About 20 km north of downtown Da Nang, the Hai Van Pass winds for about 20–21 km along the Bach Ma range to an altitude of approximately 500 metres — one of the most beautiful and renowned coastal mountain passes in Vietnam. From Sea Garden Hotel & Apartment in Son Tra, it is about 30 minutes by car to the summit, and the views south take in Son Tra Peninsula and the Cham Islands.
Highlights
- Hai Van Gate – An ancient fort built during the Tran dynasty and expanded under the Nguyen dynasty, standing at nearly 496 m altitude, with the inscription “HAI VAN PASS – THE FIRST GRAND GATE UNDER HEAVEN”.
- Views both ways – South to Son Tra Peninsula and Cham Islands, north to Lang Co Bay.
- History on the route – The pass was historically the natural boundary between Dai Viet and Champa after King Che Man; the railway built by the French in the early 20th century and the Don Ca arch bridge, built 1902–1906 with a four-arch stone design, still cross the slopes.
- Heritage trains since 2024 – From Hue, HĐ1 departs 7:45 AM arriving Da Nang 10:35 AM and HĐ3 departs 2:25 PM; from Da Nang, HĐ2 departs 7:50 AM arriving Hue 11:05 AM and HĐ4 departs 3:00 PM.
- Hai Van Tunnel – Once the longest road tunnel in Southeast Asia, inaugurated 2005, with a second tunnel in 2021.
Good to know: The pass lies on National Route 1A, and access is free apart from transport; motorbike or scooter is a favourite way to ride it, and the train is scenic. The best time is the dry season, March–August; check the weather and avoid storms. After the ride, return to Sea Garden and unwind in the 4th-floor pool.
📸 Photo: Da Nang City Tourism Information Portal (danangfantasticity.com)
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