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Where is Ô Quy Hồ Pass? Why is it dubbed the fairy scene at the border? Let's gather some travel experience to Ô Quy Hồ Pass in Sapa with Klook.
For adventure seekers, a trip to Sapa is never complete without conquering the renowned and treacherous Ô Quy Hồ Pass. The feeling of navigating through winding roads with perilous bends is undeniably thrilling and full of excitement. Especially when reaching the summit of the pass, you're greeted by the majestic landscapes of Northwest Vietnam, with Mount Fansipan shrouded in drifting clouds, the distant Silver Waterfall cascading white foam, or the vibrant Muong Hoa Valley below.
(*) #teamKlook, don't forget that you can now book hotels and rent motorbikes in Sapa directly through Klook Vietnam. Making your mountain town adventure more economical, convenient, and filled with delightful surprises.
Introducing Ô Quy Hồ Pass
Ô Quy Hồ is known as one of the longest, most treacherous mountain passes with the most magnificent landscapes in Northern Vietnam, spanning nearly 50km in length.
Perched at an altitude of over 2,000 meters above sea level, the scenery of O Quy Ho Pass is truly breathtaking: on one side lies a deep abyss, on the other stands majestic cliffs, surrounded by drifting clouds and mist. And when the sky clears, it reveals the serene painting of Muong Hoa Valley.
O Quy Ho Pass, along with Ma Pi Leng Pass, Pha Din Pass, and Khau Pha Pass, constitutes the four great mountain passes of Northwest Vietnam. Moreover, O Quy Ho Pass has been recognized by the Vietnam Record Organization as the longest pass in Vietnam.
O Quy Ho Pass - Where Is It?
O Quy Ho Pass runs alongside National Highway 4D through the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, connecting the two provinces of Lao Cai and Lai Chau, with the pass summit marking the border between the two provinces. Along its length, one-third of the route belongs to Sapa town, Lao Cai province, and the remaining two-thirds belong to Tam Duong district, Lai Chau province. The summit of O Quy Ho Pass is approximately 10km from Sapa town and about 60km from Lai Chau city.
Guide on How to Go to O Quy Ho Pass
There are two ways for you to travel by motorcycle or car to reach O Quy Ho Pass: from Sapa town and from Lao Cai city.
- If you're traveling from the center of Sapa town, take the route via Dien Bien Phu Street towards Silver Waterfall, passing through the gate of Hoang Lien National Park until you reach the forest ranger checkpoint at Tram Ton. This stretch is approximately 12km and takes about 30-35 minutes. Then, it's another 6km to reach the summit of O Quy Ho Pass. Along the way, you'll encounter many beautiful tourist spots in Sapa such as Silver Waterfall and Love Waterfall. If time permits, take a moment to stop by the picturesque H'Mong Flower Garden and Cối Xay Gió Sapa Homestay.
If you're starting from the center of Lao Cai city, you can take a bus, coach, or rent a motorbike to Sapa town. This journey is over 30km long and takes about 1 hour. From there, follow a similar route as mentioned above to reach the final destination.
Note that the road from Lao Cai to Sapa is a mountain pass with many sharp bends, so Klook does not recommend motorbike trips along this route.
Additionally, you can also take the cable car. From the center of Sapa town, purchase tickets to visit Sunworld Fansipan Legend tourist area and the summit of Fansipan. On the way back, take a shortcut to Silver Waterfall, then continue on National Highway 4D for another 6km to reach O Quy Ho Pass.
According to legend, in this mountainous region, there was a bird with a haunting cry, associated with a failed love story between a fairy and a poor man named O Quy Ho. They often rendezvoused at this pass, and unable to be together, the fairy transformed into a bird flying around the mountain peak, calling out three times “O – Quy – Ho” as a message to her lover. Since then, this pass has been named O Quy Ho.
Trước đây, đèo được gọi là “Ô Quý Hồ” theo tiếng H’Mong, nhưng về sau được phát âm là “Ô Quy Hô” cho nhẹ nhàng hơn. Ngoài ra, đèo Ô Quy Hồ còn mang tên “đèo Hoàng Liên”, hay “đèo Hoàng Liên Sơn” do chạy ngang dãy Hoàng Liên Sơn, và thơ mộng hơn là “đèo Mây” bởi nơi này mây phủ quanh năm.
Experience the unique weather at O Quy Ho Pass with its distinct climate on either side of the summit.
During winter, Tam Duong remains warm while Sapa is engulfed in chilling winds and thick fog, limiting visibility to less than 2 meters.
In summer, while Sapa enjoys cool and refreshing weather, Tam Duong endures hot and dry spells due to the influence of the Laos wind.
During intense cold spells, O Quy Ho Pass can be completely covered in snow. Remember to check the weather and dress accordingly, fellow #teamKlook adventurers!
Embark on a self-guided journey through O Quy Ho Pass and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and diverse climates.
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure at O Quy Ho Pass with these valuable travel tips.
To fully enjoy the majestic scenery of Ô Quy Hồ Pass, let me share some useful tips with you.
1. When is the best time to visit Ô Quy Hồ Pass?
The best time to conquer Ô Quy Hồ Pass is during summer, around June and July, when the weather is most favorable for traveling and admiring the surrounding beauty.
For the most stunning photographs, aim to visit around noon when the sky is clear, the sun is gentle, and there are few clouds. Additionally, sunrise or sunset visits to Ô Quy Hồ Pass will undoubtedly showcase its majestic beauty.
Explore the pass during midday or late afternoon in June or July. Here, you'll be mesmerized by the grandeur of nature, the first light of dawn, or the magnificent sunsets.
2. Ensuring Safe Travel at Ô Quy Hồ Pass
Due to the winding and twisting nature of O Quy Ho pass, it poses unpredictable dangers for travelers, especially those unfamiliar with navigating mountainous roads.
To ensure safety, it's essential to maintain a moderate speed, pay attention to convex mirror bends, and avoid losing control while ascending or descending the pass. Near Thac Bac waterfall, there's a small market selling gasoline, so make sure to refuel before tackling the pass.
3. Dining at O Quy Ho Pass
When traversing O Quy Ho Pass, not only can you admire the mountainous scenery, but you also have the opportunity to indulge in Sapa's specialties and some signature dishes of the Northwest region. The rich aroma of grilled meat paired with a steaming cup of green tea amidst the chilly atmosphere truly makes for a memorable experience.
Places to Visit at O Quy Ho Pass
Beyond scenic views along the route, O Quy Ho Pass is also a place for you to check-in at unique tourist destinations.
1. Heavenly Coffee Stops at Ô Quy Hồ Pass
Due to safety concerns, the once bustling cafes atop Ô Quy Hồ Pass are now deserted.
Nevertheless, you can still capture moments at the restaurants and cafes within the premises of the Ô Quy Hồ Sky Gate Tourist Area. Alternatively, explore the list of charming cafes in Sapa and pick a spot to savor the aroma of hot coffee amidst a dazzling atmosphere.
2. Lodgings Near Ô Quy Hồ Pass
Staying near Ô Quy Hồ Pass will elevate your holiday experience. Here are some recommendations:
3. Ô Quy Hồ Sky Gate Tourist Area
- Address: At the peak of O Quy Ho Pass, Sapa town, Lao Cai province
- Price range: starting from 1,694,000 VND/night
2. Homely Haven Sapa
- Location: Group 13, O Quy Ho Pass, Sapa town, Lao Cai province
- Price range: starting from 383,000 VND/night
3. Crimson Leaf Homestay
- Address: 31 Hoang Lien, Sapa town, Lao Cai province
- Price range: starting from 600,000 VND/night
4. Sapa Green Retreat
- Located at 52B Thac Bac Street, Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province. Price starts from 600,000 VND per night.
Discover the luxurious Silk Path Grand Sapa Resort & Spa.
- Situated at Quan 6 Hill, Group 5, Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province. Price starts from 1,954,000 VND per night.
Explore a wide range of Sapa accommodations including hotels, resorts, and homestays with Klook Vietnam. Book your hotel now on Klook Vietnam for discounts up to 50%.
Travelers recommend visiting O Quy Ho Pass during sunset, experiencing the breathtaking view of the sun setting behind the mountains and the mist-covered valleys.
Plan your trip to Sapa now! Before you go, check out Klook Vietnam for tips on independent travel in Sapa, 4-day 3-night Sapa itineraries, 3-day 2-night Sapa reviews, experiences traveling from Hanoi to Sapa, and exciting trekking tours to Ma Tra village and Cat Cat village for #teamKlook.
Explore the Ô Quy Hồ Pass to marvel at the stunning beauty of Northwestern nature. Why not?
