Hai Van Pass, one of the most scenic hillside roads, resembles a giant dragon lying on the north-south national highway connecting Thua Thien Hue province and Da Nang City. Its name means ‘Ocean Cloud Pass’ because the mountain’s peak is in the clouds and its base is near the sea. When you brave the steep winding roads of a paved mountain pass, you will have the opportunity to discover a peaceful vibe as well as amazing historical stories.
The Hai Van Pass is a favorite ride for both Vietnamese and foreign road trippers, its fame bolstered by the popularity of the Top Gear Vietnam Special (2008). With excellent coastal views, light traffic, and easy access from several cities, it is a fantastic road that should be on your ‘must-see’ list when visiting Central Vietnam.
The best time to visit Hai Van Pass
You should explore Hai Van Pass during the daytime in the summer months, from March to September. By this time, the weather should be beautiful, dry, and safe for your trip. When it’s wet, you have to be extra cautious. The top can become shrouded in mist at times, obstructing views. However, the mist creates a great atmosphere with cool air and lush jungle, making it truly Jurassic Park.
How to get to Hai Van Pass
You can travel by private car, motorcycle, or Jeep tour, depending on your situation and preference.
- Motorbike: Hai Van Pass is a section of road that winds along central Vietnam’s stunning coastline. The best way to experience the full splendor of Hai Van Pass is by motorcycle. You can fully appreciate the sensation of ripping through the cool clouds and conquering this majestic and dangerous pass on two wheels. However, due to its numerous blind corners and sharp curves, navigating the pass is recommended only for those with proficient motorbike driving skills.
- Jeep Tour: Sit in a cool Jeep, take in the scenery, and listen to stories about Vietnam from your private tour guide – it’s an unforgettable way to explore this beautiful pass.
- Private Car: While the car is not the best way to experience this beautiful pass, it is ideal for groups or families with children. You can hire a private car with an English-speaking driver to better understand the places you visit.
Attractions on Hai Van Pass
Because of its majestic and poetic beauty, Hai Van Pass has long been regarded as one of the world’s top ten most beautiful coastal roads. This magnificent road connects the popular central Vietnamese destinations of Hoi An, Da Nang, and Hue, featuring breathtaking tourist attractions with stunning views.
1. Hai Van Bac Station: Hai Van Bac Station is a train station in the Vietnamese town of Phu Loc, Thua Thien Hue. It is a North-South railway junction that connects Lang Co Station to Hai Van Station. You will become lost in a secret world, escaping the hustle and bustle of city life.
2. Don Ca Arch Bridge: You won’t miss the old bridge, Don Ca Arch Bridge – a breathtaking check-in location called a dreamy boundary between Hue and Da Nang – if you walk about 1km along the railway from Hai Van Bac Station. The landscape is consumed by green scenery at first glance, including a lush green valley surrounded by many hills, trees, grass, and sea. Another intriguing aspect is that visitors will be surrounded by stunning natural scenery as well as birds, wind, and train whistles. You can have a picnic here while watching the train pass through the old bridge and mountains.
3. Hai Van Gate: There are still traces of a border gate, Hai Van Gate (or Hai Van Quan), at the top of Hai Van Pass, which was built to serve as a defensive military fortress for Hue citadel. It was once described as the “first grand gate of the world” by King Le Thanh Tong. This site attracts a large number of domestic and foreign tourists because it is located in the heart of two major tourist destinations – Thua Thien Hue and Da Nang – and is surrounded by beautiful scenery.
4. The Lonely Pine Tree: The pine tree with extensive foliage, located on Hai Van Pass, has become an extremely popular check-in location. Pine trees grow tall and alone in the middle of the winding pass, creating a unique beauty for the entire road. You can see far away from your solitary pine tree perch. In the sea breeze, you can see the green Lang Co Bay. Along the way, you can take in the breathtaking beauty of the Bach Ma mountain range.
5. Lang Co Beach: Although it is not part of the Hai Van Pass, Lang Co is a popular destination for many visitors on their Hai Van exploration journey. Lang Co has a beautiful and long stretch of beach (10 kilometers) in an arc shape, with Bac Ma National Park mountains in the background. Visit the fishing village, which features a local market, basket boats, and numerous excellent seafood restaurants.
