Hai Van Pass Open-Top Jeep Tour

The Hai Van Pass is one of the great drives of Vietnam. The road climbs over a spur of the Truong Son range where the mountains meet the sea, linking the Huế region with Da Nang, and its views of beaches, bays and cliffs are among the most photographed in the country. Travellers often do it by motorbike, but a jeep tour offers a different appeal. Seated in an open vehicle with a driver, you can look, photograph and relax without handling the bends yourself, which suits those who do not ride, who prefer comfort or who are travelling with family or in a group.

The route climbs from the Huế side, passing the sweep of Lang Co Bay with its long sand spit and lagoon. As the road ascends, the sea opens out below, and the summit holds an old border fortress and a pass marker that was once the dividing line between kingdoms and later between regions. Cafes and viewpoints sit nearby, and the ride down towards Da Nang offers new views of the coast.

Many tours include stops at a beach or a fishing village, a lunch of local food and sometimes a visit to a pagoda or viewpoint on the Da Nang side. Check where the tour begins and ends, because some are one-way and others return to Huế.

A jeep tour brings comfort and flexibility. Seats are cushioned, the driver handles the road and there is room for bags. Families with children, travellers with limited mobility and groups of friends find it easier than motorbikes. You still feel the breeze and the scenery, though you should be ready for sun and wind, and the pass can be cool and misty at the top.

In heavy rain or low cloud the views can disappear, so the best days are clear ones. The tunnel under the mountain carries most traffic, which makes the old road quieter than it once was.

Before booking, check the itinerary, the departure point, the drop-off and what is included. Bring sun protection, a light jacket for the summit and a camera. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk at viewpoints. In the wet season, roughly September to December, storms can close the pass or spoil the view, so look for flexible terms and a weather-based backup plan. Pair a one-way jeep trip with an onward journey to Hoi An or Da Nang, or take a round trip from Huế.

The day tends to follow the road. You are collected in the morning, climb through the first bends and stop at a viewpoint where the bay opens below. The driver or guide explains the history of the pass, the old fortress at the top and the weather that often gathers there. After a coffee stop and time for pictures, the jeep descends towards the coast, with a beach or lunch stop depending on the itinerary.

It suits couples, families and small groups who want the scenery without the effort of riding. Sit on the side you prefer for views, and keep a scarf or buff for dust and wind. Motion-sensitive passengers should take a tablet beforehand, since the road winds. Confirm seat belts, child seats and baggage space when you book.