Da Nang: Explore Hai Van Pass by US Army Jeep

Hai Van Pass allures people with its perilous death curve and zigzag roads. If you are an adventurous tourist craving for thrilling experiences, it will astonish you with spectacular natural scenes.
The Hai Van Pass is a 20-kilometre strip of road that joins the city of Da Nang and Lang Co in Hue Province. At 500 metres above sea level, it’s the highest pass in the whole of Vietnam.

‘Hai Van’ roughly translates as ‘Sea of Clouds’ in Vietnamese, which perfectly describes this misty mountain coastal road that connects the ocean with the sky. As the road curves back and forth, some slight bends, some hairpin turns, drivers are rewarded with spectacular views of misty mountains rising high over the South China Sea, deserted sandy beaches, dense jungles and the twinkling lights of far-off cities.

Following the history of Vietnam, this pass has been a key barrier to any ground army attempting to move between the country's northern and central areas. It was known as the 'Street Without Joy' during the First Indochina War. The pass used to connect the two war-torn towns of Hue and Danang via Highway 1. Bunkers were constructed to aid and cover convoys used to travel between the torn cities of Hue and Da Nang. Remnants of those devastating affairs live up to this day with the ancient grand gate at the summit of the pass that still stands. A couple of small shops huddle beside the surviving bunkers.

There are many spots for you to take a break at for stunning views and picture time. Sometimes you’ll come across a shack built beside a view point where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or sugarcane juice with the landscape open in front of you. One of my favorites is a local coffee shop near the Old Turtle Rock.

Some “best things to do” in Hai Van Pass is included a stopover at Hai Van Quan or the gate of Hai Van Pass for admiring the surrounding exquisite landscapes.

When you turn down towards Hue, you will reach Lang Co Bay. Here, you’ll witness the perfect harmony of the enormous mountains, expansive seas, and motorized sampan boats as you make your way down the shore. The traditional Vietnamese fishing village is a must-see spot in Lang Co Bay. It offers a genuine look into the rural fishing life with the presence of sprawling fishing nets and boats, which are all decorated with a shark painting on one side.

Hai Van Pass will satisfy your desire to conquer high peaks and remind you of the glorious past of the Viet people.

The 21km that stretch over the Hai Van mountain pass may sound like a challenging journey, but after having done, it is certainly that you will find it is one worth taking.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.