On Sa Pa mountain, a café with a view

When she visited the mountain town in the middle of October, Minh Minh of Hanoi was awed by the stunning scenery from the café.

A bird’s-eye view of the café atop a mountain in Sa Pa Town in northern Vietnam. Photo by Nhung Nhung Dang

The place is at an altitude of around 1,600 meters and around three kilometers from town.

A concrete path built on the mountainside leads to the café.

Guests can look out and see a stunning landscape of mountains, sea of clouds and, particularly, Muong Hoa Valley below.

The place itself is simple, with small wooden tables and umbrellas placed outdoors to provide a comfortable setting for customers to enjoy the sunset or sunrise.

Minh says she discovered the café on a travel fanpage and was blown away.

The place never fails to attract a continuous stream of visitors despite its modest looks, a menu with only one coffee, a cappuccino with cinnamon and star anise listed as Coffee 1,600 that is only sold together with a croissant.

The only items available at the café are cappuccino and croissant. Photo by Tus De Liab

Minh says: “The coffee has a distinct and wonderful milky flavor and cinnamon and anise aroma. The croissants are hot, buttery and crisp.”

The coffee is made using the owner’s unique recipe.

Asked why there is only one beverage and snack, the owner says having too many choices on the menu could distract visitors from the views.

The patio of the café overlooks Muong Hoa Valley. Photo by Minh

A coffee and croissant costs VND300,000 (US$12).

The minimalistic decor allows visitors to concentrate on appreciating nature.

“This price is a bit steep, but I believe the experience is worth it,” Minh says.

The café has a heated wooden stove for customers though people prefer cozy indoor cafes during the winter months in Sa Pa.

At weekends the café organizes cabaret shows and serves food.