If you’ve ever been captivated by dreamlike Instagram photos amidst the clouds and mountains of Northwest Vietnam, Moana Sapa is the place you’re looking for. Located just a few hundred meters from the center of Sapa, Moana Sapa blends nature and art to create a magical check-in space that everyone wants to visit at least once.
Introduction to Moana Sapa
Amidst the majestic mountains of the Hoang Lien Son range, Moana Sapa appears as a unique outdoor studio for those who appreciate beauty. This “mini Bali” art check-in area is located on 68 Violets Street, Cau May Ward, just a few minutes from the center of Sapa town. This convenient location allows visitors to easily combine a visit to Moana with other famous Sapa tourist attractions without spending much time traveling.
Moana Sapa is built on the idea of blending the natural beauty of Northwest Vietnam with modern art installations. The entire grounds, spanning thousands of square meters, are designed into various scenic spots: the Bali-inspired “Heaven Gate,” the giant “Golden Hand” reaching out from the clouds, the mirror-like “Infinity Lake,” the iconic Moana statue, etc. Every corner becomes a stunning backdrop for photos of the clouds, mountains, and hills.
Not only attracting young people, couples, and groups of friends, Moana Sapa is also an ideal destination for tourists seeking a tranquil space to admire the dreamy clouds and mountains without trekking or climbing. The landscape here changes with the seasons: from light mist in the early morning to the brilliant sunset, each visit brings a new feeling.
Besides photo opportunities, Moana Sapa also offers services such as costume rental, drinks, and resting areas etc. The harmonious combination of convenient location, artistic scenery, and diverse services has made Moana Sapa one of the must-visit destinations when traveling to Sapa.
Unmissable Check-in Points in Moana Sapa
As we mentioned before, Moana Sapa is a fantastic film studio with numerous check-in points, creating stunning backdrops for taking photos and filming videos for social media.
Giant Golden Hand
One of the hottest attractions at Moana Sapa is the giant Golden Hand. Prominently designed in an open space, the giant hand seems to reach out, supporting visitors amidst the clouds. This image is reminiscent of the famous “Golden Bridge” in Da Nang, but with the backdrop of the Northwest mountains, it takes on a completely new look – both unique and captivating.
The Golden Hand is situated in a high position, offering expansive views, allowing you to gaze far into the distance and admire the panoramic view of the Muong Hoa Valley and the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. In the morning, the swirling mist below gives you the feeling of standing on a giant “cloud.” In the afternoon, the sunset bathes the hand in golden light, blending with the sky to create a stunning backdrop for any photo.
Tip: You should prepare brightly colored outfits, long dresses, or matching outfits to get impressive shots. Shooting from a low angle will make the giant hand look taller and more majestic.
Bali Heaven Gate
Upon arriving at Moana Sapa, the second stop that almost everyone seeks out is the Bali Heaven Gate. Inspired by the famous sky gate architecture of Bali (Indonesia), this structure is skillfully recreated amidst the mountainous landscape of Northwest Vietnam. Two towering, symmetrically clad stone pillars open up to the majestic backdrop of the Muong Hoa Valley and the Hoang Lien Son mountain range in the distance, creating a breathtaking view.
This is also a favorite spot for couples taking wedding photos or young people wanting to have a memorable photoshoot during their Sapa trip. The photo angle at Bali Sky Gate can change depending on the time of day: gentle in the morning, vibrant at noon, or romantic in the afternoon – each moment offers a different and impressive version of the scenery.
Infinity Lake
While the Bali Sky Gate and the giant Golden Hand offer spectacular views of the sky and clouds, the Infinity Lake at Moana Sapa allows you to immerse yourself in the tranquility and poetic beauty of the mountains and forests. The lake’s surface is designed to be flat like a mirror, perfectly reflecting the sky, mountain peaks, and drifting clouds. The interplay of water and sky creates depth and a natural, shimmering effect in your photos without much editing.
When the morning mist lingers over the water’s surface, Infinity Lake has an ethereal quality to it reminiscent of a Watercolour painting. The sunset reflects onto the lake and creates warm, golden-orange colours perfect for taking beautiful pictures.
The design of Infinity Lake complements the nearby natural landscape and uses materials that are friendly to the environment and have neutral tones. It is therefore a peaceful and beautiful location to take photos. Infinity Lake also gives you an opportunity to relax and calm your mind among the lush green views of Sapa.
Moana’s Death Swing Adventure
Situated on a mountainside, Moana Sapa insecurity swing is also an excellent place to take pictures, and it is a popular location among photographers. The design of the swing (round), the quality of construction (heavy rope, no safety rails) allows the user to feel like they are above the ground, suspended in mid-air while the sun shines overhead. The view to the north is breathtaking due to the expansive view of the Hoang Lien Son Range and the Muong Hoa Valley.
The most remarkable thing about the Moana Sapa infinity swing is that it creates the illusory feeling of “floating”. The perspective used when taking the picture from the ground (low) or at a diagonal creates an image that makes it appear as though you are soaring through the sky. Although this may sound scary, the swing is very strong and has been thoroughly tested to ensure safety while providing the thrill of adventure.
To make the most of your photos, we recommend wearing bright colored clothing or white, so you’ll stand out against the green colors of the mountain slopes and the blue sky behind you. When taking pictures, the best times are in the early morning when there’s still a lot of cloud cover, and the perfect time to take pictures in the valley when the sun is shining down on the valley and bathing it in gold.
The Lonely Tree
Amidst the lush green grass connecting Heaven’s Gate and the Moana statue, a lonely tree stands tall, slender, and gaunt. Seemingly defying the harsh Sapa weather, its bare branches proudly reach out to the wind, exuding powerful and resilient vitality. This image not only creates a unique focal point for the scenery but also inspires art lovers and those who enjoy taking photos on social media.
Paronama Cafe
At the Moana Sapa film set, there’s a beautiful cafe called Paronama. As the name suggests, the cafe is designed in an open style so that visitors can fully immerse themselves in nature. Sipping on a hot, fragrant cup of coffee while gazing at the majestic Hoang Lien Son mountain range or the dreamy Muong Hoa valley will surely be an incredibly wonderful experience.
“Kiss Bridge” Sapa
The Kiss Bridge at Phu Quoc is designed to reach out toward the vastness of the ocean; in contrast, Moana Sapa has its own version of a “Kiss Bridge” nestled deep within the mountainous and mountainous terrain of North Vietnam. The Kiss Bridge at Moana is unique in that it is not fully connected; instead, it has been divided into two parts, representing two people who are unified through will and love by holding hands and sharing the same heart.
Aiding the romantic feel associated with the bridge is why it is so popular; thus, there is a great deal of interest from young people to visit the bridge to take photos and create memories. While on the bridge, you can take as many photos as you desire; many young couples stand close together while holding hands, kissing each other, or forming heart shapes with their clasped hands.
The Swan Couple
A pair of swans symbolizes true love, so it would be perfect to have these represented in shapes on a charming balcony located at Moana Sapa. Standing side-by-side, a black and white swan forms a beautiful heart shape using their long neck, which would create a fantastic photo op for couples looking to take romantic pictures. Standing further down the balcony, you will find an area where you can stand or sit beside a pair of swans while receiving sunlight through the gap between their necks, and you can capture this magical moment in time!
Frosted Glass Rose Cage
Adjacent to the grand Moana sculpture on the left-hand side of the atrium, there is a quaint, glass enclosure festooned with romantic climbing roses and holding a small, lovely chair inside. While the actual area may be compact, the clear glass provides a stunning vista of the soaring mountain ranges in the distance. It is an ideal environment for anyone who enjoys the “muse” look, with their flowing chiffon gown, long hair cascading naturally, and soft, graceful mannerisms.
Opening Hours and Entrance Fees
The Moana Sapa Film Studio is open every day, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Entrance Fees:
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Adults: 80,000 – 100,000 VND (273 – 342 INR)/ticket. (Ticket prices may vary depending on the time of year, usually higher on weekends or holidays)
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Children (under 1.2m tall): Usually free or subject to a discounted price depending on policy.
Alternatively, you can choose to purchase a combo ticket for approximately 150,000 VND (513 INR) per person. This special combo includes costume rental for photoshoots at Moana Sapa.
How to Get to Moana Sapa
To easily get to Moana Sapa, here are some suggestions:
Walking
If you’re staying in the center of Sa Pa town (near the stone church, Sun Plaza, Cau May street, etc.), you can easily walk to Moana. The path isn’t too steep, and it takes about 10-15 minutes; you can enjoy the scenery along the way.
Renting a motorbike
Rental price: from 100,000 to 150,000 VND (342 to 513 INR)/day. Traveling by motorbike is a flexible and economical option, suitable for young people who like to explore.
Note: the roads in Sapa have many steep sections, so you need a steady hand on the handlebars and to follow traffic safety rules.
Taxi or ride-hailing motorbikes
If traveling in a group, you can call a taxi or ride-hailing motorbike (Grab, Be, Xanh SM, etc) to get to Moana quickly. The taxi fare from the town center to Moana ranges from 30,000 to 50,000 VND (102 to 171 INR)/trip, depending on the company and time of day.
Joining a tour to Moana Sapa
If you want a more relaxed and convenient trip with a customized journey, joining a package tour from reputable agencies like Vietnamtour.in is a suitable option. Tours often combine Moana with other attractions in Sapa, saving time and effort.
Best Time to Visit Moana Sapa
To have the best experience and stunning photos in the Moana Sapa Film Studio, you should come at this time:
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7 AM to 9 AM: In the morning hours between 7 AM to 9 AM, it is considered the “Golden Hour”. This is when the sun rises, allowing rays of light to penetrate through the fog, creating a picturesque view of clouds. Taking photos during this hour provides photographers with a calm setting where they can be free from any disturbances while taking their pictures.
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3 PM to 5 PM: During the last hour of daylight is when you can take your romantic-looking sunset photos due to the twilight effect on the horizon.
Many photographers prefer to take photographs in a serene environment without many other people present. If you are looking for that opportunity, come to Moana during the middle of the week (Monday to Thursday). Weekends and holidays tend to be very busy, with many tourists visiting as well.
Suggested 2 Days 1 Night Sapa Itinerary
For Sapa, two days and one night isn’t too much time, but with proper planning, it’s still enough to experience the highland atmosphere and some of its most distinctive features. The important thing is not to try to cram too many places into a short time, because Sapa is most beautiful when you travel at a leisurely pace.
Day 1: Hanoi – Sapa – Moana Sapa and exploring the town center
Morning: Depart from Hanoi by bus around 6-7 am. The highway makes for a comfortable journey with stops along the way. Arriving in Sapa around noon is ideal. Check into your hotel or homestay in the town center (near the stone church is most convenient).
Lunch: Have a warm meal like Thang Co (a traditional stew), salmon hot pot, or sticky rice with grilled chicken. These dishes are perfect for the cold Sapa weather.
Afternoon: Hire a motorbike taxi or regular taxi to Moana Sapa (about 10-15 minutes from the town center).
Evening: Return to the town center, wander around the stone church, and enjoy street food like grilled corn, grilled potatoes, and grilled eggs. If you go on a weekend, there’s a night market or love market, which is also fun. Overnight stay in Sapa.
Day 2: Climbing Fansipan – Visiting Cat Cat Village and then returning to Hanoi
Early morning: After breakfast, take the cable car up Fansipan. The cable car ride takes about 15 minutes, offering breathtaking views of the terraced rice fields and sea of clouds (if the weather is good, you’ll see lots of clouds). Climb a little further to visit the temple complex and take photos. The round-trip ticket is around 800-900k VND, but I think it’s worth it.
Lunch: Descend the mountain and grab a quick bite, then head to Cat Cat Village (about 3km from the city centre). This is an ancient H’Mong village with traditional houses, preserved brocade weaving, and a charming stream and waterfall.
Afternoon: Free time to buy local specialties as souvenirs, such as smoked buffalo meat, forest honey, or brocade scarves. Then, take the bus back to Hanoi from 3:00 to 4:00 PM, usually arriving around 9:00 to 10:00 PM.
If you want a planned package that includes entertainment, sightseeing, and dining, then all-inclusive and customizable tours from Vietnamtour.in are a good choice, especially if you are a first-time visitor or coming with family.
Things You Need to Know before Visiting Moana Sapa
Please take care of the following to ensure a fun and safe trip to Moana Sapa with stunning photos:
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Check opening hours and ticket prices before you arrive, as there may be seasonal adjustments.
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Avoid arriving too late to ensure you have time for photos when the light is good (morning or afternoon).
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Bring a warm jacket and gloves if it’s cold – fog and wind can make you feel even colder.
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Avoid slippery shoes when walking on glass surfaces and paved walkways.
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Keep the area clean; do not draw on or soil the miniature landscapes or greenery in the check-in area to preserve their beauty for future visitors.
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If you plan to rent clothing for photos, ask beforehand and check the quality; if you wear checked baggage, be careful with your personal belongings.
Conclusion
With its perfect blend of majestic natural landscapes and unique miniature scenes, Moana Sapa offers visitors unforgettable experiences. Come and feel the unique beauty of this “miniature Bali” in the heart of Sapa, making your trip even more complete and memorable!
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