Vietnam–Hải Vân Pass

I’ve discovered a secret to surviving the radiating summertime heat of Southeast Asia.  It can be summed up in a single word: “Wheeeeeeee.”  While neither Ryan nor I have ever done especially well in the heat, I feel that we’ve adjusted better than we expected.  Sure, there are times when it’s not pretty–like the 15th of every month when we pay our utility bill–but from the back of a scooter with the breeze blowing in our faces, it’s more than tolerable, it’s pleasant!

Hải Vân Pass is by far the most scenic drive we’ve ever taken, and we’ve enjoyed it more than once.  We took the pass the most recent time on our way to Hue and it was absolutely wonderful!  I call this James Bond Bay.  I could have sworn I saw him down there…

When the weather is nice and the sky is clear, you can see forever.  The winding mountain journey of the Hải Vân Pass is approximately 21 kilometers long (or 13 miles) and reaches 496 meters in altitude.  Put in some tunes and take in the view of the South China Sea and some beautiful topical green terrain.

Driving the Hải Vân Pass is considered by many to be a must do while visiting Vietnam.  It was even featured in BBC’s Top Gear in 2008.  Presenters called it “One of the best coastal roads in the world.”  I can’t really speak to this, but it was certainly the best coastal drive I’ve experienced.  It took us a little over 4 hours to get to Hue from Danang and it was worth every minute.