VN · Da Nang · 16.20°N 108.13°E

hai van pass

Winding mountain road along the coast between Da Nang and Hue, made famous by Top Gear.

Best time
February to August usually has the clearest views. From September to December, rain and fog are common and the road can be slippery. Mornings are often clearer.
How long
Half a day, or a full day as part of the Da Nang–Hue drive
Getting there
Fly KL to Da Nang (about 2.5 hours). The pass starts about 30 minutes north of the city. Most people go by car with a driver, by jeep or on a motorbike tour.
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VN · Da Nanghai van pass16.20°N 108.13°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Winding mountain road along the coast between Da Nang and Hue, made famous by Top Gear.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingHai Van PassVN, Da Nang
KLhai van pass
≈ 1,614 km from KL, as the crow flies
View of the West Sea from the Hai Van Pass.

Photo: Tuabiht Rellahcs · CC BY 2.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A 21-kilometre mountain pass on the old coast road between Da Nang and Hue, crossing a spur of the Annamite range that juts into the sea. Its name means "ocean cloud pass", after the mist that rolls in. Most traffic now uses the tunnel underneath, so the old road is quieter, with wide views of the coast and Lang Co Bay.

Makan

  1. Lang Co seafoodOysters, clams and fish from the lagoon, served at the restaurants along the water.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. The summit gateAn old fortified gate and wartime bunkers at the top, with views down both sides of the pass.Map ↗
  2. Lang CoA long beach and lagoon at the foot of the pass on the Hue side, a good lunch stop.Map ↗
  3. Jeep or motorbike toursLocal tours run the pass by jeep or with a rider on the bike, stopping for photos.Map ↗
  4. The coastal trainThe train between Da Nang and Hue hugs the coast below the pass, a scenic alternative to the road.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Only ride yourself if you're licensed and experienced. The bends are tight, fog comes in fast and some trucks still use the road.
  • Check the weather before you go. Fog often hides the views at the top.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.