Vietnam is full of spectacular attractions; therefore, people all around the world love traveling to this lovely country. Recently, many motorbike trips have been organized in Vietnam, which brings unforgettable experiences. Visiting plenty of landmarks on a motorcycle is an extraordinary thing that you should try at least once in your lifetime. Especially for those who love overcoming challenges, the four most magnificent passes in Vietnam are worthwhile destinations. If you are an adventurous person, don’t skip the following four incredible passes.

Ma Pi Leng Pass

Located in Ha Giang province, Ma Pi Leng Pass is one of the most famous passes in Northern Vietnam in particular and the whole country in general. This 20-kilometer pass surpasses Ma Pi Leng mountain peak of 2000 meters and connects Meo Vac with Dong Van. The long pass is winding its way, just like a giant Asian dragon sleeping on the mountain range.

This renowned pass is the favorite destination of the people who love North Vietnam Motorbike Tour because it’s not just beautiful but full of challenges. Ma Pi Leng in the local language means “The Horse Nose”. The name may sound a bit weird, but it actually refers to the hidden danger of the road. It is said that when horses ascend the mountain, they are exhausted and die. Some people assume that the road has its name because its shape resembles a horse’s nose – straight and steep.

The road running through Ma Pi Leng Pass is named The Happy Road. The way was built by thousands of enthusiastic young volunteers from 16 ethnic groups in 8 northern provinces of Vietnam from 1959 – 1965. Since 2009, the Ma Pi Leng area has been recognized as a national monument. Accordingly, Ma Pi Leng Pass is considered a unique geological heritage. The top of the pass is one of the best panoramic views in Vietnam. From here, you can observe scenic Nho Que River and majestic Nho Que gorge.

Ma Pi Leng Pass

O Quy Ho Pass

With the length of 50 kilometers, O Quy Ho is known as “the King of Northwestern Passes”. The pass is located on the national highway 4D crossing Hoang Lien Son range. O Quy Ho connects Lao Cai and Lai Chau; the top of the pass at an altitude of 2000 meters is the boundary between the two provinces. Legend says that the name of the pass comes from the bitter cries of a bird witnessing the heartbreaking love story of a couple. 

Another name of O Quy Ho is The Cloud Pass since it is covered by clouds all year round. The peak of the pass is The Gate of Heaven, which refers to its height and beauty. There are times when this place is covered with ice and snow. Nowadays, the pass has been upgraded so much that it becomes quite a busy traffic road. However, this is still a worthwhile attraction for those who want to organize a motorbike trip.

o-quy-ho-pass

Pha Din Pass

Pha Din is a 32-kilometer pass located on Highway 6 in both Son La and Dien Bien. The highest point of the pass reaches 1648 meters. The name originated from the language Thai ethnic group and means “Sky and Earth”. Here Pha Din is the junction between the sky and the earth. This pass attracts people due to its incredible scenery, although it is hazardously rugged. The middle of the pass is often covered with clouds or mist. Reaching the top of Pha Din, you hardly can see any villages but enormous forests and blue sky. In recent years, the national renovation and upgrading project for Highway 6 (Son La section) has been completed.

Pha Din Pass

There is a road built along the side of the mountain to lower traffic on the Pha Din pass. The route is much safer; therefore, only adventure enthusiasts choose to go on the pass recently. Nevertheless, Pha Din is an ideal place to have a motorbike trip in Vietnam. During the war against France, the Pha Din pass was one of the most significant routes the Vietnamese army used to supply ammunition and food for the campaign. The pass itself had to suffer countless bombardments by the French Airforce. This has made Pha Din a symbol of the courage representing the “die for the country” spirit of more than 8000 young Vietnamese people.

Khau Pha Pass

With a length of over 30 kilometers, Khau Pha is the longest pass on Highway 32. It is also one of the most winding and steep passes in Vietnam. Located in the border area between Van Chan and Mu Cang Chai districts of Yen Bai province, Khau Pha passes many famous landmarks such as Nam Co, Che Cu Nha, Tu Le, Mu Cang Chai, and La Pan Tan. At an altitude of 1200-1500 meters, the pass leads to Khau Pha peak – the highest mountain in Mu Cang Chai.

Khau Pha Pass

In the Thai group’s language, Khau Pha means The Heaven Horn – the horn that reaches the sky. Ridges are emerging in the clouds, and they look like sharp horns of some mystic creatures. In September or October, you can admire the stunning beauty of ripe terraced fields of Tu Le. This majestic scenery is what a lot of people keep seeking on a motorbike trip to Vietnam. Many adventurous tourists accept the risk and conquer the pass just to witness the landscape then. In addition to the terraced fields stretching to the horizon, the surrounding pristine forests, which preserve plenty of rare animals and plants, are another reason people want to visit Khau Pha Pass.

All the four great passes Ma Pi Leng, O Quy Ho, Pha Din, Khau Pha, are so gorgeous yet challenging. From these passes, you can somewhat witness the beautiful spirit of this S-shaped country. So if you are planning to make a Vietnam motorcycle trip, don’t hesitate to give these four greatest passes a try. You may rest assured that the trip will be a lifelong happy memory.

Vietnam Embassy Singapore