Central Vietnam · Vietnam
Hai Van Pass
QL1Da Nang to Lăng Cô
Vietnam’s most iconic coastal mountain pass, made world-famous by Top Gear, threading 21 km over a 496 m summit between Da Nang and Lăng Cô with the sea far below.
The old QL1 mountain road climbs from sea level at the Da Nang boundary, switchbacking through dense jungle to the Nguyen-dynasty fortress at the 496 m summit, then descending in sweeping curves above a turquoise bay to the Lang Co lagoon. The tunnel bypass carries trucks; this road is almost entirely motorcycles and touring cars.
Scenery
CoastMountainForest
Best seasons
SpringSummerWinter
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Hai Van Pass on the map14.6 mi · point to point
Da NangStart · Central Vietnam
Lăng CôEnd · Central Vietnam
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Character
Corners71bends
Tightness6of 10
Max gradient8%≈ 1-in-13
Hairpins3bends over 150°
Climb490 mtotal ascent
Summit481.7 mhighest point of the line · 1,580 ft
Corners
busiest around mile 11Elevation
under 4%4–8%over 8%0.5 – 481.7 mPoints of interest3 stops
- Đèo Hải VânViewpoint9.1 mi in
- Lăng CôViewpoint14 mi in
- Làng nước mắm Nam ÔLandmark0.8 mi in
Hazards
- Hairpin bends
- Cloud and mist reducing visibility
- Tourist traffic
- Motorcyclists
Sources
“a deserted ribbon of perfection — one of the best coast roads in the world.”
Verified route: mapped from real road geometry and fact-checked by a human editor. How roads get checked
Driving the Hai Van Pass: quick answers
How long does it take to drive the Hai Van Pass?
Hai Van Pass runs 14.6 miles (23 km) and takes about 31 min to drive without stops.
How difficult is the Hai Van Pass to drive?
We rate it moderate: 71 corners including 3 hairpins, a maximum gradient of 8%, and a tightness of 6 out of 10.
When is the best time to drive the Hai Van Pass?
Spring and Summer and Winter are best.
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Hai Van Pass
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