{"id":6438,"date":"2021-04-14T20:50:16","date_gmt":"2021-04-14T12:50:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/?p=6438"},"modified":"2021-04-14T20:50:16","modified_gmt":"2021-04-14T12:50:16","slug":"mountain-passes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/mountain-passes\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Mountain Passes In Vietnam For Breathtaking Views From Cloud-Shrouded Peaks"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mountain passes in Vietnam<\/h2>\n
\n

Treacherous yet beautiful, mountain passes are always a sight for sore eyes. For years, the challenges and rewards they offer have fascinated travel enthusiasts in Vietnam who want a highlight for their trips.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, here are <\/span>8 of the most beautiful mountain passes in Vietnam<\/b> to conquer on your next trip. Your prize? Awesome pictures with vast oceans and serene rice fields in the backdrop.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

1. \u00d4 Quy H\u1ed3 Pass \u2013 the longest mountain pass in Vietnam<\/h3>\n
\n

\"mountain
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @0tenladuc0<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The <\/span>\u00d4 Quy H\u1ed3 Pass<\/b> is the longest mountain pass in Vietnam. Spanning 50KM, it connects the two northern mountainous provinces of L\u00e0o Cai and Lai Ch\u00e2u.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"mountain
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @dj_kzyb<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Due to the tall mountains blocking wind currents, the two sides of the pass have distinctly different climates. Standing at the highest point of the pass, you might be able to notice that the Lai Ch\u00e2u side is significantly warmer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @huongkun98<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Speaking of which, an observatory deck has recently been built at the top of the pass. Equipped with decorative structures such as swings, heart-shaped plants, and stairs leading up to the skies, it offers visitors many photo opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @bao_man_<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

If you come here from the side of L\u00e0o Cai, you\u2019ll also pass by the Silver Waterfall, another popular attraction of the province, on the way.<\/span><\/p>\n

GPS coordinates:<\/b><\/span> 22\u00b021’09.9″N 103\u00b045’56.2″E<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

2. M\u00e3 P\u00ed L\u00e8ng Pass \u2013 part of the H\u00e0 Giang Loop<\/h3>\n
\n

\"mountain
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @hagiangadventure<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The legendary H\u00e0 Giang Loop has long been seen as the most challenging yet rewarding itineraries that a biker in Vietnam can undertake, and the <\/span>M\u00e3 P\u00ed L\u00e8ng Pass <\/b>is a highlight of the journey.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @anhtu.13<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The 20KM mountain pass is a real thrill. There\u2019s little to no safety guardrail, several consecutive twists and turns, and many narrow sections with cliffs on one side. As such, be extra careful as you navigate the roads.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @traciee.insta<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

In return for your effort, you\u2019ll be rewarded with stunning views of cloudy skies and vast mountain ranges stretching as far as the eye can see. A certain point on the pass looks directly down to the charming Nho Qu\u1ebf River flowing through a valley.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @kiimm_ngn<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

GPS coordinates:<\/b><\/span> 23\u00b014’27.5″N 105\u00b024’41.1″E<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

3. Khau Ph\u1ea1 Pass \u2013 one of the steepest in Vietnam<\/h3>\n
\n

\"mountain
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @maiiiilllll<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Located in M\u00f9 C\u0103ng Ch\u1ea3i District, Y\u00ean B\u00e1i Province<\/span>, <\/b>the 30KM-long<\/span> Khau Ph\u1ea1 Pass<\/b> is known as one of the steepest roads in Vietnam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @chitran__<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

In the language of the local Th\u00e1i ethnic people, \u201cKhau Ph\u1ea1\u201d translates to \u201cHeaven\u2019s Horns\u201d. Indeed, from the pass, you can see mountain peaks rising above the sea of clouds, looking like horns.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @blackcat.nys<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Moreover, the M\u00f9 C\u0103ng Ch\u1ea3i area is famous for its beautiful terraced rice paddies, which are clearly visible from the pass. Time your visit for around September. This is when the rice starts ripening, creating the best views.<\/span><\/p>\n

GPS coordinates:<\/b><\/span> 21\u00b046’31.9″N 104\u00b016’19.2″E<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

4. M\u00e3 Ph\u1ee5c Pass \u2013 associated with local legends<\/h3>\n
\n

\"\"
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @d2qleathergoods<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Only 3.5KM in length, the <\/span>M\u00e3 Ph\u1ee5c Pass <\/b>22KM from Cao B\u1eb1ng City isn\u2019t as famous as some of the other names on this list. Still, it\u2019s a landmark worth checking out should you pass by the area with great views of mountain ranges and valleys full of buckwheat and cornfields.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @johnnynguyen_21<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cM\u00e3 Ph\u1ee5c\u201d translates to \u201cthe kneeling horse\u201d in Sino-Vietnamese. Local legends have it that a mythical hero once rode through this road, and just as he reached the pass, his horse collapsed from exhaustion, giving the location its name. Some others also say the name comes from the two mountains on the sides of the pass. From above, they vaguely resemble kneeling horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\n<\/span><\/i>The B\u1ea3n Gi\u1ed1c Waterfall<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> @lizz.nguyen777<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

And if you\u2019re in Cao B\u1eb1ng, you\u2019ve probably heard of the<\/span> B\u1ea3n Gi\u1ed1c Waterfall<\/b><\/a> \u2013 a magnificent 3-layered waterfall that\u2019s an absolute must-visit destination of the province. M\u00e3 Ph\u1ee5c Pass is on the same path leading from Cao B\u1eb1ng City to the waterfall, so you can conveniently visit both in one trip.<\/span><\/p>\n

GPS coordinates:<\/b><\/span> 22\u00b043’38.8″N 106\u00b020’12.7″E<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

5. \u0110\u00e1 Tr\u1eafng Pass \u2013 with photogenic white stone mountains<\/h3>\n
\n

\"mountain
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @h.e.l.e.n.a_m<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201c\u0110\u00e1 Tr\u1eafng\u201d means \u201cWhite Rock\u201d in Vietnamese, and sure enough, the <\/span>\u0110\u00e1 Tr\u1eafng Pass<\/b> weaves its way through rocks of grayish-white colors. In pictures, it looks like a snowy mountain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @dollypham_<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The illusion is particularly realistic during winter, when the mountain is often covered in fog.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @hungwm<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Continue on the same path, and you can also get to the Mai Ch\u00e2u Flagpole, a scenic viewpoint that allows a panoramic view down to the entire valley below.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\n<\/span><\/i>Views from the Mai Ch\u00e2u Flag Pole<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @im_myyy<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

The pass is only 120KM from Hanoi and sports wide, well-maintained roads that are not too steep. Thus, it is a good destination for those who’ve just picked up motorbike traveling as a hobby to hone their driving skills. However, caution is advised. The pass is frequented by big vehicles, and as mentioned, it can get foggy during winter.<\/span><\/p>\n

GPS coordinates:<\/b><\/span> 20\u00b039’35.4″N 105\u00b008’34.1″E<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

6. H\u1ea3i V\u00e2n Pass \u2013 iconic mountain pass with a ruined fortress<\/h3>\n
\n

\"mountain
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @tumtoof<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

\u0110\u00e0 N\u1eb5ng on one side, Hu\u1ebf on another, the iconic <\/span>H\u1ea3i V\u00e2n Pass<\/b> is definitely one of the most famous mountain passes in Vietnam. For years, its stunning sea view has enthralled many a traveler.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @vu.nene<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Drive up here from the side of \u0110\u00e0 N\u1eb5ng, and you can see the entire city running along the coastline. Meanwhile, on the side of Hu\u1ebf, the charming L\u0103ng C\u00f4 Beach with its pristine white sand is visible. There are also several drink stalls along the way for you to refresh yourself while immersing in the cool breeze and the views.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"mountain
\n<\/span><\/i>The H\u1ea3i V\u00e2n Gate<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> @tumtoof<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

At the top of the pass lies the H\u1ea3i V\u00e2n Gate, an abandoned fortress with centuries\u2019 worth of history. Though ruined and forlorn, the fortress still attracts many visitors coming to snap pictures with its timeworn brick walls complemented by the skies and the sea in the back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"mountain
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @yula_2143<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Another photo hotspot on the pass is H\u00f2n \u0110\u00e1 C\u1ee5 R\u00f9a, or the Turtle Rock \u2013 a rock protruding from the mountainside just off the road that you can easily climb to for an awesome shot.<\/span><\/p>\n

GPS coordinates:<\/b><\/span> 16\u00b011’14.3″N 108\u00b007’51.4″E<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

7. Ngo\u1ea1n M\u1ee5c Pass \u2013 steepest pass in the south<\/h3>\n
\n

\"mountain
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @haiphan.95<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cNgo\u1ea1n M\u1ee5c\u201d means \u201cSpectacular\u201d in Vietnamese, and you can bet the name didn\u2019t just come out of nowhere. Connecting the coastal Ninh Thu\u1eadn Province to the mountainous \u0110\u00e0 L\u1ea1t city, the <\/span>Ngo\u1ea1n M\u1ee5c Pass<\/b> sports one of the best views south-central Vietnam has to offer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @quoccuong08105<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The highest point of the pass stands 980M above sea level. From here, you can cast your eyes far across the vast plains stretching below, all the way to mountain ranges looming in the distance. The scenery is particularly beautiful at dusk and dawn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @itsonguy<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Still, Ngo\u1ea1n M\u1ee5c Pass is reportedly the steepest mountain pass in southern Vietnam, and there are some pretty sharp turns at certain sections. As such, it should be navigated with caution.<\/span><\/p>\n

GPS coordinates:<\/b><\/span> 11\u00b050’12.8″N 108\u00b039’46.4″E<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

8. C\u1ea3 Pass – scenic mountain pass with sea views<\/h3>\n
\n

\"mountain
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @vansstandard<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

When it comes to mountain passes with sea views, the <\/span>C\u1ea3 Pass <\/b>at the border between Ph\u00fa Y\u00ean and Kh\u00e1nh H\u00f2a is not as well-known as the H\u1ea3i V\u00e2n Pass. Still, it doesn\u2019t mean the views here are any less jaw-dropping.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"mountain
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @sang.ktm.nhatrang<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Driving along the pass, you\u2019ll be able to clearly see the V\u0169ng R\u00f4 Bay in its entirety, with towns equipped with ship docks dotted along the coastline. In the distance, a lighthouse stands tall on a mountain peak.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\n<\/span><\/i>The \u0110\u1ea1i L\u00e3nh Lighthouse<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @banhbaodalat<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re visiting Tuy H\u00f2a City in Ph\u00fa Y\u00ean, we highly recommend sparing some time to check out C\u1ea3 Pass. It\u2019s 40KM south of the city, which means driving here will take a while, but it\u2019s worth it for the views.<\/p>\n

Along the way, you can also take a slight detour to drop by the<\/span> \u0110\u1ea1i L\u00e3nh Lighthouse<\/span><\/a>. The towering lighthouse is believed to be the very first spot that the sun\u2019s rays hit in Vietnam each morning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Beautiful mountain passes around Vietnam<\/h3>\n
\n

Some of these mountain passes are pretty easy to navigate, while others are steep and narrow and should be undertaken with care. It\u2019s worth noting that most of them have no street lights, so plan your visits to be during the daytime to ensure safety.<\/span><\/p>\n

For more things to do around Vietnam, check out:<\/span><\/p>\n