1 Overview of the Hai Van Gate
Hai Van Quan in vietnamese means: Ocean Cloud Gate (Hai: Ocean, Van: Cloud, Quan: gate). In this post we can use two noun phrase to show this historic site.
Hai Van pass is famous in TV or many News Paper in the the world, but not many news talk about Hai Van Gate, or it has short description is the ruin in the top of Hai Van Mountain. Hai Van Quan is the must-see when you’re visiting central land on the way transfer between Hue and Da Nang city. Nestled atop Hai Van Pass, Hai Van Quan offers breathtaking views of the Bien Dong (east sea vietnam)
Located at 496 meters above sea level, Hai Van Quan has many profound historical, architectural and geography values. Hai Van Quan historic site offers a glimpse into the history of Vietnam in 19 century and stunning lanscape of the pass.
Hai Van gate Built in 1826 under the reign of Minh Mang King (the 2nd king of Nguyen Dynasty), Hai Van Gate was part of a series of defensive structures constructed to protect the imperial capital of Hue. Although abandoned for long time nearly 200 year old, until 2024, the monument has been restored and reopened to tourists.
2 Historical value of Hai Van Gate
The first purpose of building Hai Van Gate was to serve as a defensive structure to protect the Hue Imperial Citadel. King Minh Mang ordered the construction of a gate on Hai Van mountain, which was the only gateway connecting Hue Citadel with the southern provinces., and Hai Van Quan was part of a series of fortifications aimed at safeguarding the region from potential invasions. And control boat, war cruise in the east sea.
2.1 Where is the Hai Van Gate?
Hai Van Gate is located about 77 km from Hue city center and 30 km from Da Nang city, so visitors can easily get here. Located right at the top of Hai Van Pass, the iconic Hai Van Gate is a must see. This historic gate not only offers stunning panoramic views of the mountains and sea, but also holds a rich history that attracts many visitors.
The combination of natural beauty and historical significance makes this place an essential stop for anyone who wants to experience this part of Vietnam.
Among the 9 great bronze urn that King Minh Mang had cast and erected in front of The Mieu Temple, if you are curious and find cauldron number 8, named Du Urn, you will see a very beautiful relief of Hai Van Quan lying on it along with other famous places of Vietnam. Nine Dynasty Urns in Hue recognized as UNESCO Memory of the World
2.2 Hai Van Quan Contruction after restoration
The project was researched and restored closely to the architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty, with the main gate using brick, surrounded by stone walls. In the middle of the gate, there is the inscription “Hai Van Quan” engraved in Chinese characters.
From the main gate of Hai Van Quan looking into the residence building. The residence and the three-room armory were restored according to archaeological traces and documentary photos. The house is built with brick walls, wooden pillars with stone bases, and a tiled roof.
The two structures, the three-room armory (on the left) and the residence, were places to store and preserve the weapons of the court and served as resting and working places for the soldiers who guarded the area.
The path through the auxiliary gate leads with an arched roof, brick assembly, surrounded by stone walls.
From this position, looking south, you can see Da Nang with Tien Sa port – Son Tra peninsula, and long stretches of white sand embracing the coastline.
Looking north, you can see Lang Co Bay, picturesque with winding mountain roads and drifting white clouds.
A corner of the solemn and majestic Hai Van Quan overlooking Lang Co Bay. The panoramic view highlights the importance of this defensive fortress during the Nguyen Dynasty. Today, this place is an ideal spot for sightseeing and viewing, worthy of the title “the first grand scenic pass under heaven” bestowed by King Le Thanh Tong when he stopped to admire the scenery here.
2.3 The Hai Van Gate entrance fee?
Drive via Hai Van Pass to enjoy the landscape, and don’t forget to stop and see both cities, Hue and Da Nang, from the viewpoint at Hai Van Gate. The admission ticket to visit Hai Van Gate is free, but after 2 years of restoration, we received an announcement that people can visit for free from August 2024. We are not sure if they will charge fees after that. Huracars will update this fee (if any) soon.
3. Difference in weather between Huế and Đà Nẵng by Hải Vân Pass?
Hai Van Mountain creates a natural barrier that significantly affects the weather not only in Hue and Da Nang but also separates Vietnam into two regions of climate. It is rainy and wet in Hue (north of Hai Van Pass) and warm and dry in Da Nang to the south.
If you travel from Hue to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass, you see the changes in weather. Hue has heavy rain and is cloudy, sometimes foggy, but when you arrive at Hai Van Gate, you can see the sun and blue sky on the Da Nang side.
The Hai Van mountain range can cause a distinct difference in weather patterns, with Da Nang often experiencing milder and more temperate conditions, while Hue can be more prone to heavy rainfall and humidity. This weather variation is due to the mountain blocking moist air masses from the sea, resulting in different microclimates on either side of the pass.
This type of weather change is often seen in transitional months; it’s not something you see every day.
Weather conditions also create many changes in the character of people from Hue and Da Nang. Hue people often prefer spicier food than Da Nang people; they usually eat spicy food to keep warm.
In the winter, Hue people also wear thicker clothes to keep their bodies warm during the winter. Life in Hue is also slower; the morning for Hue people can start at 8 AM due to the rain, and they go to bed earlier because it gets chilly in the evening. All shops is closed at about 19:30 but in Da Nang, people go out for drinking 🙂
4 How to get to the Hai Van Gate from Hue?
To reach the majestic Hai Van Gate, you have many different transportation options.
- Hue Private car: It takes more than 1 hour to drive from Hue city center to Hai Van Gate. To experience Hai Van Pass safely, comfortably and without worrying too much about the weather, a private car is the ideal choice. The journey between Hue and Hoi An has many beautiful places to visit, and an English speaking driver can ensure you don’t miss a thing.
- Hue Easy rider: If you want to experience and explore Hai Van Gate located on the top of one of the most beautiful passes in Vietnam but cannot drive a motorbike yourself, Easy Rider is the perfect choice. This option allows you to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery without the stress of driving. An experienced local guide will navigate the winding roads, ensuring your safety.
- Rent a motorbike: If you love freedom and want to explore Hai Van Gate on your own, driving yourself is the perfect choice. This way, you can stop anywhere on the winding mountain pass to admire the majestic sea and sky. However, to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, you need to prepare carefully, especially with driving skills on mountain passes. Make sure you are familiar with traffic laws and have the skills to handle difficult situations on the road. If this is your first time traveling through Vietnam by bike, we recommend using Easy Rider or a private car transfer.
- By train: the train will go via Hai Van pass but it lie on the foot of mountain, so you can not visit the Hai Van gate.
- By local bus/ sleeping bus: almost of bus go between Hue and Da Nang via Hai Van tunnel. And we don’t see this place – Hai van Quan
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Book a private car to visit Hai Van Gate from Hoi An for a safe, comfortable, and memorable experience. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and rich history of this iconic destination with the convenience of a private, English-speaking driver. |
5 Travel tips to the Hai Van Gate
Hai Van Pass is one of the most attractive destinations in Vietnam, offering majestic natural scenery and unique experiences. To fully enjoy your visit, consider these tips.
5.1 When is the best time to visit the Hai Van Gate in Vietnam?
The best time to explore the Hai Van Pass is during the dry season, which lasts from March to September. During this time, the skies are usually clear and cloudless, creating the perfect conditions for you to take beautiful and impressive photos. In addition to the great photo opportunities, traveling during the dry season is also significantly safer, especially if you plan to experience the pass on your own motorbike. Dry roads and stable weather conditions make for a more enjoyable and safe trip, allowing you to fully enjoy the breathtaking scenery and adventurous journey.
5.2 Extra tips for your best trip
- The ideal time to visit Hai Van Quan is early morning or afternoon. At these times, the weather is cool and pleasant, providing a comfortable experience for visitors. In addition, there is no direct sunlight at these times, which will help you avoid the intense heat and fully enjoy the beauty of the landscape, making your visit more enjoyable and relaxing.
- Don’t forget to bring your camera to take stunning photos of the beautiful scenery and memorable moments.
- To protect yourself from the sun, pack sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV protective sunglasses.
- Comfortable clothing made from breathable fabrics, along with sandals or sneakers, is essential for a pleasant day.
6 Some nearby tourist attractions:
- Hai Van pass: Hai Van Pass is an ideal destination for those who love to explore and conquer. As one of the most beautiful mountain passes in Vietnam, this is truly a masterpiece of nature. The winding roads hugging the steep cliffs offer breathtaking panoramic views of the vast, turquoise ocean below. The journey to conquer the towering peaks, combined with the joy of feeling the cool breeze and admiring the majestic landscape, creates an unforgettable experience for any visitor. Hai Van Pass is not only a stunning picture but also a challenging experience for those who enjoy winding roads and steep slopes.
- Lang Co beach: Located at the foot of the majestic Hai Van Pass, Lang Co Beach is surrounded by lush green mountains and primeval forests. This beautiful place is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. With its fine white sand and clear blue sea, Lang Co offers visitors a sense of relaxation and peace. The harmonious combination of sea, mountains and forests creates a beautiful natural picture that visitors cannot take their eyes off. In addition, this area is also rich in biodiversity, providing opportunities to observe wildlife and explore primeval forests. Whether you want to sunbathe, swim in crystal clear waters or hike through lush green mountains, Lang Co Beach promises to bring you an unforgettable experience.
- Lap An lagoon: Lap An Lagoon is a hidden gem that visitors should not miss. When entering the lagoon, you will be greeted by peaceful waters surrounded by pristine forests, lush green hills and distant mountain ranges. The lagoon is also home to countless species of flora and fauna, including many species of birds, fish and crabs. Moreover, Lap An Lagoon is also one of the most beautiful places to watch the sunrise and sunset. The peaceful and quiet lagoon makes you feel comfortable and refreshed.
- Big Rock in Da Nang side
Don’t miss the chance to visit the historic Hai Van Gate and experience one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking wonders. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just in search of an unforgettable adventure, Hai Van Gate has something for everyone. Plan your trip today and immerse yourself in the rich culture, stunning architecture, and panoramic views that this iconic destination has to offer.