There are many dramatic landscapes in Vietnam. An ideal way of exploring this stunning scenery is by riding a motorbike through a mountain pass. Here I have gathered together 5 dramatic routes, that you really ought to explore for yourself. They represent the drama and poetry of nature. They speak to the adventurous spirit within us. And they will leave indelible impressions on the memory forever.
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1. Ma Phuc Pass
Let’s begin with the Ma Phuc Pass, which is situated in Cao Bang Province in the north-west of Vietnam. ‘Ma Phuc’ translates as the horse on bended knee, alluding to the height of the pass. It’s nearly 700m above sea level and over 3.5km long. So by no means is it top ranking in the stats, but it’s certainly a contender for the most wonderfully scenic.
The road which is on Highway 3 snakes through high cliffs on one side and a deep, plunging abyss on the other. Green corn and rice fields blanket the land. This poetic landscape could be a blockbuster movie backdrop.
Ma Phuc runs from Phu Lo to Ta Nung on the Chinese border. You should definitely visit Ban Gioc Waterfall too, that straddles the border. For more on this and Cao Bang go to my Northern Vietnam’s Hidden Gems : 5 awe-inspiring places to visit
2. Thung Khe Pass
Next on my list of Vietnam’s dramatic mountain passes is the Thung Khe Pass. When I visited Mai Chau, Hoa Binh, I traversed this route and it gave me the most awesome platform to view down into the valley of Mai Chau itself.
Thung Khe Pass sits on Highway 6 between Hanoi and Mai Chau. One can take a local bus or xe om (motorbike taxi) to the pass if you so wish. Although I hired a motorbike and went myself, which I would recommend for more flexibility.
Come to the Mai Chau viewpoint and take in the beautiful sight, looking down onto the green valley. (see photo) While here, also visit Go Lao Waterfall. It’s about 6km from where the road starts to ascend up the pass. Also you’ll come across Hoa Binh Lake too, another fantastic sight to behold.
At it’s peak, Thung Khe reaches about 1000m above sea level. Expect plenty of mountain slopes and verdant valleys.
3. Hai Van Pass
Following on in my ‘Dramatic Mountain Passes of Vietnam’, is the unmissable 20km road between Da Nang and Hue, in central Vietnam. What makes this pass so special are the dreamy sea views on offer, as you pass through the mountains here. It’s a perfect way to admire the fantastic beaches down on lower ground.
Meaning ‘ocean cloud’ the Hai Van Pass truly lived up to its name when I was there. At the time I intended to go over the pass to Elephant Springs, but the mountain mist made it too dangerous.
I went there with a German backpacker friend from the hostel we were staying at in Da Nang. We set up his camera and filmed ourselves riding along the segments of the Pass on our motorbike scooters. This was good fun. The air was so fresh and the sky so blue, until the mist descended very quickly and shrouded the sharp twists and turns. This signalled it was time to head back.
4. Khau Pha Pass
The fourth of my dramatic mountain passes in Vietnam is Khau Pha Pass, Yen Bai. It’s a real treat for nature-lovers, taking you through the picture perfect rice terraces, quintessential of northern Vietnam.
The pass is on Highway 32, it’s around 1500m above sea level, making it the highest so far. Be warned, it’s also quite dangerous! Watch out for small landslides and sharp, hairpin bends.
Those who come here, really will be rewarded in spades. I have very fond memories of the place. You can read more about that here.
5. Tam Ton Pass
I saved the best til last! The Tam Ton Pass, Sapa, also famously known as ‘O Quy Hon’ Pass, is not only the highest pass on the list, but also the longest. It is approx. 2000m abv sea level and over 50km in length.
A 15 minute ride from Sapa city centre is all that’s needed to reach this Daddy of mountain passes in Vietnam.
Tam Ton is regarded as one of the four great mountain peaks in north-west Vietnam (Tam Ton, Ma Pi Leng, Pha Din and Khau Pha). It’s a land of dramatic heights and dense, green jungle.
As you head west along the route, you will surely reach one of the unforgettable highlights: seeing the peak of Vietnam’s highest mountain, ‘Fansipan’. This is nature’s feast for the eyes.
To learn more about Tam Tron you can click here.
Wrapping up…
That concludes my ‘Vietnam’s Dramatic Mountain Passes’. There are definitely more, some of which I briefly mentioned here. They all promise not to disappoint, that’s for certain.
As you can see, Vietnam is an adventurer’s paradise. The country is blessed with beautiful landscapes. And one of the best ways to experience this, is by jumping on a motorbike and heading up to the higher realms of rugged mountain terrain.
