The most beautiful but dangerous mountain passes in Vietnam
Pass roads always contain danger but possess majestic natural beauty. Below are 10 places that any backpacker wants to conquer in Vietnam.
Ma Pi Leng (Ha Giang) is known as the "king" of dangerous roads in Vietnam. The pass runs 20 km long, located in the Dong Van geopark complex. One of the four great passes in the Northwest mountains challenges any traveler because of the long road running around the back of the mountain, on both sides there are rocky cliffs of the Nho Que River and the most majestic deep canyon in Southeast Asia. Photo: Hiep Tan.
Famous for its length of 50 km, O Quy Ho Pass (Lai Chau-Lao Cai) holds the record for length in the Northwest mountains. This pass is located on National Highway 4D, cutting across the Hoang Lien Son range, connecting the two provinces of Lao Cai and Lai Chau. 
The place is known as Heaven's Gate because it is located amidst immense mountain clouds at an altitude of 2,000 m. This place is covered with fog all year round, the scenery is as beautiful as a paradise. On days when the temperature drops, the top of the pass can be covered with snow and ice, obscuring visibility and endangering pedestrians.
Pha Din Pass (Dien Bien) has a terrain with a steep cliff on one side, a deep abyss on the other and countless steep turns. This is the reason why this place is known as one of the most dangerous passes in the Northwest. At an altitude of more than 1,000 m above sea level, visitors will fully admire the natural picture adorned by rolling mountains, spreading throughout the space.
Khau Pha Pass (Yen Bai) is one of the four great passes in the North, located in the border area between Van Chan district and Mu Cang Chai district. This is a route that passes through many famous places such as La Pan Tan, Mu Cang Chai, Tu Le... From the view on Khau Pha pass, visitors can fully admire the scenery of immense terraced fields. . The most winding and steep mountain passes in Vietnam in this place are a challenge for any skilled driver.
Besides Ma Phuc Pass, Me Pia Pass has an equally dangerous road in Cao Bang. The road is located on National Highway 4A, the section connecting Xuan Truong commune to the center of Bao Lac border district. The 14 levels of the pass are 14 sharp and steep turns, flanked by high mountains on both sides. Tourists should not travel here at night because accidents are likely to occur, visibility is limited, and it is difficult to control situations related to speed.
Thung Khe Pass (Hoa Binh) is known as one of the most beautiful roads in Hoa Binh province. There are no steep slopes or sharp turns here, but there are many hidden dangers caused by large vehicles going back and forth every day. The layer of limestone falls down, whitening the entire cliff, and mist and clouds cover it all year round, making this place as beautiful as a fairyland. Anyone traveling through the pass wants to stop to check-in and admire the natural scenery from above.
Hai Van Pass is located between the border of Thua Thien Hue province and Da Nang city, in the Truong Son range. From a height of nearly 500 m at the top, visitors can admire the Lang Co fishing village and the panorama of Da Nang city. Although there is now a road tunnel through the pass, many tourists still like to travel by motorbike on this road to enjoy. Traveling by train to Da Nang is a suggestion for those who want to slowly see the full view of the mountains, forests and sea at Hai Van Pass from above.
