Sapa is a charming mountain town in northern Vietnam, renowned for its breathtaking scenery, hiking trails, indigenous cultures, and cool weather. As Sapa continues to grow into a popular tourist destination, its coffee scene has blossomed. You can now find excellent coffee shops all over town, many boasting postcard-worthy views of the surrounding landscapes.
Here are the top 10 best coffee shops and cafés in Sapa that you must visit on your trip:
1. Le Gecko Café
Le Gecko Café is consistently rated as one of the best coffee shops in Sapa. Nestled amid lush gardens, the cozy two-story café exudes a chalet-like vibe with its wood-beam ceilings and fireplace.
Le Gecko serves an extensive menu with Western and Vietnamese fare, together with specialty coffee made from locally sourced beans. Their mocha iced coffee blended with chocolate makes for an indulgent treat. Le Gecko also offers freshly baked homemade cakes that perfectly complement the coffee.
With its charming ambiance, stellar views, and excellent coffee, it’s easy to while away an afternoon at Le Gecko Café.
2. Cong Café
Part of a popular Vietnam-based franchise, Cong Café has three spacious, contemporary locations in Sapa where you can get your caffeine fix. Their extensive coffee menu features everything from traditional Vietnamese coffees like ca phe sua da (iced coffee with milk) to international favorites like cappuccinos and freezable blended drinks.
Cong Café uses a blend of Robusta and Arabica beans sourced from the Central Highlands for a smooth, chocolatey flavor profile. Their coconut coffee, which uses coconut milk instead of regular milk, is a must-try. You can pair your coffee with a selection of cakes or light meals.
With its sleek decor, prime locations, and quality coffee, Cong Café is ideal for people watching or taking a quick break while exploring Sapa.
3. Quan Gio SAPA
For unbeatable views, head up to Quan Gio SAPA on the rooftop of the Panorama Sapa Hotel. The 360° panoramic vistas of the surrounding valley and Fansipan peak are breathtaking. You can admire the scenery from the outdoor deck or through the cafe’s floor-to-ceiling windows.
In addition to freshly brewed coffee, Quan Gio serves wholesome Vietnamese fare, juices, cocktails, and beer. Try their ca phe trung (coffee topped with a creamy egg yolk) for a decadent spin on Vietnamese coffee. Their chocolate banana pancakes go well with iced coffee.
4. The Coffee House
Another excellent franchise café in Sapa is The Coffee House, with its laidback, studious vibe. Their three-level outlet is centrally located and makes a convenient meeting spot.
The Coffee House uses quality coffee beans sourced from the Central and Western Highlands. Try their ca phe sua da, dripped ca phe den (black coffee), or icy fruit smoothies and shakes. Their bakery offers freshly baked cakes, tarts, croissants, and sandwiches – perfect accompaniments for coffee.
With its casual ambiance, prime location, and range of coffee drinks and bites, The Coffee House is a reliable option.
5. 7 Beans Coffee
For a quality brew made with locally grown beans, visit 7 Beans Coffee. This family-run café focuses on specialty coffee made from their own organic coffee plantation.
At their rustic café decorated with coffee-themed touches, you can sample different coffee brewing techniques like Aeropress, V60, French press, and cold brew. Coffee aficionados will love their signature creations like lychee coffee lemonade. Their homemade chocolate and coconut cookies pair wonderfully with the coffee.
With its passion for specialty coffee and cozy atmosphere, 7 Beans lets you taste the flavors of locally grown Sapa coffee.
6. Sapa Aroma Coffee
Another great place to mingle over coffee with gorgeous mountain views is Sapa Aroma Coffee. Their outlet features floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the lush valley.
Sapa Aroma serves espresso-based hot and cold coffees using locally sourced beans. Unique options include coffee with cheese or coconut coffee. They also have standard café fare like sandwiches and a retail corner with locally made handicrafts.
With its incredible vistas, specialty coffee made from regional beans, and congenial ambiance, Sapa Aroma is a wonderful place to refuel during your Sapa adventures.
Image: Sapa Aroma Coffee’s cozy, airy café with fabulous views.
7. Mama’s Kitchen Coffee
For excellent Vietnamese coffee in a homey atmosphere, visit Mama’s Kitchen Coffee. This welcoming café is run by a local family and serves expertly brewed ca phe sua da alongside typical Vietnamese dishes like pho noodle soup and banh mi sandwiches.
Their cafe sua da, ca phe trung, and egg coffee showcase local Vietnamese coffee styles using coffee from the Da Lat region. Their cozy upstairs seating offers panoramic valley perspectives.
Mama’s is a fantastic place to experience Sapa’s coffee culture and hospitality in an intimate neighborhood setting.
Image: Local family’s cafe serving homemade Vietnamese dishes and coffee.
8. La Vie Sapa
La Vie Sapa brings a touch of French flavor to Sapa’s coffee scene. Their beautifully designed café features a wine bar-bistro vibe with chic decor of marble, wood, and wrought iron details.
In addition to excellent French Press coffee and espresso drinks, La Vie serves wines, cheeses, freshly baked pastries, panini sandwiches, and crepes – perfect for a light meal. You can admire gorgeous highland views through their floor-to-ceiling windows.
For a sophisticated coffee experience coupled with French-Vietnamese cuisine and fine views, check out La Vie.
Image: Elegant, French-inspired interiors at La Vie Sapa.
9. Aroi Coffee
Another fantastic specialty coffee joint in Sapa is Aroi Coffee. The owner of this family-run café personally sources and roasts coffee beans from their own farm in Da Lat.
Aroi’s menu spotlights artisanal coffee prepared through various techniques like drip, siphon, cold brew, and espresso. Their café au lait, coconut iced coffee, and coffee smoothies are exceptional. You can pair your coffee with homemade macarons or chocolate cakes.
The small, rustic café exudes cozy charm with its mountain cabin decor, views, and specialty coffees.
Image: Rustic, charming interiors of specialty coffee café Aroi.
10. Sapa Bean to Bar Chocolate
Combining Sapa’s local cacao and coffee, Sapa Bean to Bar Chocolate is a must-visit. This boutique bean-to-bar chocolate factory crafts artisanal chocolates infused with coffee for a truly unique flavor.
Their café lets you watch the chocolate-making process and sample award-winning creations like chocolate dipped coffee beans and cocoa nib coffee. You can also enjoy specialty coffee drinks prepared with their chocolate, like mochas and coconut lattes. Don’t miss their delicious chocolate brownies and truffles.
For decadent coffee experiences, Sapa Bean to Bar hits the spot perfectly.
Image: Freshly made bean-to-bar chocolate and coffee drinks at Sapa Chocolate.
What to Consider When Choosing a Café in Sapa
With so many wonderful cafés and coffeehouses to choose from, keep the following factors in mind when selecting a place in Sapa:
- Ambiance: Choose a spot with views and decor you find appealing. Cafés like Le Gecko, Quan Gio Sapa, and La Vie Sapa have standout settings.
- Local vibe vs. modern: Pick a homey, family-run café like Mama’s for cultural immersion or go modern at Cong Café or The Coffee House.
- Coffee quality: For locally sourced beans and specialty coffee, opt for spots like 7 Beans Coffee or Aroi Coffee.
- Food: Many Sapa cafés offer light meals or baked goods complementing coffee nicely.
- Reviews: Check online reviews and local recommendations to narrow options.
- Location: There are wonderful cafés throughout central Sapa as well as scenic hilltop spots farther out.
- Budget: Prices range from budget-friendly at local cafés to higher-end at specialty spots.
No matter your taste, you’ll find outstanding coffee in Sapa. Let your caffeine adventure begin!
Conclusion
Sapa’s cool highland climate, lush farmlands, and booming tourism make it an ideal destination for exceptional coffee experiences. The cafés and coffeehouses in Sapa range from local Vietnamese shops serving ca phe to sophisticated Western-style cafés rivaling anything you’d find in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Whether you’re looking for incredible vistas, a cozy neighborhood spot, or specialty bean-to-bar coffee, you’ll discover amazing options in Sapa. The town’s burgeoning coffee culture means new cafés are opening all the time.
Wherever you choose to stop for a cup, let the soothing taste of Sapa’s excellent coffee elevate your stay in this beautiful mountain town. The cafés reviewed here are just the beginning of what Sapa has to offer coffee lovers. Get out and explore this charming highland coffee destination for yourself.
