Hải Vân Pass — Attraction in Thừa Thiên Huế Province

Went for a solo drive on the pass in September 2022 at about 7:30am. Beautiful trip and an easy ride. Highly recommended.

Here are a few tips and observations:

Tigit Motorbikes is the place to go to rent a bike as they are in excellent condition and they have strong helmets and gear. Honda Blade 110cc will do the trip with absolutely no problems. I essentially kept the bike in third gear for the whole drive to give it more oomph up the hills and better braking on the descends.

The road is very well maintained throughout, especially on the Danang side. There are guardrails all along the road (though of course it would theoretically be possible to go over them in a crash). I think it would be best not to attempt the drive in the rain however unless you are more experienced on a motorcycle.

BRING SUNSCREEN. Reapply it regularly to exposed areas. I would also recommend getting your bike the night before and leaving as early as you can before the UV level gets very strong. You may also want to bring a towel or something to cover your seat from the sun if you plan to take a longer coffee break.

despite the reputation, the route is safe as long as you pay attention to road signs concerning speed and turns, and you keep your wits about you regarding others on the road. Yes, there are hairpin turns, but you can take them quite slowly and quite wide if you prefer and it won’t be an issue. There is very little traffic generally speaking: you will see a fair few bikes, a few cars, and maybe three or four larger trucks. Drivers are pretty well behaved. There were some stretches where I felt like I was the only one on the road. Roads in Danang itself can feel less safe with how crazy people drive!

aside from the coffee shops, there are several spots with road shoulders that make for good photo opportunities.

starting in Danang, heading to Lang Co on the main road, and then returning to Danang takes about 3 hours in total, including stops for photos and a coffee break. Very doable morning followed by some time on the beach.

if you are new to motorbiking in Vietnam, here are some quick tips. Drivers generally pay attention to what is in front and not what is behind, and they hardly ever use their mirrors, so keep this in mind when driving. Put hazards behind you if you can so you become their problem. It helps to get comfortable with doing a quick shoulder check when shifting to one side. The horn is used liberally to signal to other drivers; it doesn’t mean someone is upset. Turn signals are not always used. On city streets in particular, drive defensively and assume other drivers do not see or...

The Hai Van Pass, which means “Ocean Cloud Pass” in Vietnamese, is one of the most scenic coastal roads in Vietnam — and arguably in all of Southeast Asia. Stretching about 21 kilometers (13 miles) between the cities of Da Nang and Hue, this mountain pass offers a stunning blend of rugged landscapes, panoramic sea views, and winding roads that captivate both locals and travelers alike.

The views from the Hai Van Pass are absolutely spectacular. On one side, you have lush green mountains, and on the other, the vast, sparkling East Sea. The clouds often roll over the mountaintops, creating a mystical and dramatic atmosphere — hence the name. On clear days, you can see as far as Da Nang Bay and the Son Tra Peninsula.

Whether you’re driving a car or riding a motorbike, the journey through Hai Van Pass is thrilling. With its winding curves and steep climbs, it’s an adventure in itself. Riders should be cautious, but for those who are confident, it’s one of the most rewarding rides you can experience in Vietnam. The road has improved over the years, and traffic is lighter now that most trucks and buses use the Hai Van Tunnel.

Apart from its natural beauty, the pass also has historical importance. At the summit, you’ll find remnants of old French and American military bunkers, offering a glimpse into the region’s wartime history. The pass was once the boundary between the ancient kingdoms of Champa and Dai Viet, adding another layer of cultural depth.

Tips for Travelers • The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when the sun casts dramatic shadows and the road is less crowded. • Bring a camera — you’ll want to stop frequently to capture the views. • Make sure your vehicle is in good condition, especially if you’re on a motorbike. • Pack a light jacket, as it can get cool at the summit even in...

It was alright. Nice high view of Da Nang and the winding road that you drive to get up there. The view point / fort area is small but free. You can see both sides of the pass from here.

Good for stretching your legs, but otherwise, quite dull. The road up is not that scenic. Lots of lush trees and peek a boo views of the water. There is a brand new water fall bath area that just opened at the base of the ascent. It's the biggest waterfall with mountain stream water. Only 1 other water fall that was basically a small, small, unimpressive stream after that.

The strip of shops have garbage piled along side of them that makes for a small sad sight. I'm not tourist that can ignore stuff like that. 1 star knocked for this. It obviously wasn't just garbage from the last day or two. I wish people (merchants, locals and visitors) would take better care of their neighboring spaces, not just their immediate spaces or property.

The fort itself is nice but not worth the extra 10km and time if you are prone to carsickness or have other things to see. I was fine with the ride but my mother got sick. Apparently, it gets really busy some days, with folks running across the road and no place for cars and busses to stop but it was very quiet when we were there. I'd definitely NOT go back if it was busy. I would be happier spending more time at one of the many seafood restaurants or drink spots...