In addition to the unique traditional customs of ethnic minorities, the Northwest region is also famous for its unique stunning landscapes, especially beautiful when seen from above – the mountain passes, whose curves attract the soul of lovers. backpacker. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the four most famous mountain passes when you intend to explore the Northwest Route!
Ma Pi Leng Pass
It is a dangerous pass about 20 km long, crossing the top of Ma Pi Leng Mountain at an altitude of 2,000 m and connecting Meo Vac with Dong Van. This pass is famous for its winding paths, like a snake crawling from one mountain to another.
Ma Pi Leng in Quan Hoa language literally means “the bridge of the horse’s nose.” But figuratively, this name refers to the danger of the mountain top, where the slope is so steep that the passing horse has to stop breathing, or the mountain top is as steep as the bridge of the nose. of the horse.
The road across the Ma Pi Leng Pass, known as the Highway of Happiness, was built between 1959 and 1965 by tens of thousands of young people from 16 ethnic groups in eight provinces in northern Vietnam. To complete it, many people stretched the rope between the cliffs for 11 months.
Since 2009, the Ma Pi Leng mountain area has been recognized as a national scenic relic. Consequently, Ma Pi Leng Pass is considered a unique heritage area in terms of geology and landscape; The top of the pass is one of the most beautiful panoramic viewpoints in Vietnam. The Nho Que River Canyon is one of the unique tectonic valleys in Vietnam.
Step O Quy Ho
O Quy Ho Pass is known as one of the four great passes of the northwest region. If you are a fan of backpacking and photography, O Quy Ho Pass will be a great option during your trip to Sapa.
O Quy Ho Pass is an important route connecting Lai Chau and Lao Cai provinces. This somewhat winding and dangerous road accidentally becomes a great place to explore during your trip to Sapa. Therefore, if you ride a motorcycle around the port you have to be very careful, it is better to choose to go by car because the drivers are too familiar with the curves.
Currently, O Quy Ho Pass is the largest and most beautiful pass in Sapa, and also the longest pass in the northwest. People named the pass after the Hmong language, but the pass also has another name: Hoang Lien Pass.
O Quy Ho Pass will be a place to help your soul relax and relieve all the daily frustrations and worries of everyday life. With just one camera, you can record beautiful images of O Quy Ho Pass during your trip to Sapa!
Pha Din Pass
With a length of about 32 km and 1,600 m above sea level, Pha Din is one of the most majestic and wonderful passes in Vietnam. The name Pha Din Pass originally comes from the Thai word Pha Din, in which Pha means “heaven”, Din means “earth”, which means that this place is the junction between heaven and earth.
Half the way to the Pha Din Pass is usually covered in clouds and at the foot of the pass there are scattered villages. Standing on the mountain pass in Dien Bien province, looking down, visitors will see the Muong Quai valley stretching with endless green hills and mountains, with glimpses of the early villages of Tuan Giao district. However, as you approach the top of the pass, almost no town is visible, only the deep blue sky and the majestic mountains and forests seem to blend into one.
Currently, Pha Din Pass is only suitable for adventurous tourists. If you are a lover of wonderful experiences and emotions, do not forget to explore the Pha Din Pass during your trip to Dien Bien.
Khau Pha Pass
The pass is located in the border area between Van Chan District and Mu Cang Chai District of Yen Bai Province, Khau Pha Pass passes through many famous places such as La Pan Tan, Mu Cang Chai, Tu Le, Che Cu Nha, Nam…
Located at an altitude of 1,200 m to 1,500 m above sea level. The pass passes over the peak of Khau Pha Mountain, the highest mountain in the Mu Cang Chai region. The name of this mountain peak in Thai means “Horn of Heaven” (mountain horn rising into the sky), because mountain peaks often rise like a horn from the surrounding sea of clouds.
The winding mountain passes between old forests still retain pristine features and the terraced fields of the H’Mong and Thai ethnic groups. Crossing the windy and misty mountain pass, climbing almost fifty more kilometers, we will see the town of Mu Cang Chai. From Mu Cang Chai town, continue about 40 kilometers along the mountain road to reach Than Uyen (Lai Chau), or follow the H’Mong girls and travel at least another dozen kilometers to find H’mong villages. .
Don’t hesitate, pack your backpack and head to the Khau Pha Pass in Yen Bai.