The four great mountain passes of Northwest Vietnam are among the most challenging routes for adventure and motorbike enthusiasts. Each pass offers majestic beauty, hairpin turns, steep slopes and stunning natural scenery. Do you know which passes make up the four greatest mountain passes? Let’s find out with Frontier Travel Vietnam.
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1. Ma Pi Leng Pass
Location: Ma Pi Leng Pass, Dong Van Karst Plateau, Ha Giang Province
Ma Pi Leng Pass, also spelled Ma Pi Leng or Ma Pi Leng and meaning “Horse’s Nose Ridge,” is widely regarded as one of the four great mountain passes of Northwest Vietnam. This challenging pass stretches approximately 20 km and is located in Pa Vi and Pai Lung communes of Meo Vac District and Ta Lung Commune of Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province.
The summit of Ma Pi Leng sits at around 1,200 meters above sea level on the Dong Van Karst Plateau, along the famous Hanh Phuc (Happiness) Road, which connects Ha Giang City with the districts of Dong Van and Meo Vac. From here, visitors can admire the vast karst plateau with its majestic limestone mountains, narrow valleys and winding rivers.
On one side of the pass are sheer cliffs plunging straight down into the deep gorge of the Nho Que River, whose jade-green waters sparkle under the sunlight. On the other side, towering mountains shrouded in mist year-round create a mystical landscape that feels almost otherworldly.
Best time to explore Ma Pi Leng Pass
Spring (March–April): Cool weather, clear skies and blooming flowers enhance the landscape’s natural beauty.
Autumn (September–October): The weather is mild, and the sun casts a golden glow over the cliffs, ideal for photography.
Suggested motorbike routes passing through Ma Pi Leng Pass
Route | Highlights |
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Hanoi → Vu Linh → Ha Giang → Dong Van → Meo Vac → Ba Be Lake → Hanoi |
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Hanoi → Vu Linh → Ha Giang → Dong Van → Bao Lac → Ban Gioc Waterfall → Be Be Lake → Hanoi |
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2. O Quy Ho Pass – The Majestic “Heaven’s Gate” of Northwest Vietnam
Location: National Route 4D, on the border between Binh Lu Commune, Lai Chau Province and Sapa Ward, Lao Cai Province
O Quy Ho Pass lies on National Route 4D, cutting across the Hoang Lien Son mountain range on the border between Binh Lu Commune, Lai Chau Province and Sapa Ward, Lao Cai Province. It is the longest and most challenging pass among the Four Greatest Mountain Passes of Northwest Vietnam, connecting Lao Cai and Lai Chau with a total length of nearly 50 km, of which two-thirds belong to Tam Duong District, Lai Chau and one-third to Sa Pa, Lao Cai.
Rising to 2,035 meters above sea level, O Quy Ho is famously called the “Heaven’s Gate” by locals, as its summit is cloaked in mist throughout the year. Its steep curves and impressive length make it a standout among the four great mountain passes of Northwest Vietnam, alongside Pha Din, Khau Pha and Ma Pi Leng.
Riding along its winding hairpin turns, travelers can enjoy lush primeval forests, towering cliffs and deep expansive valleys. During the rice-harvesting season, the slopes of Lai Chau are painted in golden terraced fields, creating a natural scene that is both majestic and poetic.
A distinctive feature of O Quy Ho is the year-round mist, making the summit appear as if it is floating in the sky and giving visitors a sense of entering a mystical world. On early mornings, when sunlight pierces through the fog, the scenery becomes magical and glittering and offers perfect moments for unforgettable photographs.
Best time to explore O Quy Ho Pass
O Quy Ho Pass is stunning all year round, with each season bringing its own unique charm. The best time to visit depends on the type of experience you are looking for.
Summer: The weather is cool and pleasant with little fog, making it ideal for sightseeing and motorbike trips. However, the section of the pass in Lai Chau can be quite hot during summer, so it is recommended to explore the part in Lao Cai for a more comfortable experience.
Winter: In winter, Lai Chau enjoys mild sunlight around midday, while Lao Cai is often covered in thick fog or even frost. If you choose to explore the pass in winter, make sure to bring warm clothing, gloves and all necessary gear to stay safe and comfortable throughout your journey.
Explore some of the most thrilling motorbike routes in Vietnam that take you across O Quy Ho Pass
Route | Suggested Itinerary |
Hanoi → Phu Yen → Son La → Dien Bien Phu → Lai Chau → Sapa → Thac Ba Lake → Hanoi |
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3. Khau Pha Pass
Location: Commune of Mu Cang Chai, Lao Cai Province (formerly Cao Pha Commune, Mu Cang Chai District, Yen Bai Province)
Stretching approximately 30 km, Khau Pha Pass sits at an elevation of over 1,200 meters above sea level. It is located in Mu Cang Chai Commune, Lao Cai Province (formerly Cao Pha Commune, Mu Cang Chai District, Yen Bai Province) and also marks the boundary between Van Chan District and the former Mu Cang Chai District in the highlands of Northwest Vietnam.
Khau Pha is famous for its stunning terraced rice fields cascading down the mountainsides like golden steps during harvest season. From afar, the terraces resemble waves of gold or green depending on the season, forming a breathtaking mosaic of colors and textures. The pass itself features steep slopes, deep valleys and sheer cliffs, offering travelers both thrilling curves and panoramic views at every turn.
In the early morning, light mist drifts through the terraces, creating a mystical “sea of clouds” that makes every moment and photograph along the pass truly unforgettable.
Best time to explore Khau Pha Pass
Autumn (September–October): The golden rice terraces are at their peak beauty, making it the most popular season for photography and sightseeing.
Spring (March–April): Lush green terraces and blooming flowers create a vibrant and refreshing atmosphere.
Suggested motorbike routes in Vietnam that pass through Khau Pha Pass
Route | Highlights |
Mu Cang Chai Town → Khau Pha Pass → Ban Muong Hoi → Than Uyen (Lai Chau) |
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“Four Greatest Mountain Passes” route Ma Pi Leng (Ha Giang) → Khau Pha (Yen Bai/Lao Cai) → O Quy Ho (Lao Cai–Lai Chau) → Pha Din (Son La–Dien Bien). |
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4. Pha Din Pass
Location: National Highway 6, bordering Binh Thuan Commune in Son La Province and Quai To Commune in Dien Bien Province
Stretching approximately 32 kilometers, this pass serves as a vital route linking the two provinces and is one of the most famous destinations among the Four Great Passes of Northern Vietnam. Its highest point reaches 1,648 meters above sea level, offering challenging experiences and spectacular scenery for travelers, adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts.
Pha Din Pass is notable for its steep slopes, sudden sharp hairpin turns and curves with radii of around 15 meters. A highlight of the pass is its famous hairpin bends, a characteristic feature of Northern Vietnam’s mountain roads, which present an exciting challenge for riders.
The road is set on rugged and precarious terrain, clinging to the mountainside with deep valleys on the other side. Interestingly, it is precisely these winding and challenging sections that make Pha Din Pass so attractive, making it an ideal destination for motorbike enthusiasts, photographers and nature lovers, drawing thousands of visitors every year.
Best time to explore Pha Din Pass
Autumn (September - October): The perfect time to admire the golden terraced fields, with mild weather ideal for motorbiking, trekking, and photography, especially during the stunning sunrises and sunsets.
Spring (March - April): Lush greenery and blooming wildflowers, with pleasant weather, perfect for exploring the winding mountain roads, visiting local villages, and enjoying the fresh mountain air.
Recommended motorbike routes in Vietnam passing through Pha Din Pass
Route | Highlights |
Hanoi → Phu Yen → Son La → Dien Bien Phu → Lai Chau → Sapa → Thac Ba Lake → Hanoi |
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FAQs
- Which passes make up Vietnam’s “Four Great Mountain Passes”?
They include four passes in the Northwest region: O Quy Ho (Lao Cai – Lai Chau), Pha Din (Son La – Dien Bien), Khau Pha (Yen Bai), and Ma Pi Leng (Ha Giang).
- When is the best time of year to conquer the Four Great Mountain Passes?
The ideal period is from September to November, when the weather is cool and there is little rain. This also coincides with the harvest season of rice in Yen Bai and the blooming season of buckwheat flowers in Ha Giang.
- What is the key safety tip for these passes?
Ride at a slow speed, use low gears (especially when descending) to control your speed and prevent brake overheating. Always stay alert for fog and sharp hairpin turns.
- What gear is needed for the ride?
Warm jackets or windbreakers (as temperatures on the passes can be very cold), gloves, anti-fog visor stickers for your helmet (if available), and a rain suit in case of sudden weather changes.
- Is it a challenging route for riders?
While the routes are beautiful, they can be very challenging and require high concentration and caution. It is not recommended to ride at night or in extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain or thick fog.
The four great mountain passes of Northwest Vietnam are every motorbike enthusiast’s dream routes. If you are planning an adventure to explore this region, Frontier Travel Vietnam offers carefully designed motorbike tours that take you through every thrilling hairpin turn. Join us for a complete journey where each bend and every breathtaking view becomes an unforgettable memory.
