Enjoying The Hai Van Pass – Hue to Hoi An with Motorbike

The Hai Van Pass was the original motorbike trip to do while in Vietnam. A 21km stretch with cut backs, twists, turns, mountain views, beach views and more. Made famous thanks to the Top Gear Vietnam special way back in 2008, it has been a popular route ever since. 

Hue, Hoi An & Da Nang

One of the greatest things about the Hai Van Pass is the convenience of the location. It is in between 3 of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam, Hue, Da Nang & Hoi An. You can rent a motorbike in Hoi An and ride to Hue, or alternatively you can start in Hue and ride the bike to Hoi An. As Style Motorbikes has shops in both of these you can ride one way to the other shop on a range of different bikes or even an Easy Rider. 

Since almost everyone coming to Vietnam will visit these cities it is an easy way to include a motorbike trip in your journey and great practice if you are looking to do the Ha Giang Loop later in your Vietnam holiday

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What To Do On The Hai Van Pass?

The Hai Van Pass

If you enjoy riding then this is a great one day ride. The pass itself is just a short section of what you can go and see. Lasting just 21km it is not a long section but still a very enjoyable ride. Throughout the pass there are also plenty of viewpoints and coffees so you can stop and take your time through this section. At the top of the pass there is also an old fort which you can explore. 

The Waterfall

On the north side of the Hai Van Pass you can ride to a Nhi Ho Waterfall. A 5km detour from the main road on the ride between Hue and the Hai Van Pass. This waterfall is a great way to relax and cool down on a hot motorbike ride with the main fall being a perfect spot to swim. 

There are some shops here so you can buy drinks and food if you have more time to relax. It can get quite busy at the right time of year and on the hot days as locals and tourists alike come to enjoy. 

Marble Mountain

Marble Mountain is one of the most famous destinations to visit when you are riding the Hai Van Pass. It is located between Hoi An and Da Nang, taking about 30 mins to reach by motorbike from Hoi An. Inside the mountain you can explore a cave which depicts Buddhist hell, temples and if you take the elevator up to the top for a panoramic view of the beach and sea. 

Da Nang Beaches

The best beaches you can ride to are in Da Nang. If you are coming from Hoi An then you stop here after Marble Mountain but before you start the pass. With plenty of bars and restaurants along the beach you can get a coffee in the morning. If you are riding from Hue then you can make the beach the last stop. If you have the time then you can spend the night in Da Nang, as it has a good nightlife. 

Son Tra Peninsula

Located in Da Nang, the Son Tra Peninsula is a mountainous section extending into the ocean. There is a steep climb and some nice quiet roads circling around the mountain. These roads are quiet but can be in bad condition and do not allow automatics to go as they are so steep. Unfortunately the roads further into the peninsula are sometimes blocked due to landslides and falling rock risk. 

There are great viewpoints and a large pagoda on the higher points, while on the nice beaches there are some large resorts although these beaches are private.

Motorbike Rentals for the Hai Van Pass

At Style Motorbikes we have a large range of motorbikes and scooters for the Hai Van Pass. These are one way rentals between Hue and Hoi An which include luggage transfer so you are free with enjoy the pass with no bags.

The automatic scooters start at just $22, while we also have 150cc manual options such as the Honda XR 150cc for $30 and even larger 300cc / 500cc bikes for $60. Extra days are charged at a lower price. 

Hai Van Pass Easy Rider

If you are not confident on the bike then there is the Easy Rider option. An experienced rider will take you as a personal tour guide through the pass as well as the sights around ensuring you have a safe journey and see everything you can do on the way.

Summary

The Hai Van Pass is a great although short motorbike ride that is easy and convenient to drive. Anyone looking to visit Hue or Hoi An should ride the pass as it is much more enjoyable with a motorbike compared to the bus. 

Although it could be completed in just a couple of hours with stops in the marble mountain, the waterfall or the beach you can easily make a full day out of the motorbike ride. With even more time you can stop at a night in Da Nang to see the city, peninsula and beach at a more relaxed pace. 

To book a bike with Style Motorbikes or for more information you can click here.