O Quy Ho Pass near Sapa: the longest mountain road in the north (2026)
O Quy Ho Pass is one of the four great passes of the Vietnamese northwest, with Ma Pi Leng, Khau Pha and Pha Din, and the longest: about 50 km on national road 4D between Lao Cai and Lai Chau, peaking at around 2,000-2,150 m (sources vary). From central Sapa the summit is about 15 km away, 30 to 45 minutes by car or motorbike without stops. The pass itself is a road: no ticket, but viewpoints and cafés may ask a small fee (not confirmed).
Highlights
The winding road
The ribbon of tarmac snakes along the ridge; clouds often cover the pass, especially in the afternoon, which is why morning photos work best.
Sunset on the ridge
When the sky clears, evening light on the mountains is the pass's most photographed moment; in winter, frost or even snow are possible with luck.
The Silver Waterfall
See the Silver Waterfall, the classic stop at the foot of the pass.
Practical info
Tips
- Bends are tight and visibility poor in mist: slow down, switch on lights, never ride a motorbike without a helmet. Hire a driver or take a tour rather than driving yourself if you are not used to it. Bring a warm jacket even in summer. For the rest of the area, see Sapa rice terraces and villages and the Fansipan cable car; another famous pass: Ma Pi Leng. Getting to Sapa: bus or train from Hanoi.
How to get there
From Sapa, national road 4D towards Lai Chau, about 15 km to the summit (30 to 45 min). Taxi, rented motorbike with a driver or a half-day tour.
Opening hours
Nearby
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