Buzz
Discover the Quadruple Summit Passes, including Mã Pí Lèng Pass, Ô Quí Hồ Pass, Khau Phạ Pass, and Pha Đin Pass. Referred to as the quadruple summit passes because these are the four highest mountain passes in Vietnam, all situated in the northern mountainous provinces of Vietnam. Named the quadruple summit passes, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are the most beautiful or dangerous passes.
1. Ô Quý Hồ Pass, reaching 2,000 meters, spanning 50 kilometers
2. Mã Pí Lèng Pass, rising to 1,200 meters, stretching 20 kilometers
3. Khau Phạ Pass, elevating to 1,300 meters, extending 35 kilometers
4. Pha Đin Pass, towering at 1,648 meters, with a length of 32 kilometers
Transportation through these mountain passes
Nowadays, ensuring the safety of transportation vehicles has led to constant expansions of these mountain passes. The elevation is lowered through the construction of new roads, accompanied by the installation of guardrails, signage, and bridge mirrors. Traveling through these passes is becoming increasingly convenient and secure.
Ranking of the Four Great Mountain Passes
Ranking mountain passes is no easy task as some may be low but have steep slopes and winding paths (also known as hairpin turns), while others may be high but with wide and fewer curves. Low passes may offer breathtaking and majestic mountainous landscapes, while high passes may lack scenic beauty. As a specialized mountain tour operator with extensive experience navigating through various passes, Hanoi Etoco Company consolidates the positions, elevations, lengths, and evaluations of the Four Great Mountain Passes. This information aids travelers in comparing and experiencing these legendary passes.
“Specifications” of the Four Great Mountain Passes in Vietnam
Ô Quí Hồ Pass
- Location: Located on National Road 4D connecting Tam Duong District, Lai Chau Province, and Sapa District, Lao Cai Province
- Elevation above sea level: 2000m
- Pass length: 50KM
- Evaluation: Beautiful, majestic, and the most challenging to traverse
Adventure on Ô Quí Hồ Pass
Mã Pí Lèng Pass
- Location: Situated on the Happiness Road, connecting Dong Van and Meo Vac Districts, Ha Giang Province
- Elevation above sea level: 1200m
- Length: 20KM
- Evaluation: Scenic beauty, majestic, and challenging to navigate
Mã Pì Lèng
Khau Pha Pass
- Location: Pass located on National Road 32, connecting Van Chan and Mu Cang Chai Districts, Yen Bai Province. The summit of Khau Pha Pass is where the 'Flying over the Golden Season' festival is held in the late September harvest season every year.
- Elevation: 1300m
- Length: 35KM
- Evaluation: Scenic beauty, relatively easy to navigate
Pha Din Pass
- Location: Located on National Road 6 connecting Phong Lai Commune, Thuan Chau District, Son La Province, and Toa Tinh Commune, Tuan Giao District, Dien Bien Province.
- Elevation: 1648m
- Length: 32KM
- Evaluation: Since 2009, the bypass route along the left mountain slope of the old National Road 6, with an elevation of about 1,000m (lower than Pha Din Pass by 200-400m), has been completed. This has reduced traffic on the original Pha Din Pass route, making it more suitable for adventurous tourists. The new Pha Din Pass, with lowered elevation and expanded roads, offers a normal scenic route, making it easily accessible.
Vietnam is a hospitable country, blessed with beautiful landscapes, and its people are friendly. To fully experience these mountain passes, plan ahead and prepare thoroughly, including training in necessary skills such as motorcycle riding, climbing, survival skills, and more.
Explore more: Top 6 Most Beautiful Mountain Passes in Ha Giang
