The Hai Van Pass — "Pass of the Ocean Clouds" — climbs to 500 meters on the Truong Son range between Hue and Da Nang. Made famous by Top Gear, this 13-mile stretch is Vietnam's most iconic motorcycle and driving road. Traffic flows on the right.

Stops on This Tour (10)

1. 1
   Lang Co Beach — Northern Approach A perfect crescent of white sand between a turquoise lagoon and the South China Sea. The beach marks the northern foot of the pass — the coastal plain narrows and the mountains close in.
2. 2
   Lang Co Lagoon Viewpoint Looking back north, the Lang Co Lagoon stretches like a mirror to the horizon. Fishing boats dot the calm water. Ahead, the road begins its winding ascent into the clouds.
3. 3
   Hai Van Pass — First Switchbacks The road climbs through dense tropical forest. Mist rolls in from the South China Sea. This pass has been a natural barrier for centuries — dividing monsoon weather patterns and historical kingdoms.
4. 4
   French Fortification Ruins Crumbling French colonial bunkers line the road near the summit. The French defended this strategic pass during the Indochina War. Earlier, the pass marked the border between the Champa and Dai Viet kingdoms.
5. 5
   Hai Van Pass Summit — 500m The summit gate — an ancient barrier built by the Nguyen Dynasty. American military bunkers from the Vietnam War sit beside the gate. The views on clear days span from Da Nang to the northern coastline.
6. 6
   Summit Panorama — South View Looking south, Da Nang Bay curves below — a vast sweep of blue water backed by the Marble Mountains. The Cham Islands are visible offshore. This view inspired the Top Gear presenters to call it the greatest coast road in the world.
7. 7
   Southern Descent — Cloud Line The descent to Da Nang is often clearer than the northern approach. The pass creates its own weather — clouds pile up on the northern side while the southern slopes bask in sun.
8. 8
   Nam O Village A traditional fishing village at the southern base of the pass. Fish sauce production is the local specialty — enormous clay pots of fermenting anchovies line the village lanes.
9. 9
   Da Nang — My Khe Beach One of the finest urban beaches in Asia. American soldiers on R&R called it "China Beach." The city has transformed from a wartime base to a modern beach resort.
10. 10
    Marble Mountains — Ngu Hanh Son Five marble and limestone hills containing caves, tunnels, and Buddhist pagodas. During the Vietnam War, the Viet Cong used the caves as a hospital. Today, marble carving workshops line the base.

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