Spectacular Hai Van Pass
The Hai Van Pass was featured on the BBC motoring programme Top Gear on December 28, 2008 as part of its Vietnam Special. Nguyen Quy Duong shared some moments from his time on the pass.
Hai Van Pass is a mountain pass on National Road 1A in Vietnam. The pass is located on the border of Da Nang and Thua Thien-Hue province, near Bach Ma National Park.
Translated into English, Hai Van means “ocean clouds”, and thus the pass is known for its misty vapors rising from the sea, reducing visibility. The tortuous road on the pass was long a challenge for Vietnamese motorists, but nowadays, since the completion of the Hai Van Tunnel, traffic flow has been facilitated.
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On the trans-Vietnam road, the Hai Van Pass is an ideal stop for visitors. This is the highest pass in Vietnam, around 500m above sea level, and is the last spur of the Truong Son Range reaching to the sea. |
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On the top of the pass is a vestige of long ago, a fortified gateway. The gate facing Thua Thien-Hue province is inscribed with the three words “Hai Van gate” and the other gate looking down on Quang Nam province is engraved: “The most grandiose gateway in the world”. These words were ordered inscribed by King Le Thanh Ton. |
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On the summit of Hai Van Pass, one can see Da Nang city, Tien Sa port, Son Tra peninsula, Cu Lao Cham and a long white sandy beach. This is Lang Co beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. |
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On August 27, 2000, the Hai Van Pass tunnel was inaugurated, opening a new chapter for the pass. |
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This blockhouse, named Don Nhat, was built in 1826 by French troops to protect the pass. |
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