Highlands Coffee Hanoi West Lake Review: Sunset Views
Discover Highlands Coffee Thanh Niên, the ultimate Hanoi West Lake cafe for sunset views, located right across from the historic Trấn Quốc Pagoda.
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Discover Highlands Coffee Thanh Niên, the ultimate Hanoi West Lake cafe for sunset views, located right across from the historic Trấn Quốc Pagoda.
Hanoi West Lake Cafe Recommendation
Highlands Coffee Thanh Niên
If you are planning a trip to Hanoi, West Lake (Tây Hồ) is an absolute must-visit destination.
It is the perfect spot for a scenic stroll, and since the iconic Trấn Quốc Pagoda is right nearby, it makes for an ideal sightseeing route.
During our walk around West Lake, we were looking for a cozy spot to relax and catch the sunset when we stumbled upon the Highlands Coffee Thanh Niên branch, located directly across from Trấn Quốc Pagoda.
Unfortunately, sudden rain clouds rolled in, so we missed out on the spectacular sunset we had hoped for.
However, the cafe features massive floor-to-ceiling windows, meaning you get an unobstructed, panoramic view of West Lake from both the first and second floors.
#HanoiCafe #HanoiWestLake
Even with the overcast sky, the lake view was incredibly peaceful. I can only imagine how magical the atmosphere must be here on a clear evening during golden hour.
Location & Operating Hours
📍 Highlands Coffee Thanh Niên 📍
Address: 28 Thanh Niên, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội
Hours: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
📍 Highlands Coffee
28 Thanh Niên, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội 10000, Vietnam
📍 Trấn Quốc Pagoda
Thanh Niên, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội, Vietnam
📍 Pan Pacific Hanoi
1 Thanh Niên Road, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Since it is right across the street from Trấn Quốc Pagoda, it is the ultimate spot to cool off and recharge after exploring the temple.
It is an easy walk from Pan Pacific Hanoi and very close to InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, making it incredibly convenient to fit into your daily itinerary.
🔍 Check out the Best West Lake Hotels in Hanoi for Sunset Views
What We Ordered
For our drinks, we ordered:
Iced Americano
Trà Thanh Đào (Peach Lemongrass Tea)
Trà Thạch Đào (Peach Jelly Tea)
The Iced Americano was delightfully bold and robust, so it did not taste watered down even after the ice started to melt.
The Trà Thanh Đào featured a sweet peach aroma beautifully balanced with refreshing lemongrass—perfect for beating the tropical Hanoi heat.
The Trà Thạch Đào came loaded with juicy peach chunks and chewy jelly, giving it a fun texture but a much sweeter profile. Personally, I preferred the cleaner, more refreshing taste of the Trà Thanh Đào.
Prices are extremely reasonable, with most specialty drinks running around 60,000 to 70,000 VND (about ~$2 to $3), making it a budget-friendly spot to unwind.
First Floor Merchandise Zone
While waiting for our drinks, we explored the first floor, which showcased a variety of Highlands Coffee merchandise including roasted whole beans, convenient drip bags, sleek tumblers, and classic mugs.
As Vietnam's most iconic coffee chain, it is a popular spot for travelers looking to pick up unique souvenirs or gifts. If you are a coffee lover, it is definitely worth checking out.
Breathtaking West Lake Views Through the Glass
#WestLakeCafe #HanoiCafeRecommend #HanoiSunsetCafe
My absolute favorite part of this cafe was the panoramic view of West Lake stretching out right behind the massive glass windows.
Even with the cloudy skies, the entire lake was fully visible, creating a serene backdrop that made it the perfect place to sit back, sip coffee, and relax.
During our visit, we saw a lively mix of both international travelers and locals. It seems like a popular pit stop for people who just finished touring Trấn Quốc Pagoda or those taking a leisurely walk around the lake.
Next time, I will definitely return on a clear day to secure a window seat and enjoy a legendary West Lake sunset.
Perfect Itinerary: Pairing with Trấn Quốc Pagoda
Highlands Coffee is literally just across the street from Trấn Quốc Pagoda. Plus, if you take the Hanoi City Tour Bus, it drops you off right in front of the pagoda.
It is a seamless itinerary: hop off the bus, take a relaxing walk along West Lake, recharge at the cafe, and then watch the sunset and the shimmering city lights at night.
🔻View Hanoi City Tour Bus Routes🔻
Where to Stay: Hanoi Hotels with the Best Lake Views
West Lake is widely regarded as one of the most scenic areas in Hanoi, making it an incredibly popular neighborhood to base your stay.
If you are looking for a comfortable cafe to relax and enjoy the views near Trấn Quốc Pagoda, this is a highly recommended spot that fits effortlessly into any travel route.
While we only popped in for a quick drink this time, it made us want to book a room near West Lake next time to explore the area at a much more leisurely pace.
In particular, luxury options like Pan Pacific Hanoi and InterContinental Hanoi Westlake are famous for their stunning lake views and sit just minutes away from this cafe.
✔ Look Inside Pan Pacific Hanoi Rooms
✔ Check Live Rates for InterContinental Westlake
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It was a bit disappointing to miss the sunset due to the rain. Next time, I plan to stay at a lakeside hotel, enjoy a fresh morning stroll, and head right back to this cafe just as the sun starts to dip.
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The Highlands Coffee Thanh Niên branch is open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Located right opposite Tran Quoc Pagoda, it is a great place to visit after your sightseeing.
Most drinks are priced between 60,000 and 70,000 VND. This is equivalent to ~$2 to ~$3.
Trà Thanh Đào is a drink that combines peach flavor with the refreshing taste of lemongrass. On the other hand, Trà Thạch Đào contains peach flesh and jelly, offering a chewy texture and a sweeter taste.
It is within walking distance from the Pan Pacific Hanoi. It is also close to the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, making it convenient to include in your travel itinerary.
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