Hai Van Pass
Đèo Hải Vân
Vietnam's most famous coastal mountain pass, with a winding road of over 20 km overlooking Da Nang Bay and Lang Co Lagoon. Riding a motorbike or hiring a car to cross it is a classic experience.
Hai Van Pass lies about 30 km north of central Da Nang, a spur of the Truong Son Range reaching into the South China Sea. The old National Route 1A winds across it for some 21 km, and the summit sits at about 490 m. For centuries it was a famous barrier dividing northern and southern Vietnam. At the top are remains of the Nguyen dynasty's Hai Van Gate and wartime bunkers, with views of Da Nang Bay on one side and Lang Co Bay on the other. It became famous through BBC's Top Gear Vietnam special. Since the Hai Van Tunnel opened in 2005, the road mainly carries sightseeing traffic, which makes it suitable for slow rides by motorbike or hired car. It is often combined with a trip between Hue and Da Nang via Lang Co fishing village. Expect many sharp bends and steep slopes, and poor visibility in rain and fog. Riding your own motorbike requires a valid license. There are many vendors at the summit, and drink prices are high.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Con Market
- Han River Bridge
- Han Market
- Da Nang Cathedral
- Museum of Cham Sculpture
- Dragon Bridge
- Son Tra Peninsula
- My Khe Beach