Hai Van Pass – a glorious land
Update: Feb 10, 2009
Hai Van Pass, the highest pass in the country and one of the most scenic hillside roads in Vietnam, is an ideal place to indulge in immense clouds and winds, with the feeling of touching the sky.

Hai Van located on National Highway 1A at the border of Thua Thien – Hue Province and Danang City, is the last spur of the Truong Son Range and reaches the sea. There is a road on the pass but most tourists enjoy the breath-taking trek to the top of the pass for the panoramic view of Danang City, Tien Sa Port, Son Tra Peninsula and the long, white sandy beach.

With a bottle of wine and some friends, Hai Van Pass is an interesting place where Vietnamese can review their glorious history. Hai Van Pass was an important military site during the Nguyen Dynasty, and was a shield protecting Hue Royal Citadel.

Covered with green moss and vast areas of plants and trees in the tranquility and peace of nature, the old story of misery of heroes and glorious victories, the pass evokes memories, the old vestiges filling tourists with the emotions of the past.

The road over the pass is 435m above sea level and offers visitors the thrill of traveling through the clouds on the winding road, up and down the pass.

On the top of the pass are relics of long ago. The gate facing Thua Thien-Hue Province is inscribed with the three words “Hai Van Gate” and another gate looking down on Quang Nam Province is engraved “the most grandiose gateway in the world”.

In the darkness when the sunset falls Danang City appears like a series of mysterious flower lanterns and a sparkling galaxy. The pass is an ideal place for a view of Danang City at night.

Hai Van is a must-see destination for tourists to satisfy their peak-conquering philosophy and to enjoy the beauty of nature and the sense of history.
SGT