The Hai Van Pass Vietnam Travel Guide

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.  Vietnam Explore 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 via Hai Van pass. You can book our tours and private cars transfer as follows:

• Full day Hue City tour from Hoi An / Da Nang : from 48 USD/pax
• Private car from Da Nang To Hue Transfer – 66 USD/pax.
• Explore Hai Van Pass by US Army Jeep – Private tour – from 55 USD/pax

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.

<iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d30651.172508647447!2d108.11269037177911!3d16.20003996576122!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x31422151a4984555%3A0x9a66217b26b3f759!2zxJDDqG8gSOG6o2kgVsOibg!5e0!3m2!1svi!2s!4v1744981124127!5m2!1svi!2s” width=”600″ height=”450″ style=”border:0;” allowfullscreen=”” loading=”lazy” referrerpolicy=”no-referrer-when-downgrade”></iframe>

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.

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. (i.e., 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 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.

— 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.

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.

— 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.

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.

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 5:00 am or 6:00 am, since, at that time, the pass is normally covered with fog. Hence, going between 8:00-9:00 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.

Join with Vietnam Explore Travel  for discovering Hai Van Pass !