Hai Van Pass: The World’s 4th Most Beautiful Mountain Pass

Rising through the clouds, Hai Van Pass forms the natural border between Thua Thien Hue and Da Nang. Celebrated as “the most majestic pass in the world”, this winding mountain road drapes across the peaks like a silk ribbon, offering some of the most breathtaking views in Vietnam. More than a link between two cities, it is a journey in itself, where travelers pause at dramatic viewpoints and centuries-old relics that tell stories of the past. In this guide, you will uncover the history of Hai Van Pass and discover the unmissable stops along this magical road.

Written by Oliver PHUNG (Tour guide)Updated on 02-10-2025

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Hai Van Pass, "The world's most marvelous wonder"

The Hai Van Pass (Hải Vân, literally “Ocean Cloud”) is where the Annamite Range plunges dramatically into the South China Sea. This natural frontier divides the misty, cooler north (Hue) from the sunnier, warmer south (Da Nang). As you ride, the scenery shifts constantly: jungle-clad slopes, sweeping coastal views, and clouds drifting across the summit that transform the road into a surreal sea of white.

At the crest stands Hai Van Quan (Hai Van gate), the 19th-century imperial gate inscribed with “Thiên Hạ Đệ Nhất Hùng Quan” (“The World’s Most Marvelous Wonder”). Once the border between Đại Việt and Champa, later used as a French and American military outpost, it remains one of Vietnam’s most iconic landmarks. No wonder global media have praised it: the Guardian ranked it among the world’s most scenic coastal roads, while the BBC Top Gear Special (2008) immortalized its winding beauty.

How long is the Hai Van Pass?

The Hai Van Pass measures about 21 kilometers, reaching a summit of 496 meters above sea level. Though modest in size compared to other mountain passes, its dramatic curves and sweeping vistas make it unforgettable. A direct drive takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, but most travelers stretch it to two or three hours with stops for viewpoints, coffee, and photos at Hai Van Quan. In this sense, its “length” is experienced less in kilometers and more in the richness of landscapes and memories along the way.

A Little Bit of History

For centuries, the Hai Van Pass was more than a scenic road. It served as a frontier that shaped kingdoms and battles.

Champa and Đại Việt

In 1306, diplomacy rather than war reshaped this border. Princess Huyền Trân of Đại Việt married King Chế Mân (Jaya Sinhavarman III) of Champa. In return, Champa ceded the lands of Ô and Lý, which today cover Thừa Thiên Huế and Quảng Trị. The Hai Van Pass became the symbolic frontier of this transfer.

The Nguyễn Dynasty

By the early 19th century, the Nguyễn dynasty recognized the pass’s strategic importance. In 1826, Emperor Minh Mạng ordered the construction of the stone fortress known as Hai Van Quan. Its bold inscription reads “Thiên Hạ Đệ Nhất Hùng Quan” or “The World’s Most Marvelous Wonder”. Today, Hai Van Quan is preserved as a national monument, and standing here offers not only sweeping views but also a sense of continuity with Vietnam’s imperial past.

Colonial Period

During the French colonial period, the pass was reinforced with bunkers and military outposts. These installations guarded one of the most critical north–south corridors in central Vietnam. Though weathered by time, their ruins still dot the ridge, silent witnesses to an era when control of the Hai Van Mountain Pass meant control of movement between Huế and Đà Nẵng.

The 20th Century

In the mid-20th century, the Hai Van Mountain Pass again became a frontline. Both during the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War, it was remembered less for its beauty and more for its peril. French soldiers nicknamed it the “Route sans joie”, translated as “Street Without Joy”. Local resistance forces staged daring ambushes along the road and railway, using the steep terrain to their advantage. Today, visitors driving its curves encounter only mist and ocean views, but beneath them lie layers of history that shaped modern Vietnam.

How to Travel the Hai Van Pass

There are a few classic ways to conquer the Hai Van Pass, each offering a very different vibe. You could also mix it up. So, for example, ride a motorbike from Hue to Da Nang via the Hai Van Pass, then return to Hue by train through the Hai Van Tunnel. Here’s my take, with real costs, travel time, and what to watch out for.

🛵 Motorcycle

• Who it’s for: Backpackers, adventurous couples, or anyone who wants the freedom of the open road.
• Why it’s worth it: You feel every curve, every gust of wind, and can stop anywhere for a coffee or a photo.
• Watch out for: Sudden rain and slippery bends. Only drive yourself if you have a valid license and are confident to do so. Otherwise, hop on an Easy Rider tour.
• How long: 3–5 hours with stops.
• How much: 80,000–250,000 VND/day (≈ 3–10 USD) for rental motorcyle; an d from 55–65 USD for an Easy Rider.

👉 My advice: Fill up before leaving Da Nang or Hue. Petrol stations are rare once you start climbing.

🚙 Car/Jeep

• Who it’s for: Families, groups of friends, or anyone who prefers open-air comfort without riding.
• Why it’s worth it: A vintage jeep ride with a driver who knows all the viewpoints. Stops usually include Hải Vân Quan, Turtle Rock, and Lăng Cô Bay.
• Watch out for: It’s pricier than bikes or trains, and bumpy on some stretches.
• How long: Full-day trips, often combined with Marble Mountains.
• How much: 75–95 USD per jeep (2–4 people).

👉 My advice: Book early in high season. Jeeps get snapped up quickly, especially from Da Nang.

🚉 Train

• Who it’s for: Travelers who prefer to sit back and enjoy the view.
• Why it’s worth it: The train hugs the cliffs, with the South China Sea sparkling below. It offers a peaceful alternative to the adrenaline of motorbikes.
• Watch out for: You can’t stop for photos, and the journey is slower than driving.
• How long: 2.5–3 hours.
• How much: 70,000–120,000 VND (≈ 3–5 USD).

👉 My advice: Sit on the left side when heading south (Hue → Da Nang) for the best sea views.

🚲 Bicycle  

• Who it’s for: Experienced cyclists who want a bucket-list challenge.
• Why it’s worth it: Few things beat the pride of reaching the summit under your own power.
• Watch out for: It’s a tough 21 km climb with nearly 500 m of elevation. Not for beginners.
• How long: 4–8 hours, depending on fitness.
• How much: 12–70 USD (bike rental vs guided cycling tour with support car).

👉 My advice: Start at sunrise to avoid the midday sun, and always carry extra water.

What to Do and See Along the Pass

Nam O

Nestled at the southern foot of the Hai Van Pass, Nam Ô Village has stood for more than 700 years, renowned for its traditional fish sauce craft. The beach is calm and sloping, especially magical during the moss season (February–April) when green carpets cover the rocks along the shore.

Beyond swimming and photography, visitors can take a boat trip on the Cu De River, admire the French-built railway bridge, or chat with local fishermen. Nearby, you’ll also find the untouched Van Village and the majestic Hai Van Pass, making this area both culturally rich and naturally stunning.

Black Rock Beach

The first thing you’ll notice here are the huge dark boulders stacked up along the shore. That’s where the name Bãi Đá Đen (literally “Black Rock Beach”) comes from. Locals also call it “Obama Rock”. No, President Obama never came here — the nickname started out as a joke years ago, but it stuck and ended up making the place way more popular.

Even though it’s not right on the Hai Van Pass route, the trip usually kicks off from the foot of the pass. From a small pier in Lien Chieu District, you can hop on a local fisherman’s boat and enjoy a 15–20 minute ride on the water before you land at the rocks. It’s a fun little detour that feels off-the-beaten-path.

Once you get there, you can go for a swim, snorkel over the coral, set up a tent with friends, or just chill out on the rocks and watch the sun go down. The vibe is laid-back, a little wild, and perfect if you’re after something different from the usual city beaches.

Turtle Rock

If you’re chasing the best viewpoint on the Hai Van Pass, this might just be it. Perched high on the ridge, Turtle Rock gives you a sweeping 360° panorama over Da Nang, the Son Tra Peninsula, and the endless blue of the South China Sea.

It’s a spot where you really understand why people call Hai Van the “Ocean Cloud Pass.” On a clear day you’ll see the city skyline in the distance, the curve of the coastline, and mist drifting off the mountains. It’s dramatic, peaceful, and hands down one of the most Instagrammable stops on the pass.

French defensive bunker

Right at the top of the Hai Van Pass, you’ll spot the ruins of a French bunker. Built to guard Da Nang’s coastline, it still stands strong with its stone walls and narrow rifle slits.

Climb up and you’ll get wide-open views; one side looks down to Da Nang, the other out to the East Sea and Lăng Cô Bay. The wind here is fierce, the vibe raw and dramatic.

Hai Van Quan gate

If there’s just one place every traveler should stop on the Hai Van Pass, it’s Hải Vân Quan. Sitting nearly 500 meters above sea level, this fortress doesn’t just tell stories of the past; it delivers one of the most stunning viewpoints in central Vietnam.

From the stone walls, you’ll capture panoramic shots of Da Nang’s coastline to the south and the curve of Lăng Cô Bay to the north. On misty days, clouds drift right through the gate, creating a dreamy backdrop for photos. On clear afternoons, it’s the perfect spot to pause for coffee, stretch your legs, and soak in the crisp mountain air.

US Radar Station

Back in 1965, the U.S. military built this radar station, and it played a big role during the Vietnam War; tracking planes and keeping an eye on the East Sea. After the war and reunification, the Vietnamese army took over and renamed it Radar Station 29, still using it to watch over the skies.

These days, travelers mostly know it by its nickname, the “Eyes of Indochina.” You’ll see three giant white radar domes sitting on the mountaintop, visible from miles away. From up here you can see all of Da Nang, My Khe Beach, the Hai Van Pass, and even Lang Co Bay if the weather’s clear. Sometimes clouds roll right across the viewpoint, which makes it a favorite spot for cloud hunters, sunset lovers, and anyone with a camera.

Lang Co Beach

Just north of the Hai Van Pass, Lang Co Bay stretches for over 40 km with soft white sand, turquoise water, and a backdrop of tropical forest. Emperor Khai Dinh once called it a “fairyland,” and in 2009 it was named one of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays.

The best time to visit is April to August, when the sea is calm and skies are clear. Travelers often stop here to swim, walk along the sweeping beach, enjoy fresh seafood from local restaurants, or explore nearby spots like Lap An Lagoon, the historic Hai Van Gate, and Bach Ma National Park.

Suggested Itineraries

Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An (3–4 Days)

Day 1 – Hue

• Morning: Explore the Imperial Citadel and one or two royal tombs (Khai Dinh or Minh Mang).

• Afternoon: Take a Perfume River cruise or stroll through Dong Ba Market.

• Evening: Stay overnight in Hue and enjoy local dishes such as bún bò Huế (beef noodle soup) or cơm hến (clam rice).

Day 2 – Over Hai Van Pass to Da Nang

• Morning: Depart Hue, drive across the Hai Van Pass with scenic stops at Hai Van Gate, Turtle Rock, and Lang Co Bay.

• Lunch: Seafood lunch in Lang Co.

• Afternoon: Arrive in Da Nang, visit the Marble Mountains or relax on My Khe Beach.

• Evening: Stroll along the Han River bridges and try Da Nang street food. Overnight in Da Nang.

Day 3 – Da Nang → Hoi An

• Morning: Visit the Son Tra Peninsula (Linh Ung Pagoda, Monkey Mountain, or the Radar Station).

• Lunch: Head south to Hoi An (about 30 km).

• Afternoon: Wander the Ancient Town: Japanese Bridge, old merchant houses, riverside cafés.

• Evening: Dinner with local specialties like cao lầu or a famous bánh mì, then enjoy the lantern-lit streets. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 4 – Around Hoi An (optional)

Choose one activity:

• Basket boat ride in Cam Thanh

• Cycling trip to Tra Que Vegetable Village

• Relaxing at An Bang Beach

Return to Da Nang or Hue to end the trip.

 

Travel Tips 

Best time to go

• The clearest weather is from February to May: dry skies, cool breezes, and wide-open views.
• Avoid October to December: heavy rains and thick fog make the road slippery and visibility poor.

>>> Read more: Best Time to Visit Vietnam

On the road

• Slow down before sharp curves and steep descents. Never slam the brakes while going downhill; your wheels can skid easily.
• Even experienced drivers should stay alert, especially on blind corners.

>>> Read more: Vietnam by Motorbike - How to Prepare and the Best Routes?

Wildlife & surprises

• You may spot wild monkeys or small animals near the roadside, especially in the late afternoon. Don’t feed them, and be careful if they get close.

Extra tips

• Start your ride early in the morning to avoid traffic and enjoy cooler weather.
• Fill up your tank in Da Nang or Hue before heading up; there are almost no gas stations on the pass.
• Pack a light jacket: even in summer, the summit can be misty and cool.

Conclusion

Despite the turbulent chapters of history (from the border openings to the fierce resistance wars against France and America), Hai Van Pass endures as the vital gateway that once bridged North and South. Today, it stands resolute, a living monument to the past, and an unmissable haven for travelers eager to capture its breathtaking tableau of mountains kissing the sea.

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