Southeast Asia

Hai Van Pass

Vietnam

In short: Hai Van Pass is a 100 km scenic road trip in Vietnam, typically driven over 1 day, best in March to August. Highlights: Da Nang, Dragon Bridge, Hải Vân Tunnel South Portal.

Distance

100 km

Duration

1 day

Best Season

March to August

IconicModerateScenic

This coastal day drive links Da Nang and Hue over the legendary Hai Van Pass, where the road climbs forested mountains before opening to sweeping views of the South China Sea and Lang Co Lagoon. It combines dramatic switchbacks, old military relics, and classic central Vietnam scenery.

Practical notes

The summit section is steep, narrow, and often busy with trucks, scooters, and tour traffic. Ride or drive cautiously in wet weather, when visibility can drop quickly and roadside pullouts become slick.

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Stops along the route

Departure

Da Nang

Start in Vietnam's lively coastal hub, where riverfront streets and beach roads set an easy pace. Stock up before the climb north.

Hotels

Arrival

Thuan An Beach

Finish near Hue's long, breezy shoreline after the mountain ride. The coast here feels calmer, with fishing boats and open sea views.

Hotels

Things to Do

Dragon Bridge — Landmark — Hai Van Pass — Vietnam

Landmark
Dragon Bridge
This dragon-shaped bridge spans the Han River with a bold modern skyline backdrop. It is a quick, iconic photo stop before leaving the city.

Hải Vân Tunnel South Portal — Landmark — Hai Van Pass — Vietnam

Landmark
Hải Vân Tunnel South Portal
A fast contrast to the old pass, with traffic funnelling through the mountain base. It marks the road corridor that the route climbs above.

Hai Van Pass Viewpoint — Nature — Hai Van Pass — Vietnam

Nature
Hai Van Pass Viewpoint
The road crests into wide sea views, cloud banks, and steep green ridges. Pull over for the classic sweep over Da Nang and the coast.

Hai Van Gate — Landmark — Hai Van Pass — Vietnam

Landmark
Hai Van Gate
This old mountain gate sits near the historic summit crossing. Rusted relics and stonework give the pass a strong sense of history.

Lang Co Beach — Nature — Hai Van Pass — Vietnam

Nature
Lang Co Beach
A bright sandbar beach curves between the mountains and the bay. It is a relaxing place to pause after the winding descent.

Lap An Lagoon — Nature — Hai Van Pass — Vietnam

Nature
Lap An Lagoon
Shallow water mirrors the sky and nearby cliffs, especially late in the day. Oyster farms and quiet roadside stops make it a scenic final pause.

Climb the Hai Van Pass by road — scenic drive — Hai Van Pass — Vietnam

scenic drive
Climb the Hai Van Pass by road
Drive or ride the classic switchbacks and stop at the pullouts for sea and mountain views. The ascent is the main highlight of the route.

Photograph Hai Van Gate — historic landmark — Hai Van Pass — Vietnam

historic landmark
Photograph Hai Van Gate
Explore the old gate and surrounding military remnants near the summit. The weathered walls and ridge views make for a memorable stop.

Stop at Hai Van Pass Viewpoint — viewpoint — Hai Van Pass — Vietnam

viewpoint
Stop at Hai Van Pass Viewpoint
Take in the broad panorama over Da Nang Bay and the South China Sea. Clear mornings and late afternoons are best for visibility.

Relax at Lang Co Beach — beach — Hai Van Pass — Vietnam

beach
Relax at Lang Co Beach
Walk the sandbar and watch fishing boats in the bay. It is an easy place to stretch your legs after the mountain section.

Visit Lap An Lagoon — nature — Hai Van Pass — Vietnam

nature
Visit Lap An Lagoon
Watch the changing light over the lagoon and oyster farms. The calm water and mountain backdrop make it one of the prettiest stops on the route.

Where to Eat

Banh Mi Phuong — Vietnamese sandwich — Hai Van Pass — Vietnam

Vietnamese sandwich
Banh Mi Phuong
A famous stop in Da Nang for crisp baguettes packed with savory fillings. Good for an early grab-and-go meal before the pass.

Madam Lan Restaurant — Central Vietnamese — Hai Van Pass — Vietnam

Central Vietnamese
Madam Lan Restaurant
A well-known Da Nang restaurant serving regional dishes in a polished setting. It is a good sit-down option before heading north.

Hai Van Gate Cafe — Coffee and snacks — Hai Van Pass — Vietnam

Coffee and snacks
Hai Van Gate Cafe
A simple mountain stop near the summit for Vietnamese coffee and light bites. Ideal for a short break with pass views.

Lang Co Seafood Restaurant — Seafood — Hai Van Pass — Vietnam

Seafood
Lang Co Seafood Restaurant
Roadside seafood is a highlight around Lang Co and Lap An Lagoon. Look for grilled clams, shrimp, and fresh fish with lagoon views.

Tinh Gia Vien Restaurant — Hue cuisine — Hai Van Pass — Vietnam

Hue cuisine
Tinh Gia Vien Restaurant
A respected Hue restaurant known for refined central Vietnamese flavors. It is a strong dinner choice if you end the route in Hue.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Hai Van Pass drive?

The Hai Van Pass covers 100 km from start to finish.

How long does the Hai Van Pass take to drive?

Most travellers spend 1 day on the Hai Van Pass, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Hai Van Pass?

The recommended season for the Hai Van Pass is March to August.

Where does the Hai Van Pass start and end?

The Hai Van Pass runs from Da Nang to Thuan An Beach.

What are the main stops on the Hai Van Pass?

The Hai Van Pass passes through Da Nang, Dragon Bridge, Hải Vân Tunnel South Portal.

Can I drive the Hai Van Pass in a regular car?

Yes — the Hai Van Pass is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Hai Van Pass safe to drive?

What scenic tier is the Hai Van Pass?

The Hai Van Pass is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.