Known as one of the most beautiful mountain passes in Vietnam, the Hai Van Pass in Da Nang has become a dream destination for many adventurous travelers. Everyone wants to conquer the majestic pass and check in at the peak of Hai Van Quan. Despite its fame, many people still have vague knowledge about this place. Moreover, despite its poetic charm, the Hai Van Pass is also listed among the most treacherous mountain passes, so in this article, DanangPrivateCar.com’s will help you clarify how to travel from Hai Van Pass to Da Nang, how far it is, and what transportation should be used.
Hai Van Pass and information you should know.
Where is Hai Van Pass and how long is it?
Located about 20km from the center of Da Nang city and about 8km from Hue city, Hai Van Pass winds on a branch of the Bach Ma mountain range, lying on the border of both Da Nang and Hue. The pass is about 500m above sea level and is approximately 20km long. Although not too high, its length and strategic location have made Hai Van Pass well-known.
History of formation and the name Hai Van.
Regarding the name, why is this pass called “Hai Van”? Perhaps this is also the question of many people. In fact, the name “Hai Van” comes from the scenery here, with white clouds covering the pass all year round, while the sea stretches below. “Van” means clouds, and “hai” means sea, so combined together, we have “Hai Van”, which is quite a reasonable explanation, right? According to another source, Hai Van Pass is also called Ai Van, because there is a gate on the top of the pass.
According to ancient history books, Hai Van Pass used to be the boundary between Champa and Dai Viet. After Champa was defeated by the Ho dynasty, the Champa king cut land to make peace, so Hai Van Pass later belonged to Dai Ngu – the name of our country in the past.
Climate on Hai Van Pass.
Although the Hai Van road tunnel has been built, making it easier to travel between Da Nang and Hue, Hai Van Pass still acts as a wall that blocks the climate between the two regions. Standing on the top of the pass, one can clearly feel the difference in weather between the south and north sides. While Da Nang is still warm and sunny, it can already be cold in Hue in the morning.
DanangPrivateCar.com’s offer private car trips from Da Nang to Hue where you can visit Hai Van Pass, Lang Co Beach, Lap An Lagoon,…
How many kilometers is it from Da Nang to Hai Van Pass?
The distance from Da Nang to Hai Van Pass is about 20 km to the north. However, travel time on this mountain pass can take around 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the level of traffic congestion and weather conditions.
If traveling by car or motorbike, you will have to face winding roads, sometimes quite dangerous and requiring high driving skills. However, with beautiful scenery of the sea, grass fields, forests, and unique architectural works along the way, Hai Van Pass is still one of the attractive tourist destinations in Central Vietnam.
Hai Van Pass – Explore the most adventurous route in Central Vietnam.
It’s no surprise that Hai Van Pass is one of the most beautiful and impressive coastal passes in the world. This place not only boasts majestic mountain and ocean scenery but also twists and turns through curves and bends. The Hai Van Pass begins on a paved road in Lien Chieu district, stretches 20km across the mountains and winds around the mountain ranges, culminating in Thua Thien Hue province.
Although there is now a Hai Van road tunnel, many still prefer to take the pass. It’s only when you set foot on the Hai Van Pass that you’ll understand why people are so passionate about conquering it. With towering and magnificent mountains on one side and the vast ocean on the other, the pass road winds like a soft silk strip, standing out against the deep green background of the forest. All of this has woven a harmonious picture, mesmerizing people’s hearts.
When talking about Hai Van Pass, people not only remember the magnificent scenery but also recall the treacherous curves and bends of the pass road. Just the thought of the feeling of rushing through the curves is enough to bring excitement. Or standing at a spot on the pass, admiring the Lang Co Bay, or turning back to see the modern and youthful Danang, all of which are enough to make you nostalgic.
What transportation options are available from Da Nang to Hai Van Pass?
To travel from Hai Van Pass to Da Nang, there are several different transportation options and choices for tourists. Below are some popular ways to travel:
From Da Nang to Hai Van Pass by Motorcycle
This is the most popular and convenient choice for traveling from Hai Van Pass to Da Nang. The road from Hai Van Pass to Da Nang is only about 20 km, and travel time ranges from 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the level of traffic congestion and weather conditions.
Riding a motorcycle over Hai Van Pass is always the most thrilling feeling. Not only do you get to admire the vast and beautiful nature of the sea, sky, and mountains, but it’s also an experience and a personal challenge. However, not everyone can ride a motorcycle up the pass as there are still many dangerous risks. But don’t worry too much, you can book a motorcycle tour from Da Nang to Hai Van Pass with a knowledgeable guide who knows the road well and has a safe driving style, ensuring you a safe journey.
From Da Nang to Hai Van Pass by Private Car
Many hotels and travel companies in Da Nang offer shuttle services from Hai Van Pass to Da Nang. This is a convenient and safer option for those who are unfamiliar with the route and do not want to drive themselves.
DanangPrivateCar.com’s provides private car services from Da Nang to Hai Van Pass. We have many years of experience in transporting tourists in Da Nang, so you don’t have to worry as our drivers will provide you with the best trip possible. Your job is just to enjoy the magnificent scenery of Hai Van Pass, with professional drivers who speak English and can pick you up at your hotel, airport, train station, or anywhere in Da Nang.
From Da Nang to Hai Van Pass by Bus
At Hai Van Pass, there are many daily bus routes to Da Nang. Taking the bus is a cost-saving option, but travel time will take longer compared to motorbike or personal car. In addition, choosing the bus option, you cannot stop along the way where you want, so you should reconsider your purpose of visiting Hai Van Pass before thinking about choosing a bus.
From Da Nang to Hai Van Pass by taxi
If you do not want to drive yourself or take the bus, taxi is a convenient and fast option to travel from Hai Van Pass to Da Nang. However, the cost will be higher than other means of transportation.
Here are some taxi companies in Da Nang and their phone numbers:
- Mai Linh Taxi: (+84) 2363 56 56 56
- Vinasun Green Taxi: (+84) 2363 68 68 68
- Tien Sa Taxi: (+84) 2363 72 72 72
- Song Han Taxi: (+84) 2363 65 65 65
- Faifoo Taxi: (+84) 2363 72 72 72
Note: Please keep in mind that phone numbers may change over time, so it’s a good idea to check the company’s website or local listings for updated information.
To travel from Hai Van Pass to Da Nang, there are various modes of transportation and choices available. If you want to save costs, you can take a bus, or if you prefer convenience, you can travel by motorbike, personal car or taxi. However, if you are not familiar with the route or want to be safer, you can rent a shuttle service from DanangPrivateCar.com’s or book a motorbike tour from Da Nang to Hai Van Pass.
Must-visit spots on the Hai Van Pass in Danang.
Lang Co Bay with its exquisite beauty.
As soon as you reach the Hai Van Pass and cross over into Hue, you will come across a picturesque view of the sea that is Lang Co Bay. Its pristine and serene beauty has attracted many tourists from both inside and outside the country. If you have time, you should spend at least a day exploring all the attractions in Lang Co Bay.
Lap An Lagoon.
Just after Lang Co Bay lies a beautiful lagoon, nestled in the Bach Ma Mountains, known as Lap An Lagoon. This place boasts a surprisingly peaceful landscape, which is reminiscent of a tranquil watercolor painting, evoking the name “Tuyet Tinh Coc.” When trekking on the Hai Van Pass and visiting Lang Co Bay, be sure to take some photos to capture the essence of Tuyet Tinh Coc in Ninh Binh or Da Lat.
Chan May Beach.
With a name as alluring as its beauty, Chan May Beach is a dreamy paradise. Every summer, visitors to Hue flock to Chan May Beach, which includes both Canh Duong Beach, Binh An Beach, and Chan May Port.
Van Village, Danang.
Located in Hoa Hiep Bac Commune, Lien Chieu District, Danang, Van Village is a small village situated at the foot of the Hai Van Pass. Despite being a somewhat secluded area, Van Village, Danang still holds a great appeal to young people. In addition to admiring the beautiful scenery and swimming in the ocean, you can also participate in fishing activities at Bai Chinh, Bai Dua, and Bai Xoan, among others.
Bach Ma Mountain – a Hue tourist destination as beautiful as a painting.
Standing at an elevation of 1444 meters above sea level, Bach Ma Mountain is part of Bach Ma National Park, with lush greenery throughout the year, including a diverse system of waterfalls, streams, and forests. The road to Bach Ma Mountain is steep and winding, and as you ascend, the rugged landscape becomes more apparent, offering visitors a chance to admire many beautiful views. According to experienced climbers, you can choose to hike or drive up, but motorbikes can only go a short distance and must be transferred by car.
Hai Van Quan is compared to the top heroic pass of the world.
Built during the Tran Dynasty and renovated in 1862 during the reign of King Minh Mang, Hai Van Pass has a special meaning. The gate overlooking Thua Thien Hue has the words “Hai Van Quan”, while the gate overlooking Quang Nam – Da Nang has the words “the top heroic pass of the world”. Since the Nguyen Dynasty, Hai Van Quan has been an important gate, serving as the gateway to the Hue Imperial Citadel from the South.
Although it is still known as the “boundary” between Hue and Da Nang, Hai Van Quan is located in Lang Co town, Phu Loc district. This structure is actually a military cluster, consisting of many warehouses, fortresses, and artillery. Visitors traveling from Da Nang to Hue or vice versa often stop at this area to visit and take photos.
The Lonely Pine Tree.
You don’t have to go all the way to Da Lat to see a lonely pine tree. Right at Hai Van Pass, there is a lonely pine tree standing tall, waiting for you. If you start from Da Nang, you will see the pine tree standing alone on the right side of the road, located between the foot and the summit of Hai Van Pass. Perhaps there is nothing special about this lonely pine tree, but its branches provide shade and comfort for visitors, and it grows in a very eye-catching curve.
Dome Doan Ca Bridge and Hai Van North Station.
As the train station connecting Lang Co (Hue) and Hai Van (Da Nang), Hai Van North Station will take you to a beautiful train route that resembles Japan. Standing on this railway, you will feel as if you are lost in a mysterious world, completely separated from the outside world. If you continue along the railway for a little while, you will see Dome Doan Ca Bridge, a “super giant” bridge where you can watch the train running very clearly.
The “Death Corner” U-turn.
On the way to conquering Hai Van Pass, young adventurers often whisper about a very famous landmark, the U-turn “Death Corner”. Although it is difficult and somewhat dangerous, it is also the most checked-in coordinates. From here, it is very easy to capture the magnificent mountain and forest scenery, with the vast ocean below. Taking photos here is an art, but remember to do it when there are no cars around.
Contemplating at the Coffee Shop on Turtle Rock Island.
After passing the lonely pine tree, you will see a coffee shop on Turtle Rock Island. Here, you can immerse yourself in the poetic atmosphere and enjoy the beautiful scenery. It’s easy to spot the majestic mountain and forest scenery, with the vast ocean below. Taking photos here is an art, but remember to do it when there are no cars around.
Some notes to know when traveling on the Hai Van Pass in Da Nang.
- To have stunning photos and the safest trip, you should choose to travel on the Hai Van Pass in Da Nang on sunny days when the air is clean and cool, making it very interesting to admire the scenery. There are some beautiful moments you should capture, such as sunrise and sunset, but be especially careful because it takes a lot of time to get here. Moreover, if you do not know the exact timing, it is possible that it will be dark while you are still on the pass.
- On the pass, there are extremely dangerous sharp turns, and if you are not a skilled driver, you should not drive. Furthermore, to handle the extreme turns on this pass, remember to rent a high-quality motorbike because if it breaks down, there will be no repair shops around.
- To recharge your energy during the pass journey, remember to bring some snacks such as cakes, candy, and fruits. If not, when you reach the Phu Loc district, you can stop there to drink water and eat.
- Because it is quite cold on the top of Hai Van Quan, the temperature can drop to 12-15 degrees Celsius, so remember to bring a jacket, and in winter, choose a slightly thicker one. Fog can make you sick if your health is already weak.
- Although exploring the Hai Van Pass is not too difficult, you can still do it alone. But to have more fun, be more confident, and most importantly, support each other in emergencies, it is still best to find a travel companion, or even better, a group of friends.
There are various means of transportation for travelers to choose from when traveling from Da Nang to Hoi An. You should base your choice on your financial conditions, needs, and personal preferences to choose the most suitable type of transportation. We wish you a happy journey and see you in the next sharing articles
