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Explore O Quy Ho Pass – An Adventurous Journey to the Clouds
Are you ready for an exhilarating adventure through the stunning O Quy Ho Pass in Vietnam? Embark on a journey to one of the most picturesque mountain passes in the country, boasting breathtaking views and enchanting landscapes that will leave you in awe. Let us guide you through this majestic destination and reveal the best tips and tricks to make your trip unforgettable.
Where is O Quy Ho Pass?
Located approximately 17 km from Sa Pa, Lai Chau Province, the pass sits on National Highway 4D, traversing the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. The pass connects Lai Chau and Lao Cai provinces, with its summit acting as the boundary between the two regions.
O Quy Ho Pass is also known as the “Cloudy Pass” due to its elevation of nearly 2,000 meters above sea level, resulting in year-round clouds enveloping the area. This phenomenon has earned the pass the reputation of being a famous cloud-hunting spot, particularly favored by the younger generation. During the late afternoons, as you conquer O Quy Ho Pass and head back to Sa Pa, you’ll witness white clouds drifting over the Muong Hoa Valley, creating a magical sight.
This pass, along with Ma Pi Leng Pass, Pha Din Pass, and Khau Pha Pass, forms the “Four Great Passes” in the Northwest region of Vietnam. O Quy Ho Pass has additional distinctions, being both the longest and highest pass in the country, with a height of nearly 2,000 meters. In 2013, the Vietnamese Record Organization recognized O Quy Ho Pass as the longest pass in Vietnam, stretching approximately 50 km.
How to Get to O Quy Ho Pass?
Many travelers heading to Sa Pa seize the opportunity to visit the mountain Pass. Let us guide you on the journey from Sa Pa to O Quy Ho Pass.
Starting from the center of Sa Pa, you’ll cover a distance of around 12 km, passing through the Silver Waterfall (Thac Bac) and the gate of Hoang Lien Son National Park, followed by reaching the Ton Checkpoint. A few more kilometers will take you to the summit of O Quy Ho Pass. If you begin your journey from Sa Pa and end at the pass, the approximate distance is 15 km. Despite the apparent length of the road, if you travel by car, it will only take around 15 minutes. If you prefer to take a taxi, the cost for this route is around 200,000 VND.
The ideal route is to start from the town center (bus station) and drive along Dien Bien Phu Street, passing by the Silver Waterfall 12 km away. Continue straight to reach the summit of the pass. Along the way, you will come across various beautiful attractions in Sapa, such as the Silver Waterfall and Love Waterfall. If you have time, take a break to rest before conquering the pass and take some picturesque photos next to the white foaming waterfalls, which exude a refreshing coolness unique to Sapa. Additionally, during your journey from Sa Pa to the mountain pass, you will pass by some attractive photo spots, such as H’mong Flower Garden and Cối Xay Homestay. Make sure to stop and explore these interesting check-in locations.
Another way to get to the pass Pass is from Lao Cai City. From Lao Cai, you can take a bus, shuttle, or rent a motorbike to Sa Pa, then follow the same route as mentioned above. The distance from Lao Cai City to Sa Pa is only about 30 km, but the road is full of sharp curves and twists. So, if you intend to take this route by motorbike, exercise extreme caution, and make sure you have a firm grip on the handlebars. Ladies with their partners should consider letting their male counterparts handle the ride since the pass has many curves and steep sections, which can make some women nervous.
Travel Options to Explore O Quy Ho Pass
Currently, there are various travel options available to conquer one of the four great passes in Northwest Vietnam, the pass. You can choose to rent a shuttle, take a bus, or hire a taxi. However, for the adventurous souls, what could be more exciting than tackling O Quy Ho Pass on a motorbike? Although the breathtaking views and the captivating allure of this pass might be alluring, keep in mind that the road poses challenges for riders. The pass is flanked by a deep chasm on one side and towering mountains on the other, so extreme caution is required when stopping for photos or parking.
Due to the pass’s high elevation of over 2,000 meters above sea level, the weather can be chilly and windy. Prepare warm clothing and don’t forget to bring gloves, a hat, and a scarf to protect yourself from the cold.
Additionally, for a safer and more convenient option to quickly conquer the pass you can take the cable car. You can easily purchase cable car tickets at the station (purchase the ticket for the Fansipan Peak sightseeing). From Fansipan Peak, move to the Silver Waterfall area, then go up to Ton Checkpoint. After that, travel about 4-5 km along National Highway 4D to reach the summit of O Quy Ho Pass.
Best Time to Travel O Quy Ho Pass
The answer to when to experience the enchanting clouds on the Pass is any season you prefer. In the winter, the pass gets covered in snow, exuding a melancholic beauty as the surroundings are blanketed in white. In the summer, O Quy Ho Pass is often shrouded in floating clouds, creating a captivating allure for both domestic and international tourists. It becomes an ideal cloud
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