramic views, on clear days, it has numerous “Instagrammable” themed photo spots, with the misty weather sometimes creating a dreamy, magical effect while taking unique pictures against a stunning natural backdrop. 

This curated outdoor experience is a combination of nature, art-inspired installations, and creative photo opportunities.  The atmosphere inside can be described as a mix of art, nature, and a laid-back dining experience and its popularity can mean it gets crowded.  Every corner screams “come take a photo here.”

The art-inspired sculptural installations and fantasy-inspired backdrops include the following:

• The iconic White Deer
• Giant blue Angel Wings
• A pair of black and white Mandarin Duck statues – facing each other, their gracefully curved necks form a striking heart shape.
• The Mini Phu Quoc Proposal Bridge – split into two sections, it is joined only by the touch of love, friendship and connection
• A Bali-inspired gate (Bali Heaven Gate) – captures the essence of Bali’s charm in the heart of Vietnam
• The 6 m. high, maasive and stylized Moana Girl – statue of a young Moana (Vaiana) with firmly closed eyelids, long flowing black hair and outstretch palms longing for the boundless blue sky. Its specifically constructed flooring is paved with transparent tiles, creating an illusion of a clear, mirror-like surface.
• Infinity Lake – a virtual living spot, it has a white piano in the middle of the lake with clear waters that makes the lake’s surface lookslike a giant mirror reflecting the blue sky and white clouds.
• A giant golden hand statue – provides ample space for visitors to stand on its palm.
• The Moana Death Swing (Xich du tu than)– a psychological challenge for those with fear of heights.
• Moana Sapa Flower Glass Box – nestled within the captivating Sapa-Moana film studio, this mesmerizing and ethereal attraction has an abundance of exquisite pink flowers adorning every corner.  Designed with lovers of the Muse Style in mind, it provides a perfect setting to showcase flowing dresses, cascading locks and gaze filled with dreams.
• Rose Glass Cage – located to the left of the Moana Girl statue, it is a glass enclosure decorated with rose vines and a small chair.
• The Giant Love Symbol – a huge 3 m. tall “Love” sign, in soft pastel pink, right on the road to the film studio and set on a platform decorated with charming stilt houses, terraced fields and mountains.

For clearer photos, consider visiting in the early morning or later in the afternoon. While the mist can be magical, clear weather will give you better views of of the Muong Hoa Valley and Fansipan Mountain.  They offer professional photography and rental of traditional Hmong and other Northern Highlands clothing.

The place wasn’t cloaked in dense fog during our visit but the line to get a picture with any of this art installations was long and many were taking their time as they took over the space. A clever mix of playful architecture and scenic drama, it wasn’t luxury dining but about the view and the atmosphere.  It was not a deeply cultural experience, in the traditional sense, but rather a play of both fantasy and the majestic reality of the Northern Highlands.

Moana Café: số 68 Violet, Phường Cầu Mây, Sa Pa, Lào Cai 330000, Vietnam.Tel:+84 853 693 666. Admission: 90,000 Vietnamese dong (includes a drink voucher which you can exchange for a complimentary tea, coffee or soft drink). Open daily, 6:30 AM to 7 PM.

How to Get There: the café is located about 2 kms. from the town center, and can be reached by taxi or motorbike.