Hanoi (VNA) - On the morning of March 14, Starbucks Vietnam officially marked a new milestone with the opening of its highest store in Asia at Fansipan.
Located at an altitude of 3,063 meters, Starbucks Fansipan promises to be a spectacular destination where the flavors of modern coffee blend with local cultural identity and the majestic beauty of the Sa Pa mountains.
Located at the Cloud Yard area within the Sun World Fansipan Legend complex, the store offers a one-of-a-kind experience where customers not only enjoy the familiar taste of coffee but also embrace the panoramic beauty of Sa Pa’s nature in a thoughtfully designed space.
“Starbucks Fansipan is a milestone that we are extremely proud of. The store sits at an altitude of 3,063 meters above sea level and has been recognized as the highest Starbucks store in the Asia region. With its spectacular location and unique architectural design that celebrates local culture, Starbucks Fansipan represents the beauty of the intersection between coffee craftsmanship and the culture of Vietnam’s Northwest.
We believe the store will become a must-visit destination for both domestic and international travelers. Above all, we would like to express our gratitude to all customers, partners and colleagues. Without their trust, support and love, we would not have been able to achieve this remarkable milestone,” shared Ms. Chi Nguyen – Communications Director of Starbucks Vietnam.
Inspired by the diverse architecture of Sa Pa, Starbucks Fansipan stands out with its light green exterior and interior design that celebrates local culture, featuring locally woven fabrics as highlights on the store’s pillars. With warm beige tones, extensive use of wood materials and green elements, the store space resembles a “peaceful resting station” amid the clouds. All these elements come together to create a unique meeting place where nature intersects with modernity, harmonizing local culture with Starbucks’ distinctive coffee story.
To celebrate the opening of Starbucks Fansipan, Starbucks Vietnam introduced Cloud Macchiato (available in both hot and iced versions) – a special beverage served for a limited time at all Starbucks stores nationwide from March 14 to March 20. Inspired by seas of clouds and the sky, Cloud Macchiato features a soft, fluffy foam layer topped with caramel sauce, offering a sweet taste while maintaining Starbucks’ signature rich espresso flavor.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Pham Tien Dung – Standing Vice Chairman of the Sa Pa Ward People’s Committee – expressed: “The presence of a global brand like Starbucks at the summit of Fansipan is vivid proof of a Sa Pa that is confidently transforming. It is a Sa Pa that treasures its heritage values while aspiring to integrate globally, ready to embrace modern values to enrich its own identity. The event becomes even more meaningful as it takes place during the 10th anniversary of the Fansipan cable car system. Over the past decade, Sun World Fansipan Legend has not only beautified the land and transformed the local tourism landscape, but has also served as a bridge that brings the culture and people of Sa Pa to the world, creating sustainable social values for local communities.”
Expressing pride as Starbucks Fansipan officially welcomes guests after achieving the highest-in-Asia record, Ms. Tran Nguyen – Deputy CEO of Hospitality & Entertainment Division (Sun Group) – shared: “The cup of coffee in your hand is not just a cup of coffee. Within it lies the global refinement and standards of Starbucks – a brand that has become a symbol of modern coffee culture worldwide. It also carries the imprint of Sun Group – with an unwavering aspiration to create distinctive experiences and elevate Vietnam’s destinations. But beyond that, the cup also contains elements unique to Fansipan and Sa Pa – where the majestic beauty of the Northwest mountains meets cultural values preserved through generations. That is why a Starbucks cup at Fansipan is unlike any other Starbucks in the world.”
The Starbucks Fansipan store is located at the Cloud Yard area within the Sun World Fansipan Legend complex. The store operates from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays from Monday to Thursday and from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM on Friday. On weekends, the store operates from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday and from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sunday.
Present in Vietnam since 2013, the global coffee brand Starbucks now operates more than 150 stores across the country. Starbucks not only sells coffee but also creates a “third place” that connects communities and celebrates Vietnamese identity.
Put into operation in 2016, Sun World Fansipan Legend is a world-class tourism, resort and entertainment complex located in Sa Pa (Lao Cai province), where majestic natural beauty meets distinctive local culture. Over the past decade, Sun World Fansipan Legend (Sa Pa, Lao Cai) has not only been home to a Guinness World Record cable car system but has also captivated visitors with year-round flower paradises, grand spiritual architectural complexes, Ban May cultural village that vividly recreates local heritage, and festivals and shows imbued with Northwest cultural identity. The destination has also set a record by being honored for six consecutive years by World Travel Awards as the “World’s Leading Natural Landscape Tourist Attraction.”
The collaboration between these two major brands promises not only economic and branding value for both parties but also contributes positively to promoting the people and culture of Sa Pa to international friends, thereby helping elevate Vietnam’s position on the global tourism map./.
