Hai Van Pass- known as the “First grand view under heaven” has long stood as a symbol of magnificence and freedom in every traveler’s journey across Vietnam. With the Hai Van Pass motorcycle tour by Vietnam Motorcycle Tour, you will conquer every winding curve between clouds and sea, embracing the breathtaking beauty where the Truong Son mountain range meets the East Sea. More than just a ride, this is a journey of emotions, where each turn of the wheel carries you through the rich history, culture, and majestic nature of Central Vietnam.
Why you should visit the Hai Van Pass at least once in your life
The Hai Van Pass is considered one of the most stunning coastal roads in the world. It was even featured on the BBC’s Top Gear show, where famous riders praised it as “one of the most beautiful mountain roads in Asia.” Every curve and slope is a challenge but also an opportunity to feel freedom, wind, and speed in their purest form, something only those who ride a motorbike can truly understand. That’s why the Hai Van Pass Motorcycle Tour remains one of the most loved and unforgettable experiences offered by Chiwheels Motorcycle Tour.
The iconic mountain pass of Central Vietnam
Nicknamed the “Sea Cloud Pass,” Hai Van Pass has long been a symbol of Central Vietnam a place where nature, history, and the spirit of adventure converge. The pass winds gracefully along majestic mountain slopes, hugging the endless blue coastline like a soft silk ribbon stretched between the sky and the sea. More than just a vital route connecting Hue and Da Nang, it stands as both a natural and engineering marvel a testament to the creativity, perseverance, and courage of the Vietnamese people in conquering rugged terrain.
From the summit, travelers can admire the breathtaking panorama of Lang Co Bay, the vast East Sea, and the layered Truong Son Mountains fading into the mist. The scenery transforms with every hour radiant under the morning sun, then cloaked in a dreamy veil of afternoon fog. Hai Van Pass is not merely beautiful; it embodies the soul of Central Vietnam proud, powerful, and deeply moving.
Why renting a motorbike is the best way to explore the Hai Van Pass
Among countless ways to experience the beauty of the Hai Van Pass, renting a motorbike is by far the most complete and thrilling option. Only when you take the handlebars yourself can you truly feel every curve, every gust of wind, and every heartbeat of this legendary road. Each turn of the wheel becomes a journey of discovery, where mountains, clouds, and the sea blend into a breathtaking masterpiece of nature.
Unlike traveling by car or bus, riding a motorbike over the Hai Van Pass gives you a sense of freedom, control, and adventure. You can stop wherever you like capture the mist covering the mountain peaks, watch the sun set over Lang Co Bay, or simply breathe in the salty ocean breeze. Every stop is a memory, and every stretch of road tells a story of its own.
Moreover, motorbike rental services in Hue and Da Nang are now incredibly convenient, especially with the one-way rental option provided by Chiwheels Motorcycle Tour. You can start your ride from Hue, cross the Hai Van Pass, and finish in Da Nang or the other way around making your journey both easy and unforgettable, filled with authentic experiences at every turn.
7+ Local-recommended stops along the Hai Van Pass
Riding a motorbike over the Hai Van Pass isn’t just about conquering its legendary curves it’s about taking the time to stop, admire, and truly feel the beauty of Central Vietnam from every angle. Below are 7+ must-visit spots that locals often recommend, the hidden gems you shouldn’t miss when traveling with Chiwheels Motorcycle Tour.
Nam O Beach
Located north of Da Nang, Nam O Beach is the perfect starting point for your Hai Van adventure. This peaceful fishing village is famous for its crystal-clear water, moss-covered rocks, and traditional coastal life. From here, you can follow the scenic coastal road leading straight to the foot of the pass a gentle yet emotional beginning to your journey.
Black Rock Beach (Bai Da Den)
Just 15 km from Da Nang, Black Rock Beach is a hidden gem tucked beneath the Hai Van Pass. Giant dark boulders rise dramatically from the turquoise sea, creating a wild and mysterious atmosphere. It’s the ideal spot for travelers who love adventure, solitude, or a quiet swim before heading up the pass.
Turtle rock viewpoint
The first “check-in” stop when climbing the pass from Da Nang is Turtle Rock, a natural formation jutting out into the sea like a giant turtle shell. Behind it, the mountains stretch endlessly toward the horizon. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Nam O Bay and the Da Nang coastline the perfect spot to pause, breathe deeply, and feel the sea breeze mingle with the scent of the mountains.
French military bunkers
Halfway up the pass, you’ll find old French bunkers, their stone walls now covered in moss and mist. These relics once served as strategic lookout points, guarding the vital route between Hue and Da Nang. Standing here, surrounded by fog and silence, you can almost feel the echoes of history. The weathered walls tell stories of war, courage, and time a haunting yet beautiful reminder of the past.
Hairpin curve near the summit
One of the most thrilling spots on the Hai Van Pass is the sharp u-shaped bend near the summit. Though steep and narrow, conquering this curve rewards riders with an unforgettable panorama clouds drifting at eye level, the sea glimmering below, and endless mountains stretching to the horizon. Many riders say this is the moment they’ll remember for life.
Hai Van Gate (Hai Van Quan)
Standing nearly 500 meters above sea level, Hai Van Gate is the crown jewel of the pass. Built during the Tran dynasty and restored under King Minh Mang, it was once praised by King Le Thanh Tong as the “First Grand View Under Heaven.” From this point, travelers can see both Lang Co Bay (Hue) and Da Nang City, making it one of Vietnam’s most spectacular sunrise and sunset viewpoints.
Old radar station
Near the summit of the pass lies an abandoned radar station, once used by French and American forces to monitor the central coast. Today, it stands as a mysterious site for adventurous travelers. From here, you can gaze upon both the vast East Sea and the majestic Truong Son Mountains, where sky and earth meet in breathtaking harmony.
Stop at Lang Co Bay
After conquering the Hai Van Pass, don’t rush to head back. Make a stop at Lang Co Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in the world, where you can enjoy a morning coffee by the sea, savor fresh local seafood, and let the ocean breeze wash away your fatigue. It’s the perfect reward for an emotional and unforgettable motorbike adventure.
Riding the Hai Van Pass by motorbike is more than just a journey through majestic curves it’s a passage through history, nature, and the traveler’s own heart. Every stretch of road, every gust of wind, every ray of sunlight cutting through the mist etches itself into memory like a symphony between man and the mountains of Central Vietnam. And if there is one way to fully experience the beauty of the Hai Van Pass, it is by taking the handlebars and riding with Chiwheels Motorcycle Tour, where every trip is not just travel, but a journey of self-discovery and a celebration of freedom and authenticity in Vietnam.
