The Hai Van Pass at a glance
The old Hai Van Pass road runs about 20 to 21 km over a mountain ridge between Da Nang and the north. It is a separate route from the Hai Van road tunnel. On the pass you get curves, steep gradients, changing visibility and a view over the coast and the bay.
It is not a quiet road. Tankers and heavy trucks can use it too, so ride and drive with care. For a different kind of day out from Da Nang, our guide to Ba Na Hills tours from Da Nang and Hoi An compares the options, and the pass works best as a half day or its own day.
Over the pass or through the tunnel
Two routes, two different journeys.
| Route | What it is | Motorbikes |
|---|---|---|
| Old pass road | About 20 to 21 km of curves and climbs, with views of the coast | Allowed |
| Hai Van tunnel | A road tunnel through the mountain, a separate route from the pass | Motorbikes cannot ride through it themselves |
For most visitors, the pass is the reason to come. Do not treat the pass as a beginner route. Fog and changing weather can reduce visibility within minutes, and the road is shared with large vehicles.
Our pick: crossing the Hai Van Pass
This day trip to Hue takes the pass in a small group, so you do not have to drive it yourself.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Hai Van Pass and Da Nang tours
Guided trips over the Hai Van Pass and around Da Nang, with live prices and availability.
Motorbike on the Hai Van Pass
A motorbike gives you the most freedom on the pass, and also asks the most of you. Check your licence before you rent: foreign visitors need an international permit plus their national licence. A car licence (class B) does not cover motorbikes over 50 cc, and the B196 licence is not accepted. These are the rules in 2026.
Ride in daylight, keep a safe gap on the bends, and allow extra time in fog. The road does not forgive mistakes, and a rented bike does not remove the need for experience. If you doubt your skills, a trip with a driver is the better choice.
Jeep and car trips with a driver
The option that leaves the road to someone else.
Guided jeep and car trips let you watch the coast instead of the next bend. A driver who knows the road also knows where to stop. Look at the offers above for what each trip includes, including the start point, the length and whether stops such as the Hai Van Quan monument are part of the plan.
A trip with a driver also takes away the licence question, the fuel stop and the worry about a breakdown. You pay for a seat instead of a rental, and you can step out wherever the group stops for the view. That trade-off suits families, mixed groups and anyone who has not ridden mountain roads before.
Always check the start time, the pickup point and the cancellation terms. If you also want to stay on the Da Nang side of the pass, see our guide to where to stay in Da Nang.
Hai Van Quan: the monument at the pass
Hai Van Quan is the monument at the pass. Since 2 June 2026 it charges VND 70,000 per person and visit, and the fee is planned to run until 31 December 2028. That is the monument entry, not a toll for the road. The pass road itself and the monument are separate things.
Weather and the best time for the pass
Clear days make the difference.
Fog and cloud can hide the views, and rain makes the bends slippery. Average rainfall in Da Nang is highest in October (about 658 mm for the month), and September to December are all wet. February to April bring lower rainfall on average. Typhoons are a seasonal risk, mainly from June to November, and heavy monsoon rain with floods and landslides is possible from October to December.
Hue lies on the other side of the pass and has its own guide: see the Hai Van Pass from Hue if you travel in that direction. For a city day before or after the ride, use our overview of things to do in Da Nang.
Hai Van Pass: frequently asked questions
How long is the Hai Van Pass?
The old pass road runs about 20 to 21 km. It is a separate route from the Hai Van tunnel.
Can I ride a motorbike through the Hai Van tunnel?
No, motorbikes cannot ride through the tunnel themselves. Riders take the old pass road.
Is there an entry fee at the Hai Van Pass?
The Hai Van Quan monument charges VND 70,000 per person and visit since 2 June 2026, planned until 31 December 2028. It is the monument entry, not a road toll.
What licence do I need for a motorbike?
An international permit plus your national licence. A car licence (class B) does not cover motorbikes over 50 cc, and the B196 licence is not accepted (rules in 2026).
When is the best time to ride the Hai Van Pass?
Choose a clear day. Fog hides the views and rain makes the bends slippery. On average, February to April are drier in Da Nang, while October is the wettest month.
Where is the Hai Van Pass?
It runs over a mountain ridge between Da Nang and the north, with Hue on the far side. The old pass road is about 20 to 21 km long.