Hai Van Pass Ultimate Guide with Local Tips

According to Travel + Leisure, Hai Van Pass in Vietnam entered the top 10 most beautiful drives worldwide. It ranked fourth just after Great Ocean Road in Australia, Big Sur in the USA, and Jebel Hafeet in the UAE. 

Hai Van Pass amazes travelers not only with its adventure roads but also picturesque nature. The perfect combination of spectacular mountains and the endless calm blue sea will definitely bring you a one-of-a-kind experience.

This article shows you everything you need to know to conquer this breathtaking pass, from its history, and the best time to visit, to local tips to enjoy the the pass to the fullest. 

Let’s get the ball rolling!

But wait! If you’re planning to visit Hai Van Pass along with Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue, feel free to check this out: Perfect 4-Day Da Nang Hoi An Itinerary!

An Overview of Hai Van Pass in Da Nang 

Located on the North-South Nation Highway 1, Hai Van Pass serves as the boundary line between Danang city and Thua Thien Hue province and marks the end of the Truong Son range. 

With a length of about 20 kilometers and a height of 500 meters above sea level, it’s ‌the highest pass in Central Vietnam. The paved back roads hugging green mountains make it look like a giant dragon sleeping in the mysterious forest. 

 Source: travelandleisure

What does “Hai Van” Mean?

Hai Van means Ocean Cloud (Hai is Ocean and Van is Cloud). The name describes the mist from the East Sea evaporating and clinging to the top of the mountains, making the pass such a fairyland. 

When is the Best Time to Visit Hai Van Pass?

The good news for you is the weather is pretty pleasant throughout the year so you can visit the pass whenever you want. But keeping an eye on the forecast is still needed to avoid unexpected rainy and windy days. 

Additionally, in June and July, the temperature can sometimes reach up to 40 degrees Celsius at noon. You should ride in the morning or afternoon to avoid the strong heat. It is a great way to wake up at the crack of dawn to hit the road and behold the beautiful sunrise on the pass. 

Read the best time to visit Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue to get more insightful details and plan your trip to Hai Van Pass accordingly.

The tranquil sunrise in Hai Van Pass (Source: peakd)

Top Gear Hai Van Pass

In 2008, BBC Car filmed a series in Vietnam called Top Gear Vietnam Special, and Top Gear Hai Van Pass is the most well-known part of the series. It had the participation of three famous English hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May. 

“That’s fantastic” and “It’s a fabulous country” are what the three riders exclaimed when they appreciated the scenic landscapes. Driving through twisty routes and contemplating gorgeous beaches gave them a journey full of excitement and fun. 

The Ocean Cloud pass earned the title of “a deserted ribbon of perfection”, one of the best coast roads in the world. Since then, the Top Gear Hai Van Pass episode has inspired generations of travelers worldwide, especially backpackers to challenge their driving skills on the pass, making it the must-visit place in Vietnam. 

The three hosts are on their adventure in Vietnam (Source: onyabikeadvantures)

Where Should You Embark on Your Hai Van Pass Adventure?

There are two popular routes you can choose to get to the pass: 

• Riding from Hue (the north) to the south. The pass is more than 70 kilometers away from the town of Hue. You can depart from Hue city center and then follow Highway 1 to Lang Co Bay.

• Riding from Da Nang or Hoi An to the north. If you depart from Hoi An, you will go through Da Nang which is about 25 kilometers away from the pass. You should take the coastal route to Danang, where on the way you can see the iconic Marble Mountains, My Khe beach, and the giant Lady Buddha statue across the sea. 
• The total distance for the adventure from Hoi An, Danang to Hue is 165 kilometers. It’s easy for you to finish your adventure in one day. So just need to pack light and kick off your adventure. 

History of Hai Van Pass

The pass has been performing a crucial role during our thousands of years of fighting, expanding, and protecting the Vietnamese territory.

The Period of the Champa Kingdom

Before the 14th century, Hai Van Pass was well-known as the natural division between Dai Viet in the North and the Champa Kingdom in the South. During their glorious era, the Cham people successfully built the Cham civilization and were a formidable rival of the Viet. 

Among many of their heritages left today, My Son Sanctuary in Quang Nam province is an outstanding illustration of the advancement and uniqueness of the ancient kingdom. 

My Son Sanctuary – a grand complex of centuries 

The Indochina War and the Vietnam War (1946-1975)

During these periods of fighting and protecting the country of the Vietnamese people, Hai Van Pass was a hot battlefield. It was famous for the name “Street Without Joy” as it connected the two most seriously war-ravaged cities – Hue and Da Nang. 

Here, many Vietnamese young heroes sacrificed themselves to protect the country’s peace and independence. Now, at the top of the pass, you can still see old vestiges of war as a reminder of historical events. 

The old gun tower stands in the middle of a huge forest  (Source: zestinatone)

Central Vietnam is a landscape rich in culture and blessed with many natural attractions. If the colorful Hoi An lantern festival is the symbol of the long-standing culture, Hai Van Pass is the masterpiece of nature and living proof of the bravery of the Vietnamese. 

Hai Van Tunnel

To facilitate North-South transportation, Hai Van Tunnel 1 was built and finished in 2005 with a length of 6.28 kilometers. In 2016, Hai Van Tunnel 2 was constructed alongside Hai Van Tunnel 1 to reduce heavy traffic. 

On January 11, 2021, ‌Tunnel 2 was opened. Hai Van Tunnel is the longest road tunnel in Southeast Asia. 

Source: cucgiamdinh

The tunnel allows only cars and busses to enter. Vehicles carrying flammable and dangerous materials, including oil and petrol, are also banned for safety reasons. If you ride a motorbike or bicycle, you can use shuttle bus services provided by the tunnel management board at a very cheap price. 

Going through the Hai Van Tunnel significantly shortens the distance and time for traveling. However, Hai Van Pass is still a go-to destination for nature lovers and adrenaline junkies. 

Must-Visit Spots in Hai Van Pass

Hai Van Gate 

Located on the top of Hai Van Pass, Hai Van Gate is characterized by a stone structure. The traces of wars, time, and abandonment with green moss and ruins make this place ‌a popular attraction. 

Hai Van Gate was recognized as a national relic site in April 2017. On November 19, 2021, the gate started being restored to preserve and promote ‌its historical values. With its new appearance, it promises to be an appealing destination for travelers. 

(Source: baodanang)

North Hai Van Railway Station 

After beholding magnificent green woods and the endless blue ocean, you can immerse yourself in romantic and poetic corners at North Hai Van Railway Station. 

Hai Van Railway Station is a part of the North-South Railway Line built by the French in the Indochina War. Now, the railway is still being operated. 

Recently, thanks to the upgrading of services and the decoration of facilities, traveling by train from Hue to Da Nang has become a trend for both domestic and international visitors. Sitting on the train, you can take photos and contemplate the mesmerizing scenery appearing in front of your eyes. 

Lang Co Bay

As far as local people said, at the end of the pass on Hue side, there was a village called Làng Cò. This was the place where flocks of storks were flying back and covering vacant lands with a beautiful white color. 

When naming it on the map with romanized letters, the French removed the tone and changed it from Làng Cò to Lang Co, and with the local Hue accent, it sounds like Lăng Cô. Since then, the village has been attached to the Lăng Cô name.

In 2009, Lang Co Bay was rated as one of the world’s most beautiful bays by World Bays. It captures tourists’ hearts at first sight with blue seawater and a long white-sand beach. 

Admiring Lang Co Bay at sunset and watching a fishing village with boats sailing in Lap An Lagoon will bring you a sense of nostalgia and extreme peace.

Lap An Lagoon 

Lap An Lagoon is a part of Lang Co Bay. It is famous for its rustic beauty. The crystal-clear water reflecting the mountains, clouds, and sky makes it like a massive mirror.

Source: thesaigontimes

This lagoon is considered ‌the treasure trove of Hue because of its rich biodiversity. The brackish water in the lagoon is the ideal condition for the growth of aquatic animals, especially oysters. There are many oyster farms in this area and dishes from oysters have become a delicacy in this region. 

Best Way to Explore Hai Van Pass

For those who want to seek thrilling and challenging experiences, riding a motorbike is a perfect option. Many places in Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An offer motorbike rental services at reasonable prices. 

You should ride a manual bike to avoid brake failure due to winding roads. Before going long downhills, you have to check through the motorbike, especially the brakes.

However, if you are not confident about your driving skills but still want to visit this incredible pass, Phoebe & Besties brings you the best solution. We provide Da Nang to Hue drop-off and Hue tour including Hai Van Pass stop for you. 

Our besties will help you have a safe and wonderful trip with one-of-a-kind experiences. All you need to do is ‌put your seatbelts on and feast your eyes on the beauty of nature. Your jaw will drop when harkening to interesting local stories that we share along the way. 

Explore Hai Van Pass with Phoebe and Besties!

The “Ocean Cloud” Pass has a peaceful vibe and scenic landscape with blue seawater and mountains harmoniously next to each other. Riding through twisty routes and immersing yourself in nature, you will have memorable experiences.

It is a perfect destination for all visitors even if you have limited time or are on a shoestring budget. Why don’t you give it a shot? Check out our blogs or email us (xinchao@phoebeandbesties.com) right now for free itineraries and tour recommendations!

Frequently Asked Questions