If you had asked us what the Hai Van Pass was a few weeks ago you would have got a pair of blank looking faces. However after some research and watching an episode of Top Gear The Vietnam Special ๐๏ธ, we wanted to embark on this epic road trip. We now know that the High Van Pass is a small stretch of road that runs along the coastal cliffs in Vietnam. Others call it The Mountain Pass, but the official name is the Hai Van Pass.ย After watching the episode we new this is a must see place whilst travelling through Vietnam.
First of all we want to thank Road Trippers Vietnam for helping us with this experience. Their tour of the Hai Van Pass is the best when it comes to travelling in style. Imagine completing this amazing road trip in the back of an open topped army style jeep. You are able to take in all the views whilst your tour guide provides you with in-depth knowledge about the area, history and culture of Vietnam. We dare you to do this trip and not raise your arms in the air at least twice! ๐
What is the Hai Van Pass
The Hai Van Pass is an epic coastal road which hugs mountains and follows the sea along the East Coast of Vietnam. Starting in Hoi An to Hue, the 20 kmโs long road sits at 500 metre above sea level, making this the highest pass in Vietnam. All though the Pass is only technically 20kmโs long, most people count the two major cities either side of it as the start and finish.
Where does the Hai Van Pass start and finish ๐
If you are travelling north through Vietnam like us, the start of the Hai Van Pass will be the city of Hoi An. You will follow the long winding roads through the mountains and pass breath taking lookouts with sandy beaches below ๐๏ธ. Eventually you will reach the city of Hue. This is where your Hai Van Pass experience finishes. The total distance between Hoi An and Hue is 160 kmโs and will take you around 3/4 hours to complete. The trip can also be completed in reverse.
Readย How to spend 3 Days In Hoi An
What is there to see and do on the Hai Van Pass
Apart from the spectacular views there is surprisingly a lot to do on this stretch of road. As you leave the town of Hoi An, your first stop will be Marble Mountain. The Marble Mountains are a cluster of five hills made from limestone and marble. Itโs also a well-known pilgrimage site with peaks, caves, tunnels and temples all just waiting to be discovered. They are named after the elements metal โ๏ธ, wood ๐ช, waterย ๐, fire ๐ฅ and earth ๐.
Once you are finished here you will head towards the city of Da Nang. This is where you will cross the famous Dragon Bridge. Da Nang city is on the beach and this is where the fun really starts.
You then start heading up into the hills of Vietnam. Working your way up to the top of the Pass with wind in your hair. You then stop at the top of the pass where you get views like this.
After you have taken in the views, you slowly work your way back down the hills until you reach some of the best secluded beaches in Vietnam. Stop and have lunch on the beach and cool off with a little swim.
You continue along the coast line and through the hills passing rice paddies and are able to see the locals working. You eventually reach the city of Hue where your journey end.
How to travel The Pass
If you are not a keen motorcyclist or just donโt fancy battling the madness that is Vietnams traffic, then we high recommend the Road Trippers Vietnam Tour. Here you donโt need to worry about driving and can sit back and take in the views. You will be in the back of an army jeep that is able to hold 6 people. This is including the driver and your tour guide. For us this was an unforgettable trip and the best way to travel the Hai Van Pass.
Why Road Trippers Vietnam
If you are wanting a once in a lifetime road trip along this beautiful coastal road, then you should jump on a tour with the guys from Road Trippers Vietnam. From the minute we got in the jeep, until they dropped us off in our hotel in Hue, they made sure we were having a good time. The guide spoke very good English and was extremely knowledgeable about the locations, history and culture of Vietnam. We hit him with every single question weโve ever had about Vietnam and he was brilliant. We even asked him why so many boats are blue and he informed us that the colour is good luck and represents safe travels. The included lunch was delicious and was on a perfect part of the beach. We also enjoy taking photos, if you havenโt guessed already, and our guide made sure we stopped at every photogenic place he knew. The driver also stopped upon request so we could fly our drone which was a massive help.
Want to see our story from our Road Trippers Vietnam โ Watch the videos here.
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