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Known as one of the Four Great Passes in the northern mountains, O Quy Ho Pass is a favorite destination for travel enthusiasts and photo lovers. Especially, if you're planning a trip to Sapa, O Quy Ho Pass is definitely a must-visit pinnacle that you can't miss. Let's explore with Mytour to see where exactly O Quy Ho Pass is and what's so beautiful that captivates people!
O Quy Ho Pass is considered a masterpiece of nature with its majestic and picturesque landscapes that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits. Looking down from the pass, witnessing the vast Northwest mountains immersed in mist, you'll feel like you're entering a fairyland. That's why the road to O Quy Ho Pass in Sapa seems to never lack the footsteps of travel enthusiasts.
Where is O Quy Ho Pass?
O Quy Ho Pass in Lao Cai is the largest and most beautiful mountain pass in Sapa, also the longest pass in the Northwest. It is a crucial route connecting the two provinces of Lao Cai and Lai Chau. The name O Quy Ho is H'mong language, originating from a poignant love story between a young farmer and a beautiful fairy. Unable to fulfill their love, the fairy transformed into a bird that continuously cries 'O Quy Ho' passionately. Since then, the locals have used this cry to name the pass.
The majestic scenery at O Quy Ho Pass - the unofficial king of the Four Great Passes in the northern mountains of Vietnam. (Photo: Collected)
O Quy Ho Pass lies on the route across the Hoang Lien Son range, hence it is also known as Hoang Lien Pass. With an altitude of over 2000m, treacherous winding sections, and a length of up to 50km, O Quy Ho Pass makes other famous passes like Ma Pi Leng (20km), Pha Din (32km), or Khau Pha (40km) seem smaller. Therefore, O Quy Ho Pass is dubbed the 'unofficial king' of the 'four great passes' in the Northwest and one of the hottest Sapa tourist destinations.
How far is O Quy Ho Pass from Sapa and what is the route like?
O Quy Ho Pass in Lao Cai is located right on National Highway 4D, so to reach this place, you need to take a vehicle to Sapa town. From here, ask the locals in the town for directions to the national highway. They will show you the shortest way to O Quy Ho Pass in Sapa. In fact, this stretch of road is not too long because O Quy Ho Pass is about 15km from Sapa (measured from the town center). However, the road has many extremely difficult and treacherous winding sections, especially the section from Tram Ton to the foot of the pass. If you're not an experienced driver, it's best to hire a local driver with a car.
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When is the best time to visit O Quy Ho Pass?
If you're unsure about the best time to visit O Quy Ho Pass, then save these useful pieces of information:
+ Traveling O Quy Ho Pass in summer: This is a suitable time to visit O Quy Ho Pass in Lao Cai because the weather is cool, pleasant, with a hint of freshness and less fog. You'll have clear visibility and an easier journey. However, you should only travel the section of the pass on the Lao Cai side as the section on the Lai Chau side is hot with dried vegetation, not as picturesque.
Admire the gentle sunset casting golden hues over the mountains of Northwest Vietnam from atop O Quy Ho Pass. (Photo: Collection)
+ Traveling O Quy Ho Pass in winter: The weather in winter in Lai Chau is more comfortable with some sunshine at midday, while Lao Cai is completely covered in fog, and there may even be freezing cold and snow. If you plan to adventure on O Quy Ho Pass during this time, remember to bring enough jackets, gloves, etc.
When traveling on O Quy Ho Pass in Sapa during winter, remember to bring enough jackets, scarves to avoid getting cold. (Photo: Collection)
Moreover, according to Mytour's experience, the ideal time for a motorbike trip on O Quy Ho Pass is in the late afternoon when the sunset tints the entire Northwest mountains red. Alternatively, you can stay overnight at Sapa hotels, then embark on a morning motorbike trip to catch the sunrise.
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Unique experiences to try when visiting O Quy Ho Pass in Lao Cai
For those who have never been here, you may wonder what makes O Quy Ho Pass so beautiful that it captivates so many people? The answer lies in the journey to conquer this legendary pass.
Majestic Waterfalls
Right at the foot of O Quy Ho Pass facing Sapa lies Silver Waterfall - one of the 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Lao Cai. This majestic waterfall cascading day and night, creating a foamy spectacle, has astonished countless tourists both domestically and internationally.
The majestic beauty of Silver Waterfall never fails to amaze both domestic and international tourists. (Photo: Collection)
In addition, Love Waterfall is another famous attraction that draws many couples to Sapa. Although not as grand as Silver Waterfall, Love Waterfall exudes a gentle and delicate beauty, resembling a strip of silk. According to legend, this is also the meeting place of the young man and the fairy in the story of O Quy Ho Pass.
Heaven's Gate O Quy Ho Pass in Lai Chau and O Quy Ho Cafe
After passing through the majestic waterfalls, you will conquer the summit of O Quy Ho Pass, also known as Heaven's Gate or Sapa Gate. This is a destination you will regret missing when traveling to Sapa. At the summit, there is a tall hill for you to enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Hoang Lien Son range engulfed in white clouds. Moreover, in each season, Heaven's Gate O Quy Ho Pass in Lai Chau will offer you a different scenery, such as golden terraced fields during the ripe rice season or shimmering landscapes during the waterfall season.
Admire the romantic nature of the Hoang Lien Son range from the area of Heaven's Gate O Quy Ho Pass in Lai Chau. (Photo: Collection)
Additionally, at this area of Sapa's Heaven's Gate, a modern cafe named O Quy Ho Cafe has been built. In the misty space, enjoying a cup of coffee amidst the towering mountains will undoubtedly be a memorable experience in your journey to conquer the beauty of the mountainous region. Moreover, don't forget to check in at the 'sacred' photo corner - a miniature version of Bali's Heaven's Gate. You'll surely have a 'photo treasure trove' to post throughout the year.
A glimpse of awe-inspiring beauty resembling a watercolor painting of the Northwest mountains from a solitary tree on the summit of O Quy Ho Pass. (Photo: Collection)
Scenic Landscapes of the Northwest Mountains
On the journey to conquer the summit of the pass, you will traverse the highest road in Vietnam. This is a mysterious and captivating route, hidden within the mountain cliffs. And then, as you pass through a bend, you will capture the image of rustic villages in Lai Chau and the rugged mountain ranges resembling a painting. Perhaps only when witnessing it with your own eyes will you feel the awe-inspiring beauty of the Northwest mountains.
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Irresistible Delicacies You Must Try When Visiting O Quy Ho
Upon reaching the summit of the pass, you can stop by the eateries in the O Quy Ho Gateway area to indulge in authentic and enticing local specialties of Sapa, such as grilled skewered meat, baked sweet potatoes, grilled corn, bamboo-cooked rice, buffalo meat, wild boar meat, jungle fowl meat, and more.
Sapa grilled meat is an unmissable dish when visiting O Quy Ho Pass. (Photo: Collection)
Imagine, in the cool air, savoring a bamboo-cooked rice with hot grilled skewered meat while casting your eyes over the terraced rice fields or the majestic Fansipan peak. Isn't that an unparalleled experience?
Conquer O Quy Ho Pass in Lai Chau Easier with Mytour
Hopefully, with the detailed experiences above, you have grasped what makes O Quy Ho Pass beautiful and can plan your itinerary to fully explore the scenic beauty of this famous pass. If you are concerned about difficult roads, you can book affordable Sapa tours through Mytour. Currently, most Sapa tours will take you to conquer this pass and visit the renowned O Quy Ho Gateway. Contact Hotline Mytour for free assistance with any inquiries. Wishing you an exciting journey exploring the Northwest!
