Why this road
The tunnel is quicker, but you see nothing. Over the top you get the whole bay of Da Nang behind you, the old stone gate of Hai Van Quan at the summit and, on the way down, Lang Co lagoon and its long beach spread out below. The name means "sea cloud pass", and the summit really is often in cloud, which makes it feel like riding into the sky.
The route
- ADa Nang
Leave the city along the bay to the north-west. The traffic thins out as you get closer to the mountains.
- 1Nam O Bridge
Cross the river at Nam O. Soon after, the road leaves the coast and starts to climb.
- 2Hai Van Gate
The summit with the old gate and bunkers. Stop for the view back over Da Nang and a drink at the stalls.
- 3Lang Co Bay viewpoint
On the descent the lagoon and the beach of Lang Co open up below. Pull over at the viewpoint.
- BLang Co
The village between lagoon and sea. Good for seafood lunch and a swim.
Stops worth it
Half an hour to walk around the gate and the bunkers. In the morning the bay of Da Nang is usually clear.
The classic photo over the lagoon. A short stop, the pull-out is small.
Light and the best time
Ride in the morning. Heading north, the sea is on your right at first and the bay of Da Nang is behind you when you climb. From mid-morning the sun is high enough to light the bay, and on the descent the lagoon of Lang Co is in front of you with the sun behind, so it is front-lit. By midday it gets hot and hazy, and clouds tend to gather on the summit in the afternoon. Leave Da Nang around 7.
March to August is the best time: mostly dry and clear, with May to August hot. September to December is the rainy season in central Vietnam, with typhoons possible especially in October and November, and the pass can be closed after landslides. In the European winter, December to February, the weather is cool and grey, and the summit is often in fog.
By vehicle
The way the pass is meant to be done. The road is in good condition with many curves, but watch for gravel and the occasional truck. Motorbikes are not allowed in the tunnel, so the pass is your route anyway.
A normal rental scooter manages the climb easily. Ride carefully, especially downhill, and check the brakes before you leave.
Possible, usually as a car with a driver, as driving a car yourself in Vietnam is hard for visitors. Ask your driver to take the pass, not the tunnel.
Good to know
No toll on the pass road. Vietnam drives on the right. To ride legally you need a Vietnamese licence or an International Driving Permit that Vietnam recognises, with the motorbike category; many visitors ride without one, but then travel insurance usually will not pay. Check the current rules before you go. Helmets are compulsory. Fuel in Da Nang and Lang Co, none on the pass. Many rental shops in Da Nang and Hue offer one-way rentals or luggage transfer.
Route checked against OpenStreetMap on 2 November 2026. Roads, closures and rules change: always check before you go and follow local signs.
Questions
How long does it take to ride the Hai Van Pass?
From Da Nang to Lang Co about an hour of pure riding time. With stops at the summit and the viewpoint, plan two to three hours.
Do I need a licence to ride the Hai Van Pass?
Legally yes: a Vietnamese licence or a recognised International Driving Permit with the motorbike category. Without it, insurance usually does not cover you.
When is the best time to ride the Hai Van Pass?
From March to August. Avoid the rainy season from September to December, and expect fog on the summit in winter.
Can I ride from Da Nang to Hue over the pass?
Yes, this route is the first and most beautiful part. From Lang Co you continue north along the coast to Hue.