hai van pass guide

Feb 14, 2018 - The Hai Van Pass by motorbike, bicycle, car, bus & train. Travel between Hoi An, Danang and Hue Vietnam and how best to do it. Bich Dong to Trang An, read Ninh Binh travel guide to find out the best things to do in Ninh Binh. A perfect Ninh Binh itinerary with insider tips for what to do during three days in Ninh Binh is here Le Hai Van Pass: Guide de moto Publié par admin le juillet 25, 2021. Dernière mise à jour mai 2019 | Mots et photos de Vietnam Coracle . Le col de Hai Van peut être emprunté en excursion d'une journée depuis l'une des trois principales villes de chaque côté de celui-ci: Hoi An, Danang et Hue. Top of the Hai Van Pass Vietnam is around 495 meters above the sea level, correspondingly 1,627 feet. There, the entire Da Nang's bay and Lang Co peninsula can be observed, giving it a strategic location for the military. Vietnamese, French and American armies in turn construct protective buildings in it. Now, the remains are still visible. Actor Deepesh Bhan, better known for his role as Malkhan in ' Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain '. has passed away. He was 41. According to ETimes, the actor was playing cricket when he collapsed this morning. He was then rushed to a doctor, but breathed his last before reaching the hospital. However, the exact reason behind his sudden death is still unknown. Aja läpi korkeimman passin maassa, ikonimainen Hai Van Pass. Pysähdy upealla Lang Co Beachillä, jossa on vähitellen kalteva, valkoisen hiekkaranta ja lämmin matala vesi. Koko kuvaus. Lähde hotellilta Ngu Hanh Soniin (Marmorivuori). Täällä voit tutustua vuoren upeisiin luonnollisiin luoliin ja nauttia kauniista näkymistä huipulta. Site De Rencontre Français Totalement Gratuit. The Hai Van Pass is a 20-kilometre strip of road that joins the city of Da Nang and Lang Co in Hue Province. At 500 metres above sea level, it’s the highest pass in the whole of Vietnam. As the road curves back and forth, some slight bends, some hairpin turns, drivers are rewarded with spectacular views of misty mountains rising high over the South China Sea, deserted sandy beaches, forests and the twinkling lights of far-off cities. Perfect deserted beaches seen from the Hai Van Pass, Vietnam. Read more opens in new tab Must-Do Motorbike Trips in Southeast Asia International Driving Permits Do You Need One? Vietnam Backpacking Guide The Hai Van Pass Hits the Mainstream!Hai Van Pass – HistoryWhat’s the best way to ride the Hai Van Pass?Hai Van Pass Tour – By MotorbikeHai Van Pass Motorbike Tour The Verdict The Hai Van Pass Hits the Mainstream! The road has been called a “ribbon of perfection” and was dubbed one of the “best coastal roads in the world” by the UK program, Top Gear, in their Vietnam Special 2008. Since the episode aired and the road’s fame escalated, thousands of backpackers have been going out of their way to experience the road and see what the fuss is all about! Have a watch of the Top Gear episode which features the Hai Van Pass below… Hai Van Pass – History Hai Van roughly translates as Sea of Clouds’ in Vietnamese, which perfectly describes this misty mountain coastal road that connects the ocean with the sky. The history of the road dates back to the 1300s when it marked a physical boundary between the Champa and Dai Viet Kingdoms. To this day, you can see an ancient grand gate at the summit of the pass which used to be a border crossing between the kingdoms. Today, the road still represents a division between two distinct sides to Vietnam. Many travellers who backpack the length of the country say that the north and south of the country have very different personalities, as well as climatic differences. The north is colder, more industrial and more serious, while the south is warmer, more tropical and the people are often said to be more laid-back. The Hai Van Pass is the point at which these two worlds meet. The Hai Van pass route snakes across the mountainside connecting the north and the south of the country. During the Vietnamese-American War, the Hai Van Pass was referred to as the Street Without Joy’ as it connected the two war-ravaged cities of Hue and Da Nang along Highway 1. Once upon a time, the road was the only thoroughfare connecting the city of Da Nang with Hue a few hours north. When the Hai Van Tunnel was built in 2005 now the longest tunnel in Southeast Asia much of the traffic from the pass redirected to the shorter and considerably less windy route! Today, the road exists as a scenic alternative. Free of lorries and other heavy vehicles, the quiet road is enjoyed by tourists who come to experience the road by motorbike, jeep or even bicycle! What’s the best way to ride the Hai Van Pass? As a backpacker, there are several ways to experience the Hai Van Pass… Hire/Buy a Motorbike and Ride The Hai Van Pass Yourself If you’re an experienced motorbike rider then surely this is the best way to experience Vietnam’s best coastal road! With two wheels on the tarmac, the wind in your hair and the ability to stop wherever and whenever you want, this is freedom at it’s best! A Hai Van Pass Jeep Tour Those nervous about riding a motorbike on those crazy Vietnamese roads for good reason!, might like to opt for a Hai Van Pass Jeep Tour. Travelling by jeep with a group of friends is often cheaper than a motorbike tour see below. The advantages of this are the added comfort of being in an actual seat, as well as the fresh air on your face and the camaraderie you’ll experience with fellow road-trippers! If you’d prefer to sit back and relax, have a laugh while taking in the views, the Hai Van Pass this option is for you! Backpackers on a Hai Van Pass Jeep Tour. A Hai Van Pass Motorbike Tour One of the most popular ways to experience the road is on a Hai Van Pass Motorbike Tour with a local adventure company. The great thing about these motorbike tours is that you can use them as a way to get yourself and your luggage from Hue to Hoi An, and vice versa. As you see the sights by motorbike, your backpack is carried safely in a jeep and will meet you at the other end. Hoi An Motorbike Adventures offer one-day motorbike trips for backpackers to experience the Hai Van Pass. On these very popular tours, you can either ride pillion on the back of a bike with an experienced rider or you can opt to ride the motorbike yourself. You’ll have a tour guide with you along the way who will show you interesting historical sites, and hidden viewpoints and explain the history of the road. A Hai Van Pass Motorbike Tour is the most popular way to experience the Hai Van Pass! We sent two of our ambassadors, Rosie and Hannah, off on a Hai Van Pass Motorbike Tour with Hoi An Motorbike Adventures that began in the ancient city of Hue and finished some hours later, and 120 kilometres further South, in the city of Hoi An. The tour was called the Hai Van Pass & Coast Tour. They decided to ride pillion, letting an experienced Vietnamese driver do the hard work while they relaxed, took in the splendid views and snapped photos along the way… Here’s what they had to say about the experience! Hai Van Pass Tour – By Motorbike Review by Rosie Davies. The English speaking Vietnamese guide arrived at our hostel and introduced himself and the two experienced motorbike drivers we’d be riding with. We hopped on the back of the motorbikes once our bags had been transferred to the company’s jeep that was also making its way south to Hoi An. The adventure starts out of the busy city of Hue and heads down the smaller village roads on the outskirts of the city. The first leg of the journey passes through the City of Ghosts’, an eerie stretch of road lined by numerous elaborate graveyards. After passing through this somewhat unconventional cemetery, we stopped off at a duck farm for a short while, a good excuse to shake our legs off and snap some photos of the local farming scenery. Local duck farm with an elaborate grave in the background – on the outskirts of Hue, Vietnam. At this stop, the tour guide explained to us a local culture and traditions, and he welcomed us to request to pull over if there was anything that we’d like to know more information about or take a photo of. After another short stint on the bike, we pulled over for a coffee break all the food and drink breaks are included in the price of the tour. Following this break, we headed closer to the coast and passed Southeast Asia’s largest saltwater lake, Dam Cau Hai or Cau Hai Lagoon, in the process – a perfect photo opportunity! Harvesting salt in Vietnam. This is where the scenery became truly incredible as we ducked in and out of small villages and back onto coastal roads. After a short while, we were presented with what appeared to be a small beach. The skilled drivers navigated the sandy terrain well, however for the novice driver this could be incredibly difficult! The wet sand closer to the water’s edge provided for better riding. As we reached this surface, the beach opened up and we caught our first glimpse of the beautiful stretches of white sand! Riding along the beach in Vietnam on the Hai Van Pass Hue to Hoi An Tour. We expected the drivers to pull up here, however, they carried on driving alongside the water, providing a truly unique experience. We were both beaming when we eventually pulled over at a little beach restaurant. After ordering a couple of dishes, including fresh seafood, we quickly ran into the sea for a dip! Our tasty seafood lunch during the Hai Van Pass Tour! Once we’d finished off our lunch and drinks we hopped back on the bikes and rode towards the beginning of the Hai Van mountain pass. This is the moment we’d been waiting for. The road quickly began to climb and the traffic increased with motorbikes, cars and buses fighting to overtake each other. We pulled over at a number of viewpoints to take photos and then continued along the pass. The view improves greatly as you ascend higher, this is where riding pillion really is beneficial. The thrill of weaving in and out of the traffic against one of the most impressive backdrops is something that will stay ingrained in our memories forever. Riding pillion on the Hai Van Pass Tour. As we approached the summit of the famous Hai Van Pass it became incredibly busy – expect lots of restaurants and tourists! Don’t let this put you off exploring the remaining land divide though, separating the south and the north during the American-Vietnamese War. Our guide had a wealth of knowledge on the history of this structure and alerted us to the bullet holes that remained intact in some of the walls! Stood right on the top of the summit, at this historical spot, we enjoyed a breathtaking view to both the north and the south of Vietnam. Here, we could already see the city of Da Nang in the distance, which we later drove through. Having reached the halfway point, of our journey and of the country as a whole, it was time to get back on the bikes and head south! From now on, the road now hugged the coast more noticeably than before. We were tempted to ask our driver to pull over every five minutes whilst cruising down this road to try and get a good scenic shot! There are a few concrete ledges that lend themselves to this purpose perfectly, so look out for those if you end up doing the trip yourself. One of the best photo opportunities on the Hai Van Pass. As we got closer to sea level, the skyline of Da Nang became more prominent and the crazy traffic that Vietnam is so infamous for, once again increased as it approached rush hour. The city of Da Nang is known as the city of bridges due to its vast number and different designs. One of the most impressive bridges that we had to cross during our journey was the Dragon Bridge. Named for its mythical design, the bridge is believed to bestow luck on all of those who pass over it. And if you’re passing through on a weekend, its fire-breathing show occurs every Saturday and Sunday at 8 pm! The coastal city of Da Nang, Vietnam. The experience of the guide and drivers once again shone through as they navigated the frantic city, and then the complex routes of countryside paths exiting Da Nang! The destination we were headed to was the colonial UNESCO World Heritage city of Hoi An, which is known for its pleasant climate and colourful buildings. As soon as we entered its surrounding countryside, we could notice the more favourable climate. It made for a memorable last leg of the journey as we zipped along sandy paths lined by lush rice paddies on either side! The back streets around Hoi An, Vietnam. By this point of the tour, we were suffering from a slightly numb lower half so we were trying our best to have a wiggle about every couple of minutes, without wiggling the motorbike! However, it was another half an hour or so to our destination. You know you’ve entered the beautiful Hoi An from your first sight of a hanging lantern, something the city is famous for. We were lucky enough to find the sun had nearly set as we saw our first lantern, making it that bit extra special! The tour concluded by dropping us off right at the door of our hostel, Hoi An Backpackers Hostel, with our bags already waiting for us! Hoi An lanterns by night in the Ancient Town. Hai Van Pass Motorbike Tour The Verdict Our Hai Van Pass Motorbike Tour really made the experience a stress-free and insightful day that neither of us will ever forget. If you’re confident enough and like the thrill of navigating Vietnamese roads then definitely consider hiring the motorbike yourself! However, for us non-riders, the pillion experience was perfect. It allowed us to admire the unbelievable surroundings without having to worry about your safety and crashing into the other vehicles around you. To top off the experience, our beach drive and subsequent seafood lunch was something we never would have experienced ourselves. What an amazing day! The company we did the ride with, Hoi An Motorbike Adventures, comes highly recommended and sets the standard incredibly high for Hai Van Pass Tours. Towards the end of a tour or experience, we often challenge ourselves to consider what else a backpacker may want from an experience and where it could be improved. With this tour, it was impossible to suggest improvements, as the service provided was flawless from start to finish. It’s not often that we struggle to think of any missing elements but this tour really did have it all! Book the Hai Van Pass Motorbike Tour here! Fully refundable Rosie Davies Rosie, currently a school teacher in Leeds, recently returned to the UK after a one-month epic trip in Vietnam where she documented her experiences as an ambassador for South East Asia Backpacker Magazine. Known as one of the most beautiful mountain passes in Vietnam, the Hai Van Pass in Da Nang has become a dream destination for many adventurous travelers. Everyone wants to conquer the majestic pass and check in at the peak of Hai Van Quan. Despite its fame, many people still have vague knowledge about this place. Moreover, despite its poetic charm, the Hai Van Pass is also listed among the most treacherous mountain passes, so in this article, will help you clarify how to travel from Hai Van Pass to Da Nang, how far it is, and what transportation should be used. Hai Van Pass and information you should is Hai Van Pass and how long is it?History of formation and the name Hai on Hai Van many kilometers is it from Da Nang to Hai Van Pass?Hai Van Pass – Explore the most adventurous route in Central transportation options are available from Da Nang to Hai Van Pass?From Da Nang to Hai Van Pass by MotorcycleFrom Da Nang to Hai Van Pass by Private CarFrom Da Nang to Hai Van Pass by BusFrom Da Nang to Hai Van Pass by taxiMust-visit spots on the Hai Van Pass in Co Bay with its exquisite An May Village, Ma Mountain – a Hue tourist destination as beautiful as a Van Quan is compared to the top heroic pass of the Lonely Pine Doan Ca Bridge and Hai Van North “Death Corner” at the Coffee Shop on Turtle Rock notes to know when traveling on the Hai Van Pass in Da Nang. Hai Van Pass and information you should know. Where is Hai Van Pass and how long is it? Located about 20km from the center of Da Nang city and about 8km from Hue city, Hai Van Pass winds on a branch of the Bach Ma mountain range, lying on the border of both Da Nang and Hue. The pass is about 500m above sea level and is approximately 20km long. Although not too high, its length and strategic location have made Hai Van Pass well-known. History of formation and the name Hai Van. Regarding the name, why is this pass called “Hai Van”? Perhaps this is also the question of many people. In fact, the name “Hai Van” comes from the scenery here, with white clouds covering the pass all year round, while the sea stretches below. “Van” means clouds, and “hai” means sea, so combined together, we have “Hai Van”, which is quite a reasonable explanation, right? According to another source, Hai Van Pass is also called Ai Van, because there is a gate on the top of the pass. According to ancient history books, Hai Van Pass used to be the boundary between Champa and Dai Viet. After Champa was defeated by the Ho dynasty, the Champa king cut land to make peace, so Hai Van Pass later belonged to Dai Ngu – the name of our country in the past. Climate on Hai Van Pass. Although the Hai Van road tunnel has been built, making it easier to travel between Da Nang and Hue, Hai Van Pass still acts as a wall that blocks the climate between the two regions. Standing on the top of the pass, one can clearly feel the difference in weather between the south and north sides. While Da Nang is still warm and sunny, it can already be cold in Hue in the morning. offer private car trips from Da Nang to Hue where you can visit Hai Van Pass, Lang Co Beach, Lap An Lagoon,… How many kilometers is it from Da Nang to Hai Van Pass? The distance from Da Nang to Hai Van Pass is about 20 km to the north. However, travel time on this mountain pass can take around 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the level of traffic congestion and weather conditions. If traveling by car or motorbike, you will have to face winding roads, sometimes quite dangerous and requiring high driving skills. However, with beautiful scenery of the sea, grass fields, forests, and unique architectural works along the way, Hai Van Pass is still one of the attractive tourist destinations in Central Vietnam. Hai Van Pass – Explore the most adventurous route in Central Vietnam. It’s no surprise that Hai Van Pass is one of the most beautiful and impressive coastal passes in the world. This place not only boasts majestic mountain and ocean scenery but also twists and turns through curves and bends. The Hai Van Pass begins on a paved road in Lien Chieu district, stretches 20km across the mountains and winds around the mountain ranges, culminating in Thua Thien Hue province. Hai Van Pass – One of the most beautiful passes in Vietnam. Although there is now a Hai Van road tunnel, many still prefer to take the pass. It’s only when you set foot on the Hai Van Pass that you’ll understand why people are so passionate about conquering it. With towering and magnificent mountains on one side and the vast ocean on the other, the pass road winds like a soft silk strip, standing out against the deep green background of the forest. All of this has woven a harmonious picture, mesmerizing people’s hearts. When talking about Hai Van Pass, people not only remember the magnificent scenery but also recall the treacherous curves and bends of the pass road. Just the thought of the feeling of rushing through the curves is enough to bring excitement. Or standing at a spot on the pass, admiring the Lang Co Bay, or turning back to see the modern and youthful Danang, all of which are enough to make you nostalgic. What transportation options are available from Da Nang to Hai Van Pass? To travel from Hai Van Pass to Da Nang, there are several different transportation options and choices for tourists. Below are some popular ways to travel From Da Nang to Hai Van Pass by Motorcycle This is the most popular and convenient choice for traveling from Hai Van Pass to Da Nang. The road from Hai Van Pass to Da Nang is only about 20 km, and travel time ranges from 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the level of traffic congestion and weather conditions. Booking a motorbike tour from Danang to Hai Van Pass is a great choice if you love adventure Riding a motorcycle over Hai Van Pass is always the most thrilling feeling. Not only do you get to admire the vast and beautiful nature of the sea, sky, and mountains, but it’s also an experience and a personal challenge. However, not everyone can ride a motorcycle up the pass as there are still many dangerous risks. But don’t worry too much, you can book a motorcycle tour from Da Nang to Hai Van Pass with a knowledgeable guide who knows the road well and has a safe driving style, ensuring you a safe journey. From Da Nang to Hai Van Pass by Private Car Many hotels and travel companies in Da Nang offer shuttle services from Hai Van Pass to Da Nang. This is a convenient and safer option for those who are unfamiliar with the route and do not want to drive themselves. provides private car services from Da Nang to Hai Van Pass. We have many years of experience in transporting tourists in Da Nang, so you don’t have to worry as our drivers will provide you with the best trip possible. Your job is just to enjoy the magnificent scenery of Hai Van Pass, with professional drivers who speak English and can pick you up at your hotel, airport, train station, or anywhere in Da Nang. From Da Nang to Hai Van Pass by Bus At Hai Van Pass, there are many daily bus routes to Da Nang. Taking the bus is a cost-saving option, but travel time will take longer compared to motorbike or personal car. In addition, choosing the bus option, you cannot stop along the way where you want, so you should reconsider your purpose of visiting Hai Van Pass before thinking about choosing a bus. From Da Nang to Hai Van Pass by taxi If you do not want to drive yourself or take the bus, taxi is a convenient and fast option to travel from Hai Van Pass to Da Nang. However, the cost will be higher than other means of transportation. Here are some taxi companies in Da Nang and their phone numbers Mai Linh Taxi +84 2363 56 56 56 Vinasun Green Taxi +84 2363 68 68 68 Tien Sa Taxi +84 2363 72 72 72 Song Han Taxi +84 2363 65 65 65 Faifoo Taxi +84 2363 72 72 72 Note Please keep in mind that phone numbers may change over time, so it’s a good idea to check the company’s website or local listings for updated information. To travel from Hai Van Pass to Da Nang, there are various modes of transportation and choices available. If you want to save costs, you can take a bus, or if you prefer convenience, you can travel by motorbike, personal car or taxi. However, if you are not familiar with the route or want to be safer, you can rent a shuttle service from or book a motorbike tour from Da Nang to Hai Van Pass. Must-visit spots on the Hai Van Pass in Danang. Lang Co Bay with its exquisite beauty. As soon as you reach the Hai Van Pass and cross over into Hue, you will come across a picturesque view of the sea that is Lang Co Bay. Its pristine and serene beauty has attracted many tourists from both inside and outside the country. If you have time, you should spend at least a day exploring all the attractions in Lang Co Bay. Lap An Lagoon. Just after Lang Co Bay lies a beautiful lagoon, nestled in the Bach Ma Mountains, known as Lap An Lagoon. This place boasts a surprisingly peaceful landscape, which is reminiscent of a tranquil watercolor painting, evoking the name “Tuyet Tinh Coc.” When trekking on the Hai Van Pass and visiting Lang Co Bay, be sure to take some photos to capture the essence of Tuyet Tinh Coc in Ninh Binh or Da Lat. Chan May Beach. With a name as alluring as its beauty, Chan May Beach is a dreamy paradise. Every summer, visitors to Hue flock to Chan May Beach, which includes both Canh Duong Beach, Binh An Beach, and Chan May Port. Van Village, Danang. Located in Hoa Hiep Bac Commune, Lien Chieu District, Danang, Van Village is a small village situated at the foot of the Hai Van Pass. Despite being a somewhat secluded area, Van Village, Danang still holds a great appeal to young people. In addition to admiring the beautiful scenery and swimming in the ocean, you can also participate in fishing activities at Bai Chinh, Bai Dua, and Bai Xoan, among others. Bach Ma Mountain – a Hue tourist destination as beautiful as a painting. Standing at an elevation of 1444 meters above sea level, Bach Ma Mountain is part of Bach Ma National Park, with lush greenery throughout the year, including a diverse system of waterfalls, streams, and forests. The road to Bach Ma Mountain is steep and winding, and as you ascend, the rugged landscape becomes more apparent, offering visitors a chance to admire many beautiful views. According to experienced climbers, you can choose to hike or drive up, but motorbikes can only go a short distance and must be transferred by car. Hai Van Quan is compared to the top heroic pass of the world. Built during the Tran Dynasty and renovated in 1862 during the reign of King Minh Mang, Hai Van Pass has a special meaning. The gate overlooking Thua Thien Hue has the words “Hai Van Quan”, while the gate overlooking Quang Nam – Da Nang has the words “the top heroic pass of the world”. Since the Nguyen Dynasty, Hai Van Quan has been an important gate, serving as the gateway to the Hue Imperial Citadel from the South. Although it is still known as the “boundary” between Hue and Da Nang, Hai Van Quan is located in Lang Co town, Phu Loc district. This structure is actually a military cluster, consisting of many warehouses, fortresses, and artillery. Visitors traveling from Da Nang to Hue or vice versa often stop at this area to visit and take photos. The Lonely Pine Tree. You don’t have to go all the way to Da Lat to see a lonely pine tree. Right at Hai Van Pass, there is a lonely pine tree standing tall, waiting for you. If you start from Da Nang, you will see the pine tree standing alone on the right side of the road, located between the foot and the summit of Hai Van Pass. Perhaps there is nothing special about this lonely pine tree, but its branches provide shade and comfort for visitors, and it grows in a very eye-catching curve. Dome Doan Ca Bridge and Hai Van North Station. As the train station connecting Lang Co Hue and Hai Van Da Nang, Hai Van North Station will take you to a beautiful train route that resembles Japan. Standing on this railway, you will feel as if you are lost in a mysterious world, completely separated from the outside world. If you continue along the railway for a little while, you will see Dome Doan Ca Bridge, a “super giant” bridge where you can watch the train running very clearly. The “Death Corner” U-turn. On the way to conquering Hai Van Pass, young adventurers often whisper about a very famous landmark, the U-turn “Death Corner”. Although it is difficult and somewhat dangerous, it is also the most checked-in coordinates. From here, it is very easy to capture the magnificent mountain and forest scenery, with the vast ocean below. Taking photos here is an art, but remember to do it when there are no cars around. Contemplating at the Coffee Shop on Turtle Rock Island. After passing the lonely pine tree, you will see a coffee shop on Turtle Rock Island. Here, you can immerse yourself in the poetic atmosphere and enjoy the beautiful scenery. It’s easy to spot the majestic mountain and forest scenery, with the vast ocean below. Taking photos here is an art, but remember to do it when there are no cars around. Some notes to know when traveling on the Hai Van Pass in Da Nang. To have stunning photos and the safest trip, you should choose to travel on the Hai Van Pass in Da Nang on sunny days when the air is clean and cool, making it very interesting to admire the scenery. There are some beautiful moments you should capture, such as sunrise and sunset, but be especially careful because it takes a lot of time to get here. Moreover, if you do not know the exact timing, it is possible that it will be dark while you are still on the pass. On the pass, there are extremely dangerous sharp turns, and if you are not a skilled driver, you should not drive. Furthermore, to handle the extreme turns on this pass, remember to rent a high-quality motorbike because if it breaks down, there will be no repair shops around. To recharge your energy during the pass journey, remember to bring some snacks such as cakes, candy, and fruits. If not, when you reach the Phu Loc district, you can stop there to drink water and eat. Because it is quite cold on the top of Hai Van Quan, the temperature can drop to 12-15 degrees Celsius, so remember to bring a jacket, and in winter, choose a slightly thicker one. Fog can make you sick if your health is already weak. Although exploring the Hai Van Pass is not too difficult, you can still do it alone. But to have more fun, be more confident, and most importantly, support each other in emergencies, it is still best to find a travel companion, or even better, a group of friends. There are various means of transportation for travelers to choose from when traveling from Da Nang to Hoi An. You should base your choice on your financial conditions, needs, and personal preferences to choose the most suitable type of transportation. We wish you a happy journey and see you in the next sharing articles Hai Van Pass historyWhere to begin your Hai Van Pass journey?How to travel the Hai Van Pass modes of transport Hai Van Pass mapAdvice for Hai Van Pass motorcycle rentalTips for driving the Hai Van Pass by motorbike Hai Van Pass distanceBest stops on the Hai Van PassDa NangReaching the Hai Van PassLập An Lagoon & the sand dune roadLunch at Cảnh Dương BayCountryside and buffalo-spottingDam Cau Hai Salt LakeAn Bang CemeteryArriving in HueBest season to drive the Hai Van PassWhat to packWhere next?HueHoi An This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you. I recently took an incredible trip along the Hai Van Pass in Vietnam; a road trip I’ll remember for a very long time!I’d been wanting to drive the Hai Van Pass, voted one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world by the Guardian, since I visited Vietnam in 2015. Back then, I was short of time so opted for the bus to get between Hue and Hoi An. The bus travels through a tunnel and skips the views which is a crying shame! When I travelled through central Vietnam with friends a few weeks back, their timeframe was even tighter as they had an exit flight booked from Saigon. We opted for the Hai Van Pass train as our mode of transport which soaked up some views but not all of them. Views while travelling from Hoi An to Hue on the Hai Van Pass Basically, the Hai Van Pass was high on my Southeast Asia bucket list. The time became right when my friend Lola of Miss Filatelista invited me to join her on a weekend trip to the gorgeous city of Hue. We decided to kill two birds with one stone and travel from Hoi An to Hue on the Hai Van Pass – something that turned out to be as worthwhile as the getaway to Hue itself! If you’re including both Hue and Hoi An in your Vietnam itinerary, you’ll have to pass through this area anyway. Why not turn it into an unforgettable road trip through the mountains, stopping at pristine beaches along the coast? Read next the ultimate Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary Hai Van Pass history Located on Highway 1 between Thua Thien-Hue Province and Da Nang, the highest road in Vietnam 500m above sea level translates as Sea Clouds’ because it stretches from one to the traditionally acted as a geographic boundary between the ancient kingdoms of Champa and Dai Viet. To this day, you can spy the gate that acted as the border crossing between the two the horrific American War’, the Pass was dubbed the Street Without Joy’ because it connected two of the worst affected cities, Da Nang and Hoi the 2008 Hai Van Pass Top Gear episode, Jeremy Clarkson dubbed it a deserted ribbon of perfection’. While I despise the man and his political views, he was right about this! Where to begin your Hai Van Pass journey? There are three main places to begin the adventure Hoi An, Da Nang and Hue. The first two are south of the Pass, and Hue is north. It doesn’t matter which Hai Van route you take because you’ll see the same sights but in reverse. If you’re travelling Vietnam from south-north, begin in Hoi An, and if you’re travelling north-south, begin in Hue. How to travel the Hai Van Pass modes of transport Hire a motorbike Many people drive the Hai Van Pass on a motorbike. It’s a fun and adventurous option with all power to you. Keep reading for my Rider tours on the back of a guide’s motorbike This is a great option if you want the motorbike experience but you’re not comfortable driving – I don’t blame you. There are Easy Rider centres in every city or you can book a 1-day Hai Van Pass tour from Hue or Hoi An/Da Nang in car to travel the Pass either from Hue to Hoi An/Da Nang or in reverse, take this 1-day Hai Van Pass tour by Jeep by far the coolest option! Take a 1-day Jeep tour of the Hai Van Pass. Which mode of transport is best?For an adventure, riding by motorbike is most fun. But having done the Hai Van Pass Jeep tour, I don’t think you can beat it. We had the opportunity to put the top on for shade or ride with it off. The best way to travel the Hai Van Pass Click for the interactive version Advice for Hai Van Pass motorcycle rental If you’re keen to drive the Pass yourself, ensure you have practised driving a scooter in Vietnam already. Highway 1A is paved and in good condition but the hairpin bends are not for the inexperienced! There are several places to hire motorbikes in Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An but it’s worth doing some research to ensure you’re getting a quality rental. Expect to pay around 100-200k VND per for hiring a bike Inspect your bike before leaving the rental place. Check the breaks and lights are working properly. Check the tires are in good condition. If not, you’re vulnerable to puncturing and skidding. Photograph any scrapes or damage to the bike in case you’re charged for it on return. Insist upon a helmet. These have been legal since 2007 so you may get fined without one and, more importantly, they could save your life! Check you’re travelling with insurance that covers riding a scooter. I recommend True Traveller for European travellers, Hey Mundo for other nationalities and Safety Wing for digital nomads. Companies including Hoi An Bike Rental will organise luggage transfers for as little as 40k VND. It will be waiting at our hotel when you arrive in Hue/Da Nang/Hoi An. Tips for driving the Hai Van Pass by motorbike Fill up on gas in Hoi An/Da Nang/Hue before embarking on the Pass; there’s nowhere to refuel along the way It’s not uncommon for cars and lorries to turn blind corners at speed. Proceed with caution! Check the weather before setting off especially during the rainy season. Not only could heavy rain prove hazardous but you’d also miss out on the views. It’s best to start the drive after 8-9am when the morning fog has lifted. Get the app and download the maps for Vietnam. Especially if you don’t have data, it’s a great offline tool. To stay connected on the Pass and in Southeast Asia, get an E-sim data plan. Use all my Southeast Asia travel tips for safety, navigation and more! Hai Van Pass distance The Pass measures 21km but the complete distance between Hue and Hoi An is 170km. You should set aside 5-6 hours for the complete journey, or longer if you want to relax on the beaches. Best stops on the Hai Van Pass I’m going to run through the highlights of our day trip with photos. These are the spots I’d recommend you don’t miss whether you’re travelling by car or scooter, independently or on a tour!These stops are listed as if you’re coming from Hoi An. If you’re coming from Hue, reverse them. Note – if you’re taking a Hai Van Pass tour, check the itinerary to see what’s included as different companies may have different itineraries. Here are the best Hai Van Pass stops Da Nang Just 20 minutes from Hoi An lies Vietnam’s fastest-growing city, Da Nang. It’s not somewhere I’ve really explored before – if you know how much charm Hoi An has, you’ll understand why I don’t exactly make pilgrimages to this urban city. However, it was cool to check out the sights before we properly got on the road for the day. The colourful fishing boats in the harbour were such a contrast to the ever-evolving skyscraper backdrop, and I loved the enormous gold dragon bridge which apparently lights up and breathes fire at weekends. If you’re staying here already, you can travel the Hai Van Pass from Da Nang by tour, motorbike or train. Alternatively, you can start in Hue and finish here. Lập An Lagoon & the sand dune road It was fast becoming apparent that the highlight of my day was going to be the sandy white beaches. I’d expected the mountains to be stunning but hadn’t appreciated how extraordinary – and also empty – the coastline would be. We called in at the oyster farm area of Lập An Lagoon click for exact location. Here people cultivate oysters for food and jewellery. Not only are they high in nutritional value, locals love their flavour and serve them at the heart of various dishes. Combine that with pearl production and they’re regarded as the jewels of sand dune road is a spot you can’t miss. A strip of sand runs right into the lagoon like a red okay, golden carpet. Surprisingly for such an Instagrammable spot, there weren’t that many people there. We only had to wait five minutes before we had it to ourselves. Lunch at Cảnh Dương Bay Most importantly in my Hai Van Pass guide… lunch!If we thought the dreamy sandbar was nice, we were about to be blown away by Cảnh Dương Bay where we stopped for lunch. I’m always enthusiastic where mealtimes are concerned but this stop was something else. We had a tasty meal that we could pick from a menu, but the highlight was this incredible stretch of abandoned sand and turquoise ocean. We couldn’t resist going for a swim even though we were boiling hot and the shade of the restaurant was so appealing. Countryside and buffalo-spotting After lunch, the scenery along the Hai Van Pass started to change. We saw fewer beaches and more green, glorious countryside. Mountain backdrops were peppered with grazing buffalo which came up close to our car, unbothered by us our felt like I was back in Africa as we admired them from our Jeep! It’s amazing how African buffalo are deadly but Asian ones seem calm and act as valuable aids to the farming industry. I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen children as young as five riding them, or workers relaxing on their back as a comfy seat! Dam Cau Hai Salt Lake We stopped on a bridge alongside Vietnam’s largest salt lake for a few photos. Our guide told us a bit about the region while we admired a small fishing village nestled on the you can tell, we were loving posing for photos with the Jeep’s roof off! An Bang Cemetery For a final stop on our Hoi An to Hue tour via the Hai Van Pass, our guide announced we were going to be visiting a cemetery. I assumed it would be nice because Vietnamese graveyards usually are but I didn’t fathom even a tenth of the colour and detail we were about to see… Westerners would probably describe Vietnamese graves as temples because they really don’t resemble the plain stone slabs we see at home. An Bang Cemetery – also known as the City of Ghosts’ – is a particularly large example built by wealthy families. From this region, many residents moved overseas to the USA or Europe where they began to earn more money and send it home. The town of An Bang became richer and so did the cemetery. Many of the tombs boast bedrooms and kitchens, honouring the belief that people have the same needs in the first thing that struck me when we arrived was the sheer volume of tombs – they stretched as far as I could see. Our guide told us that you can determine a lot about the life of the deceased from the buildings. The one above features ship-style wheels to communicate that the person buried had been a sailor during their life. Arriving in Hue Soon after An Bang we arrived in Hue where we were dropped at our home for the next three days, Hue Ecolodge. I’d highly recommend this beautiful, secluded hotel with luxurious rooms, verandas and a lovely swimming pool. Rooms start at $65 a night. Best season to drive the Hai Van Pass April to September is the best time to visit the Hai Van Pass because it’s dry season and there’s little fog blocking the spectacular to March is rainy season so check the weather if you plan to visit. Depending on the day, it may become unsuitable at the last minute. What to pack Suncream Sun hat Enough water Handy bum bag with secure zip Power bank to keep your devices alive Camera to record your memories GoPro attached to your helmet if you want to make videos. Thanks for reading! See you next time for more adventures, Rose For more content, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Note – while we were hosted by Road Trippers Vietnam, all opinions are my own. Ps. Liked this guide to the Vietnam Hai Van Pass? Pin it for later! Vietnam quick linksGetting around by air – it’s easy to get between cities by flight. I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re connected with E-sim data plans that don’t require delivery or collection; just span the QR my opinion, Lonely Planet offer the best guidebooks. Get the latest Lonely Planet Vietnam buses and trains, I use 12GoAsia. The search feature allows you to compare prices and durations. I use for accommodation. They have the best range of hotels and self-catering apartments, plus you can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters, a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & activities, I use GetYourGuide as they have a huge range of affordable travel insurance? I use True Traveller for UK & Europe residents since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips! Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes! Last updated May 2019 Words and photos by Vietnam CoracleThis post was last updated 4 years ago. Please check the comments section for possible updates, or read more on my Updates & Accuracy page. INTRODUCTION GUIDE MAP RELATED POSTS A contender for the most famous road in Vietnam, the Hai Van Pass is a short but scenic route winding around a mountainside above the East Sea, on the central coast. Đèo Hải Vân – Ocean Cloud Pass – is famous for a number of reasons as a geographic and political boundary between ancient kingdoms; as a climatic divide between the tropical south and the subtropical north; and as a strategic military post during times of war, both ancient and modern. But, most recently, the Hai Van Pass is famous, quite simply, as a great road trip linking the popular central Vietnamese destinations of Hoi An, Danang, and Hue. For Vietnamese and foreign road-trippers alike, the Hai Van Pass is a favourite ride, its fame bolstered by the popularity of the Top Gear Vietnam Special 2008, in which the presenters waxed lyrical about the pass, inspiring a generation of travellers to take to the road on two wheels and hit the Hai Van Pass. Although it’s certainly not the greatest road in Vietnam, the Hai Van Pass is still a lot of fun to ride, with excellent views, light traffic, and easy access from several cities. One of the most famous roads in Vietnam, the Hai Van Pass makes a great & relatively easy road trip [Back Top] GUIDE THE HAI VAN PASS BY MOTORBIKE ROAD TRIP DETAILS Total Distance 165km or 135km Duration 1-3 days Route the scenic coastal route between Hoi An, Danang & Hue [MAP] Road Conditions good, smooth, wide highways, paved back-roads, light traffic Scenery high coastal passes, excellent sea views, empty beaches, fishing villages, farmland, cities CONTENTS ABOUT THIS ROUTE ROUTE MAP HISTORY & COMMENTARY DIRECTIONS ACCOMMODATION The Hai Van Pass weaves around a mountainous headland as it meets the sea in Central Vietnam [Back to Contents] ABOUT THIS ROUTE The Hai Van Pass can be ridden as a day-trip from any of the three main cities on either side of it Hoi An, Danang, and Hue. Alternatively, the Hai Van Pass is a great way to ride all the way between these three cities via an extended coastal route, which avoids busy Highway 1 for the vast majority of the way, and uses quiet, scenic coast roads instead see the blue line on my map. Although this route is slightly longer than taking Highway 1 see the brown line on my map, it’s far more scenic, more rewarding, and quieter not to mention safer. Renting motorbikes in any of the three cities should be fairly easy, and some rental companies even offer one-way pick-up and drop-off services, allowing you to ride in one direction without having to return to your starting point to give the bike back. The total distance for the scenic coastal route between Hoi An, Danang, and Hue is 165km. This can be completed in one day, or you can break it up into 2-3 days, by staying somewhere in the middle see Accommodation. There are several options for side routes along the way see the red lines on my map, including exploring the scenic roads around the Son Tra Peninsular, getting lost on the paved lanes and muddy tracks leading down to the coast from the top of the Hai Van Pass, and short detours to Elephant Springs and Bach Ma National Park. The best time of year is April to September; at other times, the pass can be covered in cloud and very wet. After riding the Hai Van Pass you can loop back via the mountains on the Ho Chi Minh Road, as described in the Golden Loop, or you can continue along coastal back-roads to Dong Hoi and Phong Nha, following the Tomb Rider route. Riding between Hoi An, Danang & Hue via the Hai Van Pass is a great road trip with spectacular views [Back to Contents] ROUTE MAP The Hai Van Pass Hoi An-Danang-Hue 165km or 135km View in a LARGER MAP [Back to Contents] HISTORY & COMMENTARY Đèo Hải Vân – Ocean Cloud Pass – is a mountainous stretch of road in Central Vietnam. On days when vapour from the East Sea rises into the forests and clings to the mountaintops, the pass lives up to its poetic name. But, despite its romantic title, the Hai Van Pass has always been something of a frontier a boundary of kingdoms and climate; often fought over, sometimes tragic but never losing its ability to inspire awe. The Hai Van Pass has a long been a physical barrier; now it is best known for its fabulous views During the American War’, the Hai Van Pass was known as the Street Without Joy’. Back then, the pass connected the two war-scarred cities of Hue and Danang via the dangerous and hotly contested Highway 1. Thanks to a tunnel under the mountains, completed in 2005, the Hai Van Pass today is the Street Without Traffic’. The majority of transport now takes the tunnel, which leaves the Hai Van Pass – one of the most scenic coastal roads in Vietnam – to two-wheeled vehicles and the occasional oil truck both of which are not allowed through the tunnel. The spectacular Hai Van Pass is perfect for a relatively easy, safe and short motorbike trip between the popular tourist spots of Hoi An/Danang to the south and Hue to the north. A tunnel under the mountain takes most the of the heavy traffic, leaving the Hai Van Pass virtually empty The Hai Van Pass is a natural wall a mountainous finger of land jutting into the East Sea. This is an east-west spur of the Truong Son Annamite Range that runs north to south along the western spine of Vietnam. For centuries this natural barrier represented the limit of one kingdom and the beginning of another. The Hindu Kingdom of Champa resided south of the Hai Van Pass, while the Confucian-Buddhist Kingdom of Dai Viet was to the north. The two kingdoms fought constantly to control land either side of the pass. The Cham pushed as far north as the Dai Viet capital of Thang Long Hanoi in 1371.* Partly due to the favourable climate and fertility of the land south of the Hai Van Pass, the Cham in this area were known as the Coconut Palm Group’. The Hai Van Pass sheltered the Cham from strong, cold winds and storms that blew from the north. Known as Chinese Winds’, these still ravage territory north of the pass each year during the typhoon months’, which are usually around September and October. *Historical information in this article is based solely on my reading of various sources and conversations with local people. I make no claims as an historian. The mountains of the Hai Van Pass formed the border between kingdoms; they’re still a climatic divide The good climatic conditions south of the Hai Van Pass helped to build the Cham civilization, which lasted for more than a thousand years, from the 3rd century onwards. It was the lure of the land of the Coconut Palm Cham’ that led to its eventual conquest. Dai Viet, to the north of the Hai Van Pass, was growing steadily thanks to liberation from Chinese rule in AD938 followed by two strong imperial dynasties, the Ly 1009-1225 and the Tran 1225-1400. Agricultural productivity and population were on the rise, but unpredictable weather and devastating flooding in the Red River Delta was a constant threat to stability. With China looming large over their northern borders, Dai Viet looked to the south for more land and a better climate for their growing population. After centuries of fighting, it was the Le Dynasty who finally defeated the Cham, in 1471, annexing the sunny territory south of the Hai Van Pass for Dai Viet. The ruins of the Cham temples at My Son, near Hoi An, can still be seen today. The Hai Van Pass was the border between Dai Viet & Champa, whose ruins can be seen near Hoi An The appeal of the land of the Coconut Palm Cham’ is still obvious today. If travelling from north to south, heading out of Hue on a wet, grey February morning and driving up the Hai Van Pass in thick, moisture-laden cloud, when you arrive at the top and look down on the sun-filled Bay of Danang to the south, it’s easy to imagine how attractive these lands must have been to the Dai Viet from the north. Curling your way up the switchbacks and hairpin bends, the motorbike engine struggling to deal with the gradient, and then rolling down the other side, wondering if the brake pads will wear away before you reach the bottom, it’s also apparent how the pass could have separated two civilizations for so long. Looking over tropical beaches and the Bay of Danang from the southern slopes of the Hai Van Pass Whatever the weather, the Hai Van Pass is always a scenic route. As with other great views, the pass has often inspired wonder, sometimes in the most unlikely of contexts and least likely of people. When Paul Theroux was passing through Vietnam during his Great Railway Bazaar, in 1973, the Paris Peace Accords had only recently been signed by the United States, South and North Vietnam. Direct American military participation in Vietnam was officially over, but the war still had two more long years before the fall of Saigon. As most of the Trans-Indochinois Railway now the Reunification Express that linked Hanoi with Saigon had been blown up, Theroux was only able to travel on short sections of the line that were deemed safe. Fortunately for him one of these safe sections was between Hue and Danang. Danang, seen from the Hai Van Pass a poisoned city’ when Theroux came in ’73; now it’s a boomtown At that time, Hue was a ruin. Having been pounded for years, not least during the Tet Offensive in 1968, the city was all mud and rubble. Danang, formerly a massive American military base, was, according to Theroux, a poisoned city’. But the landscape between these two wounded cities, including the Hai Van Pass which the railway snakes around just below the road, was still majestic. Perhaps because of the juxtaposition between the ugly urban destruction in Hue and the rural peace and beauty around the Hai Van Pass, Theroux, having travelled across Europe, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent by train, was amazed by what he saw from his compartment on the Trans-Indochinois Of all the places the railway had taken me since London, this was the loveliest. Beyond the leaping jade plates of the sea was an overhang of cliffs and the sight of a valley so large it contained sun, smoke, rain and cloud – all at once. I had been unprepared for this beauty; it surprised and humbled me. Who has mentioned the simple fact that the heights of Vietnam are places of unimaginable grandeur? For Paul Theroux, the train ride over the Hai Van Pass was the most scenic of his Great Railway Bazaar’ 35 years later, Jeremy Clarkson, former presenter of the popular BBC car show, Top Gear, had a similar reaction to the landscape around the Hai Van Pass. Famously sarcastic and not one to be easily moved – except by a good car – Clarkson and his co-presenters couldn’t help but be awed by the green mountains rolling down in pleats and folds toward the East Sea. On this strip of tarmac, that he proclaimed one of the best ocean roads in the world’, Clarkson began to enjoy motorbiking. Indeed, the Top Gear Vietnam Special must surely have inspired thousands of travellers to follow in their tyre-tracks, because nowadays hawkers at the top of the pass will often ask, “Are you here because of Top Gear?!” VIDEO Top Gear Vietnam Special skip to 315 for the Hai Van Pass scene Like other borders and frontiers, the Hai Van Pass has seen its fair share of blood and battles. At the top of the pass, by the brick gate built by Emperor Minh Mang in the 19th century, are gun towers that were used by French, South Vietnamese and American lookouts respectively, during the long wars from 1946-75. More recent reminders of tragedy on the pass are the small shrines lining the road that mark the sites of fatal accidents. Note most of these date from before the tunnel was built, when the pass was far more dangerous than it is today. As with many famous battle fields and scenic roads in Vietnam, tragedy contrasts sharply with the natural beauty of the surrounds. An old gun tower stands at the top of the Hai Van Pass, a reminder of its historical strategic importance As for me, I’ve always thought of the Hai Van Pass as a point of transition both a boundary and a gate. When riding from south to north, the pass is the point at which I feel I’ve entered more unfamiliar territory. The clouds usually close-in and fierce rain pinches the skin on my face. With this comes a sense of adventure. Being from the south in both my native and adopted countries London in Britain, Saigon in Vietnam, I’ve long associated travelling north with going into higher, wilder landscape and colder climes. Likewise, when I travel from north to south, the Hai Van Pass is the point at which I feel I’ve arrived home’ again, safe in the land of the Coconut Palm Cham’ and the warmth of the tropical climate I’ve become accustomed to. Oftentimes, weather is warm & sunny on the south side of the Hai Van Pass, but cool & wet on the north Located on the 16th parallel, just one south of the infamous 17th parallel that once divided the nation politically, the Hai Van Pass is a permanent natural boundary that will always divide the nation climatically, between tropical and sub-tropical. The Ocean Cloud’ clings to the pass, but this 30km stretch of road is beautiful in any weather, and each time I ride it, in either direction, there’s always the sense of having crossed a barrier. The great divide the Hai Van Pass crawls over this mountain as it meets the sea a great physical barrier [Back to Contents] DIRECTIONS I’ve written these directions going south to north, starting in Hoi An, going via Danang, and ending in Hue. You can, of course, ride this route in the opposite direction. Leave Hoi An’s old town in the morning – the earlier the better if you want to make it all the way to Hue in one day. Take the coast road to Danang, stretching all the way from Cua Dai Beach, past An Bang Beach, and the Marble Mountains, to Danang’s My Khe Beach, once known as China Beach. If you want to explore the Son Tra Peninsular side route, continue along the coast and onto the winding roads crisscrossing the headland see the red line on my map. If not, turn west onto the famous Dragon Bridge over the Han River and into Danang city. Cruise along the river bank before turning onto Nguyen Tat Thanh Street which skirts the ocean along Nam O Beach. At the end of the beach road, turn onto the broad lanes of Highway 1 for a brief stretch before the road starts to climb into foliage this is the start of the Hai Van Pass. After the coast road from Hoi An, take the Dragon Bridge into Danang, and continue to the Hai Van Pass Curling around the mountainside, the pass opens up spectacular views across Danang Bay. At the top of the pass, a collection of overpriced food and drink shacks vie for your custom. The ancient gate and old gun towers are located across the road, offering good viewing points and short, pleasant walks. On either side of the top of the pass, the small paved lanes and dirt tracks leading down the slopes towards the sea, are possible side routes see the red lines on my map, especially if you have a bike that can cope with muddy conditions. However, be aware that you may be stopped from continuing down these side routes due to military presence in the area. Looking down over the Hai Van Pass as it curls down the other side towards Lang Co Beach Snaking down the other side of the pass, the views get even better looking over the winding tarmac as it drops towards the long, empty beach of Lang Co. Just after one of the last hairpin bends of the pass, a much-photographed scene opens up over Lang Co bay and fishing village, with a long bridge over the water the exit of the Hai Van Tunnel and the lush, misty mountains behind. This might as well be known as the Top Gear Viewing Point, as it was here that the final scene on the Hai Van Pass from the Vietnam Special episode was filmed, with the three co-presenters all gazing at the sunset, enraptured by the beauty of Vietnam’s landscape. Looking over Lang Co bay from the Top Gear Viewing Point’ near the bottom of the Hai Van Pass In Lang Co, where you can stop at one of the many seafood restaurants nhà hàng hải sẳn in Vietnamese, it’s necessary to join Highway 1 briefly, before turning off on the Chan May coast road. If you want to continue to Hue on the shorter route using Highway 1 follow the brown line on my map. Or if you want to explore the side routes to Elephant Spring and Bach Ma National Park, see the red lines on my map. Turn off Highway 1 at Lang Co for the pleasant & quiet Chan May road, past beaches, trees & fields The Chan May road stays close to the coast, where there are several high-end resorts and backpacker campgrounds see Accommodation. Veering off the Chan May route, a good paved roads leads over a bridge and along a back-route before connecting with Highway 1 again at the Phuoc Tuong Pass. On the other side of this pass now empty thanks to a new tunnel, weave your way across Highway 1 to join road QL49B, heading north along the shores of the Cau Hai Lagoon. Alternatively, stay on Highway 1 all the way to Hue see the brown line on my map. Pastoral scenery on the road between Chan May & Thuan An, a much better alternative to Highway 1 QL49B crosses a bridge at the mouth of the lagoon and turns west along a long peninsular to Thuan An. This road has been mostly upgraded, but some patches are still in the process of reconstruction. The route is notable for the thousands of elaborately carved family tombs, which are scattered across the sandy banks between the road and the sea. At Thuan An village, turn south over a bridge and follow the Pho Loi River into Hue. For ideas about how to continue this road trip from Hue, see Related Guides. Elaborate tombs & temples line Road QL49B as it crosses the Thuan An Peninsular before reaching Hue [Back to Contents] ACCOMMODATION Although there’s no accommodation on the Hai Van Pass itself, there are a handful of good and interesting places to stay along the coastal route, as well as an enormous array of hotels and resorts for all budgets at either end of the route in Hoi An, Danang, and Hue. *Please support Vietnam Coracle You can support the work I do by booking your hotels via the Agoda links & search boxes on my site, like the ones on this page. If you make a booking, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Any money I make goes straight back into this site. Thank you. Hoi An Danang Hue On the Route Hoi An Hoi An has possibly the best-value and range of hotels in all Vietnam. The sheer volume of hotels, and the continuing popularity of Hoi An as a travel destination, drives prices down and quality up. For budget accommodation check out the cheap but clean and classy rooms at Kiman Hotel, and Hoi An Backpackers Hostel. Two excellent-value mid-range places to stay are Lasenta Boutique and Hoi An Waterway. For luxury it’s hard to beat the Anantara or Victoria Beach Resort. Besides these recommendations there are hundreds more to choose from, which you can browse here. Lasenta Boutique Hotel is one of many excellent-value accommodations in & around Hoi An [Back] Danang Funtastic Beach Hostel is a great budget option by the sea, just 5 minutes from Danang city. Stay Hotel offers good mid-range value, with neat rooms, good views and a pool. The Novotel Danang is very swish and modern with incredible views over the city and sea. Or to really splash out, head to the Intercontinental Sun Peninsular Resort on the Son Tra headland, which is another world of luxury. Danang’s recent boom has led to many new accommodations, like Funtastic Beach, Stay Hotel & the Novotel [Back] Hue Hue Backpacker Hostel is as cheap as they come, and offers all the familiar characteristics of a budget, dorm-based hostel. Villa Hue is fabulous mid-range accommodation with lots of style and charm. The Pilgrimage, just outside the city, is also excellent. The most famous high-end option is the colonial-era La Residence, occupying a prime location by the riverside. Villa Hue is a wonderful hotel in the former imperial capital, offering great value & lots of atmosphere [Back] On the Route In many of the small towns along the route, you’ll find nhà nghỉ local guesthouses, which offer cheap rooms for a night on the road, particularly around Lang Co and Chan May Beach. Budget travellers can spend a night under canvas at Canh Duong Beach Camping or Tan Canh Guesthouse, for example, both on Chan May Bay. But there are also some luxury accommodations along the coastal route which you can stop at for a night or two to break the journey. After Lang Co there are several ultra luxurious resorts spread along the coast, including the Bayan Tree and Angsana. Further down the road, near Phu Loc village, Verdana Lagoon Resort is very good for a night of affordable luxury in a very atmospheric position. There are several places to stay on the road between Hoi An, Danang & Hue, including beach camping [Back Top] RELATED POSTS Questions, updates and trip reports are all welcome. However, please keep comments polite and on-topic. See commenting etiquette for details.

hai van pass guide