Cloud Pass (Hai Van Pass) in Da Nang | Best Road Trip in Vietnam

The Cloud Pass (Hai Van Pass) is probably the best-known road in central Vietnam. It is located about 30 minutes from Da Nang and 1.5 hours from Hoi An, linking Da Nang to Hue over roughly twenty kilometers of mountain road.

In practical terms, it is a real road trip. The road winds between the sea and the mountains, with curves, climbs, and above all constantly changing viewpoints. And having done it several times, I can tell you it still feels like a special experience.

The pass really became more popular after it appeared on Top Gear UK in 2008, when they called it “the most beautiful coastal road in the world”. That may be a bit exaggerated, but it is clearly still one of the most impressive roads in the country.

Where is the Cloud Pass (Hai Van Pass)?

The Cloud Pass lies between Da Nang and Hue, in central Vietnam.

It stretches for about 21 kilometers, with its highest point reaching 496 meters above sea level. It is a mountain road running along the coast and crossing part of the Annamite Range. It is also a natural boundary between the northern and southern parts of central Vietnam, with sometimes quite noticeable weather differences between the two sides of the pass.

A brief history of the Cloud Pass

The Cloud Pass is not just a beautiful road, it is also a place with a long history.

For a long time, this area marked a natural border between the Champa and Dai Viet kingdoms. The mountains made crossing difficult, which turned it into a strategic point. Later, the pass also played an important role during the conflicts of the 20th century, especially as a transport route between Hue and Da Nang.

Today it is mostly known for its scenery, but at the top you can still see military remains and old fortifications, including bunkers.

When to visit the Cloud Pass (weather and conditions)

The Cloud Pass can be done all year round, but some periods are clearly more pleasant than others.

The best time is usually from February to May: the weather is good, the heat is more manageable than in July and August, and overall conditions are more comfortable. Be careful between October and January, during the rainy season. The pass can sometimes be closed because of heavy rain or typhoons moving through the region.

How to get to the Cloud Pass

By motorbike

The easiest and nicest way to do the Cloud Pass is clearly by motorbike or scooter.

That is what I do every time. You are free to stop whenever you want, take photos, and make breaks. That is exactly what makes the pass so enjoyable. Still, I recommend having at least some riding experience, especially if you are riding with a passenger. Some bends are tight, and the road can become slippery when it rains.

From Hoi An, allow around 1.5 hours to reach the pass, then about 45 minutes to cross it without stopping. But honestly, that is not the right way to do it. Plan more like 1.5 to 2 hours for the pass itself, taking time to stop along the way.

One useful detail: you will see numbers written on the walls along the road. These are breakdown service numbers. And if you have a problem up there, it can get expensive very quickly.

Route from Hoi An to the Cloud Pass

Getting to the start of the Cloud Pass from Hoi An is fairly simple if you stay near the beach until you reach the foot of the hills. The only slightly trickier part is crossing Da Nang. The route I recommend takes a few minutes longer than the most direct one, but it is much more pleasant and easier to follow because it avoids going straight through central Da Nang. Click here to see the directions on Google Maps.

From Hoi An, take the main road (Hai Ba Trung) toward An Bang Beach, then turn left at the last traffic light. Stay on the coastal road for the next 20 kilometers until you reach a large roundabout. Turn left there and continue straight through the next two roundabouts until you have crossed the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang.

Take the first right at the other end of the bridge to reach Bach Dang Street next to the river. Continue on this road for two kilometers and keep left when the road splits. Go straight at the roundabout.

At the end of the road, turn left and stay on the road running along the coast. It bends left and connects to the main road. Once on the main road, turn right and stay on it until you reach the beginning of the pass road.

Easy Rider Hoi An

If you do not want to drive yourself, you can also go with an Easy Rider.

It is a good option if you want to enjoy the scenery without worrying about the road. The guides know the pass and the best stops very well.

In Hoi An, several Easy Rider companies offer this service. My favorite is Easy Rider Hoi An by Mr. Thong (website: https://www.easyrider-hoian.com/), who takes you for a full day through the Cloud Pass and Marble Mountains, or even on a one-way trip to Hue.

Expect to pay around 1,000,000 VND for the day.

Private car

If you are traveling with family or simply do not want to drive, a private car is clearly the easiest option.

You stay comfortable, in the air conditioning, and you can stop wherever you want. It is also practical if you want to combine several places such as the Marble Mountains, Lady Buddha, or Lang Co.

Expect to pay around 1,550,000 VND for a 4-seat car and a bit more for a 7-seat vehicle.

Personally, I recommend Hoi An Transport Service. The service is reliable, the prices are fair, and there is also a English-speaking contact, which can help. You can also check Voiture Privee Hoi An, which is a private car service, as the name suggests.

Tourist buses

Technically, you can pass through the Cloud Pass by bus, but it is clearly not the ideal option.

The buses only stop at the top for a few minutes, just enough time to take some photos.

• You do not really experience the pass
• you cannot stop where you want
• you are stuck with the schedule

It is the cheapest way to get to Hue, but also the least interesting.

Honestly, it is the worst way to discover the Cloud Pass.

What to see at the Cloud Pass (Hai Van Pass)

The main reason to drive the Cloud Pass is clearly the scenery. The road itself is already worth the trip.

But there are also several places where you can stop, take your time, and really enjoy the area. In recent years, quite a few cafés have opened along the pass, which has changed the experience a bit.

1. The summit of the Cloud Pass, the must-see stop

At the top of the Hai Van Pass, you reach the best-known point of the route. This is where you will find the Hai Van Quan gate, with old military remains around it. The site was renovated in 2023 to restore its fortified appearance. If you visited before, you will clearly notice the difference. As a small bonus, you will also find QR codes to learn more about the history of the place.

Personally, I thought the renovation really gave the place more interest, even if it remains the busiest point on the pass. This is where tourist buses stop and where you will see the largest crowds.

The best viewpoint is right around the old French bunkers. From there, you get an open view on both sides of the pass. It is also the place where many Vietnamese visitors come to take photos, especially for weddings.

2. Having a coffee on the Cloud Pass

The Cloud Pass has changed over recent years with the opening of several cafés along the road. It has become a bit of a must to stop, have a coffee or a coconut, and enjoy the view. Some of these places are very well positioned.

Personally, I like In The Clouds Coffee, located near the summit, with a direct view over the pass, but there are others too, such as Cà Phê Hòn Đá Thuyền. Keep in mind that most cafés are on the Da Nang to Hue side. If you are coming from Hue, you will need to reach the top before finding one.

3. Don Ca Arch Bridge (a hidden spot)

If you want to go a little beyond the classic route, you can head to the Don Ca Arch Bridge.

It is not the easiest place to access, but it is worth it if you like spots that are a bit less touristy. With a bit of luck, you may see a train crossing the bridge. Below it, there is also a river where you can stop and relax for a while. The place is much quieter than the summit of the pass.

To find it:

Type “lối vào cầu vòm Đồn Cả” into Google Maps.

The best photo spots on the Cloud Pass

While crossing the Cloud Pass, nothing stops you from pulling over whenever you find a view worth photographing, and there are many, I can assure you. Just make sure you are well clear of traffic, because trucks still pass very close at times.

Since I am nice, I have listed the best photo spots on the Cloud Pass for you. It should help you avoid missing the best ones.

The best places to stop along the road are the tight bends and hairpin turns, which give you the best views. In particular, this one here, which is the last big bend before the summit.

On the other side, you can find a beautiful ocean view here. One of the best spots is also here, just before crossing the railway line at the bottom of the pass.

From that point, you can admire Lang Co Bay and see the beach, the town, and the new bridge leading to the Hai Van Tunnel. And if you are lucky, you may even get a photo with the train passing in front of you.

It is the same spot you can see in the Top Gear UK Vietnam special.

My opinion

Honestly, the Cloud Pass is an unmissable route between Hoi An, Da Nang, and Hue, especially if you enjoy driving and taking your time.

What I like most is the freedom you have on this road. You can stop whenever you want, enjoy the viewpoints, and move at your own pace. That is what really makes the difference compared with a bus or an organized tour.

The scenery is truly varied, with this mix of sea, mountains, and jungle. It may not be the most spectacular place in Vietnam, but it is the overall experience of the ride that makes the pass so appealing.

On the other hand, do not expect something completely wild. The summit has become quite touristy, with cafés and plenty of people, especially during the day.

If you really want to enjoy it properly, I recommend going early in the morning or later in the afternoon.