Updates and complements the article: Four Highest and Most Impressive Passes in Northern Vietnam
Northern Vietnam is famous for its
spectacular mountain landscapes and
dizzying passes that attract adventurers and nature lovers. Here are the four great passes of Vietnam, renowned for their beauty but also for their difficulty.
Ma Pi Leng pass, for the bold of heart and spirit - Photo : Mr Linh's Adventures
Ma Pi Leng Pass
Located in Ha Giang province, this pass is considered the most impressive in Vietnam. Nicknamed "the horse's nose ridge," it is recognized as one of the most dangerous and dizzying passes in the Land of the Dragon. It offers dizzying panoramas over the Nho Que valley flowing 800 meters below.
The legend of Ma Pi Leng
According to the legend, this pass was shaped by the tears of a horse that lost its master in battle. The tears are said to have formed the Nho Que River, which winds below and gives life to this majestic landscape. This pass also has a tragic history: it is part of the Happiness Road, an iconic 185 km road that connects the city of Hà Giang to the karst plateau of Dông Van in Vietnam. Its construction began in September 1959 and was completed in March 1965, mobilizing thousands of young volunteers and local residents. The project aimed to improve the living conditions of the ethnic populations in Ha Giang province, who suffered from limited access to road infrastructure. Workers, representing 16 ethnic groups, had to dig nearly 3 million cubic meters of rock with rudimentary tools. The most challenging section, Ma Pi Lèng Pass, required nearly two years of hard work and cost the lives of 14 volunteers. A stele keeps alive the memory of their sacrifice.
Ma Pi Leng Technical Sheet
- Altitude: 2,000 meters
- Length: 20 km
- Difficulty: Very high
- Best period: October to April (dry season)
- Points of interest: View of the Nho Que valley, H'Mông villages
- Precautions: Narrow road, avoid the rainy season
Khau Pha Tu Le pass,where beauty takes your breath away - Photo : Mr Linh's Adventures
Khau Pha Pass
Located between the districts of Van Chan and Mu Cang Cha (Yen Bai province), this pass is known for its technical turns and spectacular panoramas. Particularly impressive during misty periods, this pass has become a popular spot for paragliders who take advantage of exceptional aerological conditions.
The legend of Khau Pha
Did you know? Khau Pha means "Sky Horn" in Thai. Legend has it that the gods created this pass to link the sky and the earth, allowing villagers to make offerings to the mountain spirits. It is also a gathering place for ethnic minorities during festivals, where they pay homage to their ancestors.
Khau Pha Technical Sheet
- Altitude: 1,500 meters
- Length: 30 km
- Difficulty: High
- Best period: September to November (golden terraced rice fields)
- Points of interest: Terraced rice fields, paragliding site
- Precautions: Frequent fog, slippery road
Pha Din pass,where dreams take flight - Photo : Internet
Pha Din Pass
Pha Din Pass, whose name literally means "Heaven-Earth," connects the provinces of Son La and Dien Bien. It is known for its steep slopes and tight turns that challenge even the most experienced drivers.
The legend of Pha Din
During the Indochina War, this pass was crucial for the supply of troops during the Battle of Dien Bien Phu. Legend has it that the soldiers who crossed this pass were protected by the spirit of an ancient warrior who still watches over those who fight for their country.
Pha Din Technical Sheet
- Altitude: 1,000 meters
- Length: 32 km
- Difficulty: Medium to high
- Best period: November to March
- Points of interest: Historical sites, ethnic villages
- Precautions: Steep slopes, heavy traffic
O Quy Ho pass,king of the passes - Photo : Mr Linh's Adventures
O Quy Ho Pass
Stretching between the provinces of Lao Cai and Lai Chau, O Quy Ho is considered the "king of passes" in the Northwest. This pass with tight turns offers a thrilling driving experience with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and the Hoang Lien mountain range. This mythical road is particularly popular with motorcyclists who come seeking thrills and exceptional landscapes.
The legend of O Quy Ho
A local legend says that this pass is where the heavens meet the earth, a passage point for the spirits of ancestors who watch over the mountains. Travelers claim that when they reach the summit, they can hear the whispers of the ancestors in the wind.
O Quy Ho Technical Sheet
- Altitude: 2,000 meters
- Length: 50 km
- Difficulty: High
- Best period: March to May or September to November
- Points of interest: View of Mount Fansipan, waterfalls
- Precautions: Rapid weather changes, winding road
They did it, with Mr Linh's Adventures !
Other notable passes
Ma Phuc Pass
Although more modest in size (700 meters altitude), it offers magnificent views of the surrounding countryside and is a popular stopping point for tourists visiting Ban Gioc waterfall.
Thung Khe Pass
Located between Tan Lac and Mai Chau, this pass also offers striking views of the mountains and surrounding valleys, although it is not as high as the others.
Mr Linh's advice
- Leave early in the morning to avoid fog
- Check the weather before embarking
- Bring enough fuel and water
- Drive carefully, especially in the rainy season
- Bring a camera to capture the landscapes
- Respect local populations and the environment
Gateways to elsewhere
Popular with motorcyclists and hikers, each pass offers a unique experience in Vietnam's mountain landscapes. They represent not only engineering feats but also gateways to the traditional cultures of Northern Vietnam. Every turn reveals a new panorama, every ascent offers a new perspective on these grand landscapes that have made the country famous.