Hai Van Pass

On the way through Vietnam to North to South, Hai Van is always a place that makes a top impression. Records show that Hai Van is one of the highest of the passes in Vietnam, full of ruggedness and also the last peak of a Truong Son circuit crossing into the sea. In Phu Editorial Magazine, Le Quy Don once commented: “Hai Van is close to the coast, on touching every cloud is the limit of the two countries of Thuan Hoa and Quang Nam”. Throughout the length of more than 20km, Hai Van Pass squeezes itself through the mountains, which is the right place between sea and clouds, waves at the foot of the pass and clouds at the top of the mountain. According to the Dai Nam Book of Official Records, Hai Van Quan gate was built in the 7th year of Minh Mang (Pinyin Tuat – 1826).

Heavenly First Emperor

Previously, the name “The first mighty gate” (the most majestic gate in the world) was dedicated to King Le Thanh Tong when he stopped on the top of this pass during his personal expedition to defeat the Chiem army more than 600 years ago. The Book of Thien Nam Yuxia records that: King Le Thanh Tong went to fight Chiem Thanh, stationed in Hai Van Quan, late at night without sleep, in the midst of a refreshing mood watching mountains and seas, passes, clouds, water, there is a verse: Tam canh Tinh Dong Long Nguyet / Five ancient feng thanh Lo Hac boat. (Translation: Dong Long Moon three watch still night / Lo Ha boat five drums of wind sound).

Customs

Right at the top of the pass, ancient traces are still left. Gates through the pass and ramparts crossed. The door looks towards Chengtian Palace with three words Hai Yunquan, the door looks down at Quang Nam to Tianxia Xiangguan. More than 6 centuries ago, this land belonged to the two Chau O and Ri of the Champa kingdom, cut by the Champa king Che Min as a marriage proposal ceremony to Princess Huyen Tran of the Tran dynasty. The old story is only a memory, the ancient mark of the grass has loomed green, among the vast reeds, Visitors now standing on the pass cannot help but hold a feeling of great nostalgia. Just based on the name, it is enough to imagine Hai Van as a world of wind and clouds. The wind is like a herd of horses roaming miles, clouds seem to pour down from the sky, people’s footsteps come here as if lost in some strange realm, fanciful with mist. Cao Ba Quan, a poet who only knew how to bow to the apricot flower (The first born of the dike who worshipped the apricot) also had to be stunned: “Nhat Bich stops the microworld, Chongyun disturbs the city” (One strip makes mold, the clouds of all coincidences build the city). Since ancient times, Hai Van Pass has been known as the most poetic, majestic, magnificent and also the most dangerous pass on the journey into the South to the North. The ancient gate through several restorations is still on the top of the pass and recognized as a national historical site. This is considered as a natural stronghold in the imperial city of Hue in the past, as well as a screen to demarcate the climate between the two lands of Hue – Quang and is one of the attractive destinations for tourists today.

Tourist routes

In old records, Hai Van Pass in the old days was famous for its ruggedness and hardship on the North-South Heavenly Road. But since the French colonial period and until now, the road through the pass has become easier and easier thanks to the road system and motor vehicles. The “First Hung Quan” has been invested and developed into a tourist route. Rest stops on the pass have been built, enabling guests to rest and relax while walking around the pass. What nature gives, over time and through human hands, will become human values. Coming to Hai Van is to come to the intersection between the two lands, to satisfy the psychology of occupying the top, immersing yourself in the epic echo of many Vietnamese footprints when the old people opened the realm, remembering the deep past of a central gut, which suffered many losses during the journey to open water and retain water. Pro tips: + Being present at the top of the pass at sunrise or sunset can own beautiful photos and enjoy the best atmosphere of the day. + Climbing Hai Van Quan with friends to sip coffee bought at the top of the pass is also an interesting new experience.