Five most beautiful and dangerous mountain passes in Vietnam

(VNF) - With both potentially deadly turns and stunning natural beauty, these five mountain passes can simultaneously strike awe and fear into the hearts of drivers and backpackers.

1.Ma Pi Leng Pass, Ha Giang Province

(Photo via English3xvn)

Ma Pi Leng is the king of all passes in Vietnam. Well-known for its 20km of snaking roads through the Dong Van Rock highland (formed between the Devonian and Permian periods), Dong Van ancient town and other sites at a height of 1,200m.

Ma Pi Leng is one of top four highest mountain passes which is famous for its dangerous terrain with twisty stretches and beautiful landscape.

It passes on Hanh Phuc road connecting Dong Van with Meo Mac town is around 20km long. The road was built in the 1960s by thousands of voluntary youth from 16 ethnic minority groups in 8 northern provinces.

2.O Quy Ho Pass, Lao Cai Province

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O Quy Ho is the 50-kilometer long road that runs around the Hoang Lien Son Range, between the northern provinces of Lao Cai and Lai Chau.

Standing more than 2,000 meters above the sea, its top is covered with white clouds almost all year round, hence its poetic name “the Cloudy Mountain Pass.” O Quy Lo is perfect for motorists seeking a challenging drive through a sea of clouds.

3.Pha Din Pass, Son La Province, Lai Chau Province

(Photo via Vietnam Visa)

With one end in Son La and the other in Lai Chau, this pass continuously zigzags through 32 kilometers road flanked on one side by rocks and the other by deadly drops.

Pha Din Pass with its highest peak at 1,648 metres above the sea is the gateway to the northwestern mountainous province of Dien Bien. It is located on Highway 6 between Son La and Dien Bien provinces.

4.Khau Pha Pass, Yen Bai Province

(Photo via Vietnam Visa)

One of the passes over Khau Pha’s mountaintop – the tallest in Mu Cao Khai, this pass frightens drivers with its steep incline, especially on foggy days since there are absolutely no signs or side barriers.

The 30 km long Khau Pha pass in Mu Cang Chai District, Yen Bai province is the most rugged and longest pass on National Highway 32.

5.Ma Phuc Pass, Cao Bang Province

(Photo via Le Quang)

Ma Phuc pass is one of the most beautiful passes in north east Vietnam, Ma Phuc means a horse on bended knee, refering to sheer height of the pass. It leads Cao Bang town to Ban Gioc waterfall and Ta Lung border gate to China.

Ma Phuc pass is very steep with sharp curves. Before the road was widen it was considered one of the most dangerous passes in the north. For adventurous travelers who love natural magnificent landscapes and conquer mountain passes Ma Phuc is an unmissable place.

Another some of the most amazing scenic routes in Vietnam are Ngoan Muc (Spectacular) Pass in Ninh Thuan Province; Ngang Pass spans Hoanh Son Mountain, linking Quang Binh and Ha Tinh Provinces; Da Deo Pass is lying on Ho Chi Minh road in Thuong Hoa village, Minh Hoa district, Quang Binh Province; Sa Mu Pass in western Quang Tri Province, linking Huong Phung and Huong Lap villages in Huong Hoa district; Hai Van Pass from Hue to Da Nang Provinces and Hon Giao Pass (also known as Khanh Le, Long Lanh or Omega) from Nha Trang to Da Lat Cities, etc./.

Compiled by VNF