Information
Landmark: Ma Pi Leng PassCity: Ha Giang
Country: Vietnam
Continent: Asia
Ma Pi Leng Pass, Ha Giang, Vietnam, Asia
Overview
Ma Pi Leng Pass ranks among Vietnam’s most breathtaking-and perilous-mountain roads, earning the nickname “king” of all the country’s passes.In Ha Giang province, it links Dong Van to Meo Vac, winding past gray limestone cliffs in the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark.The pass is known for its stunning views-jagged limestone peaks rising high above and the deep, emerald-green Nho Que River curling far below like a ribbon.Here’s what stands out about Ma Pi Leng Pass-its sharp, winding roads, the cliffs dropping steep into green valleys, and the endless sweep of mountains.The pass climbs to roughly 1,500 meters above sea level, where your eyes sweep over jagged limestone peaks lit by the afternoon sun.Just below the pass, the Nho Que River winds through Tu San Canyon, its turquoise water glinting between cliffs-the deepest gorge in Vietnam and all of Southeast Asia.Number two still sat there, neat and round, like ink pressed into the page.One of Vietnam’s most dangerous roads, this pass snakes along the famous Ha Giang Loop, its steep, narrow curves clinging to the mountainside like a ribbon in the wind.Sheer cliffs rise on one side, deep valleys drop away on the other, and the road in between makes motorbike riders’ hearts race.Number three sat alone, sharp and simple, like a single note struck on a quiet piano.Just a short walk from the main road, the Ma Pi Leng Skywalk hugs the cliff’s edge, where the wind brushes your face and the valley drops away in a stunning panorama.Along the pass, a few lookout spots invite you to pull over, breathe in the crisp air, and snap a photo of the jagged peaks.Number four.You can glide along the Nho Que River by boat or kayak, drifting between the towering cliffs of the breathtaking Tu San Canyon.You’ll see the cliffs rise like stone walls above you, and the water below glows a brilliant turquoise.Five.Built in the 1960s by ethnic minority workers, the road took shape under their aching hands as they chipped away at rock to clear the way."Ma Pi Leng" translates to "Horse’s Nose" or "Horse's Bridge" , symbolizing the extreme difficulty of crossing the pass in the past.“Ma Pi Leng” means “Horse’s Nose” or “Horse’s Bridge,” a name that once evoked the grueling climb and narrow ridge travelers had to face.The best time to visit is between September and November, when the skies turn crisp and clear, the rice fields glow gold, and the views stretch for miles.From March to May, flowers burst into bloom and the air feels warm and gentle, like sunlight on your skin.From December to February, the air turns cold and crisp, and now and then misty clouds drift across the mountain tops.From Hanoi, hop on a bus for about seven or eight hours or ride a motorbike to Ha Giang City, then wind your way through the hills to Dong Van and Meo Vac.By motorbike, the best way to take in Ma Pi Leng Pass is to rent one in Ha Giang and ride the Ha Giang Loop, feeling the wind whip past as the road curves along the cliffs.You can travel between Dong Van and Meo Vac by car or hop on a local bus, with tours running the same winding mountain route.So why make the trip to Ma Pi Leng Pass, where the wind bites and the cliffs drop straight into jade-green water?If you’re chasing adventure, breathtaking scenery, and a taste of local culture, put Ma Pi Leng Pass in Vietnam on your list-you’ll find mist curling over jagged peaks and winding roads that feel endless.
