The 13 Most Dangerous Yet Must-Visit Mountain Passes in Vietnam

Khau Phạ Pass is located on National Route 32, beginning at the intersection of National Route 32 and National Route 279, stretching over 30km. It lies on the border between Văn Chấn and Mù Căng Chải districts in Yên Bái province, passing through well-known places such as La Pán Tẩn, Tú Lệ, Chế Nha, and Nậm Có. From Yên Bái city, it takes about 5 hours to drive via Route 32 through Tú Lệ village to reach Khau Phạ, which emerges in the midst of a plateau surrounded by endless mountain ranges.

At an altitude of over 1200m above sea level, the temperature is quite low, and the summit of Khau Phạ is often covered in mist. The road is treacherous, winding, and cuts through steep mountainous terrain.

Khau Phạ Pass is one of the most dangerous and steep mountain passes in Vietnam, crossing the highest peak in the Mù Căng Chải region. The pass features dozens of hairpin turns, and during foggy days, it becomes highly dangerous for drivers due to limited visibility. Additionally, falling rocks from the high mountains add another risk, particularly in bad weather conditions.

Travelers visiting Cao Bằng, whether heading to the Ban Gioc Waterfall, Ngườm Ngao Cave (Trùng Khánh district), the Tà Lùng international border gate (Phục Hoà district), or the prosperous Quảng Uyên town, must pass through Mã Phục Pass.

Located about 20km east of Cao Bằng city, in the Quốc Toản commune of Trà Lĩnh district, this pass is known for its breathtaking scenery despite its challenging terrain. Mã Phục Pass stretches over km and rises approximately 700m above sea level, winding through steep limestone mountain slopes.

The road up the pass features seven sharp ascents, with one side bordered by towering cliffs and the other by deep valleys and narrow ravines. Mã Phục Pass serves as a unique route and gateway to the eastern districts of Cao Bằng province.

Though not as perilous as Ô Quy Hồ or Mã Pí Lèng, Mã Phục Pass still presents a daunting challenge for first-time travelers, leaving them with a sense of trepidation on their initial journey.

Thung Khe Pass is located on National Route 6 in Hòa Bình province, nestled between Tân Lạc and Mai Châu. At the midpoint of the pass, at an elevation of 1000m above sea level, you'll find a cluster of roadside stalls made from rough wooden planks, where vendors offer local treats such as sugarcane, steamed corn, roasted rice, and wild vegetables. It's the perfect spot to pause and enjoy a simple meal of grilled corn, sugarcane, or sticky rice with sesame.

While not as majestic as Ô Quy Hồ in Lao Cai, nor as steep as Mã Pí Lèng in Hà Giang, Thung Khe Pass holds its own dangers for drivers.

Unlike the sharp bends typical of passes in Hà Giang or Lai Châu, Thung Khe is hazardous due to its frequent thick fog, especially in the late afternoon, regardless of whether it's winter or summer. Driving through Thung Khe at night during winter is a memorable challenge for any driver, with dense fog, piercing cold, and poor visibility, where only the flickering headlights seem to cut through the mist like faint streaks of smoke.

Hà Giang, the first stroke on Vietnam's map, entices adventurers with its magnificent winding roads. Bắc Sum Pass is often compared to Pha Đin Pass, one of the four most famous passes in Vietnam. If you're exploring Hà Giang, don't miss this spectacular pass!

Bắc Sum Pass lies between Vị Sum and Quản Bạ, weaving its way through the stunning Đồng Văn Plateau. It is located on National Route 4C, connecting Hà Giang city to Tam Sơn town in Quản Bạ district. The pass begins at Tân Sơn Bridge on the Bản Thăng Stream in Tân Sơn Village, Minh Tân commune, Vị Xuyên, and stretches to the boundary between Minh Tân commune and Quyết Tiến commune in Quản Bạ.

From here, you can look down upon winding roads and houses perched precariously on high mountain peaks. Known as the second Pha Đin Pass of Northern Vietnam, Bắc Sum Pass is popular among thrill-seekers for its twisty, narrow roads that offer a thrilling journey.

In the green and golden rice seasons, the Tam Sơn valley is dotted with colors, enhancing the already enchanting landscape. During autumn and winter, mist lingers over the peaks, adding to the mystique of the region. As the seasons change, the road resembles a ribbon that stretches across the mountains, offering a glimpse into the enchanting beauty of this majestic land.

Starting from Đồng Hới, travel along the Hồ Chí Minh road for about 100km to reach Đá Đẽo Pass, which features a smooth, paved surface. The pass stretches for 17km and is located in Thượng Hóa commune, Minh Hóa district, Quảng Bình province. It is known for its sharp curves and pristine, ancient forests.

Đá Đẽo Pass is one of the most treacherous sections of the entire Đông Trường Sơn route of the Hồ Chí Minh road. The steep, winding roads, steep gorges, and fragile terrain pose significant risks, contributing to frequent accidents. This area has a complex geological structure, with underground water flows and frequent landslides. In the span of just one year, four serious traffic accidents occurred on the Hồ Chí Minh road through Đá Đẽo Pass (Minh Hóa - Quảng Bình), especially in the sharp curves at the summit. The main cause was high-speed descents where drivers lost control upon encountering sudden bends.

To improve safety, the Vietnam Road Administration has invested in measures to address these hazards. These include the installation of speed bumps to warn drivers to slow down before descending and the construction of escape lanes for vehicles that lose their brakes unexpectedly.

Sa Mù Pass is located in the northwestern region of Quảng Trị, linking the communes of Hướng Phùng and Hướng Việt in Hướng Hóa district, Quảng Bình province. With an elevation of nearly 1400m above sea level, the pass lies on the border between Vietnam and Laos. The name 'Sa Mù' is derived from the thick fog that envelops the pass, which stretches for nearly 20km. This road offers an ideal route for adventure travelers to witness the beauty of the mountains and explore one of the most treacherous passes in the North West of Quảng region.

To reach Sa Mù Pass, begin from Khe Sanh town, taking the Hồ Chí Minh road for about 35 km to the foot of the pass. From this vantage point, visitors can view a winding road that curves like a sleeping dragon, surrounded by lofty clouds. Despite the hot, dry winds from Laos during the summer in Western Quảng Trị, the air at the summit remains cool. During this time, the pass becomes even more enchanting, with mist enveloping the winding roads, providing an unforgettable experience for those keen on adventure and a glimpse of the majestic Trường Sơn mountains, once a battleground during the fierce days of war.

This pass is historically significant as it played a crucial role during the Vietnam War, with Sa Mù - Khe Sanh being strategically important and known for its difficult terrain. Locals recount how soldiers used to transport weapons and supplies into the region, often needing to detour through Laos due to the pass's treacherous climbs and twists, making it impassable by direct routes.

A visit to Sa Mù Pass allows travelers to experience the meeting point between the earth and the sky. Regardless of when you visit, the mist will always shroud the trees, creating a serene atmosphere. The white fog, the green trees, the red earth, and the gray road combine to form a harmonious palette of nature, making it a visually striking sight for all who pass through.

Known as 'The World's Most Majestic Pass,' Hai Van Pass stretches along the Bạch Mã mountain range, forming the natural boundary between Thừa Thiên – Huế province and Da Nang city. This 21 km road reaches its highest point at nearly 500 meters above sea level and is renowned for its rugged and perilous terrain. Before the construction of the Hai Van Tunnel, the pass was a bustling route for vehicles. Today, it remains a serene and picturesque destination, attracting adventurous travelers seeking new experiences.

Despite its challenging slopes, steep cliffs, and winding curves along the mountain's edge, Hai Van Pass is irresistibly captivating. It's considered one of the most beautiful mountain roads in the world. Hai Van Quan, a scenic stop along the pass, not only offers visitors a chance to admire its stunning natural beauty but also houses a historical landmark of great architectural charm, steeped in the region's past.

Conquering Hai Van Pass on a bicycle or motorcycle is an exhilarating experience, where riders lean into the bends, thrill at the descent, and even get goosebumps when encountering the mist and rain. Alternatively, traveling by train through the pass also provides a unique perspective. The train curves along the mountain cliffs, passing through fog-shrouded peaks, offering a panoramic view of the mountains, ocean, and sky merging together into a breathtaking landscape.

What makes Hai Van Pass even more enchanting is its combination of adventure and romance. The area near Đồn Cả Arch, located at the foot of the pass, offers a tranquil and almost magical experience. Upon arriving, visitors feel as if they've stepped into another world, one of peace and serenity where the winds, sunshine, and clouds create a beautiful harmony.

Cả Pass is one of the largest and most dangerous mountain passes in Central Vietnam. On one side, the cliffs drop steeply toward the sea, while the other side is lined with a series of dangerous rock peaks. The weather remains cool year-round, and from here, visitors can reach various other attractions. The pass reaches a height of 333 meters and spans 12 kilometers, crossing through the Đại Lãnh mountain range on the border between Phú Yên (Đông Hòa district) and Khánh Hòa (Vạn Ninh district) along National Route 1A.

Historically, this pass marked the boundary between Đại Việt and Champa. When King Lê moved south, he had to stop at Cả Pass due to its treacherous terrain. He established a small outpost in Phú Yên, naming it Hoa Anh. From the 15th to the 16th century, this area was a hotbed of conflict between Đại Việt and Champa forces. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, it became the site of battles between Emperor Gia Long and the forces of Nhạc, Lữ, and Huệ. In 1947, Cả Pass also witnessed several clashes between French colonial forces and the Việt Minh.

Climate at Cả Pass supports the growth of a diverse range of plant species, with lush forests and fresh air. The flora here is abundant, and the area is home to various animal species such as pangolins, bears, leopards, hedgehogs, monkeys, and rare birds, many of which are unique to the region. The forest is rich in valuable wood species such as sao, chò, oil, kền kền, agarwood, and cà ná. Standing atop Cả Pass, one can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, stretching from the plains to the mountains, with the vast ocean on the horizon.

The road up the pass winds like a ribbon through the green mountains. Some turns seem nearly impossible to navigate, but as you pass towering rock formations, you feel the grandeur of nature. The challenge of Cả Pass seems to want to swallow anyone who dares to cross. Yet, it's not just daunting; it's also incredibly picturesque, with vibrant greenery and a sky so clear it's as if there is not a single cloud. The gentle breeze brings a sense of freshness and purity, making the landscape feel like a living work of art, compelling travelers to pause and admire its beauty.

Located on National Route 26, connecting Khánh Hòa and Đắk Lắk provinces, Phượng Hoàng Pass resembles a bird soaring through the sky, offering travelers a scenic view of the stunning skies and landscapes. Spanning about 12 kilometers, the pass lies within M’Drăk district and serves as the eastern gateway to Đắk Lắk. Once notorious as the 'death pass' due to its perilous geography and the dangers that awaited travelers, Phượng Hoàng Pass has since been expanded and now attracts many young adventurers eager to explore.

Phượng Hoàng Pass was once feared for its treacherous terrain and the ever-present threats lurking in the area, including dangerous bandits. The winding, sharp curves of the pass were once the domain of armed groups from the Central Highlands, striking fear into many. However, today the road is much safer and is a popular route for thrill-seekers, drawn by its wild beauty. The pass challenges drivers with its sharp, twisting turns, where one wrong move could spell disaster. But the thrill of navigating the curves and seeing the road ahead unfold like the wings of a graceful phoenix makes any fears give way to excitement.

On this stretch, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of nature, resembling a majestic painting of mountains and forests. The winding roads and the surrounding peaks make you feel connected to nature in its purest form. The Phượng Hoàng Pass, with its grand scenery, connects the coastal region to the vast forests of Đắk Lắk. The majestic forests welcome travelers with roaring waterfalls and the cheerful sounds of rushing streams mingling with the trees. As you travel through the pass, strong drivers may feel as though they've entered the realm of the great wilderness, where the call of waterfalls and distant villages echo through the land.

Climbing Phượng Hoàng Pass into the wilderness of Đắk Lắk will leave you feeling utterly immersed in its majestic, untamed beauty. If you're used to coastal regions or smooth, straight roads, why not switch things up and experience the soaring wings of the Phoenix Pass, with its thunderous waterfalls, towering peaks, and the warm, welcoming nature of the local ethnic communities?

Ngoạn Mục Pass, also known as Krông Pha Pass (a name from the Cham people still in use), is one of the most stunning mountain passes in Vietnam, located in Ninh Thuận province. It winds along steep slopes, connecting the Ninh Sơn valley to the Lang Biang plateau.

Spanning 18.5 km with an average gradient of over 9 degrees, it is the steepest pass in southern Vietnam. Ngoạn Mục Pass is renowned for its majestic and breathtaking beauty. True to its name, the pass features winding roads with sharp turns that twist through towering mountains and deep ravines. The scenery is rugged yet incredibly picturesque, creating a romantic and ethereal atmosphere that leaves travelers in awe. The road winds continuously, and at an altitude of 400 meters, you'll be able to look back and take in the road you've just traversed. The pass has four very sharp hairpin turns, with the road gently curving over hills and slopes of various sizes, creating beautiful wave-like patterns. If you stop at the summit and gaze down, you’ll be enchanted by its romantic yet awe-inspiring allure.

From the pass, you can see steep, deep ravines, with the winding road barely visible through the pine forests. In the distance, the Phan Rang plains unfold, with the Cái River meandering through it. Two towering mountain ranges enclose the Phan Rang valley, stretching all the way to the sea. On clear days, you can spot the white sandy beaches and the gentle waves lapping against the shore. From Ngoạn Mục Pass, visitors can take in a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, a natural masterpiece shaped by time, with waterfalls cascading down cliffs, mountain ridges with diverse flora, and a wealth of local vegetation.

With its rugged terrain, Ngoạn Mục has become an exciting stretch of road for adventure travelers heading from the mountain town of Đà Lạt to the sun-kissed coast of Phan Rang. For those who have traveled many of Vietnam's mountain passes, Ngoạn Mục feels more than just a pass—it's a living, breathing entity that evokes a variety of emotions. For many travelers, it seems that every time they pass through, the wild nature and majestic mountains of Ngoạn Mục evoke new feelings and experiences.

Mã Pí Lèng Pass is a 20 km-long mountain pass located on the Happiness Road that connects Hà Giang city to Đồng Văn and Mèo Vạc. Rising over 1200 meters above sea level, Mã Pí Lèng stretches like a silk ribbon, winding around cliffs and deep ravines, making it a challenging destination for adventure lovers. From a distance, the pass appears to cut through the mountains, with Mã Pí Lèng Peak on one side and Săm Pun (Sam Pun) on the other—home to the border marker and a customs gate to China.

The name “Mã Pí Lèng” comes from the Quan Hỏa language, meaning “horse’s nose,” symbolizing the steepness of the mountain top, where even a horse might collapse from exhaustion, or the peak’s sharp ridge resembling a horse’s nostrils. Though not long, Mã Pí Lèng is considered one of the most treacherous passes in northern Vietnam and is often referred to as the “king” of Vietnamese mountain roads. The danger lies in the dense fog, narrow winding roads, and sharp bends that make it difficult for vehicles traveling in opposite directions to pass each other.

Building this road took thousands of workers from northern provinces, working day and night to carve through the mountains. The section through Mã Pí Lèng saw young volunteers suspended on the cliffs, inching forward to create a road over 11 months. Initially, the pass was narrow, just wide enough for pedestrians and porters, but later expanded to accommodate larger vehicles, though it remained perilous due to the tight curves. Once completed, Mã Pí Lèng became known for its nine hairpin turns along vertical cliffs, with deep ravines below.

With its steep terrain and breathtakingly wild beauty, Mã Pí Lèng Pass in the Hà Giang highlands is considered one of the four greatest passes in northern Vietnam’s mountainous region.

Pha Đin Pass, also known as Pha Đin slope, connects the provinces of Sơn La and Điện Biên, and became famous during the Battle of Điện Biên Phủ for enduring heavy bombing yet remaining intact. The name 'Pha Đin' comes from the Thai language, where 'Phạ' means sky and 'Đin' means earth, symbolizing the meeting place of heaven and earth.

From the top of the pass, Pha Đin appears as a perilous terrain, with a narrow road precariously winding between a steep cliff on one side and a bottomless ravine on the other. The pass has a slope of about 10%, with sections reaching 12% to 15%, and some parts have sharp turns with a gradient as steep as 19%. The winding road, with eight hazardous bends, features curves with a radius of under 15 meters, and many hairpin turns, such as A-shaped and Z-shaped bends, where only one vehicle can pass at a time. Another danger of Pha Đin lies in its location on red earth mountains. Unlike limestone mountain passes, the soil here is relatively weak, making it prone to landslides during the rainy season.

In 2005, the government decided to upgrade National Route 6 in the Northwest region. The section from Sơn La to Tuần Giáo was renovated between 2006 and 2009, creating two separate routes on the three-way junction at the top of Pha Đin Pass. The old Pha Đin Pass stretches for 32 km (from km 360 to km 392 on the old National Route 6) and has its highest point at 1,648 meters above sea level with approximately 125 dangerous bends, narrow roads, and areas where only one vehicle can pass. The new Pha Đin Pass runs along the mountainside on the left side of the old route. It is now 26 km long, with 60 turns, some of which have a 60-meter radius, and a gentler slope of just 8%. The new road has been widened to twice the size of the previous one.

Since the new Pha Đin Pass opened, traffic has been much safer, while the old pass now serves mainly local residents or adventurous tourists seeking to conquer and explore its historic path.

Ô Quy Hồ Pass stretches over a winding road along National Route 4B, with two-thirds of the pass in Tam Đường District, Lai Châu, and the remaining third in Sa Pa, Lào Cai. This pass holds the record for the longest mountain pass in the Northwest region of Vietnam, extending nearly 50 km. The summit of Ô Quy Hồ, shrouded in mist and clouds, is also known as the 'Gate to Heaven'.

During winter, the peak of Ô Quy Hồ can be covered in snow and ice. The pass is also referred to as Hoàng Liên Sơn Pass or the 'Cloud Pass' as it cuts across the Hoàng Liên Sơn mountain range.

Despite the road being well-upgraded and more frequently traveled by vehicles, the journey still remains treacherous. One side of the pass plunges into a deep ravine, while the other rises steeply with sharp, winding turns, causing the road to continuously ascend and descend with the rugged terrain. This notorious pass can cause travelers to experience intense thrills as they navigate sharp bends that are known to be life-threatening. A single moment of inattention could send both vehicles and passengers hurtling into the abyss below. The most dangerous sections are the hairpin turns that cling to the edge of the ravine, which can be treacherous to navigate.

For safety reasons, it is best to travel by motorcycle or car during the day, avoid the road at night when visibility is limited, and always drive at a moderate speed to handle any unexpected situations that may arise.