O Quy Ho Pass: A Gateway to Sa Pa’s Stunning Highlands

8/9/24

By Sapa Tours

Nestled within the Hoàng Liên Son Mountain Range in northern Vietnam, Ô Quy Hồ Pass is one of the most iconic and breathtaking mountain passes in the country. Spanning nearly 50 kilometers, it connects Sa Pa in Lào Cai Province with Lai Châu Province, making it one of the longest and most challenging mountain passes in Vietnam. Known for its winding roads, majestic landscapes, and ever-changing weather, Ô Quy Hồ Pass is a must-visit destination for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts.

Ô Quy Hồ Pass, also known by other names such as Ô Quý Hồ Pass, Hoàng Liên Son Pass, or Cloud Pass, lies at the administrative boundary between the two provinces of Lào Cai and Lai Châu, about 15 km northwest of the center of Sa Pa town. The silhouette of the pass sketches out soft curves within the overall landscape painting, dotted by layers of floating mist and the deep green hue of the endless forest. The pass sits at an altitude of over 2,000 meters above sea level and spans approximately 50 km, with winding roads clinging to steep, treacherous cliffs. This is the longest pass in the Northwest, standing out significantly among the four great mountain passes of Vietnam

Ô Quy Hồ Pass is one of the most dangerous passes in the Northwest due to its numerous sharp bends and steep, precarious sections, challenging those who love adventure and thrills. The distinctive terrain features one side with towering cliffs and the other side with deep, abyssal valleys.

With a route of about 15 km, visitors can choose to travel quickly from the center of Sa Pa town to Ô Quy Hồ Pass by motorbike or car in 30 - 35 minutes. At different times of the day or year, visitors can enjoy Ô Quy Hồ Pass with its unique beauty.

Within just one day, the scenery of Ô Quy Hồ Pass quietly transitions through three different shades:

Morning: The warm morning sunlight blankets the rolling hills, blending with the lush green of the dense forest and the drifting layers of mist. The weather at this time is relatively stable, suitable for organizing fun outdoor activities with family and friends.

Noon: When the sun shines on the top of Ô Quy Hồ Pass, the temperature, although rising, remains cool, with the space enveloped in golden sunlight. By now, the morning mist has dissipated, revealing the majestic shape of the Hoàng Liên Son range before the visitors' eyes.

Afternoon: As dusk falls, Ô Quy Hồ Pass exudes an indescribable melancholy, with the distant, sorrowful calls of birds. From the top of the pass, you can watch the blazing sun slowly set, dyeing the vast sky in shades of red.

Due to the difference in altitude, the climate of Ô Quy Hồ Pass varies between the areas of Tam Đường (Lai Châu) and Sa Pa (Lào Cai). Each season of the year at this location offers visitors unique experiences:

Summer and Autumn (from June to November): While the pass route on the Sa Pa side maintains a fresh and cool atmosphere, the route on the Tam Đường side faces the scorching sun and the dry, searing Lào winds, scorching the ground and the green grass carpets. However, this is also a favorable time for thrill-seekers to showcase their driving skills on the treacherous pass.

Winter and Spring (from December to May): The weather at Ô Quy Hồ Pass becomes more pleasant with chilly winds. When the temperature at the top of the pass drops below 0°C during the coldest days of January and February, snow and ice often blanket the entire landscape.