Hai Van Pass – The Ultimate Guide To Central Vietnam’s Most Scenic Drive
What Is the Hai Van Pass?
The legendary Hai Van Pass, also known as the “Ocean Cloud Pass,” is a breathtaking 21-kilometer mountain pass located 500 meters above sea level, straddling the border between Da Nang and Hue. Overlooking the South China Sea, it serves as a natural divider between the climates of northern and southern Vietnam. Renowned for its dramatic cliffs, stunning ocean views, and thrilling curves, the pass gained international fame through the 2008 “Top Gear Vietnam Special.”
My journey through Hai Van Pass Vietnam was unforgettable, and I recommend experience the Mountain Pass with an Easy Rider. Each twist and turn offered panoramic views, allowing me to fully appreciate the beauty of this remarkable route. Whether you choose to ride a motorbike, take a vintage jeep, or enjoy the coastal train, this scenic experience is a must-do on any Central Vietnam itinerary. In this article, I’ll share essential tips for planning the perfect Hai Van Pass tour, along with insights into its historical significance and must-visit attractions.
Should You Do the Hai Van Pass?
The Hai Van Pass is an captivating destination that attracts a diverse range of travellers. It is especially ideal for adventurous individuals, motorbike enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone in search of stunning scenic views.
Why Is the Hai Van Pass So Famous?
The winding road offer a thrilling experience with the most breathtaking views, especially at the Panoramic Curve, where mountains meet the sea.
- 🌊 Jaw-dropping coastal panoramas.
- 🏍️ Thrilling mountain curves – Hai van Pass easy rider experience.
- 🌿 Lush jungle cliffs & misty peaks.
- 💦 Waterfalls and Beaches for a refreshing swim.
- 📸 Offers incredible photography opportunities.
- 🌤️ A route where you can experience 4 seasons in one day. I experienced the journey in March – perfect day with clear blue skies.
- 🎥 Featured in the Top Gear Vietnam Special – boosted its global fame.
hai van pass Travel Time
The time it takes to travel the Hai Van Pass can vary greatly depending on your starting point and mode of transportation.
It is advisable to set aside a full day to fully appreciate the stunning scenery and attractions that the Hai Van Pass has to offer.
To experience the thrill of the Easy Rider Motorbike Tour along the breathtaking Hai Van Pass – a journey through the heart of Hoi An, Da Nang, and Hue awaits you! 👉 Join the adventure now!
Best Ways to Experience the Hai Van Pass
1. Easy Rider Motorbike Tour (Best experience) 🏍️
A Vietnam Hai Van Pass Easy Rider Motorbike Tour offers a thrilling way for travellers to explore scenic routes without driving. Passengers enjoy a relaxing ride with a professional driver, stopping at hidden viewpoints and great photo spots.
The package includes safety gear, hotel pick-up, and luggage transfer for a secure experience. It’s ideal for capturing memorable moments and enjoying spontaneous stops.
For those who are nervous about riding a motorcycle but still want to enjoy the experience, an easy rider motorcycle can be a great option.
2. Ride Your Own Motorbike 🏍️
This option delivers total freedom to experience the vibrant beauty of Da Nang and the breathtaking Mountain Pass at your own pace.
If you want to rent a scooter or motorcycle during your stay, check out Da Nang Motorbike rental. They provide the ideal Hai van pass motorbike models, and every rental includes two helmets and 1.5 liters of fuel at no extra charge.
Consider the curves, traffic, and weather can be challenging. Choose the self-drive option only if you are an experienced driver and is comfortable with mountain roads.
If you are not, it is better to opt for an Easy rider tour.
👉 You can still enjoy the experience – choose between Easy Rider Hai Van Pass Tour, or an Easy Rider private tour (1Way|Loop).
3. Jeep or Private Car Tour 🚙
Discover the Hai Van Pass with an adventurous Jeep or private car tour. This option provides a stress-free way to experience the stunning scenery and unique attractions along the route, making it a great choice for those seeking both fun and comfort.
👉 Experience Hai Van Pass by US Army Jeep tour to satisfy your desire for adventure → Book a Hai Van Pass Jeep Tour 🚙💨.
Another option is to book a Da Nang Car Rental With Driver 🚗
4. Take the Scenic Coastal Train (Da Nang → Hue) 🚆
While the train does not follow the exact motorbike route, it passes through the mountains, offering breathtaking coastal views. Along the way, you can enjoy sights of turquoise bays, small fishing villages, jungle-clad cliffs, and the South China Sea.
Best Seats, timings, and tips
For the breathtaking Hai Van Pass train journey from Hue to Da Nang, be sure to book a soft seat on the side facing the sea.
Book on the left side when traveling from Hue to Da Nang (Southbound), and on the right side when traveling from Da Nang to Hue (Northbound), for stunning ocean views right outside your window.
Timings:
This short local route offers multiple daily departures. For fewer crowds, travel on weekdays and avoid major holidays like Tết, when prices rise and crowds swell. Tickets, especially for “seats with a view,” can sell out quickly, so it’s best to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Embark on a journey of a lifetime and soak in the stunning coastal views with a scenic Hai Van Pass Train ride!
👉 To experience the beauty, book your seat – Hai Van Pass Train ride 🚆.
5. Bus Between Da Nang & Hue 🚌
Enjoy a comfortable shared bus transfer from Hue to Da Nang with air-conditioned seating and fixed departure times. While it’s a budget-friendly option, it may not offer the scenic views of the Hai Van Pass, so consider this if you’re seeking that experience.
👉 From Hue: One-Way Shared Bus Transfer to Da Nang – book here → Bus from Hue to Da Nang! 🚌
Best Stops Along the Hai Van Pass
The top spots to admire the scenery on Vietnam’s Hai Van Pass feature the historic Hai Van Gate located at the peak, the renowned “Lonely Pine Tree,” breathtaking coastal bends such as the Panoramic Curve (which provides ocean views extending to Da Nang Bay), and the view over Lang Co Bay during the descent, all showcasing stunning vistas where mountains meet the sea, frequently accompanied by mist.
Lang Co Bay & Lang Co Beach
This bay is celebrated as one of the world’s most beautiful, featuring pristine waters, white sands, and lush mountains. The beach serves as the primary attraction of the bay and is situated at the foot of the Hai Van Pass, nestled between Hue and Da Nang. Lang Co Beach referring to the sandy shoreline within the larger, renowned Lang Co Bay. A stunning turquoise bay often listed among the world’s most beautiful lagoons (image at the top of post).
Lap An Lagoon
The Lap An Lagoon is a stunning brackish lagoon situated next to Lang Co Beach, at the foothill of Bach Ma Mountain. Known for its tranquil, mirror-like waters, the lagoon features picturesque stilt houses and a variety of seafood restaurants. It is a perfect spot to visit for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty and local cuisine of the area.
This is also where you’ll find the Oyster farms, seafood restaurants, and the beautiful lagoon, situated at the foot of the pass on the Hue side.
Oyster Farms and Fishing Villages
The area is also famous for its thriving oyster farms, which contribute to the local economy and provide fresh seafood for visitors and residents alike.
In addition to the oyster farms, the nearby fishing villages offer a glimpse into the traditional lifestyles of the local communities. These villages are characterised by their vibrant culture and strong ties to the sea, showcasing the age-old practices of fishing and aquaculture that have sustained the residents for generations.
Further down the pass towards Da Nang, Nam O Beach showcases local fishing life with its unique round bamboo boats. If you visit between February and April, you might also see mossy rocks.
Hai Van Gate (Top Viewpoint)
The Hai Van Gate (Hai Van Quan) underwent extensive restoration and was reopened in August 2024, appearing much closer to its original design from the Nguyen Dynasty, while preserving ancient brickwork, fortifications, watchtowers, and remnants from the French and American periods, which has made it a popular historical destination and photo opportunity once again. The multi-year effort was focused on revitalizing this important Vietnamese military outpost situated on the Hai Van Pass. Relics from past conflicts – American war bunkers, and watchtowers are positioned at the summit of the pass.
Cu Rua Rock (Turtle Rock)
Also known as Turtle Rock, Cu Rua Rock is a distinctive formation along the Hai Van Pass in Vietnam, named for its resemblance to a turtle. This area is celebrated for its breathtaking views of the coastline and mountains, making it a popular spot for photography and nature appreciation.
Elephant Springs (Detour)
Elephant Springs is known for its serene natural pools and lush surroundings, providing a tranquil spot for visitors to relax and cooling off. The Elephant Springs and Suoi Voi Waterfall are often thought to be the same location, but they are actually distinct places.
Suoi Mo Waterfall (Seasonal)
The serene Suoi Voi Waterfall features cascading waterfalls and rocky landscapes, attracting those who enjoy hiking and exploring nature. Also called Dream Waterfall flows along the primitive forests of the South East, about 60 km from Hue city. The waterfall is well worth visiting especially on a hot summers day.
Ban Co Peak (optional detour)
Bang Co Peak, known as “Chessboard Peak,” is a famous viewpoint on the stunning Hai Van Pass in Vietnam, where legends say fairies play chess. It offers breathtaking views of Da Nang’s coastline, Hue’s mountains, Lang Co Bay, and lush jungle, accessible via a challenging drive through the Truong Son Mountains, filled with historic forts and modern tunnels
👉 Don’t miss out – Book your seat with Easy Rider Hai Van Pass Tour
Where to Start — Da Nang or Hue?
How to get from Da Nang to Hue?
To travel from Da Nang to Hue, typically range from 2 to 3.5 hours, depending on your choice of transport, You have several options:
- The scenic train offers beautiful views, while limousine buses provide comfort.
- Standard buses are budget-friendly, and hiring a private car allows for flexibility.
- Easy Rider for Hai Van Pass – pick up from Da Nang and Hue.
- Motorbikes and taxis are also available for shorter trips.
Start in Hue → Da Nang
✔ Fewer crowds early but both directions offer stunning views,
✔ Great if you’re doing a day trip
✔ For “most dramatic” direction (Hue → Da Nang gives open sea views).
✔ End the day in Da Nang to experience the Dragon Bridge show.
Starting hai van pass da nang to hue
✔ Best viewpoints come early
✔ Easy access from My Khe Beach hotels
✔ Combine with Lang Co & lunch
✔ End the day in Hue or return to Da Nang
Recommend: Start from Hue and end in Da Nang where you stay a few nights – to experience the following:
👉 The astonishing Bridges in Da Nang.
🌄 as well as Guide to Beaches and Top Activities in Da Nang.
Hai Van Pass Tips and FAQ
the Hai Van Pass Cost?
Easy Rider tours: One-way Da Nang → Hue: 1,000,000–1,500,000 VND (Includes pick up, and luggage transport).
Jeep tours: 1,500,000–2,500,000 VND
Self-Drive Motorbike: Motorbike rental: 150,000 – 300,000 VND (helmet, rental + fuel)
Train tickets: 80,000–200,000 VND depending on seat class.
Best Time to Do the Hai Van Pass
- Dry season: Feb–Aug (best weather and views)
- Rainy season: Sep–Jan (fog, reduced visibility and slippery curves)
- Golden hours: morning or midday is perfect.
How Long Does the Hai Van Pass Take?
- Motorbike / Jeep: 4 – 7 hours (depending on stops and time for photos)
- Easy Rider: 4 – 7hours (depending on stops + photos)
- Train: 2.5 – 3 hours
- Hai van Pass Map
👉 To book anyone of the above tours, go to Mountain Pass experiences.
What to Pack for the Hai Van Pass
- Sunglasses (especially if your helmet has no visor) 🕶️.
- Sunscreen / scarf.
- GoPro or phone strap 📸.
- Comfortable pants and long sleeve top (protection against sun/wind).
- Sturdy shoes like sneakers, or light hiking shoes for grip and foot protection 👟.
- Light jacket (wind or unexpected rain).
- Swimsuit for swimming at Waterfall.
- Water + snacks
- Your Travel Insurance papers.
📍See my full Southeast Asia packing list 🧳
Safety Tips for Riders
- Check brakes and tires before renting
- Safety gear (wear a helmet)
- Avoid doing it in foggy weather or heavy rain
- Don’t overtake and go slow on blind bends
- Bring sunscreen + jacket
- Hydrate and take breaks
Final Thoughts — The Hai Van Pass Is Absolutely Worth It
Whether you travel by motorbike, jeep, or train, a Hai Van Pass tour is one of the most dramatic and scenic travel experiences in Vietnam.
If you’re exploring Da Nang, Hue, or Hoi An, this belongs on your itinerary:
👉 Planning your Vietnam trip? Read my Vietnam Travel Guide for routes, tips & budgeting.
👉 Heading to Da Nang next? Discover the Best Things to experience in Da Nang Travel Guide.
👉Explore the Imperial City and gems in Hue, head to the Travel Guide to Hue.
👉 Love extraordinary things? See the full City of Bridges Guide.
👉 Exploring Central Vietnam? Don’t miss my full Da Nang Travel Guide.
