Belonging to the Hai Van mountain range, a branch of the Bach Ma range, the Hai Van Pass is known as one of the most beautiful but also treacherous mountain passes in Vietnam.
And if you are someone who falls in love with scenic roads and enjoys challenges, the beauty and difficulty of the Hai Van Pass will surely fuel your dream of conquering it. Let’s explore the Hai Van Pass in great detail with TripPlanOnline‘s insider tips below, and make your dream of cruising on this majestic road come true.
Where is Hai Van Pass located?
The Hai Van Pass is a mountain pass that connects the two provinces of Thua Thien Hue and Da Nang, located about 20km from the center of Da Nang and 80km from the city of Hue. The pass is 20km long, running along the Hai Van mountain range, crossing the Bach Ma range, and located 500m away from the sea at Lang Co Bay.
With one side covered in deep green forests and the other side bordered by a bay with crystal-clear blue water, it is no exaggeration to say that the Hai Van Pass is the most beautiful adventure road in the country.
Highlights of Hai Van Pass
Hai Van Pass features winding and twisting roads with extremely dangerous turns that require a skilled driver to conquer. True to its name, Hai Van Pass will make visitors feel as if they have entered a heavenly scene with poetic mountain peaks covered in clouds.
Standing at the top, you will be amazed by the stunning panoramic view of the peaceful sky and majestic Bach Ma range. In the distance, you can see the emerald-colored sea stretching to the horizon, fishing villages, and the North-South train line operating day and night.
The best time to visit Hai Van Pass
The best time to visit Hai Van Pass is from March to August. This is when the Central region enters the dry season, with cool and clear weather, less storms and beautiful sunshine, making it convenient for driving and exploring the nature.
I recommend starting early in the morning to catch the sunrise or in the late afternoon to witness the sunset. The scenery at these times is truly beautiful and spectacular.
How to get to Hai Van Pass
How to get to Da Nang or Hue
To conquer Hai Van Pass, tourists will need to travel to either Da Nang or Hue, and then rent a motorbike or a self-driving car to go through the pass. Currently, you can reach these two tourist cities by various means of transportation.
+ By plane: Both Hue and Da Nang have airports to serve tourists. With ticket prices ranging from 500,000 – 800,000 VND/way, you can use the transportation service of any domestic airline, depending on your preferred flight schedule.
+ Train: Hue or Danang railway stations are the final stops for travelers moving by train on the North-South route. Train tickets range from 150,000 to 700,000 VND/one way.
+ Bus: Visitors from nearby provinces can take a bus to Hue or Danang with ticket prices ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 VND/one way. With the advantages of cost-effectiveness, flexible time, and many bus companies, buses are the most popular mode of transportation.
Instructions on how to get to Hai Van Pass:
Starting from Da Nang:
Departing from the city center, you will travel along Duy Tan Street, then at the roundabout, turn onto Nguyen Van Linh Street. Drive another 200m, then turn left onto Nguyen Tri Phuong Street to reach Nguyen Tat Thanh coastal road.
Continue for about 5km, turn right onto Nguyen Luong Bang Street, cross Nam O Bridge and turn left onto Ta Quang Buu Street. Drive about 700m, turn right onto Road No. 7 and continue straight to reach Hai Van Pass.
Starting from Hue:
The route from Hue city to Hai Van Pass is not too complicated. Starting from the city center, you just need to travel straight on Hung Vuong Street until you reach An Duong Vuong Street.
Continue straight through the district of Huong Thuy, along Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, then cross Truoi Bridge to reach the district of Phu Loc. When you reach Lap An Lagoon, follow Lac Long Quan Street around Lang Co Bay and climb up to Hai Van Pass.
Exploring Hai Van Pass
Visiting the historical site of Hai Van Pass
Located on the peak of Hai Van Pass, Hai Van Quan is known as the “First Mighty Gate” – a military fortress that defended the former capital of Hue.
With its historical significance and impressive architecture, it is recognized as a national historical monument and has become a must-visit destination. Standing at the gate, you will feel small in the face of the majestic nature of mountains, sea, and winding roads hugging the mountain slopes.
Over time, Hai Van Quan has been covered with a layer of ancient moss. Please be careful when climbing the stairs to avoid slipping or tripping.
Check-in the unique and beautiful Thiên Ly Bac-Nam road.
Admiring Hai Van Pass through pictures, you must be familiar with the winding and most adventurous section of this coastal road. Thiên Ly road is located right next to Hai Van Quan so you can easily move here to capture cool photos.
Although impressive, you need to be extremely careful when turning into this bend. Keep your hands firmly on the steering wheel, move at a safe speed for a memorable and safe trip.
Admiring the breathtaking natural scenery.
Located amidst the Hai Van Pass, you will come across a small café called Hon Da Cu Rua – a place where you can walk out to the rock of the same name and admire the breathtaking panorama of the Hai Van Pass and the beautiful Lang Co Bay.
This is a flat rock with a large surface facing the mountains, resembling a turtle’s head. It is because of its unique shape and location that this rock is a “must-visit” Instagram spot for tourists who want to take a photo that everyone will admire.
Stop by the café with the same name, don’t forget to order a hot coffee and enjoy it in the cold mountain weather.
Exploring Hai Van Bac station
With a tranquil atmosphere like a secret garden at the back of the mountain pass, North Hai Van station is located on the North-South railway line, connecting to Phu Loc station, with a poetic and romantic beauty.
Walking along the railway, you will encounter a space full of green trees next to a simple path and an arch bridge covered with moss. Although it is a functioning train station, North Hai Van station possesses a peaceful beauty that is far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Just standing here, breathing in the fresh air and watching the trains chug by is enough to dispel all your worries and fatigue.
Visit the lonely pine tree
Located about 2km from the peak of the Hai Van Pass, visitors will see a sprawling, towering lone pine tree amidst the scenery of the sea on one side and the forest on the other.
Creating a unique spot amidst the vast natural landscape, this location is becoming increasingly popular and is a favorite stop for visitors, especially young people.
Tips you need to know when traveling to Hai Van Pass
+ Before departing, check the weather forecast to avoid encountering storms, slippery roads that may affect the trip.
+ Use a manual transmission bike when traveling on this dangerous route to be able to easily control the handlebars such as releasing the clutch, squeezing the brakes, and minimizing the risk of brake loss when going downhill.
+ Fill up the gas tank, carefully check the engine and brakes of the bike, and bring along some basic repair tools.
+ Ride the bike at a moderate speed, drive slowly when passing through bends, and obey traffic laws.
+ With all the above experiences for exploring Hai Van Pass, MoMo hopes that you will be fully prepared and ready to conquer this dangerous but charming road.
Once you set foot on Hai Van Pass, admiring the favor of nature for the land and people here will be a truly worthwhile experience!
