Founded in 2016 with its first flagship store on Calmette Street in Ho Chi Minh City, Maison Marou expanded to Hanoi just one year later. These two locations, bridging the North and South through the beauty of Vietnamese chocolate, sparked a dream in the Marou’s founders: to share Marou’s uniquely Vietnamese single-origin chocolate across the entire country. This is what Marou calls "The So-co-la Trail."
After 8 years of adventure, the "So-co-la Trail" has expanded to include six stops: Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City. In every location, Maison Marou stands not merely as a store; but as an immersive destination for the art of chocolate making, and world-class chocolate experience in Vietnam. In the photo is the Hoi An store, adorned with signature yellow walls and wooden shutters, capturing the charm of the ancient town.
Today, Maison Marou operates more than 20 locations nationwide, cultivating a strong community of chocolate and cocoa enthusiasts.
The new "So-co-la Trail" collection is both a heartfelt tribute to Vietnamese cocoa and a celebration of Vietnamese cocoa's cultural journey. "This is a story of exploration, resilience, and inspiration, born out of a spirit of creativity and deep love for our cocoa heritage," said a brand's representative.
This concept comes to life in the Saigon Salted Milk Coffee bar design, drawn from the famous saying, "Sai Gon den xanh den do" (Saigon's colorful lights). With packaging and visuals that reflect the city’s dynamic spirit, the energy of Saigon becomes something you can taste.
The Huc Bridge, with its signature red arch stretching across the green waters of Hoan Kiem Lake, has become one of Hanoi's most recognizable cultural landmarks. This iconic image is the inspiration for Maison Marou's Hanoi Popped Rice bar, reflecting the tranquil beauty of the city's deep-rooted heritage.
Coming to Nha Trang, the city mesmerizes visitors with its natural charm: clear blue waters, golden sunlight, and white sands lined with endless palm trees. This coastal landscape and ocean waves inspired the Nha Trang bar, which reflects the laid-back spirit of this seaside city.
Since its inauguration, the Dragon Bridge has become an emblematic landmark of Da Nang for both locals and visitors. The moments when the bridge breathes fire and water inspired Maison Marou to create the Da Nang bar, a celebration of the city’s blend of tradition and modernity.
Further along the trail are two of Vietnam’s most storied destinations: Hoi An and Hue. The Hoi An bar draws inspiration from the city's iconic yellow walls, tiled rooftops, and colorful lanterns, celebrating the poetic rhythm of life in the ancient town.
The Imperial City is a historic citadel within a complex of Hue monuments, preserving the legacy of a once-glorious dynasty. Inspired by this heritage, the Hue Candied Chili bar is adorned with the image of the mythical Long Ma, a symbol of imperial wisdom and power, as a tribute to the region's rich cultural legacy.
According to the brand, each chocolate bar is a fusion of locally sourced ingredients, regional cultural inspiration, and visual symbols unique to each city, forming a flavorful trail across the length of Vietnam. Every wrapper is individually designed to reflect local character with a modern artistic touch, turning each bar into a beautifully crafted souvenir.
Starting July 7, customers can discover the full "So-co-la Trail" collection at Maison Marou stores nationwide. Alongside the collection, a range of themed products and interactive experiences will be available, including chocolate tastings, baking classes, and guided tours of the brand’s signature mini chocolate factory.
Founded in 2011, Marou Chocolate is a Vietnam-based bean-to-bar chocolate maker known for its dedication to quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship. The company sources the finest cocoa beans directly from local fermentation houses and farmer communities, earning global acclaim through award-winning creations. Today, Marou is present in over 20 countries, continuing its mission to honor Vietnamese heritage through world-class chocolate innovation.
