The only remaining plausible theory is that it was the Elves who invented the word, and passed it on to the other races, including the Orcs themselves. This is borne out by The Etymologies (in volume V of The History of Middle-earth ), where we find a reference to an Elvish root órok , from which the various Elvish words for ' Goblin ' derive. 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 19 th 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 Press Release. Wan Hai Lines Awarded "Container Shipping Line of The Year India-Far East Trade Lane". Bunker Charge Notice for Transpacific Trade (From Oct 1,2022) New Bunker Surcharge Notice: "WBS" (Wan Hai Bunker Surcharge) for Period 4. Wan Hai Lines Holds Online Ship Naming Ceremony for New Vessels accompanied by a Charity Donation. The purpose of this guide is to teach the bare essentials - just enough to get started. The CSS Intermediate Tutorial and CSS Advanced Tutorial go into more depth about CSS. CSS, or Cascading Styles Sheets, is a way to style and present HTML. Whereas the HTML is the meaning or content, the style sheet is the presentation of that document. 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 3. Tạo một thư mục mới. mkdir là lệnh thao tác với thư mục cơ bản trên Linux, giúp bạn tạo một thư mục mới nhanh chóng.Cú pháp câu lệnh: mkdir folder. Lưu ý: Folder là tên thư mục bạn muốn tạo. Chẳng hạn nếu bạn muốn tạo thư mục có tên là backup thì cú pháp là: SpP289V. Hai Van Pass is one of the most scenic hillside roads in Vietnam. When braving the steep winding roads of a paved mountain pass, you will have a chance to discover peace, quiet and history along the way… 1. Overview of Hai Van Pass On the north – south nation highway, Hai Van Pass is an impressive landscape. It is like a giant dragon, lying on Highway 1 on the border between Thua Thien-Hue Province and Danang City. This is the highest pass in Vietnam 500m above sea level. This rugged pass is the final section of the Truong Son Range stretching to the sea. Hai Van means “Sea Clouds”, since the peak of the mountain is in the clouds while its foot is close to the sea. In the past, Hai Van Pass was known as the Thuan Hoa and Quang Nam frontier. 2. History of Hai Van Pass In the early 14th century 1306, Che Man, a king from Cham Pa, offered two mountainous administrative units of O and Ri as engagement gifts to Princess Huyen Tran, daughter of King Tran Nhan Tong. Since then, Hai Van Pass has acted as the physical boundary between Dai Viet and Cham Pa. Until now, on top of the pass, you can still see the ancient grand gate which used to be one of the border crossings between two kingdoms. During the Vietnamese-American War, people called Hai Van Pass the Street Without Joy’ since it connected Hue and Da Nang the most significantly war-ravaged cities at the time. 3. Journey through Hai Van Pass Amazement and Fear Whenever one goes through Hai Van Pass, two feelings are experienced amazement at passing through the clouds and fear when seeing the dangerous bends of the road. After climbing through several hair-pin curves for close to an hour, you reach the crest of the Hai Van Pass. Here, if the weather affords it which it often doesn’t, there are views to both the North and the South. The pass forms an obvious boundary between North and South Vietnam, and if proof were needed, you need look no further than the fortifications built by the French and then later used by the South Vietnamese and the Americans. You will of course want to stop here if you make this trip, but be warned that you will have to fight off a large band of souvenir and snack sellers who are among the most aggressive I encountered during the whole trip. Challenging Your Skills With sudden curves and blind corners, Hai Van Pass is likened to an arrogant but beautiful girl challenging drivers’ skills. Hai Van is considered to be the largest frontier post in Vietnam. The name “De Nhat Hung Quan”, meaning the most colossal frontier post, is engraved on an incense burner in Thai Temple. On a journey through the land, Hai Van is always an attractive landscape, full of perilous obstacles and is the last spur of the Truong Son Range reaching to the sea. On the top of the pass are the vestiges of an old fortified gateway. The gate facing to Thua Thien-Hue Province is inscribed with the three words “Hai Van Quan” and the other gate looking down on Quang Nam province is engraved “the most grandiose gateway in the world”. The entrance to Hai Van Quan looks like the entrance to an old citadel with its stone structures. Time, war, and neglect has taken its toll on Hai Van Quan, as it sits today in near ruins. The old story is only a memory, old vestiges covered with green moss, among vast spaces vast of plants and trees, tourists are filled with the emotions of the past. Sense of Isolation The most impressive about the journey is the sense of isolation you feel as you move further along. There is a strange delight about the desolate conditions, a seemingly unbroken asphalt road that cuts through a mass of forest. Below you, the green trees contrast with the breaking waves in the blue sea. And herein lies the beauty of Hai Van. While many rave about the charm of the Bao Loc mountain pass, the road is crowded with people and villages nestled along the way. But just as civilisation characterises the allure of Bao Loc, Hai Van’s beauty is closely connected to nature and its lack of population. Lining the peak of the mountain is the immense abyss dotted with the light and dark green colours of the trees. The scene is capped off with fanciful clouds flying across the sky. The area is a perfect place to have a cup of coffee and contemplate the scene, looking over Hai Van as if from the heavens as the trees blow with the wind. To the Peak Hai Van is well known for its dangerous roads, and accident warning boards carefully appear regularly along the side. It’s a surprising sight to see the animation and modernity at the peak as foreign visitors buzzed about buying souvenirs. Those who do not make it to the peak would have a hard time believing there was such a busy trading and modern scene, as foreign women made their way up the rough staircase at the Hai Van Quan ancient vestige to take photos. Hai Van Pass will satisfy your desire to conquer high peaks and remind you of the glorious past of the Viet people. Moreover, from the pass, on nice days, visitors can enjoy the whole vista of Danang, the Tien Sa seaport, Son Tra Peninsula, Cu Lao Cham Island and long sandy beaches. 4. The Best Way to Ride Hai Van Pass Ride A Motorbike Yourself This would be the best experience very if you are an experienced motorbike rider! Tips Be careful with the sudden turns, and bring a group of friends to ensure your safety. Take A Jeep Tour source Of course, not everyone can be confident riding a motorbike for hours in the most crazy road of Vietnam, and those can opt for a Jeep Tour. Travelling by jeep with friends is often cheaper than renting a motorbike, and you can enjoy the view as well as take picture more easily! If you prefer relax and have a laugh while adming views, a Jeep tour would definitely be your best choice. The 21km that stretch over the Hai Van mountain pass may sound like a challenging journey, but after all, it is certain that you will find it is one worth taking. Most Popular Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue Perfume River in Hue, Vietnam Journey through Hai Van Pass – The Highest Pass in Vietnam Spectacular Beauty of Lang Co Bay Hue Night Market & Walking Street, Vietnam Table Of ContentsIntroductionHai Van Pass Name’s MeaningWhere Is The Hai Van Pass?How To Explore The Hai Van Pass Vietnam?Travel to Hai Van pass by private carBook the Hai Van pass tourConquer the May pass by motorbikeHistory of the May PassWhat To Do & Admire In Hai Van Pass Da Nang – Hue?Hai Van Quan – a relic of the feudal monarchyCamping in Van village at the bottom of the passHai Van Bac stationDon Ca arch bridgeLonely pine treeTake photos and enjoy coffee at Hon Da ThuyenDrive through the U-corner to challenge yourselfSafe Travel Tips To Hai Van Pass You Need To KnowAttractions Near Hai Van Mountain PassLang Co bay and beachBach Ma National ParkLap An LagoonConclusion Introduction Hai Van Pass is also known as Ai Van Pass because there was a gate on the top of the pass. Or May pass Clouds pass because clouds often cover the top of the pass. It crosses the Bach Ma mountain range – a part of the Truong Son mountain range stretching close to the sea. The pass is the boundary between the north of Thua Thien Hue province and the south of Da Nang city. Culture Pham Travel will give you details to discover the Hai Van Pass Da Nang. Let’s take consult our article’s content below! If you want to travel from Hue, Da nang or Hoi An to Hai Van pass. You can book our Hue To Bach Ma National Park By Car, Hue City Tour From Da Nang, Da Nang Airport to Hue Transfer, and Day Trip to Hue From Hoi An. Hai Van Pass Name’s Meaning “Hai” means the “Ocean”, and “Van” means “White Clouds”. That is the explanation for it is it has beautiful scenery, surrounded by white clouds all year round at the top of the pass. Besides, at the bottom of the pass, tourists can see the vast seascape stretching to the horizon. In addition, the Vietnamese also call it May Pass the word “Van” means “May”. Hence, its English name is “Ocean and Clouds Pass.” This place was once commented on by Jeremy Clarkson – the host of the reality TV show Top Gear UK, as one of the most beautiful coastal roads on the planet. Hai Van is also the 4/10 hill road that attracts the most visitors to check in on the Instagram platform. Where Is The Hai Van Pass? Hai Van pass’s location is between Thua Thien Hue province and Da Nang city. The distance from the pass to Danang city is about 20 km and roughly 80 km to Hue city. It is 500m high above sea level and has a length of more than 20km. You can refer to the Hai Van pass route map below If you are passionate about adventure and looking for a place to challenge yourself. Hai Van Pass route is an ideal choice for you. The Guardian of England honored it in the “Top 10 most beautiful coastal roads in the world”, and Hai Van pass top gear in Vietnam. It always attracts those who love to conquer crooked and circuitous roads. How To Explore The Hai Van Pass Vietnam? Hai Van is hidden in the white clouds and vast forests, with poetic and charming beauty. Plus, a spectacular road is worth conquering once. Thus, there are many ways to explore the Ocean and Clouds Pass as below Travel to Hai Van pass by private car From Hai Van pass Hue to Da Nang or Hai Van pass Da Nang to Hue, our private car transfer is the best choice for you. Firstly, you do not need to wait like taking a taxi. Also, baby seats are available if you request. Secondly, we have many private car options for you to choose from Sedan, SUV, Minivan or limousine. Thus, this option is the best if you travel with older adults or children. Most importantly, the trips pass through Hai Van Pass in Vietnam, and you can customize the itinerary to stop at attractions you desire. In addition, you can depart at any time that is convenient for you. You will have a comfortable and convenient trip with the added benefit of an English-speaking local driver who knows the best viewpoints and stops. Therefore, you should book our services as below Hue to Da Nang By Private Car – 1,400,000 VND/Sedan Da Nang to Phong Nha Private Car – 3,300,000 VND/Sedan Phong Nha to Hoi An Private Car – 3,400,000 VND/Sedan Danang Airport to Melia Vinpearl Hue – 1,350,000VND/Sedan Hoi An to Phong Nha Limousine – from 52 USD/limousine Da Nang to Hue Day Trip – from 56 USD/pax Book the Hai Van pass tour For those who prefer a guided tour, many tours are available, including a visit to the pass. These tours often include stops at other popular attractions in the area and are a great way to learn about the history and culture of the region. From Hai Van pass Hue to Hoi An, you can book our Hai Van pass jeep tour Hue to Hoi An, Hai Van pass motorbike tour Hue to Hoi An. With these tours, you will have a great chance to visit the city of ghosts Hue, Lap An Lagoon, Cau Hai lagoon, Lang Co beach and more. Conquer the May pass by motorbike How long does it take to go over Hai Van Pass? It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to go over the pass. It depends on how well you drive and the weather there. For adventurous travelers, renting a motorbike is a popular way to explore Hai Van Pass. The winding roads and scenic views make for an exciting and unforgettable journey. The Ocean and Clouds pass definitely offers tourists the feelings that nowhere else can bring for them. At the start of the pass, they are extremely excited. After that, when they go slowly, they may be a bit nervous, especially when they step into sudden curves and blind corners. In addition, the feeling of falling down is great. Once again, they will be thrilled because of the danger of the downhill but excited for the sense of freedom. After that, the backpackers will be very excited when they go to the top of the pass; we will see the natural scenery that makes everyone surprised. All will be unforgettable marks for passionate enthusiasts to explore and aspire to conquer new things. In addition, many students also take the risk of conquering the mountain pass by bicycle. However, they must be physically strong enough to dare to do this. As an explorer, as a genuine hunters, visitors cannot ignore the beautiful Ocean and Clouds pass. History of the May Pass Before 1306, the land with the Hai Van pass belonged to the Champa kingdom also known as Chiem Thanh. In 1306, the king Che Man of Champa cut this land as a wedding proposal to Huyen Tran princess of the Tran dynasty. The pass was formally determined the dividing line between Champa and Dai Viet. You may also be interested in Huyen Tran Princess Temple. In 1402, the Ho Dynasty brought troops to fight Champa, and the Hai Van Pass from the boundary of the two countries became the land area of Dai Ngu country. now Vietnam. Although the Hai Van pass was built during the French colonial period, it was still very narrow and dangerous. In addition, there were often wild animals and looters, so the French built a railway so that the Hai Van pass train ran the whole pass length. In addition, at the top of Hai Van, a few bunkers the ruins of Don Nhat. The French army built them in 1926 to protect this strategic pass. On June 5, 2005, the Hai Van pass tunnel was formally opened. The tunnel is more than 12 kilometers long and is Southeast Asia’s longest road tunnel. Although the Hai Van tunnel, many visitors still desire to travel to this pass to explore, admire stunning views and attempt to conquer Vietnam’s most treacherous route. What To Do & Admire In Hai Van Pass Da Nang – Hue? There are many things to do in the Ai Van pass, such as visiting the Hai Van gate, enjoying Vietnamese coffee, and so on. Here is some Hai Van pass best stops you should not miss when conquering the most breathtaking pass in Vietnam Hai Van pass Map 360 View Hai Van Quan – a relic of the feudal monarchy The Tran Dynasty built Hai Van Quan, and the Nguyen Dynasty 7th year of king Minh Mang, 1826 restored it. Prominently, the door overlooking Thua Thien Palace has the words “Hai Van Quan ” 海雲關. On the other hand, the door overlooking Quang Nam has the title “Thien Ha De Nhat Hung Quan” 天下第一雄關. It means “most marvelous wonder”.This appellation was conferred by King Le Thanh Tong when the king stopped his troops here in 1470. This relic is located at an altitude of 496m above sea level and on the top of Hai Van pass. It was built to serve as a defensive military fortress for the Hue Imperial Citadel. Furthermore, the Hai Van Quan relic also marks the 70th anniversary of the Don Nhat victory. With the battle in the summer-autumn campaign of 1952-1954 of the resistance war against the invading French colonialists. Hai Van Quan relic is in the restoration process Currently, the relic is being restored with a total area of 6,500 m2. The restoration period is two years, expected to be completed in June 2023. Thua Thien Hue and Da Nang contributed a total budget of more than 42 billion VND, 50% of each locality. After restoration, Hai Van Quan will be a must-stop at the Hai Van pass to learn more about its history and admire the scenic landscape from its peak. Therefore, Hai Van Quan “makes miss” tourists with its beautiful natural scenery. You will see the majestic high mountains and vast lush green forests from the gate. Plus, steep and winding passes and clear blue coast. Hence, visitors can take super impressive photos with friends and relatives at the Hai Van Quan. Camping in Van village at the bottom of the pass It is a small village nestled right at the foot of the pass about 30 km from Danang city. With a peaceful, deserted and extremely pristine setting, this place is likened to a “forgotten land” in the bustling of Danang city. Camping and enjoying a BBQ together is the most loved experience in Van village. Sitting by the romantic beach, breathing in the fresh air and looking at the starry sky is great, isn’t it? The village is located separate from the city, so it is quite quiet, perfect for you to rest and relax away from the noisy streets. You can also immerse yourself in the cool, clear blue sea or have super fun canoeing in Van village. Hai Van Bac station From Hai Van Quan, you drive another 4 km to the ranger station, then another 1 km on the concrete road to the North Hai Van station. This place is enough for you to enjoy taking pictures of “virtual life”. However, trains will still run on the tracks, so remember to look around carefully when taking photos. Bac Hai Van Station is a station on the North-South railway route, which connects Da Nang Hai Van station with Lang Co Hue station. The station is in the heart of the Hai Van Pass. Along the track is a ravishing scenery with majestic hills. Don Ca arch bridge The French built the Don Ca Arch Bridge from 1902 – 1906. It connects the North-South railway route stretching 1,730 km from Hanoi to Saigon. Up to now, the Don Ca arch bridge has been more than 100 years and was built at the same time as the Da Nang – Hue railway route. The bridge is designed as a dome gate, guarded by stone pillars, crossing streams with a height of 20m and a length of about 100m. Surely you will be amazed by the beautiful scene like a movie when coming here. Around the bridge are a green forest and fresh air. Moreover, a small natural stream with many large rocks is at the bridge’s bottom. It is a unique background for saving beautiful photos in the wild natural scenery, majestic mountains and forests. In addition, the water is as clear as the famous Fairy Stream. You can go down to soak and bathe here. Camping or a small picnic party is a good idea for you to have more time to admire the natural scenery here. Lonely pine tree Anybody who gets the chance to ascend Hai Van Pass is familiar with the sight of the lonely pine tree. Regardless of the angle, you can rest assured that you will have sparkling photos with this tree. You can also take a break at a nearby drink stall. However, it is necessary to pay attention to safety because this place has many vehicles passing by. This tree is located about 2 kilometers from the top of the pass. A magnificent view of Hai Van pass that many people visit to photograph is the pine tree with wide foliage standing lonely. In the middle of the winding pass road, one side is the immense sea, and the other is dense forest. The lonely pine tree is a unique highlight in the majestic picture of Hai Van pass. This lonely pine tree reaching out towards Lang Co Bay is a favorite stop for young people who love backpacking. Take photos and enjoy coffee at Hon Da Thuyen Visitors moving from the center of Da Nang city to Hai Van pass will encounter a “lonely pine tree”. Then, continue to go a further 650m to the Hon Da Thuyen location in front of the cafe of the same name. A large rock shaped like a boat. The rock’s surface is concave, and the two ends of the rock are pointed like the bow of a boat. That’s why it’s called Thuyen rock hòn đá thuyền. With a unique shape, it has a beautiful view towards the panoramic view of the city and the beautiful Danang beach. Hon Da Thuyen Besides, the view of vast green mountains and clouds is beautiful, like paradise. Therefore, you can set your feet here to take beautiful, unique and unforgettable photos. The turtle rock Furthermore, another large rock is next to the Thuyen rock that looks like a turtle’s head. That’s why it’s called turtle rock. You can also sit or stand on this rock to enjoy the beautiful scenery and take super-quality photos. Right before the rocks is a very poetic cafe – Hon Da Thuyen coffee shop. Have you ever sat down to enjoy a cup of fragrant coffee in the middle of the vast mountains? If not, you can enjoy coffee and other drinks here! The stunning view from the coffee shop The small coffee shop is decorated quite simply with cozy wooden tables and chairs. Sipping a cup of fragrant coffee while admiring the beautiful unspoiled natural scenery is extremely relaxing and wonderful! Drive through the U-corner to challenge yourself Driving through the U-corner at Hai Van Pass is a must-do if you are looking for an adventure. The U-corner is a sharp turn that requires skilled driving and nerves of steel. It’s an exhilarating experience that will simultaneously leave you feeling scared and thrilled. U-shaped bends are the fear of many backpackers. The corner of the bend is where the driver has to focus and carefully observe the convex mirror. Interestingly, the road bends along the mountain, when it turns much-unexpected curves. Safe Travel Tips To Hai Van Pass You Need To Know The best time to visit Hai Van Pass is from February to July when the Hai Van Pass weather is dry and sunny. Thus, the views are crystal clear during this time, and the pass is less likely to be shrouded in fog. There are two times of the day to see the most beautiful pass sunrise and sunset. The pass is winding and dangerous, so you should drive a manual transmission motorcycle. Thanks to that, you can release the gear and squeeze the brake to avoid losing the brake. You should not start early like 500 am or 600 am, since, at that time, the pass is normally covered with fog. Hence, going between 800-900 am seems the perfect time to conquer the pass. Noticeably, backpackers ought to bring a beverage, snacks, and basic tools to avoid bad cases. Preview the weather forecast for Da Nang and Hue to avoid stormy days and slippery roads from September to December. Check the vehicle before going downhill, especially the brake part. Wear appropriate clothes; the air is colder on the top of the pass. Thus, you should bring a jacket to prevent cold weather. On the top of the pass or if there is the fog that reduces visibility, focus on observing and go carefully through the bends. Attractions Near Hai Van Mountain Pass Hai Van Pass is located in the central region of Vietnam, so there are many nearby attractions that you can visit. Some recommend visiting these attractions near Hai Van Pass that you can explore them below Lang Co bay and beach Hue view from the above Lang Co bay and beach One of the most beautiful bays in the world is Lang Co Bay. It is located next to the foot of the pass. Plus, there is a picturesque fishing village along with a pristine beauty with white sand and turquoise water of the bay, making this place even more stunning. Lang Co bay Hue Another nearby attraction is Lang Co Beach – a long sandy beach and clear blue water. Its crystal-clear water and long white sand shore make it a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can also indulge in fresh seafood at the beach’s restaurants. Lang Co beach If you want to stay in Banyann Tree Lang Co and want to get here from other destinations. You can book our Danang Airport to Laguna Lang Co and Hoi An to Laguna Lang Co. Bach Ma National Park It is about 30 kilometers from the pass, and the route to get there is nearly 45 km. Bach Ma National Park is a protected area with diverse flora and fauna, stunning waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails. You can swim in the five lakes’ cool and clear blue water. Especially, Visitors can conquer the path to Do Quyen waterfall with 689 ladder steps. At each section of the path, these steps have different slopes, giving you new levels of emotions. Lap An Lagoon Notwithstanding the above attractions, visitors can stop by Lap An Lagoon, located about 16 kilometers from Hai Van Pass. The lagoon is a natural wonder surrounded by mountains and greenery, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. Lap An lagoon Here, visitors can take a boat ride to explore the lagoon while admiring the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Besides, you can enjoy fresh oysters here. In addition, there are other amazing attractions, such as Truoi lake with Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery, Elephant Springs, Cau Hai Lagoon, etc. You can visit Truc Lam Bach Ma monastery to challenge yourself with 172 steps to the monastery. Besides, you can admire the Shakyamuni Buddha statue on a hill in the middle of the lake with a volume of 1,500 tons, 24m high, completely carved out of stone. Additionally, you can swim at the Elephant springs and enjoy Hue food to relax after a long journey. Also, the Cau Hai lagoon is a place you should not ignore. You can catch fish and crabs with the locals or watch the sunrise and sunset. That will be a great and memorable experience. Conclusion In conclusion, Hai Van Pass is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Vietnam, especially in Hue and Da Nang provinces. The pass offers breathtaking views, challenging roads, and a glimpse into Vietnam’s history and culture. Whether you drive through the pass, take a tour, or take a private car transfer, you will surely have an unforgettable experience. And don’t forget to visit the nearby attractions to complete your adventure in central Vietnam. Culture Pham Travel & Transport wishes you a great experience in Hai Van Pass and other destinations in central Vietnam! Login As we have traveled around the world, we have moved on to countless new cities and countries. While there have been many incredible experiences, there are some days we will never forget. Driving our own motorbikes from Hue to Hoi An by traversing the Hai Van Pass was an incredibly memorable day for us as we traveled through Vietnam. Spectacular panoramic views, death defying roads and constantly evolving climates await you on the Hai Van Pass as you proceed along the surprisingly short otherwise known as Ocean Cloud Pass.’ Ultimately, we decided to pay for an individual guide so we could completely relax without worrying about directions and where to stop. We wanted to enjoy the day with no navigational or scamming concerns. The route can be driven without a guide if you are on a tight budget or you already know you way. But our detailed motorbike travel guide from Hue to Hoi An will show you exactly what to expect for your trip. Let’s drive the Hai Van Pass! *Please note this post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the free content we provide! Read more in our disclosure policy.* Brief History Of The Hai Van Pass, Vietnam The Hai Van Pass certainly delivers aesthetics. But historically, this was an important defensive barrier for any army who attempted to march North or South of the pass. Interestingly, the pass marks the boundary between Northern and Southern climates in Vietnam, even shielding Da Nang from harsh Northern winds. The French built bunkers at the summit of the pass to overlook the South China Sea to the East. A gate’ was built earlier by the Nguyen dynasty in 1826 to protect Imperial City Hue. This picturesque gate and bunker complex is popular for wedding photographs today. Some of the bunkers were later used by the Americans and South Vietnamese during the war and Vietcong forces would ambush the bunkers regularly. Once the BBC aired its Vietnam Top Gear Special and Clarkson et al had waxed lyrical about the beauty of the Hai Van Pass, all of a sudden this usually quiet locals only coastal road blew up with tourists. Isn’t it incredible how one single episode of a British television show can have such a meteoric impact on so many people’s lives? Need help traveling from Da Nang and Hoi An? Don’t miss our popular Da Nang to Hoi An transport guide. Gorgeous views coming into Da Nang from our Hai Van Pass tour Hue To Hoi An Route Interactive Map Total journey length from Hue to Hoi An including the scenic Hai Van Pass road is roughly 160km, once off piste adventures along the way are considered. The map indicates a 3 hour drive. Even with no stops at all, you would struggle to drive the distance in that timeframe. Our day lasted over 8 hours door to door. Allow yourself a full day for this unforgettable ride to make sure you see everything along the way. There are 3 ways to cross the Hai Van Pass One is to take the scenic train around the mountain, tightly hugging the coastline and entering a number of tunnels. The second is to drive over the scenic pass, reaching a summit of 496m 1,627 feet of elevation. The best views of all options. And the third is to drive directly straight underneath the pass, through the longest tunnel in South East Asia at miles. It was built in 2005 to alleviate heavy road traffic and accidents on the snaking summit roads. Why Travel From Hue To Hoi An By Motorbike? The sense of satisfaction washing over us as we handed our motorbikes in to the hiring office in Hoi An was an amazing feeling. We had just independently driven motorbikes for over 8 hours from one city to another, over a small mountain pass in Vietnam. Scary? A little. Dangerous? Kind of. Exhikaterating? Hell yes! Never mind the winding snaking roads on the pass itself, there are several highways with lorries trucks and buses overtaking you at high speed. It constantly sounds like a fleet of jumbo jets are tight on your 6. But you have achieved this yourself. You handled the bike. You conquered your fear. In truth, this route can be enjoyed from the back seat of a private car or a minibus. We even saw a few open top jeeps but in our opinion, it just wouldn’t be the same. Maneuvering acutely around hairpin bends in foreign territory releases bursts of adrenaline. Having the freedom to pull over every time you see something interesting means you don’t miss a thing. We also quickly learned motorbikes can go where cars or buses can’t, down narrow dirt roads and through the beautiful rural countryside. Our wonderful guide Mr. Phu getting ready to depart Should You Travel The Hai Van Pass Individually Or Pay For A Guide? Choosing to travel from Hue to Hoi An by motorbike is the first step. We would like to congratulate you on your excellent decision. Now, you need to decide whether it’s a journey you want to make independently or with a guide. Personally, we recommend booking a guide for a few reasons Having a guide eliminates the need for you to navigate using your SIM or offline map you saved when you had WiFi. Trust us, it’s a long journey. A guide knows the quieter roads and deals with all locals at entrances as well as prevents potential scams. Another benefit to a guide is they will clear any traffic in your path and warn others you are coming when necessary. Last and certainly not least, a guide knows all the best places to stop for scenic views, attractions and food. Having a guide made our ride completely stress free. Take a guess how much it cost us to hire a guide for this trip from Hue to Hoi An? We’ll tell you in the next section about hiring a motorbike. You can of course drive this route independently and many people will without any issues. But we would suggest that only experienced and confident motorbike riders go it alone. Prior experience driving in Vietnam is a must. If you don’t feel confident enough to drive your own bike but definitely want to experience this route by bike, you can even ride on the back of a guides bike instead. Traffic in Vietnam is different beast! We saw at least 10 other groups riding with guides on our journey. Our bikes parked along a section of the Hai Van Pass As tourism continues to grow in Vietnam, special trips like the Hai Van Pass become increasingly more popular. So with many options available, we wanted to be sure we found the right tour for our needs. When we asked our hotel owner in Hue about the best companies to use when booking a motorbike tour of the Hai Van Pass, she told us that MotorVina was the best company to book with. Since we had already built up a good rapport with her, we trusted her opinion, but of course being analytical scientists by nature we still checked reviews online. But once we saw the incredibly high ratings and positive reviews for MotorVina, we knew we were in good hands. MotorVina has offices in Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An, which means you can start and end wherever suits your schedule. But what about your backpacks? This is the beauty of booking with Motorvina! They will transport all of your luggage to your final destination. You can choose to simply hire a motorbike with a guide or hire a guide to ride pillion on the back. We hired a guide plus two motorbikes so we could each drive the route on our own motorbike. Our total cost was about US$ 80 per person for both of us to drive our own bikes over the Hai Van Pass with an amazing guide. Our awesome guide was called Phu but went by rhyming alias Dr. Who’ – another BBC show. When you book your Hai Van Pass tour, book it through Motorvina using the link below! >> Book a Hai Van Pass tour with MotorVina Get Your Guide Viator Mark and Kristen along the Hai Van Pass in Vietnam Hai Van Pass Packing Essentials Below is a list of things you need to consider taking with you. Remember you will be exposed on a motorbike for the full 8 hours between Hue and Hoi An or vice versa. The Hai Van Pass is only a small section of the motorbike tour. Reusable Water Bottle – This sounds obvious but you will need as much water as you can fit into your seat. You will stop for lunch and can refill along the way, but always be sure to have some on hand. Reef Safe Sunscreen – Do not make that mistake! You will have the worst sunburnt arms, legs and face if you do not take sunscreen seriously. Waterproof Layer – Conversely, if the sun is not out, remember a warmer and waterproof layer. Even if the sun is out, temperatures and weather can change in minutes on the Hai Van Pass since it has its own mini microclimate. Swimwear – If you plan to take a dip in either the sea at Lang Co Beach or at Elephant Springs, you’ll need a change of clothes or just wear it underneath your motorbiking gear. Microfiber Towel – A towel will certainly come in handy if you decided to take a dip along the way or need to wipe the sweat from your brow during the day. Kristen relaxing in a hammock on the Hai Van Pass Best Time To Drive The Hai Van Pass Vietnam is notoriously difficult to plan an itinerary due to the ever changing weather system. Always expect a variation of hot, humid, muggy, stifling and raining situations. Additionally, when you’re in the North during Winter it might even get a little chilly. The Hai Van Pass is even more unpredictable than usual for Vietnam. It’s named the Ocean Cloud Pass’ after all! The name alludes to the micro climate where it can be a beautiful day and all of a sudden you find yourself in a dense cloud of mist and rain at the summit. Weather conditions are exceptionally changeable and it will boil down to luck on the day. That being said, if you want to give yourself the best chance of a dry day, February to April is the driest season. Visiting September to December statistically speaking will mean highest risk of rain, with October by far the wettest month. Again, luck plays a huge part because we drove the Hai Van Pass in October and never saw a single drop of rain. Our Hai Van Pass Motorbike Tour Experience From Hue To Hoi An Now that we’ve covered all the preparation, let’s get down to what you can expect on your Hue to Hoi An motorbike tour across the Top Gear’ Hai Van Pass. In the next sections of our guide, we will show you the best things to do along the Hai Van Pass as well as some of the popular stops you shouldn’t miss. Dr. Phu ready to ride and Kristen feeling slightly nervous 1. Hotel Pick Up In Hue The fabulous day began at 900am when we had our backpacks picked up to be driven to Hoi An. Our automatic motorbikes were dropped off with Dr. Phu at our hotel in Hue. Kristen had a pink bike and Mark a white bike. We did the usual safety checks before hopping on. We always recommend taking photographs of the bike exterior before you begin your ride. As always, make sure your helmet is also very secure. Admittedly, we were both a little nervous just look at Kristen’s face. We had driven a little around Ninh Binh and Phong Nha on motorbike but nothing like an 8 hour slog over 160km and on serious highways. However, Phu was amazing from the word go, he made us feel at ease and relaxed immediately. 2. Gassing Up In Hue Getting out of Hue was interesting. We made a beeline for the quickest way to reach the rural countryside South East of the city. Inevitably, there were a few near misses. Well, they felt like near misses to us, but they were standard operating procedures to the locals. But in a surprisingly short amount of time we got the hang of traffic patterns. It’s actually organized chaos that somehow works. The worst thing you can do is dilly dally about. You need to be confident and once you begin a maneuver, make sure you complete it. Drivers will yield once you are in motion, but if you are stopped, anything pretty much goes. Sure, drive defensively, but that does not mean stop at a 4 way junction in the middle of the road. You’ll never get out. It was great having Phu show us how to properly navigate the roads. We felt safe with him and it was worth the money alone just for the extra layer of safety. Dr. Phu filling our motorbikes with gas before our drive Before we could cut off into the countryside, we needed to fill up the tanks. Phu led us into a real gas station and handled the fueling up while we shared a laugh of relief at each other for getting through the traffic in Hue, as our hearts were beating much quicker. We say real’ gas station because you will pass several people buying gas on the side of the road. You never know what is being sold in those “gas bottles” so just fill up at the actual gas stations. Save yourself that drama, trust us. 3. The Countryside And Quaint Rural Fishing Villages Full of fuel and newly found confidence, we followed Phu down some gorgeous narrow dirt roads cutting through waterlogged rice paddies. Swerving left and right alongside fishing lakes and through rural villages, we began to relax as we were really getting the hang of this. Now, in place of motorbikes as potential hazards, we now had to look out for loose chickens, children and rogue goats. Mark and Kristen on a boat in a floating fishing village We stopped to admire some large straw structures with chicken coops inside. We also met a woman catching snails and she showed us her lucky technique. As we rode on, we were blinded by intense reflecting sunlight surrounded by a rainbow of colors. What could this be?! It transpired that a rich local family had built an ornate family temple with colored glass. The building was absolutely magnificent! Coincidentally, the owners now live in New York. From experience, we can say Hue’s surrounding countryside is peaceful and extremely easy to drive around. You never know what or who you will run into. 4. Stopping At Elephant Spring We stopped at a restaurant for a refreshing ice cold drink after a fairly long stretch of straight highway. We had been cruising at a pretty good speed to cover some ground so we were happy for the break. Thunderous trucks howled by less than a meter from our parked motorbikes on the roadside in the makeshift parking lot. Phew, it was sweltering and we were struggling to get our sunscreen to soak in before sweating it off instantly. After our refreshing drink, we only drove a short while until we pulled off the main road and followed a poorly maintained dirt path to Elephant Springs. There was a barrier crossing the track and an entrance fee required. We gave Phu 2,000 VND each to pay for our motorbike parking and he handled the rest. Elephant spring is nothing to shout home about but you will be ecstatic when you get to jump in the plunge pool area to cool off. Other tourists were submerged in the water trying to escape the inhospitable baking sun. Before jumping in, we walked up some wooden boardwalks and over some boulders to check the area out. Phu took some photos of us on elephant rock, which obviously has been man made using wrought iron bars to hold the rock in place. But after a few photos, we both enjoyed jumping in to cool off from the heat and humidity. If its busy when you visit Elephant Springs, there are plenty of spots to explore upstream if the natural pool is full at the bottom. 5. How To Remove A Leech From Your Leg After swimming against the strong river current and walking around a bit, there’s not much else to do here. Except of course if you discover you have a leech on your leg! Mark had to call in the cavalry, aka the guy lighting his cigarette in one hand and lighting the leech on Mark’s leg in the other. There were no screams, we promise. Phu of course oversaw the entire de-leaching process. The moral of the story here is to check for leeches if you decide to take a dip in Elephant Springs. Bamboo raft floating in Lang Co Lagoon 6. Lang Co Lagoon Not far from Elephant Springs is Lang Co beach, which is one of the prettiest areas of the day. We were hungry but before stopping for lunch we drove along the narrow spit of land separating the sea from a small lagoon. Around a dozen lagoon or beachside restaurants made of wood sitting on stilts provided an extremely serene atmosphere. There were some super photogenic spots within the lagoon that were completely unexpected. Be sure to look out for wooden rafts, leafless tree branches rising out of the still water and lifeless wooden boats if you want some great photos. 7. Lunch Stop At Lang Co Beach We pulled into one of the chilled out looking wooden restaurants and picked a table under cover to escape the sun for some respite. The menu looked great. We ordered rice and vegetables then sat enjoying the sound of waves crashing on the beach. The waves provided a nice change from the loud hum of the motorbike engines and traffic. But the calmness was broken up by a faraway sound, like a shriek. As we looked at other tourists on tables nearby, it seemed everyone had a did you just hear something’ look on their faces? Then we heard the sound again, but louder this time. It was someone shouting HELP’ from the sea. A Dangerous Rip Current Instantly all of us in the restaurant jumped up and ran to the beach. It’s interesting to see how we all react differently in stressful situations. A guy on a table nearby did a David Hasselhoff, sprinted for the sea without thinking and was on his merry way out to sea. However, what he didn’t realize was that he was swimming into the same strong rip current the other guy was already stuck in. Unfortunately, Mark had experience from when he got stuck in a rip current in Thailand a few years prior to this incident. He knew the best thing you can do in this situation was to swim perpendicular to the rip current which meant parallel to the beach because you will eventually swim out of it. So we quickly analyzed the beach, wave direction and estimated the edge of the current. We instructed other tourists and restaurant workers who were worrying a lot now to gesture frantically to the left. As both men were now stuck in the rip current and the only chance they had was to swim out of it. Lunch stop during our Hai Van Pass motorbike tour Eventually, the first guy made his way left and finally back to the beach. He was exhausted and really shaken up. Hasselhoff followed a few minutes later in better shape but still extremely tired. The initial guy thanked everyone and said he genuinely thought he was going to die. Our blood pressure dropped dramatically as both men made it out of the water safely. Everyone involved was relieved the situation had not turned out much worse. Travel Tip If you plan to swim at any of the beaches along your Hai Van Pass motorbike tour, be very careful because rip currents are common along Vietnam’s central coast. 8. A Bit Shaken Up After the commotion, we ate and took a short walk along the beach. Getting back on our motorbikes after what we had just witnessed felt insignificant. We made sure both men were okay again once they had some time to compose themselves. A boat on a beach in Central Vietnam To get the full effect of the beach, we took off our shoes to feel the sand scratch lightly on our feet. We also admired some large wooden boats shaped like bananas that were bigger than us. But it was time to get back on the road. We could see the Hai Van Pass towering ahead of us with thick clouds at its summit, but we couldn’t wait to get up there and shake this off. 9. The Official Hai Van Pass Begins We hit the road having thankfully avoided witnessing someone drown. And what a stunning road it was! The route begins by crossing gorgeous Cau Lang Co Bridge over the lagoon. Gorgeous views of the Cau Lang Co bridge We didn’t fully appreciate the beauty of the view over the bridge until we were further around the headland looking back at the scene. If you’re exceptionally lucky, you might see a train heading for Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City as you cross the bridge. We were not so lucky. Instantly the roads begin to acutely curve out of sight. We were performing 270 degree turns to follow the correct trajectory. Now this was getting fun… Kristen taking in the views during our Hai Van Pass tour There are several hazards and obstacles to keep in mind. These hurdles come in the form of other people either driving trucks or huge buses overtaking on blind corners. There is also the occasional hot headed tourist trying to become the next Valentino Rossi. All we could do is drive defensively and safely without going too slow that we caused an accident. There were temptations to gun it but there are other people to consider. If the road was guaranteed to be clear, it would have been a whole different story. Kristen looking over Lang Co Bay from a hammock on the Hai Van Pass Have you ever seen aerial photos of hairpin roads snaking up a mountain side? This is exactly what you are gliding around on the Hai Van Pass and it’s amazing! Be sure not to get carried away in the moment, stop from time to time to take it all in. One of the stops Phu had us pull over at had some hammocks where we could lounge around for a few minutes. This was definitely the best way to appreciate the spectacular view over Lang Co Bay. 10. Hai Van Pass Summit We knew we had reached the summit as we turned the last corner. There were so many buses, cars, jeeps and motorbikes parked all over the road. The Hai Van Pass is quite touristy, but we only realized this once we were at the top. Luckily, during our journey we had avoided most of the crowds. At the summit, there are a few small places to grab some food, coffee or a beer but don’t expect much. A huge rusting old road sign is the first landmark we noticed, but further up a dirt path right off the road you can visit the old French bunker and Nguyen gate. From this spot, there are more wonderful views of Lang Co beach in the distance. To be honest, we didn’t spend much time at the summit. It was overcrowded and apart from the historical significance of the bunker which we quickly read about, there wasn’t much else to keep us up there. Phu told us the better views of Da Nang were on the way down the other side. His tip was all we needed to get a move on. 11. The Descent Into Da Nang Phu was absolutely correct! The panorama over Da Nang city on the descent closely rivaled the scenes of Lang Co beach on the other side of the pass. We couldn’t decide which was more attractive, so we called it evens. The beautiful views as you descend the Hai Van Pass Descending the Hai Van Pass is easier and more relaxing than ascending because gravity together with wheels do all the work for you. But don’t let your gaze wander too much because you still have to be alert. We stopped a good 4 or 5 times to enjoy the cityscape view of Da Nang, its bay and the headland. It was getting late in the afternoon and the sun was heading West behind the summit so our descent was shrouded in shadow. Bad for photos but good for shielding from the intense sun for a welcome change of temperature. Mark and Kristen on a motorbike during a Hai Van Pass tour Da Nang is Vietnam’s third largest city. Unfortunately, there is a relative amount of traffic to go along with that title. We crossed the awesome and unique Cau Rong bridge, with a gigantic dragon slaloming through its center. We all continued to Da Nang’s beachside road. This road was very popular and stacked full of traffic lights at every block, which meant it took a long time to get to the marble mountains. 12. Final Stretch To Hoi An It was getting late in the day by the time we had reached the marble mountains. We didn’t have enough time to hike any of the small trails which was a shame, but we still asked Phu to show us some of the marble display rooms where locals create huge sculptures. The showroom he took us to had hundreds of marble statues of all shapes and sizes. He told us tourists often have them shipped to their home countries. Now we know where that statue came from in Mr. Smith’s garden!! 13. Hai Van Pass Hue To Hoi An Conquered The final stretch of road towards Hoi An was busy and natural light was failing as night approached. Fortunately, Phu knew a few shortcuts on very narrow roads running between rice paddies in the countryside outside Hoi An town. He took us for a very brief stop off at a friends curated and lush green garden. Before we knew it, we had arrived in Hoi An at the MotorVina office. Sunset over rice paddies in Hoi An We simply signed our document to say we’d arrived and picked up our deposit once we ended at the office. Phu had Kristen sit on his back seat and another guy from the office put Mark on the back of his as they whisked us off to our hotel in Hoi An. We had mixed feelings as we handed our bikes in, picked our backpacks up and said goodbye to Phu. What a day. We were exhausted, but didn’t want the day to end. As the adrenaline wore off, we also quickly noticed our stiff legs and numb butts! Beautiful ending to a very beautiful day We had successfully conquered the Hai Van Pass by driving our own motorbikes all the way from Hue to Hoi An and we had survived to tell the story. Now it was time for a celebratory beer! Hai Van Pass FAQ’s Let’s take a quick look at some of the most frequently asked questions about the Hai Van Pass in Vietnam. How Long Does It Take To Drive The Hai Van Pass?If you drove the Hai Van Pass without stopping, it would take about 3 to 4 hours. But most people make several stops along the way and take about 5 to 8 hours to complete the entire trip from Hue to Hoi An. Is The Hai Van Pass Worth It?Yes, the Hai Van Pass is worth it because you will experience many scenic vistas and have the chance to drive a motorbike over a mountain pass with gorgeous windy roads. The Hai Van Pass is one of the best things you can do in Vietnam and it’s a perfect activity for adventure lovers. How High Is The Hai Van Pass?The Hai Van Pass is 496m or 1,627 feet in elevation. 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Hue – How to find the abandoned waterpark in Hue Want more Vietnam content? Head over to our Vietnam Travel Guides to see example itineraries, tips about Vietnam and popular city guides. We hope our Hai Van Pass travel guide helps you plan your motorbike tour! Please let us know if you have any questions about the Hai Van Pass or Vietnam in the comments below. Happy Travels, Mark and Kristen Enjoy This Hai Van Pass Guide? Pin It For Later! 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 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! In a 2008 episode of Top Gear, host Jeremy Clarkson described the Hai Van Pass motorbike tour “a deserted ribbon of perfection”. We couldn’t agree more as a ride through the Hai Van Pass is simply a must. It is one of the most quintessential roads in Vietnam, weaving through breathtaking mountains overlooking a stunning coastline. Located half an hour outside of Da Nang and an hour and a quarter from Hoi An, we think driving the 21 kilometres long Hai Van Pass is essential, whether you are spending time in Hoi An, Da Nang, or Hue. Hidden’s put together information on Hai Van Pass motorbike tour and hires. Along with the history of the pass, and a guide to the best places to stop along the way. A wide angle view of the Hai Van Pass and train as it makes its way along the coastline. Photo Hidden Hoi An What is The Hai Van Pass? The Hai Van Pass and the spur of the Truong Son Annamite mountain range, which it traverses, has played a large part in the history of Vietnam. The road itself is 21 kilometres long with inclines of up to 11 degrees at some points. It reaches a peak of 496 metres. The beauty of the landscape on show while driving over the pass cannot be understated. The road snakes its way up through the steep hills, surrounded by lush tropical jungle. It’s adorned with views out over the ocean and white sand beaches. From the southern side, the whole curve of Da Nang is visible. Then from the north sparkling Lang Co Beach is stunning. Geographically, the range of mountains split Vietnam into its southern and northern climates. The range protects Da Nang from the formidable “Chinese Winds”. They blow in from the northwest and can make for significant differences in climate. During the winter months November-March the northern side can be very cold and wet. However, on the southern side, it remains warm and dry. Check out our full article here on the weather in this area to help plan your trip. The jungle view from the Hai Van Pass which geographically splits northern and southern Vietnam. Photo Hidden Hoi An The History of the Hai Van Pass The mountains also made for a significant geopolitical boundary, separating the Champa and Dai Viet Kingdoms for centuries. The steep, unforgiving mountains were a tough obstacle to overcome in any conquest. The Hai Van Pass was also a crucial land link between the cities of Hue and Da Nang during the American War. The top of the pass has had fortifications to stop unauthorised passage since the Dai Viet Kingdom. Emperor Minh Mang’s Brick Gate Emperor Minh Mang built the imposing brick gate next to the road in the 19th Century. On one side of the gate, “The most grandiose gateway in the world” is inscribed. Surrounding the gateway are battle-scarred bunkers which were initially built by the French during the First Indochina War called the French war by Vietnamese and later used by American forces during the American War. Keep an eye out for the bullet holes on some of the bunkers. Now, the bunkers are empty, and all that the pass separates is the provinces of Quang Nam and Thua Thien–Hue. A motorbike loaded with flowers makes its way over the Hai Van Pass. Photo Hidden Hoi An Before the construction of the six-kilometre-long Hai Van tunnel in 2005, the Hai Van Pass was a major bottleneck for traffic going from Hanoi to Saigon. The pass used to be infamous for its high death toll, but now with far less traffic, the road is much safer, if no less steep. Now, the Hai Van Pass is used mainly by tour buses, motorbike, and oil tankers which aren’t allowed in the tunnel. The country’s main train line also goes around and through the mountain range but at a lower elevation than the road. The views from the train are equally good so make sure that you are awake when you pass through. The reunification express train photographed crossing the Hai Van Pass. Photo Hidden Hoi An Best Time To Visit The Hai Van Pass The best time to ride the pass is later in the dry season towards September. By this point, the sun is still shining, but the heat is not so overwhelming as it can be earlier in the season. That being said, the pass is a great ride any time of the year, but extra caution needs to be taken when it’s wet. Because of the nature of the pass, sometimes the top can become shrouded in mist, blocking the views. However, it usually only covers the very top section, and there are still great views to be had on either side. Plus the mist gives it a great atmosphere, and with the lush jungle, it can feel like you’re riding into Jurassic Park. When riding the Hai Van Pass, make sure that you have the essentials with you Sunscreen, long-sleeved tops, and long pants are useful for minimising that bikers tan line. During the cooler months, a warmer and waterproof layer is also recommended because it can get quite cold on the top of the pass. It’s a good idea to have some water with you but not as essential as you can’t ride for long without seeing somewhere that sells it. A group of riders seen navigating one of the big hairpin turns on the Hai Van Pass. Photo Hidden Hoi An Riding Solo ‒ What You Need to Know One of the most popular ways to see the Hai Van Pass is to rent a motorbike and take a tour of it, even going all the way to Hue. The freedom to stop where you want and make detours to wherever you like are the main reasons to ride the Hai Van Pass yourself. We recommend that you have motorbike riding experience before attempting the pass, mainly if you will be riding with a passenger as some of the corners are very tight. From Hoi An it takes about an hour and a half tour to get to the start of the Hai Van Pass and to get from one side of the pass to the other only takes about 45 minutes on a good motorbike. We recommend you take your time and allow at least an hour and a half for stops and photos. A fuel tanker passes motorbikes as it climbs the Hai Van Pass. These large, slow vehicles create real danger on this road. Photo Hidden Hoi An Renting a Motorbike There are many places in Hoi An where you can hire motorbikes. What company you choose to go with will depend on how far you plan to go. If you want to go all the way to Hue, then you will want a more comfortable bike and luggage transfer. Otherwise, a one-day rental will be excellent. Hidden Hint To make your ride up the hill more enjoyable, be sure to hire a bike with a decent sized engine. Riding up the pass going the same speed as the big trucks is no fun. The prices for daily rentals at local shops in Hoi An start at 80,000 VND USD and 160,000 VND 7 USD at the bigger companies. Luggage transfer is 40,000 VND USD per day. We have written about the process of renting a motorbike in Vietnam with Style Motorbikes, in our article about driving from Hue to Hoi An. We have also collated a list of the most reliable motorbike rental shops in Hoi An and written an introduction to motorbike rental in Vietnam – both excellent reading material before tackling this journey! Hai Van Pass Route Directions from Hoi An to the Hai Van Pass Getting to the start of the Hai Van Pass from Hoi An is a relatively simple exercise in staying next to the beach until you get to the bottom of the hills. The only slightly more complicated part is getting through Da Nang. The route we recommend takes a few minutes longer than the most direct route but is much more enjoyable and more comfortable to follow as it avoids going straight through the centre of Da Nang. Click here to open the directions in Google Maps. Hairpin turns and steep climbs make the Hai Van Pass a challenging drive. Photo Hidden Hoi An From Hoi An, drive up the main road Hai Ba Trung towards An Bang Beach and then turn left at the last set of traffic lights. Stay on the coast road for the next 20 kilometres until you come to a large roundabout. Turn left here and continue straight through the next two roundabouts until you have crossed over the Dragon Bridge. Take the first right turn at the other end of the bridge to stay on the road next to the river. Continue on this road for two kilometres and stay left at the fork in the road. Then go straight through the roundabout. At the end of the road, turn left and stay on the road next to the coast. It will swing to the left and connect to the main road. At the main road turn right and stay on this road which takes you to the start of the pass road. The Best Viewing Stops on the Hai Van Pass The main reason to ride the Hai Van Pass is for the beautiful views. But there are also some great spots to stop and relax. Here are our top picks for photo opportunities and other activities. Hidden Hint Make sure to take a towel or similar with you to cover the motorbike seat when you stop to take photos. It only takes a minute or two before the sun heats the seat, enough to make it painful to get back on. Tourists make their way up to the old French bunker which tops the Hai Van Pass. Photo Hidden Hoi An The Old French Bunker The main viewing point is at the old French bunker at the very top of the Hai Van Pass. There are some restaurants up here, and it’s where all the tour buses stop so expect to see a lot of tourists. You can get some great views from here looking both north and south. There is nothing to stop you from pulling over at any point you think warrants a photo. Just be sure that you are well out of the way of traffic and keep your wits about you as the trucks are very big and sometimes come very close. The best places on the road to stop are at the sharp corners and hairpin bends which give you unimpeded views. In particular the one here, which is the last big corner before the summit. On the other side, a great view out to the ocean can be found here. One of the best spots is here, just before you cross the train track at the bottom of the pass. From this point, you look out across the water to Lang Co where you can see the beach, the town, and the new bridge leading into the Hai Van Tunnel. This is also the same spot where the hosts stopped during the 2008 Top Gear episode. The train from Da Nang to Hue seen as it winds along the Hai Van Pass coastline. Photo Hidden Hoi An Food and Drinks We recommend taking a bottle of water and a banh mi with you. This way you can stop and have a snack on your way up the pass. But there are also places to buy food along the way. At the top of the pass, there are a few different coffee shops which sell snacks, cold drinks, and some basic meals. Expect prices here to be a bit higher than down at sea level. If you’re after somewhere with more options and better pricing, then it’s best to go to the restaurants on either side of the Hai Van Pass. On the south side of the pass, you can stop at one of the many restaurants in or on the edges of Da Nang. While on the north side there are some delicious seafood restaurants in the small town of Lang Co. Be Than Restaurant in Lang Co serves excellent seafood with an impressive view. Photo Hidden Hoi An Hidden Hint Be Than Restaurant in Lang Co is one of the best seafood restaurants in the area. The food is great and reasonably priced food served fresh in a wonderful setting which overlooks the lagoon. It’s well worth a stop here if you’re passing through. The Hai Van Pass is undoubtedly the star of any road trip that passes through it, but that doesn’t mean that there is nothing else worth seeing. These are some great detours on both sides of the pass that are worth your time visiting. Off the Beaten Track If you want to add some extra action on your motorbike tour to your Hai Van Pass trip, you should consider going off the beaten track. Starting here, at the last hairpin bend before the summit, is a very small winding road which is just a dirt track at some points. It goes around the mountain below the crowded main viewpoint and offers some great views without the tourists. It is a very adventurous track and should only be attempted by experienced riders with an appropriate motorbike. The track reconnects with the main road on the other side of the pass and adds just over an hour to the trip. A view north from the Hai Van Pass summit with the road itself seen through the lush vegetation. Photo Hidden Hoi An Son Tra Peninsula The Son Tra Peninsula is an easy addition to a trip over the Hai Van Pass and offers comparable views without all the other tourists. It’s a great ride around the lush, forested hills and the steep road 18% at some points and all its curves make for an enjoyable ride. The peninsula is also home to the Linh Ung Pagoda which has the massive statue of Lady Buddha standing a whopping 67 metres high which can be seen from much of Da Nang. This and the viewpoint at the top of the hill make the Son Tra Peninsula a great addition to any trip near Da Nang. To get there, simply stay on the main road right next to the beach from Hoi An and you will end up there. Do the same if you are coming from the pass. Stay on the road closest to the beach until you reach the peninsula. Riding the loop, including stopping at the lookout, only takes just over an hour and will only cost you 2,000 VND USD to park at the summit. Be sure to bring your camera. Hidden Hint Some of the sections of road are very steep and can be more challenging for inexperienced riders. If you are a confident rider and want to go up all the steep sections, then make the loop clockwise. If you are less confident, then make the loop counter-clockwise to make it easier. Lang Co Beach On the north side of the pass is the small fishing town of Lang Co. It is bisected by both a river and the main highway. The town has some great seafood restaurants at very reasonable prices, and it also has some lovely beach. Turn left at this petrol station after crossing the river, and the road will take you straight to, what is usually a deserted beach. There are a few restaurants here which will try to get you to park in their spot. But there’s nothing to stop you pulling up pretty much anywhere. The sun in the middle of the day is scorching, and there is minimal shade, so we recommend timing it for the morning or afternoon. Be careful if you do go swimming because the waves here can be quite powerful sometimes. A view of the lagoon and crab pots in Lang Co. We highly recommend circling the lagoon before returning over the Hai Van Pass. Photo Hidden Hoi An Elephant Springs Suoi Voi Once over the pass if you are willing to drive another 15 kilometres, we highly recommend you go to Elephant Springs. Here, you find a riverbed with sets of dammed up pools where you can bathe in crystal clear water. Locals have built small platform-like huts on the riverside which offer shade and beer. Therefore making it the ideal location to spend the hot hours of the day. Adding this option to your Hai Van Pass adventure turns it into a real day trip. Giving you the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. The turnoff to Elephant Springs is not signposted and can be quite hard to find. It requires doing a u-turn around the barrier to go down a small side street of the main highway. The best way to do this is to use Google maps or for directions. Click here for the location. To get there, you will pass through a ticket booth on the road. It costs 15,000 VND USD per person to get through. 2,000 VND USD per motorbike to go through. Once on the other side keep going up the road continuing to the carpark at the end. Once you arrive at the entrance, you will be greeted and lead to one of the poolside huts. You have to use one of these huts to get into the pools, and they do charge for them. Prices range from 25,000 VND 1 USD 100,000 VND USD. Make sure to bargain and agree on a price before you swim to avoid any surprises. Food and drink are also available but can be quite pricey. Bathers enjoying a refreshing dip at Elephant Springs. Photo Dyon Tran Directions from Hoi An to Hue via the Hai Van Pass A popular trip to make is to go from Hoi An to Hue by the Hai Van Pass motorbike tour. The route is so popular because it is a fun ride over the pass. It takes in some beautiful scenery, and can quickly be done in a day, including stops to relax and cool down. The trip can be made as a one-way trip. But you can easily stay a night or two and come back the same way. Alternatively, you could turn the trip into a multi-day motorbike adventure. So you ride a loop going from Hoi An to Prao, then on to Hue before coming back over the Hai Van Pass. A more in-depth description of this route can be found here. Whatever option you choose, you’ll need to hire a motorbike for the trip. Read the earlier section on hiring a motorbike for one-way and multi-day options. The Other Side of the Pass Once you get to the other side of the Hai Van Pass, there are two main routes to get to Hue. The fastest way is to stay on the main highway all the way to Hue. This takes about three and a half hours from Hoi An. Our preference is to stay on the road next to the coast which splits off after Lang Co. This takes you through smaller towns. There is nothing to stop you making as many detours as you like to some of the fantastic beaches. This way takes about four and a half hours. But is well worth the extra time. Click here for the Google Maps directions. Hidden Hint Motorbikes are not allowed to ride through the Hai Van Tunnel. But you can to take the shuttle service which runs around the clock. It costs 30,000 VND USD to shuttle a motorbike through the tunnel. Cutting out 20 kilometres of road and saving 30 minutes to an hour of travel time. Stunning mountain views await travellers as the cross the Hai Van Pass, just be sure to bring your camera! Photo Hidden Hoi An Guided Motorbike Tours of The Hai Van Pass The Hai Van Pass can be quite a daunting undertaking if you’re not confident on a motorbike. There are so many places to see that it can be hard to know where to go. If you still want the full experience but don’t want to go it alone then consider a tour. There are lots of motorbike tours available that give you the thrill of riding up one of the world’s most beautiful coastal roads. You’ll have the benefit of a local guide too who can show you all the best spots. In Hoi An, you will likely be approached by bikers offering you tours around the countryside or further afield to places like the Hai Van Pass. A lot of locals offer easy-rider tours. It is important to know that easy-rider is not a brand. Therefore the level of service can vary dramatically between drivers. Easy-riders are usually bigger bikes with a passenger seat that has a backrest to make longer journeys more comfortable. If you decide to go on a longer tour with an easy rider, make sure that you get along with the driver first. You will be spending your whole journey with them, so it helps. There are multiple reputable companies which offer bike tours to the Hai Van Pass and beyond. Here are our top picks Hoi An Motorbike Adventures Address Nguyễn Chí Thanh, Trang Keo hamlet, Cam Ha Started in 2009 and now the largest motorbike tour operator in Central Vietnam, Hoi An Motorbike Adventures are old hands at touring around Hoi An and the Hai Van Pass. They have tours ranging from one to three days, one way to Hue or returning to Hoi An. In addition you have the option to ride your own motorbike if you wish. Prices for a full day return tour over the pass start at 1,900,000 VND 82 USD. Vespa Adventures Address 134 Tran Cao Van Vespa Adventures offer tours around Hoi An and all through Vietnam and Cambodia. If you want to cruise your way up the Hai Van Pass on the back of an authentic Vespa, then look no further. Their tour through the Hai Van Pass to Hue is a full day adventure and starts at 4,150,000 VND 179 USD. This tour can also be done in the other direction, travelling from Hue to Hoi An. Easy Rider Hoi An Address 109 Le Hong Phong Mr Thong has been running easy rider tours in Hoi An for a long time and really knows his way around. They offer one-day return trips over the Hai Van Pass, as well as longer one-way rides to Hue and beyond. Prices for a full-day return tour to the Hai Van Pass including the Marble Mountains start at 1,000,000 VND 43 USD. The signature orange bikes and helmets of Vespa Adventures as they drive up the Hai Van Pass. Photo Hidden Hoi An Jeep Tours of the Hai Van Pass If two wheels isn’t your style, then consider cruising up the Hai Van Pass on a retro jeep tour. The jeeps can take three or four passengers so it is a great option for groups or families. Most of the jeeps are convertible or open-top. So you still get to enjoy the wind in your hair without having to ride a motorbike. Hoi An Jeep Adventures offers a Hai Van Pass & Coast tour from Hoi An to Hue. The full day trip costs 3,360,000 VND 145 USD per person. Tours require a minimum of two people to run however there are often groups for solo travellers to join. Bus Tours of the Hai Van Pass The only way to go on a bus tour over the Hai Van Pass is if you are travelling to Hue. All the buses going over the Hai Van Pass will stop at the top for you to get out and take some photos. Taking a bus is definitely the cheapest way to get to Hue. However, you don’t get the same experience as going on a jeep or motorbike tour. The view of Da Nang from the top of the Hai Van Pass. Photo Hidden Hoi An Hidden’s Thoughts If you’re confident and comfortable on a motorbike, you won’t want to miss this part of Vietnam. This ride is going to be a dream come true for you. There is no need to be put off if you don’t want to ride a motorbike either. Simply remove the stress from the occasion and opt for a guided tour, sit back, and enjoy the ride.

hai van pass guide