Embarking on the legendary 4 mountain passes for thrill-seekers in Vietnam

In the minds of adventure enthusiasts in Vietnam, 4 mountain passes have become legendary due to their challenging terrain and enchanting beauty, also known as the 'Four Great Mountain Peaks'...

1. Mã Pí Lèng Pass (Hà Giang)

This treacherous mountain pass spans approximately 20km, conquering the summit of Mã Pí Lèng at an altitude of 2,000m, connecting Mèo Vạc to Đồng Văn. Renowned for its winding roads resembling a snake slithering from one peak to another.

Mã Pí Lèng, in the language of Quan Hỏa, literally means 'the horse's nose.' But figuratively, it signifies the perilous nature of the mountain peak, where the incline is so steep that a horse passing through would run out of breath or the peak stands upright like a horse's nose.

The road traversing Mã Pì Lèng Pass is named the 'Road to Happiness,' constructed by thousands of youth volunteers from 16 ethnic groups across 8 provinces in Northern Vietnam, between 1959 and 1965. In this mountain pass, workers had to suspend themselves on ropes between rock cliffs for 11 months during construction.

Since 2009, the Mã Pí Lèng mountainous region has been recognized as a national scenic and geological heritage site. The Mã Pí Lèng Pass is considered an outstanding area in terms of geology and landscape; the pass summit is one of the most panoramic viewpoints in Vietnam, while the Nho Quế River gorge is one of the most uniquely formed valleys in the country.

2. Ô Quy Hồ Pass

Stretching nearly 50km, Ô Quy Hồ Pass holds the record for length in the Northwest mountainous region and stands among the most challenging and majestic mountain passes in Vietnam. Situated on National Highway 4D, cutting through the Hoàng Liên Sơn mountain range, the pass connects Lào Cai and Lai Châu provinces with its summit at an elevation of 2,000m, marking the border between the two provinces.

The name Ô Quy Hồ originates from the haunting cry of a bird, linked to the legend of an unfulfilled love story between a young couple. Additionally, Ô Quy Hồ Pass is also known as Hoàng Liên Pass, as it crosses the Hoàng Liên Sơn mountain range, or Cloud Pass due to the constant cloud cover at its summit throughout the year.

The height, treacherous nature, and length have earned Ô Quy Hồ Pass the unofficial title of the 'king of passes in the Northwest region.' The summit of Ô Quy Hồ is shrouded in thick mountain clouds and is also referred to as the Gate of Heaven. During cold years, the pass summit can be covered in a blanket of snow and ice.

Not only known for its challenges, in the past, this pass was associated with stories of divine tigers lurking to capture those passing through, making it a route few dared to traverse. Nowadays, the pass road has undergone significant upgrades, becoming a bustling thoroughfare for vehicular traffic.

3. Pha Đin Pass

Also known as a mountain pass, stretching 32 km along National Highway 6, partly through Phỏng Lái commune in Thuận Châu district, Sơn La province, and partly through Tỏa Tình commune in Tuần Giáo district, Điện Biên province, with the highest point at 1,648 meters. The name Pha Đin originates from the Thai language, meaning 'Heaven and Earth,' symbolizing this place as the meeting point between heaven and earth.

Pha Đin Pass is renowned for its challenges and mesmerizing scenery. The pass is often shrouded in misty clouds on its slopes, while below, scattered villages dot the landscape. However, as one ascends near the summit, almost no villages are visible, only the deep blue sky and majestic mountains blending harmoniously.

In recent years, the renovation project and upgrade of National Highway 6, Son La-Tuần Giáo section, have been completed. The bypass road around Pha Đin Pass is built along the mountainous slopes of the left side of the old National Highway 6, at an altitude of approximately 1,000m (lower than Pha Đin Pass by 200-400m). This development has reduced traffic through Pha Đin Pass, making it more suitable for adventurous tourists.

During the resistance against the French, Pha Đin Pass played a vital role in transporting weapons, ammunition, and supplies for the Viet Minh's Điện Biên Phủ campaign, enduring fierce aerial attacks by the French air force. This made Pha Đin Pass a symbol of bravery, with over 8,000 youth volunteers dedicating themselves to 'live or die for the homeland.'

4. Khau Phạ Pass

The longest pass on National Highway 32, stretching over 30 km, is simultaneously one of the most winding and steep mountain passes in Vietnam. Situated on the border between Văn Chấn district and Mù Cang Chải district in Yên Bái province, it traverses many famous landmarks such as La Pán Tẩn, Mù Cang Chải, Tú Lệ, Chế Cu Nha, Nậm Có, etc., at elevations ranging from 1,200m to 1,500m above sea level.

The most beautiful view from Khau Phạ Pass occurs during the ripe rice season, around September and October, when the terraced fields of Tú Lệ turn golden. This is the time when many adventurous tourists conquer the pass to admire the scenery.

In addition to the vast terraced fields, along the winding road of Khau Phạ Pass, there are also ancient forests preserving a rich diversity of rare and precious plant and animal species.

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Source: Travel Handbook Mytour – According to Kiến Thức.