Private car with driver to Hai Van Pass

Where the pass is and who it belongs to

Hai Van Pass runs about 20 km along the old Highway 1, crossing the Bach Ma range where it meets the sea, linking Lang Co (Hue City) with Da Nang Bay. The summit is about 500 m high, with the Hai Van Quan gate built under Emperor Minh Mang and old bunkers beside it. The southern slope belongs to Hai Van Ward of Da Nang; the northern side is the Lang Co area, now Chan May – Lang Co Commune of Hue.

Tunnel or pass

The Hai Van tunnel is about 6.3 km long; cars pass through in roughly 10 minutes at a steady speed, avoiding the rain and fog on the summit. The pass road is slower, about 30–40 minutes, but gives high views over Da Nang Bay, the Son Tra peninsula and Lap An lagoon. Large coaches, hazardous cargo and motorbikes have their own tunnel rules; tourist cars can take either.

Choosing a vehicle for Hai Van

The pass has many hairpin bends and long climbs on both sides. A 4-seat sedan suits couples who want many photo stops; a high-clearance 7-seater suits families with older members, with wider seats that make the bends easier. Groups of 10–15 take a 16-seater; 29–45 seat coaches are usually routed through the tunnel under traffic rules, so large groups wanting the summit should tell us in advance so we can plan accordingly.

Drivers on the Da Nang – Hue run know the safe stopping points on the pass and when fog is thick enough to switch to the tunnel. One-way travellers between Da Nang and Hue do not pay for the car's return trip.

A Da Nang – Hue itinerary via Hai Van

A popular day trip: pickup in Da Nang or Hoi An, about 30 minutes at the summit, seafood lunch in Lang Co, a stop at Lap An lagoon, then into Hue for the Imperial City and royal tombs. Da Nang – Hue is about 100 km over the pass; the La Son – Tuy Loan expressway and tunnel are much faster.

• The dry season, March to August, brings clear skies and little cloud on the summit.
• In the rainy season, September to December, fog is thick and rain heavy; the driver may suggest the tunnel for safety.
• The summit has drink stalls and souvenir stands; it is windy, so bring a light jacket.

Cars over Hai Van

Da Nang – Hue with driver over the pass

Drivers know the safe bay viewpoints and slow down through the hairpins. private car with driver

Da Nang Airport to Lang Co or Hue

Pickup in the arrivals hall, flight tracking, no waiting fee for delays. one-way trip to Hue

16–45 seat groups

Tour groups and company events heading to Hue; large coaches follow permitted routes, with water and cold towels. group transfers

Limousines, weddings, golf

Limousines for small groups; wedding cars; the Laguna Lang Co golf course at the northern foot of the pass. golf transfers

Self-drive, monthly, pickups, pets

Self-drive 4–7 seaters for drivers experienced on passes; monthly cars for businesses; pickups for cargo; mention pets when booking. self-drive rental

See also:

• pickups
• pet-friendly cars
• wedding cars
• sleeper buses
• monthly cars
• limousines

Lang Co and Chan May at the northern foot

At the bottom of the northern slope is Lang Co bay, a long sandy strip between the sea and Lap An lagoon. The wide brackish lagoon is ringed by restaurants farming oysters, a usual lunch stop. Further on is Chan May port, where international cruise ships dock; passengers often hire cars for a day in Hue, Hoi An or Da Nang and return before sailing.

• Lang Co beach is good for swimming from April to August.
• The Laguna Lang Co resort has a golf course designed by Nick Faldo.
• Bach Ma National Park is about 40 km from Lang Co.

50–200 km fares around Hai Van

Starting from the foot of the pass, the 16 routes below run 50 to 200 km; prices include driver, fuel and road fees.

Routes we have quoted before

Common questions