Visiting Moana Sapa with a local: Photo spots, prices, and what to expect

What is Moana Sapa?

Moana Sapa is a newly developed check-in complex located about 1200–1,600 meters from the center of Sapa town. Locals call it a small “Bali in the mountains” because of the sky gate, the giant angel wings, and many artistic structures set right above the Muong Hoa Valley.

Unlike other attractions that require long journeys, Moana is comfortable, accessible for families, and super easy for first-time visitors.

• Address: 68 Violet Street, Cau May Ward, Sapa Town, Lao Cai
• Fanpage: Moana Sapa
• Phone: +84 853 693 666

The space is open-air, with clear mountain views and well-designed corners for photography. Even if you are not a professional, you can still get nice pictures here.

Moana opening hours and ticket prices

Moana Sapa is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

There are several ticket options depending on what you want:

Note: Most visitors choose the 100,000 or 150,000 VND option. 

If you enjoy taking photos, the outfit rental is surprisingly convenient. Many visitors pick flowing dresses for infinity lake shots.

Best photo spots at Moana Sapa

1. Infinity Lake

This is one of the most peaceful corners in Moana. Come early morning or late afternoon and you’ll get soft, golden light. Many of my guests say this is where they get their favorite shot of the whole trip.

2. Golden Hand Landmark

The hand stands about six meters tall and the viewing platform is placed right on the palm. You do not need to pose too much here because the background already looks impressive on its own.

3. Rose Glass Cage

One of the most romantic corners in Moana. The transparent glass walls let in a gentle, natural light, and the rose decorations make the whole space feel soft and dreamy. Many of my guests love taking photos here, especially after 3 PM.

4. Heaven Gate (Bali-inspired)

Similar concept to Bali’s sky gates, but Moana’s version is set higher on the mountain. The view through the gate feels endless.

5. Iconic White Deer

The iconic White Deer is one of the simplest but most charming corners in Moana. Its clean, minimalistic design makes photos look modern and airy, and many of my guests use this spot for casual lifestyle-style shots. With the mountains behind and soft natural light, you can get beautiful photos here without needing to pose too much.

6. Giant Angel Wings

Likely the most memorable spot and the bright, colorful wings are iconic and make anyone look good in photos.

7. Pair of Swans

The Pair of Swans is a sweet and meaningful corner, symbolizing love, harmony, and a lasting bond. Couples always enjoy this spot, especially those celebrating an anniversary or looking for soft, pre-wedding-style photos.

8. Mini Phu Quoc Kiss Bridge

Inspired by the tale of The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. A lovely place for couple photos with the valley behind you.

9. Mona Death Swing

It’s not actually dangerous at all,  it’s just placed in a perfect spot. The way the swing faces the valley creates the illusion that you’re floating right above the clouds. Many of my guests love this corner because the photo looks dramatic, but the experience itself feels safe and comfortable.

10. Giant Love Symbol

It’s a large love-shaped structure that makes a perfect backdrop for couple photos.

11. Moana Café & BBQ Area

If you need a break during your visit, the Moana Café & BBQ area is a comfortable place to sit down for a drink or a quick snack. The space is open and airy, with a clear view of the valley, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery. 

Many of my guests like to stop here after taking photos, especially in the late afternoon when the weather is cooler. If you want to stay nearby, hotels like Pao’s Sapa Leisure or Holiday Sapa are just a short walk away, making the area very convenient to explore.

How to get to Moana Sapa (Based on how my guests usually go)

Moana Sapa is very close to the town center, so most of my guests find it extremely easy to reach. The distance is only about 1.3 km, which means you don’t need to spend too much time or effort getting there.

From Sapa Town Center

• Walking (10–15 minutes)
  My guests prefer to walk because the route is simple and the air in Sapa is fresh. On the way, they usually stop by to take photos along Cau May Street.

• Taxi or electric car
  If the weather is too sunny, rainy, or foggy, you can take a taxi or electric car, or XanhSM. It’s quick, inexpensive, and comfortable.

• Motorbike rental
  Some younger or adventurous guests rent a motorbike. The road is easy to ride, parking at Moana is convenient, and it gives them flexibility to continue to other places afterward (Cat Cat, Fansipan station, or Lao Chai – Ta Van).

Explore: Hanoi to Sapa: The 3 Best Transport Options For Visitors

Simple Directions

If you want to go by yourself, the route is very straightforward:

Start from Sapa Church → go down Cau May Street → turn right at Alexandros Restaurant → follow Muong Hoa Street until you see the valley → turn right onto Violet Street (near the small park) → drive/walk straight for a moment and you’ll see Moana Sapa on the right. 

Most guests tell me it's easy to follow, even without GPS.

Best time to visit Moana Sapa

By Season

You can visit Moana Sapa anytime of the year, but here’s what you need to know:

• March to May: The weather is mild and comfortable. Flowers begin to bloom across the hillsides and the skies are usually clear, which is great for photos.
• June to August: The rice terraces are at their greenest. There can be short afternoon showers, but mornings are often bright and pleasant.
• September to November: This is the golden rice season and many of my guests say it is the most beautiful time to visit Sapa. The rice fields turn yellow and the visibility is usually very good.
• December to February: Temperatures drop and Sapa becomes misty. On some days the fog creates a quiet, atmospheric look that many photographers enjoy.

By Time of Day

• 7:00 to 9:00 in the morning

The light is soft and gentle. There are fewer people at this time, which means you can take your photos more comfortably.

• 3:00 to 5:00 in the afternoon

This is when the sunlight becomes warm and golden. Many guests choose this time for portrait photos.

Tips from local Sapa guides

1. Go early

Morning is always the best time to visit Moana. The light is soft, the weather is cooler, and you can take photos without waiting. If you plan to walk from town, it is better to wear sneakers since some parts of the road can be steep or slightly slippery.

2. Dress in layers

The weather in Sapa changes very quickly. Many guests feel cold in the early morning, but by noon it becomes warm. Wearing light layers makes it easier to adjust throughout the day.

3. If you ride a motorbike

Please check the basic things before you go. Fill the tank, test the brakes, and make sure the lights are working. I always remind guests to bring a thin raincoat because short showers can appear suddenly, especially in the afternoon.

4. Check the weather one or two days before your visit

A clear day makes a big difference when taking photos. On foggy days, the mountains and the valley may disappear completely (not good for your pictures).

5. Book early during the busy months

From September to November, Sapa receives a lot of visitors. Hotels, transport, and even simple services become crowded. Booking in advance helps everything go more smoothly.

Nearby places to visit from Moana Sapa

Sapa Town

This is where most travelers start their journey in Sapa. The town itself has many interesting places worth stopping by, such as the Sapa Museum, the Old Stone Church, and the Muong Hoa Mountain Train Station. 

Explore: What to do in Sapa for first-time visitors (by a local guide)

Muong Hoa Valley

One of the most beautiful valleys in the region. The terraced rice fields here stretch for kilometers and change color with the seasons. If the weather is clear, the view from the upper road is stunning, and many guests stop for photos on their way to Lao Chai and Ta Van.

Read more: Muong Hoa Valley with a Sapa local: What to see & Where to go

Cat Cat Village

This is the closest ethnic Hmong village to the town center, very popular with first-time visitors. The route is easy, and you can see traditional houses, handicrafts, and a small waterfall. Many of my guests visit Moana first, then head down to Cat Cat Village for the rest of the morning.

Ta Van Village

Located deeper in the Muong Hoa Valley, Ta Van Village is quieter and more peaceful. It is home to the Giay ethnic minority. If you want to enjoy real valley views, local food, and homestay experiences, Ta Van is a lovely place to spend a few hours or even stay overnight.

Lao Chai Village

Famous for its Red Dao ethnic culture and herbal baths. The village sits in a wide valley with limestone cliffs and traditional houses. Lao Chai Village is a good choice if you want to see something less crowded and experience local life in a calm setting.

FAQs about Moana Sapa

1. Is Moana Sapa worth visiting?

Definitely. It’s an easy, beautiful stop with iconic photo corners and epic mountain views. You don’t need to hike far, and the experience is relaxed compared to other attractions.

2. Is it free to enter Moana?

No. Tickets range from 80,000 to 180,000 VND ($3- $8) depending on the combo. All tickets include at least one drink.

3. How do I get there from Sapa center?

Walk, take a taxi, ride a motorbike, or rent an electric car.
It’s just 1.3 km away.

Final thoughts

Moana Sapa is the kind of place where you can slow down for a moment and simply enjoy the scenery. Many of my guests spend about 2 hours here, taking photos, having a drink, and soaking in the mountain air. It is close to the town center, while the ticket prices are gentle, and the photo spots are fun and super easy to enjoy.

If you are planning your Sapa itinerary, Moana is a nice addition, especially for travelers who want beautiful scenery without doing a long hike.