Hai Van Pass: Everything you need to know

The winding stretch of coastline along the Hai Van Pass is truly breath-taking. This journey south from Hue to Hoi An is one of my highlights of our trip. I’d highly recommend you add it to your must-see list when visiting Vietnam!

We booked our tour through Vietnam Backpacker’s Hostel (roughly £50pp). Eager for the day ahead, we made the 5 minute walk from The Dreamers Hostel in Hue (£3-£16pp per night), post instant noodle breakfast.

Opting for a jeep, we sat in the back with our driver, Hi, and Aussie tour guide, Alissa, riding up front. (We didn’t fancy risking our lives as novice moped motorists). Together with an additional jeep of travellers, their tinnies in hand, we set off at 8:30am.

Shortly out of Hue, we stopped off at one of the many cemeteries that adorn the landscape. The Vietnamese believe the higher you are, the closer you are to the gods. Therefore, graves are built on top of the ground. Within Vietnamese culture, it’s common to have already bought your burial plot – if you have the money for it.

Some of these lavish graves can cost up to $100k, and the roof is completed after your burial. However, if you cannot afford such luxuries, your subjected to a spare spot in the earth with a mound of soil to cover you.

Following this, we parked up on the highway to admire the views of the Blue Lagoon fishing lake. Luckily, an opportunity presented itself for us to take those token “jeep tour insta photos”.

Canh DuOng Bay

Lunch came early as we arrived at one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen – Canh DuOng Bay. It felt undiscovered with a niche expanse of empty sand, warm ocean water and views for days.

Paddling along the beach, we took in the tranquility of our surroundings. Its peacefulness was a complete contrast to our Ho Chi Minh experience the day before.

The peace was soon shattered when the lunchtime karaoke party started adjacent to us. A local started sanding down some new doors, and two dogs started getting it on – quite the halftime show.

The top of the Hai Van Pass

Following lunch, we began to weave our way to the highest point of the Hai Van Pass.

Past the heave of tourists, we ascended the stairs to the top of the watchtower. With the backdrop of luscious green hillside against fresh blue sea and the city of Da Nang in the distance, the view was spectacular.

Elephant Rock

Afterwards, we wove our way down the other side of hill. Briefly stopping at Elephant Rock, we took another “insta worthy” photo, before reaching Da Nang and onwards to Hoi An.

We had the choice of stopping at Marble Mountain on route but chose to continue to our destination as we we’re keen to arrive at Hoi An, and our fellow tour-mates were due to come back the next day. However, from reviews of other travellers, it’s something I would recommend doing if you have a spare couple of hours to wander the caves and admire the views of Da Nang.

Finally, we bid farewell to Hi & Alissa upon arrival of our hostel. For the next few nights, Tribee Bana would be our home. The day had left us high and rouged from its adventure.

It was a great way to travel the stretch of coastline and I’d love the opportunity to take in the views of the Hai Van Pass again. Perhaps even by moped, if I’m feeling brave.

For more adventures head to my travel section or follow @elstheardentblogger on Insta to curb your wanderlust.

Els x