Taking the High Road Hai Van Pass
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In today’s travel world, where most people rush around trying to get from place to place, I love any opportunity to take the slow path. After all, the fun is in the journey for me, not necessarily the place. So when our Intrepid Vietnam Travel Itinerary called for overland transportation from Hue to Da Nang (and ultimately Hoi An) – I was pretty excited when our guide, Ngoc, told us that we had two options – a high road and a low road – and we would be taking the high road crossing Hải Vân Pass.
This notoriously dangerous pass in Vietnam is 13 miles long and winds through the Annamite Range that juts into the South China Sea along National Road 1A. The 1,600 foot elevation isn’t the danger, the weather is actually what makes the pass dangerous. The Vietnamese name Đèo Hải Vân means “ocean cloud pass” as the area traditionally gets a lot of ocean mist and fog, making the visibility on the pass poor. However, a ‘lower route’ was created in 2005, the Hải Vân Tunnel—the longest tunnel in Southeast Asia—offers an alternative road across the pass, reducing travel times by at least an hour.
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Tunnel with no view vs. twisting, curving mountain road
Is there really even a question about what I’d rather do? We took off in a big van heading for the pass – Evie downed some Dramamine, and I got my cameras ready. As we drove out of Hue, I was surprised at the gorgeous, simple villages along the water, which made me promise myself that next time I came to Hue, I would rent a motorbike and drive out this way myself to explore. We made some stops for photography and pit stops since it was a long 4-hour drive to Hoi An overall.
What’s a road trip without games? I enjoyed watching Evie interact with our family travel companions, the Australian kids, Daryelle, and William. Even though there was quite an age difference, it was fun to watch the two cultures collide and intertwine as they played “Would You Rather” and discussed music and movies. And in true cultural challenge fashion, we all tried to see how long any of us could converse without saying the word “like,” and of course, the Americans, Evie, and I lost terribly. I’m pretty sure Ngoc and our van driver thought we were nutty.
Once we started climbing up the pass past the beaches, we could see the railroad below us, and the traffic seemed to thin out a bit. Most commercial traffic takes the quicker tunnel route, which leaves all of these wonderful views to us! Our driver stopped at strategic points for us to get out and take pictures, and luckily, the ocean mist stayed at bay, and our visibility was pretty good. We then had lovely views to drop down into Da Nang, where the fishing boats and villages returned again.
Sure, taking the high road took longer, but the journey was worth it.
Was there a time when you took the long road?
Thinking of doing some family travel yourself?
Disclosure: While in Vietnam, I was a guest of Intrepid Travel. However, all of the opinions and thoughts expressed here are my own. I never accept such a deal if I am required, in any way, to write positively about any company, organization, or experience. I will only take such a trip if I am free to write honestly and openly based on the actual experiences that I have.
The photo – Hazy views before the pass – played tricks on me. I thought it was snow on the ground then after closer examination, I realized it’s water.
You always take the most amazing photographs and I instantly fall in love with wherever you are.
Wonder what would happen if you shot cereal boxes? *grin*
Maria – I do eat a lot of cereal…will consider that…:)
I can’t see the photos! Your description sounds so tantalizing that I can only imagine how exciting it must have been in person!
That’s weird that you are unable to see the photos – hopefully it was a temporary glitch!
The fishing village looks cool. I’d love to take one of those basket boats out for a spin.
Wow great story. Thanks for sharing 🙂
The post shows real beauty of the nature.The time spent on the beach was a very good time.
Oh, I’m really happy when you had the wonderful time in Vietnam. I think conquering Hai Van Pass will be one of the unforgettable memory in your lifetime. Welcome back!
I walked up the southern side many times , did not always end so joyfully. The view was always amazing and beautiful , i served with GOLF 2/7 1ST mar. DIV. 1967-1969. We would start our road sweep at the ESSO plant we we were based at the time. ENJOY
Thanks for sharing your memory and thanks for serving.
Great story. Congratulations on your wonderful experience in Vietnam.