Experience arguably the most iconic stretch of road in Vietnam. Made famous by the BBC motoring programme Top Gear in 2008 the Hai Van Pass was dubbed "A deserted ribbon of perfection - one of the best cost roads in the world" and is an absolute must during any Vietnam visit.
It seems like our desi music industry, in particular Bhushan Kumar-headed T-Series, will never tire of remixing and revamping classic songs. T-Series on Monday released the 'updated' version of the old RD Burman song "Kya Yehi Pyaar Hai", which was beautifully rendered by legendary singers Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar.
Asahi Hai St. Lite Kinen (Japanese St. Leger Trial) (G2) DOWNLOAD IMAGE. 2022.09.18 G2 Kansai Telecasting Corp. Sho Rose Stakes (Shuka Sho Trial) Chukyo Racecourse. Sep. 18, 2022 Kansai Telecasting Corp. Sho Rose Stakes (Shuka Sho Trial) (G2) DOWNLOAD IMAGE. 2022.09.17 J-G3 Hanshin Jump Stakes
May 14, 2022 / By Valerie Wheatley. The Hai Van Pass, otherwise known as Ocean Cloud Pass, is a ~12-mile stretch of roadway between the cities of Da Nang and Hue. The National Route 1A road snakes up the side of the mountain with stunning views of the Da Nang Bay 1,600 feet below. The road has countless bends with poor visibility.
Our guides Tuyen and Kanhn were so personable, spoke exceptional English explained each obstacle in great detail but also in a way which made us feel safe the whole time. We rode on quiet roads first over Hai Van pass through rainforest with great coastal views then a van transfer through the busy roads to the next section where we rode on
Many visitors say the next part of our excursion is one of its highlight as we leave the confines of Da Nang and head up the stunning 21km Hai Van mountain pass - made famous by the BBC's 'Top Gear' programme who described it as; 'a deserted ribbon of perfection, one of the best coast roads in the world'.
You can take the Hai Van Pass or the nearly seven kilometre Hai Van Tunnel (the longest tunnel in Southeast Asia) to get to Hue. Straddling the truly beautiful Song Huong, also known as the Perfume River, the city was the political, cultural and religious centre under the Nguyen Dynasty, the last royal dynasty of Vietnam which lasted from 1802
The Hai Van Pass | Travel Guide Vietnam's Number One Coastal Road. Somewhere between the historic city of Hue and the coastal city of Da Nang you can Things to See on the Hai Van Pass. For many, completing Hai Van Pass is best done during their travel from north to Some Tips. The best time to
. In Top Gears 2008 Vietnam Special, the presenters were tasked with riding the entire length of Vietnam by motorbike. Clarkson grumbled his way up much of the country, but was awestruck by one road in particular the Hai Van Pass. He called it a “deserted ribbon of perfection.” This feature skyrocketed the road to fame and has since inspired thousands of travellers to take to the Hai Van Pass by motorbike now the most famous road in the country; a 21km coastal road winding around the mountains of Central Vietnam. Boasting scenic ocean views and exciting hairpin turns, a motorbike tour of the Hai Van Pass sits firmly at the top of many Vietnam bucket everything you need to know before tackling this spectacular is the Hai Van Pass?Hai Van’ roughly translates to Ocean of Clouds’ in Vietnamese, a phrase that perfectly describes this mountainous coastal road. It reaches 500 metres above sea level, with the mountains on one side and the ocean on the pass links the cities of Hoi An, Da Nang and Hue, making travel between them an absolute delight, as it enables you to avoid busy Highway 1 and instead ride on a quiet mountain Hai Van Pass itself is only 21km, so some people ride it on a day trip from either Hue, Da Nang or Hoi An. Others choose to do a multi-day tour riding the 165km from Hue to Hoi An or vice versa via the Hai Van Please do not drive a motorbike abroad without travel insurance! Get a free quote from World Nomads — I always use them for backpacking trips as they cover lots of sports and adrenaline trip or multi-day motorbike tour?Are you planning to motorbike the Hai Van Pass as a day trip? Or do you want to take on a multi-day ride?The Hai Van Pass itself is only 21km long, so it can easily be ridden on a day trip from any of the three main cities around it Hoi An, Da Nang and the Hai Van Pass is a fantastic way to ride between all three cities over the course of 2 – 3 days. The coastline between the three cities is spectacular, so it’s worth spending time exploring the surrounding towns, beaches and attractions, as well as motorbiking the Hai Van Pass we chose to ride the Hai Van Pass over 2 days, staying in the lovely Rom Casa Hostel in Da Nang overnight. This felt just right, as it meant we had plenty of time to explore some beaches along the coast, check out the Marble Mountains, and a motorbike for the Hai Van PassThere are plenty of places in Hoi An, Da Nang and Hue from where you can rent a motorbike. As some people choose to ride from Hoi An to Hue or vice versa over 2-3 days, many rental companies also offer luggage transfer and collection of the are roadside motorbike rentals and larger motorbike companies from which you can rent your bike. Roadside places will be cheaper but the larger companies are generally more reliable. The choice is yours!The prices for daily rentals at local shops start at about USD and 6 USD at the bigger companies. Luggage transfer is about 40,000 VND USD per day. All in all, it’s excellent value for used Hoi An Bike Rental and had a great experience with them. Alternative options for touring the Hai Van PassWant to ride the Hai Van Pass but are not keen on driving a motorbike yourself? Here are a couple of alternative options for RidersIf you haven’t driven a motorbike before — or simply don’t feel confident — but want the motorbike experience, you could hire an Easy Rider. Easy Riders will drive the route for you while you relax on the back! I’ve heard good things about Easy Riders — they have experienced guides who will make you feel comfortable on the back of the bike and will take you to all the best stops along the is a good option if you have no experience driving a motorbike. The Hai Van Pass has tight bends and steep inclines so is probably not a good choice for your first Van Pass jeep toursIf motorbikes aren’t your style, why not join a Hai Van Pass jeep tour? Some jeep tour options to check outHue AdventuresGet Up & GoEasy Rider Hoi AnHai Van Pass route and mapWhether you plan to motorbike the Hai Van Pass on a day trip, or take on a multi-day tour of the surrounding coastline and cities, the map below details the best route to total distance to ride Hoi An > Danang > Hue or vice versa along the coastal roads is map below shows the route from Hoi An to Hue, with places of interest, scenic viewpoints, beaches and recommended food stops pinned as well. Click here to view the map in a larger window. Things to see around the Hai Van PassThe below attractions can all be found on the route from Hoi An to Hue, via the Hai Van a coastal road, there are obviously plenty of beaches to explore during your Hai Van Pass road trip. An Bang, Non Nuoc and Lang Co are just three of the beautiful beaches you’ll pass on the route from Hoi An to Hue. It’s up to you how many you stop at to enjoy — I personally found it hard to resist the beachside shacks selling coconuts or fruit smoothies!Hoi An Old TownIf your starting point is Hoi An, you may have already had time to explore the Old Town. But if not, you simply must take a stroll through quaint Hoi An to admire the pretty lanterns, waterways and An Old TownMarble MountainsThe Marble Mountains are a cluster of 5 mountains just outside of Da Nang. The 5 mountains supposedly represent the 5 elements of water, fire, earth, wood and metal, and feature tons of caves, pagodas and monuments. It’s worth setting aside an hour or so to explore everything there is to see Marble MountainsDragon BridgeThe route I’ve laid out on my map will take you straight over the famous Dragon Bridge, which enables you to cross the River Hà n. It looks cool during the day, but if you’re stopping in Da Nang overnight, be sure to come back when it’s dark to see it lit up. It’s a sight not to be missed!Dragon BridgeThe fishing boat templeNot long after you’ve crossed Dragon Bridge, you should spot the Co Bac Temple, also known as the Thanh An-Thanh Thuy fishing villages’ temple, right on the beach. It’s a unique temple being in the shape of a fishing boat and is a shrine to the unlucky fishermen who died or went missing at fishing boat templeThe Hai Van Pass itselfNeed I say more? Just look at those from the Hai Van PassHai Van GateUnexpectedly, as we approached the end of the pass, we came upon an old war bunker. It was covered in bullet holes and was really interesting to explore. People were having wedding photos taken here — apparently, this place is really popular for Van GateIf you do only one thing in Vietnam, make it a motorbike tour of the Hai Van to next?Check out my 1 month Vietnam itineraryCruise stunning Halong BaySee the top things to do in Da LatThank you for reading! If you found this post useful, I’d be grateful if you would consider using the affiliate links below when planning your travels. I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This will help me to keep this blog running. Thanks for your support – – – HostelworldCheap flights – SkyscannerTravel insurance – World NomadsOutdoor gear – Decathlon / GO OutdoorsCycling gear – Chain Reaction CyclesAlternatively, you could buy me a coffee to say thanks!
The Hai Van Pass is a combination of hairpin bends, spectacular views of coast and clouds, unique adventure and a lot of history. Famous to thrill-seekers on a Southeast Asian journey, the Hai Van Pass is nothing but exciting rides and breathtaking views, making it a must-do for any traveler making their way from Da Nang to Hue or vice versa. Here is all you need to know before tackling this spectacular pass. A mix of mountains, coast, and clouds Hai Van means, “Ocean Cloud Pass,” named so because the mountain road hugs the coastline. It sits 500 meters above sea level making it the highest pass in Vietnam. The pass is full of sharp, hairpin bends, stretching for 21 kilometers and connecting two major cities in central Vietnam Da Nang and Hue. While Da Nang is a modern metropolis built by the seaside, voted as the best city to live in for expats in Vietnam, Hue is a tranquil and well-preserved remnant of the Nguyen Dynasty with ancient royal tombs and pagodas. Two very different worlds. The Hai Van Pass was featured in Top Gear, skyrocketing its popularity among the adventurous traveler community. The ride is not for the faint of heart and requires extreme skill to tackle. Nerves are almost always offset by the panoramic views enjoyed as misty mountains come into view on one side, and the ocean and the sublime coast stretches into the horizon on the other. Beyond being famously known for its scenic views, the Hai Van Pass represents the boundary splitting the northern and southern regions of Vietnam. A pass with an interesting history The Hai Van Pass was once a strategic natural territory separating two mighty and opposing kingdoms, the Dai Viet and the Champa. The “winner” would gain the advantage of controlling this gigantic pass and expanding its territory towards the other side. History gave priority to Dai Viet who finally took over the whole country . During the Vietnam War, it was the “Street Without Joy” as it was a highly contested highway. Bunkers were constructed to aid and cover convoys used to travel between the torn cities of Hue and Da Nang. Remnants of those devastating affairs live up to this day with the ancient grand gate at the summit of the pass that still stands. A couple of small shops huddle beside the surviving bunkers. With all the conflict behind its gruesome past, renovations groomed the highway. A tunnel that cut through the mountains was completed in 2005, allowing Hai Van Pass to earn the moniker “Street Without Traffic.” Tackle the pass from April to July The best time to conquer the Hai Van Pass is from April to July. During these months you won’t have to deal with the scorching heat that is common in Vietnam. Even though you still can ride the pass anytime during the year, the rainy season from August to December adds a bit of risk, as the pass gets shrouded in mist. Plus, this blocks the view! Make sure you plan your ride well so you can reach the peak during sunset or sunrise to catch a breathtaking panorama of the scenery below. Driving a motorbike is the best way For adventurous travelers, it is recommended to rent a motorbike and conquer the roads of the Hai Van Pass yourself. The adrenaline rush of zipping through the traffic-less lanes and the freedom to stop at any point during the trip to revel at the views makes it an unforgettable experience! However, if you do not have prior driving experience, then this is not the time to learn. Alternatively, join a tour Signing up for a motorbike tour of the Hai Van Pass allows you to experience everything while being driven by a professional driver. This releases your hands for capturing the beautiful moments with your camera. Plus, the tour guides are very knowledgeable and will explain things about the pass you may otherwise not discover on your own. With a seasoned driver at the helm, travelers have nothing to worry about when getting from Hue to Da Nang and vice versa. There are many reputable companies that offer this service which guarantees you’ll be seeing the best spots throughout the ride. For your convenience, a jeep is also available to safely convey your luggage and will be ready for you at the other end. Take a break every few minutes! There are many spots to take a break at for stunning views and picture time. Sometimes you’ll come across a shack built beside a view point where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or sugarcane juice with the landscape open in front of you. One of my favorites is a local coffee shop near the Old Turtle Rock. As you keep ascending from here, you’ll see the imposing red-brick gate atop the mountain pass. Aptly named as the Hai Van Gate, this landmark has been recognized as a national relic of the country. When you turn down towards Hue, you will reach Lang Co Bay. Here, you’ll witness the perfect harmony of the enormous mountains, expansive seas, and motorized sampan boats as you make your way down the shore. The traditional Vietnamese fishing village is a must-see spot in Lang Co Bay. It offers a genuine look into the rural fishing life with the presence of sprawling fishing nets and boats, which are all decorated with a shark painting on one side. If you get hungry on the way… Unfortunately, there are no food options along the way, except for some food-and-drink cottages opposite the Hai Van Gate at the peak. However, the price is a lot higher than the regular price you pay elsewhere. We recommend you to wait until reaching Lang Co Bay where there are multiple seafood restaurants. It would also be smart to fill your bags with some snacks at a food stop in Da Nang before heading towards the pass. For those crossing Hai Van Pass on a tour, all food and drinks are covered so it won’t be a problem, unless stated otherwise. Once you’ve packed your bags, it’s time for the adventure of your lifetime! Remember to pack a swimsuit as well as you can hop into the Lang Co Lagoon and cool off in the midday sun!
How GetYourGuide ranks activities Activities on the GetYourGuide marketplace are ranked by a combination of factors including popularity, diversity, availability, customer rating, cancellation rate, performance over time, and amount of revenue generated.
Not only is it a place associated with many important historical values. Hai Van Pass is also a place that attracts visitors who are passionate about exploring the beautiful scenery captivating people. Admire the majestic beauty of Hai Van Pass along with Hai Van Pass emerged on the blue sea of the East Sea, stretching about 20 km from Hue to Da Nang. It is a high mountain pass along the 1600km coastline of Vietnam. For centuries, this pass has formed a wall between the ancient Cham culture in the south and the inheritance of the Vietnamese tribe in the Red River delta, the dividing line between literary influences from the north and south of Asia. How Hai Van Pass is unique? Today, Hai Van Pass is a climate barrier between North and South Vietnam. There are 2 seasons in the South Dry and rainy season but 4 seasons in the North of Vietnam. Traveling to Da Nang along Highway 1. You will feel the cool breeze while enjoying the wonderful scenery along the way to one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. From Da Nang City, Travel along National highway No1, We will cross Nam O Nam River. It’s very close to a famous village very famous for making fish sauce. Starting from here, the road slopes upwards, like a white thread wrapped in green mountains, until it reaches the top. It’s Amazing Scenery. Because from here you will see the whole bay and the city below appear suddenly, stunningly stunning. In the distance, white sand beach of Non Nuoc beach stretches to the horizon, beyond the boulders of Ngu Hanh Son. At an altitude of 496 meters, the pass of these oceanic clouds gives us breathtaking landscapes of the stretched coastline of Vietnam. This is a small temple worshiping a mountain god. Such as symbolized by a tiger statue – a lord of the forest. It’s located on the top of the mountain. Along the pass you will see some small shrines to commemorate the victims. It is worth a visit Hai Van Pass The moss growing on the bunker – called the first. It was built by the French in 1826 to protect this strategic pass. It has been steadily on the side of the mountain for decades. It can be controlled from the sides of the mountain from both sides. Most witnessed the rise of the Vietnamese people during the struggle against the French. Then transferred to the US Army and the Vietnamese People’s Army once used this ramp to shelling in Da Nang. Travel experience Being present at the top of the pass at sunrise or sunset can own beautiful photos and enjoy the best atmosphere of the day. Along with friends to climb Hai Van Quan, sip coffee bought at the top of the Pass is also an interesting new experience. The road starts down the slope for Da Nang tour package to Hue city. Looking from above, the road looks like a winding thread with lots of turns that make the road feel endless road. But just when you start to lose hope, cars round the last turning point and a very spectacular landscape appears before your eyes Beach and Lang Co fishing village. Whether it is midway or the last point of the Da Nang tour. Lang Co beach is a great destination for the Hai Van Pass. From here onwards, you can comfortably admire the rice fields and tranquil villages along the the road going to Thua Thien Hue. In the journey to conquer the Hai Van Pass , in addition to admiring the unique natural beauty here. Do not forget to record the beautiful “unique” moments. Hai Van Pass with challenging bends and a majestic beauty that captivates people will always be one of the places to be missed in Vietnam for any adventurer lover. How to go to Hai Van Pass? Hai Van Pass is 20km from Da Nang city and 80km from Hue city. For convenience, you can move to Da Nang city by many means such as airplanes, trains, buses … then rent a car to Hai Van Pass. By cars Since most of the current cars choose to go through the Hai Van pass tunnel, the transportation by car to pass the pass is quite limited. By motorbike This is the best means for you to fully experience the feeling of conquering Hai Van Pass. Moving by motorbike, you can flexibly stop at many places on the pass to enjoy the view, take photos, take a rest … If it comes from Da Nang, after about 1 hour, you will reach Hai Van Pass. It’s great for Solo traveller, Family private tour Quick tips Not travel on this pass at weekend The are many young Vietnamese travel by motorbike on this pass Are you searching for? hai van pass train jeep tour hai van pass hai van pass weather top gear to hai van pass blog bout hai van pass is the hai van pass worth it hai van pass wikitravel Are you an adventurous lover? so Hai Van Pass is the best holiday destination in Vietnam. Let’s contact Origin Vietnam for details. Frequently Asked Questions About Hai Van Pass What Are The Most Amazing Things To Do In Hai Van Pass? Which Place Is Must See In Hai Van Pass?
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 Chà 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
