Vietnam, a captivating S-shaped strip of land, is renowned not only for its majestic natural landscapes but also as a paradise for travel enthusiasts. From North to South, thousands of roads stretch across the country, each route revealing its unique beauty, sparking a desire for exploration in every heart. If you are a backpacking enthusiast, join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” to discover the most beautiful roads in Vietnam, where you can freely conquer and admire the stunning scenery of the country.
Ma Pi Leng Pass – Ha Giang: The King of Passes
When mentioning the most beautiful backpacking routes in Vietnam, Ma Pi Leng Pass in Ha Giang cannot be overlooked. Revered as the “king of passes,” Ma Pi Leng is not just a road, but also a magnificent natural wonder. Approximately 20km long, Ma Pi Leng Pass winds through the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark at an altitude of 1200m, connecting Ha Giang city, Dong Van, and Meo Vac town.
Ma Pi Leng may not be the longest pass, but it is certainly the most treacherous in Vietnam. The road clings precariously to towering cliffs, with deep abysses, challenging every driver’s skill. However, overcoming the perilous hairpin bends, you will be rewarded with breathtaking natural scenery. From the summit, a sea of clouds appears before your eyes, blending with the rolling mountains, creating a picturesque landscape. In 2009, Ma Pi Leng Pass was recognized as a national geological and scenic heritage site, a testament to its unique beauty and immense value.
Ma Pi Leng not only captivates with its scenery but also offers a unique cultural experience as you have the opportunity to meet and learn about the lives of ethnic minorities living along both sides of the road. Stop by small, charming villages, enjoy local specialties, and feel the warmth and hospitality of the highland people.
Majestic Ma Pi Leng Pass in Ha Giang, one of the most beautiful and dangerous backpacking routes in Vietnam
Bao Loc Pass – Lam Dong: The Poetic Route to the Land of Flowers
To reach the dreamy city of Da Lat, you must conquer Bao Loc Pass, one of the most famous and challenging passes in Lam Dong. Bao Loc Pass, also known as Ba Co Pass, is famous for its winding curves and steep slopes. This route demands concentration and solid driving experience, especially for motorbike backpackers.
However, the adventurousness of Bao Loc Pass is compensated by its stunning natural beauty. Conquering this pass, you will admire the rolling mountains, lush green pine forests stretching endlessly, and hidden waterfalls nestled amidst the vast forest. Standing on the pass and looking down, the majestic mountain scenery unfolds like a beautiful panorama. Especially on clear blue sky days, you can cast your eyes over the vast Bao Loc plateau.
Bao Loc Pass is not just a transportation route, but also an ideal destination for you to immerse yourself in nature, enjoy the fresh air, and admire the poetic beauty of the Central Highlands mountains and forests. Take time to stop at roadside cafes, sip a hot cup of coffee, and admire the scenery of Bao Loc Pass to fully appreciate the beauty of this route.
Bao Loc Pass in Lam Dong with winding hairpin bends and lush green mountain scenery, an attractive destination for backpackers
O Quy Ho Pass – Lai Chau: Legendary Summit Among Four Great Passes
O Quy Ho Pass, also known as Hoang Lien Son Pass, is one of the “four great passes” of Vietnam, located on National Highway 4D connecting Lao Cai and Lai Chau. With a length of nearly 50km, O Quy Ho Pass is known as the longest pass in the Northwest mountains. The pass winds through towering mountains, offering backpackers challenging and memorable experiences.
O Quy Ho Pass is famous for its treacherousness and magnificent natural scenery. The winding road, with sheer cliffs on one side and deep abyss on the other, requires drivers to have steady hands and nerves of steel. However, overcoming those difficulties, you will be rewarded with stunning natural scenery. From the pass summit, you can admire the white sea of clouds covering the rolling mountains, and cast your eyes down to the poetic Sapa valley with its terraced rice fields stretching endlessly.
O Quy Ho Pass is not only a challenge for adventurous backpackers, but also an attractive tourist destination with unique natural landscapes. The weather on O Quy Ho Pass changes erratically throughout the day, creating magical natural moments. In the morning, the pass may be shrouded in thick fog, at noon it is bright yellow sunshine, and in the afternoon the sunset descends, dyeing the whole space in romantic orange hues.
Hai Van Pass: The Most Magnificent Wonder Under Heaven
Hai Van Pass, known as “the most magnificent wonder under heaven,” is one of the most beautiful and famous passes in Vietnam. Located on the border of Thua Thien Hue province and Da Nang city, Hai Van Pass is famous not only for its treacherous, winding nature but also for its majestic natural beauty.
Hai Van Pass winds around the mountainside, with the blue East Sea on one side and the majestic Truong Son mountains on the other. Conquering Hai Van Pass, you will experience the feeling of driving on a road between clouds and the ocean. From the pass summit, you can cast your eyes over the entire Lang Co Bay and the bustling city of Da Nang.
Hai Van Pass is not only an attractive backpacking route, but also a historical and cultural relic. On the pass summit, there are still remnants of Hai Van Quan, an ancient architectural work built during the Nguyen Dynasty. Hai Van Pass is a perfect combination of natural beauty and historical cultural values, offering visitors unforgettable experiences.
Hai Van Pass, a stunning coastal road connecting Hue and Da Nang, known as the most magnificent wonder under heaven
Phan Thiet – Mui Ne Coastal Road: Immerse Yourself in Untamed Beauty
If you love the sea and windy coastal roads, the Phan Thiet – Mui Ne coastal road is an unmissable choice. Approximately 100km long, this route stretches through pristine beaches, smooth white sand dunes, and peaceful fishing villages.
Traveling on the Phan Thiet – Mui Ne coastal road, you will feel the harmony between the beauty of the sea and the desert. On one side is the vast blue sea with waves lapping the white sand, on the other are golden sand dunes stretching endlessly. This route gives you a sense of freedom, openness, and closeness to nature.
The Phan Thiet – Mui Ne coastal road is not only beautiful during the day but also enchanting at sunset. When the sun gradually sets into the sea, the entire space is dyed in romantic orange-yellow hues, creating a stunning scene. Stop at a seaside cafe, enjoy fresh seafood, and watch the sunset over Mui Ne beach to fully appreciate the beauty of this route.
Phan Dinh Phung Street – Hanoi: Romantic Beauty in the Heart of the Capital
Unlike the majestic mountain passes or poetic coastal roads, Phan Dinh Phung Street in Hanoi carries a unique romantic and ancient beauty. Known as one of the most beautiful streets in Hanoi, Phan Dinh Phung is famous for its ancient Sau trees providing shade all year round.
Walking on Phan Dinh Phung Street, you will immerse yourself in a peaceful, tranquil space in the midst of the noisy and bustling capital. Ancient Sau trees with lush green foliage create a green tunnel road, bringing a feeling of relaxation and comfort. In autumn, yellow Sau leaves fall, carpeting the sidewalk, creating a romantic and poetic scene.
Phan Dinh Phung Street is not only beautiful because of the ancient Sau trees, but also because of the ancient architectural works bearing the historical imprint of Hanoi. Along both sides of the street are ancient French villas, Indochinese-style houses, creating a unique cultural space.
Road to U Minh Thuong Forest – Kien Giang: Discovering the Beauty of the Mekong Delta
If you want to discover the pristine and rustic beauty of the Mekong Delta, come to the road to U Minh Thuong forest in Kien Giang. This route leads you into the vast Melaleuca forest, home to a diverse and rich ecosystem.
Traveling on the road to U Minh Thuong forest, you will immerse yourself in green nature with vast rice fields, winding canals, and flooded Melaleuca forests. The fresh air, the chirping of birds, and the faint scent of Melaleuca will bring you a feeling of relaxation and peace.
U Minh Thuong forest is not only an attractive ecotourism destination, but also a place to preserve the unique cultural values of the Khmer people and local communities. Take time to explore U Minh Thuong forest, learn about the lives of the people here, and enjoy the unique specialties of the Mekong Delta.
The most beautiful backpacking roads in Vietnam are not just transportation routes, but also journeys to discover the beauty of nature, culture, and people of Vietnam. Each route carries its own beauty, its own story, waiting for you to experience and explore. Plan your backpacking trip today and conquer these beautiful routes!