Exploring the top 20 mountain passes is every adventurer's dream in Vietnam.

Despite being considered treacherous routes and a nightmare for long-haul drivers, the top 20 mountain passes introduced by Mytour below always allure adventurers with their pristine and majestic beauty.

Exploring the top 20 mountain passes is every adventurer's dream in Vietnam.

1. Ma Pi Leng Pass, Ha Giang

One of the 'four great passes' of the North, Ma Pi Leng, meaning 'Horse's Nose,' stretches 20km, winding around the 2,000m high Ma Pi Leng peak, connecting Meo Vac town to Dong Van. Ma Pi Leng is often dubbed the king of the most treacherous routes in Vietnam. It's easy to see why it has become a favorite spot for landscape photography enthusiasts.

2. O Quy Ho Pass, Lao Cai

Dubbed as the most majestic mountain pass in the North stretching nearly 50km connecting the provinces of Lao Cai and Lai Chau, O Quy Ho Pass sits at an altitude of 2,000m, winding around towering cliffs and deep abysses. Despite the daunting fears, if you manage to climb to the summit at nearly 2,000m, you'll have the chance to marvel at the sky and clouds floating like in a fairyland. Hence, it's also known as the Gateway to the Sky.

3. Pha Din Pass – Sơn La, Lai Châu

Pha Din Pass lies within the Tả Phìn plateau system, with its ends in Son La and Lai Chau provinces. With a total length of 32km, this pass features a treacherous terrain, with steep cliffs on one side and deep abysses on the other. Renowned for its danger and breathtaking scenery, the pass reaches its highest point at 1,648m above sea level.

4. Khau Phạ Pass, Yen Bai

Khau Phạ Pass is one of the highest mountain passes in Mù Cang Chải – Khau Phạ summit. It's famous for its winding roads and steep slopes, ranking among the most challenging in Vietnam. This pass is especially perilous on foggy days due to the lack of barriers or warning signs. Situated on the border between Van Chan and Mu Cang Chai districts of Yen Bai province, it passes through many famous landmarks such as La Pan Tan, Mu Cang Chai, Tu Le, Che Cu Nha, Nam Co... at altitudes ranging from 1,200m to 1,500m above sea level.

5. Mã Phục Pass, Cao Bang

The reason this pass is called Horse Neck Pass is because on both sides of the national road, there are two limestone blocks, standing erect against each other like two lying horses. This is the most beautiful pass on National Highway 3 from Phu Lo to Ta Nung border gate, 22 km from Cao Bang, located in Quoc Toan commune, Tra Linh district, marking the boundary between Hoa An district and Tra Linh district. The scenery on both sides of the pass is exceptionally beautiful, where you can see fields of buckwheat flowers in spring and lush cornfields in summer.

6. Xa Tong Pass, Dien Bien

Xa Tong Pass is situated in a perilous position from Tuan Giao up to Lai Chau. The pass stretches 25km with many sections lacking milestones and guardrails. The route traverses desolate landscapes as there are no residential houses around the pass. The pass has long been abandoned, with no traffic passing through due to its extreme danger. The sunset on the pass is stunning but harbors danger as darkness swiftly descends while the road ahead remains long.

7. Pha Long Pass, Lao Cai

Perhaps named for the peak running through the Pha Long market, a small commune within the jurisdiction of Muong Khuong - Lao Cai. To reach the pass, one must traverse a treacherous dirt road from Can Cau. The winding pass traverses steep rocky terrain, running against the flow of the Chay River, spanning nearly 20km in length.

8. Bac Sum Pass, Ha Giang

Situated between Hà Giang and Quản Bạ, this winding pass resembles layers of stacked fabric. As you embark from Hà Giang on route 4D, you'll encounter a sudden stretch of road winding along the foothills, marking the start of an intriguing journey to explore the rocky plateau.

9. Thung Khe Pass, Hòa Bình

Thung Khe Pass, also known as White Stone Pass, lies between Cao Phong and Mai Châu in Hòa Bình, along National Highway 6. The pass traverses steep rocky cliffs, though not excessively long or steep, it's renowned for its perilous nature. In the early morning, Thung Khe is adorned with pristine skies, while midday boasts intense sunshine against azure heavens. Afternoons offer a gentle breeze accompanied by the warm glow of evening sunlight, while nights cloak the landscape in mist.

10. Tam Điệp Pass, Ninh Bình

Comprising three consecutive passes along National Highway 1A, nestled in the Tam Điệp mountain range within the township of Tam Điệp, Ninh Bình province. From the north, the first pass stands at 68 meters, followed by the 110-meter second pass, and the 80-meter third pass (relative to sea level). The northern approach to Tam Điệp Pass presents a precarious gateway, flanked by imposing rock formations, rendering it a formidable defensive position of strategic military importance. Like a natural citadel, Tam Điệp Pass commands a pivotal role in the nation's north-south thoroughfare.

11. Ngang Pass – Hà Tĩnh, Quảng Bình

Đèo Ngang, also known as Hoàng Sơn Quan, lies within the jurisdiction of Kỳ Nam commune, Kỳ Anh district, Hà Tỉnh province, 75km south of Hà Tĩnh city. It sits on National Highway 1A, connecting the provinces of Hà Tĩnh and Quảng Bình.

The majestic landscape of Đèo Ngang features pristine beaches at its foothills. The area boasts numerous famous historical relics and ancient temples. It has been developed into the Đèo Ngang – Hòn La tourist area, offering breathtaking natural scenery.

12. Hải Vân Pass – Đà Nẵng, Thừa Thiên Huế

Stretching along the Hai Van mountain range is the Hải Vân Pass, approximately 20km long, connecting the provinces of Thừa Thiên Huế and Đà Nẵng. The pass is likened to a soft silk ribbon draped across the majestic mountain range. From the nearly 500m high peak of Hải Vân Pass, visitors can overlook the fishing village of Lăng Cô to the north and the panoramic view of Đà Nẵng city to the south.

13. Cù Mông Pass – Bình Định, Phú Yên

Cù Mông Pass is one of the most challenging short passes in Vietnam. Located on National Highway 1A, it marks the border between Bình Định and Phú Yên provinces. Stretching 7km with a peak height of 245m, the pass features steep slopes, sharp curves, and towering mountains on both sides.

14. Ca Pass – Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa

Ca Pass stretches 12km along National Highway 1A, adjacent to the sea, connecting the provinces of Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa. Despite its challenging terrain, Ca Pass has captured the hearts of many young backpackers with its unique beauty.

15. Hon Giao Pass – Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong

Hon Giao Pass, also known by various names such as Khanh Le Pass, Pass 723, Omega Pass, or Long Lanh Pass, lies along Provincial Road 723 linking the coastal city of Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa province to the city of flowers, Da Lat, in Lam Dong province. With a length of up to 33 km, Hon Giao Pass is dubbed the longest pass and one of the most beautiful mountain passes in Vietnam.

16. Ngan Muc Pass, Ninh Thuan

Ngan Muc Pass winds along the steep mountainsides connecting Ninh Son valley to the Lang Biang plateau. With a steep slope spanning 18.5km, Ngan Muc Pass poses a formidable challenge to any driver on the journey from Da Lat to Phan Rang city. Along the pass are lush green forests, waterfalls, and patches of white clouds. This steep pass transitions between the coastal plains of the South Central Coast and the Da Lat plateau with enchanting romance and grandeur.

17. Bao Loc Pass, Lam Dong

Bao Loc Pass stretches over 15km, featuring around 107 hairpin turns and steep gradients. For those yet to conquer this route, it's hard to anticipate what lies ahead. Nevertheless, for mountain scenery enthusiasts who relish challenging experiences, Bao Loc Pass is regarded as one of the intriguing tourist destinations.

18. Prenn Pass, Lam Dong

Prenn Pass is an 11km mountain pass located in Lam Dong Province, approximately 10km from the center of Da Lat. In the Cham language, 'Prenn' means 'invade'. For many, especially adventure groups or photography enthusiasts, the vast pine forests, cool air, and perilous hairpin turns of Prenn Pass always exude a captivating allure. Many tourist groups visiting Da Lat often rent motorbikes to roam this route and fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the city of flowers.

19. Phoenix Pass, Dak Lak

Situated on National Highway 26, connecting Khanh Hoa and Dak Lak provinces, Phoenix Pass resembles a bird soaring through the sky, offering travelers breathtaking views of beautiful clouds. Phoenix Pass spans approximately 12km, within the territory of M”Drăk district and serves as the eastern gateway to Dak Lak province. Phoenix Pass was once dubbed the 'pass of death' due to its geographical position and the constant dangers lurking for travelers passing through. However, the pass has now been widened and attracts many young adventurers to explore its wonders.

Embark on the adventurous journey through Trieu Hai Pass in Lam Dong province, Vietnam, cutting through Nam Cat Tien forest from Da Teh to Dambri Falls, Bao Lam. This rugged yet fascinating route has captured the hearts of Southern adventurers. There are two approaches to conquer Trieu Hai Pass. The easier route starts from Bao Loc city center, veering towards Dambri Falls, then turning left at the Tam Chau Lake intersection. From there, follow the signs leading to Dambri hydroelectric dam.

Conquering Trieu Hai Pass is truly an exciting experience where you learn various skills such as problem-solving, handling emergencies, and most importantly, discovering hidden values within yourself while relishing in triumph.

Explore the rugged beauty of Trieu Hai Pass and uncover its mysteries. This exhilarating journey will test your endurance and reward you with breathtaking views and unforgettable memories.

Experience Trieu Hai Pass like never before. Traverse through its winding roads, conquer its challenges, and emerge victorious with stories to tell.

Unlock the secrets of Trieu Hai Pass and immerse yourself in its awe-inspiring landscapes. Let the journey reshape you as you conquer its peaks and valleys.

For more travel insights, visit the travel guide on Mytour and embark on your next adventure fully prepared.