Ngang Pass: Ha Tinh’s Scenic and Historic Mountain Journey

A Historic Route with Breathtaking Vistas

Ngang Pass, straddling the border of Ha Tinh and Quang Binh provinces, is a 6 km mountain road on the Hoanh Son Range, 256 m above sea level, located 75 km south of Ha Tinh Ward and 416 km from Hanoi. This iconic pass, a historic boundary between ancient Dai Viet and Champa, attracts over 10,000 visitors annually with activities costing $1–$35 (25,000–875,000 VND). Its winding roads, lush forests, and panoramic views of mountains and the East Sea make it a must-visit for adventure seekers, history buffs, and eco-conscious travelers. Ha Tinh’s tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 24–36°C or 75.2–96.8°F) enhances the journey with clear skies or misty landscapes.

Sustainable practices, such as eco-friendly tours and local conservation efforts, preserve Ngang Pass’s natural and cultural heritage. Legend Travel Group, with 17 years of sustainable tourism expertise, offers eco-conscious tours combining Ngang Pass with Ha Tinh’s beaches and cultural sites, using electric vehicles and local guides. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your eco-friendly adventure.

Administrative Update

As of July 1, 2025, Vietnam’s administrative reform restructured Ha Tinh’s districts into wards and communes. Use “Ky Nam Commune, Ha Tinh Province” for the Ha Tinh side and “Quang Dong Commune, Quang Binh Province” for accurate navigation to Ngang Pass.

Founded in 2008 by Tony Bui, Legend Travel Group welcomes 15,000 travelers annually across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, prioritizing sustainable tourism. Our tours feature fuel-efficient transport, English-speaking guides sharing historical insights, and partnerships with local communities to support conservation and cultural preservation. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Book via links in this guide for a responsible, immersive experience aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism vision.

Ngang Pass, immortalized in Ba Huyen Thanh Quan’s poem Qua Deo Ngang, is a historic route on National Highway 1A, once a strategic stronghold between Dai Viet and Champa. The Hoanh Son Quan Gate, built in 1833 under King Minh Mang, stands as a “gate to heaven” with its intact brick-and-mortar structure. Nearby, the Mother Lieu Hanh Temple and pristine beaches like Con Pass add cultural and natural allure. Eco-friendly initiatives, such as waste-free trails and community-led preservation, ensure the pass remains a pristine destination.

These budget-friendly activities ($1–$35) highlight Ngang Pass’s historical and natural charm:

1. Explore Hoanh Son Quan Gate

Visit the 1833 stone gate at the pass’s peak, best at 8:00 AM, for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Cost: $1–$2.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Low-impact site; use biodegradable offerings.

• Tip: Capture panoramic views; included in Ha Tinh Cultural Tour ($75–$110).

2. Hike Ngang Pass Trails

Trek scenic trails overlooking mountains and the East Sea, best at 7:00 AM, for $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).

• Cost: $2–$4.

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Stick to marked trails; support reforestation.

• Tip: Wear sturdy shoes; included in Ha Tinh Eco-Tour ($65–$95).

3. Visit Mother Lieu Hanh Temple

Pay respects at the 1557 temple, 300 m southwest of the gate, best at 9:00 AM, for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Cost: $1–$2.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use biodegradable incense; respect sacred areas.

• Tip: Learn the temple’s legend; included in Ha Tinh Spiritual Tour ($65–$95).

4. Relax at Con Pass Beach

Swim or sunbathe at the serene beach on the Ha Tinh side, best at 6:00 AM, for $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Cost: $0.50–$2.

• Hours: 24/7; best 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Join beach cleanups; use reusable bottles.

• Tip: Visit at sunrise; included in Ha Tinh Coastal Tour ($70–$100).

5. Boat to La Island

Explore coral reefs and Hon La Bay, best at 8:00 AM, for $20–$25/boat (500,000–625,000 VND, fits 5–7 people).

• Cost: $20–$25.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use eco-friendly boats; avoid disturbing marine life.

• Tip: Visit the Hang Pagoda; included in Ha Tinh Coastal Tour ($70–$100).

• November–April (Dry Season, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F): Ideal for hiking and beach visits, with moderate crowds (50–150 daily visitors). Book tours 1–2 weeks ahead.

• May–October (Rainy Season, 24–36°C or 75.2–96.8°F): Lush scenery and fewer crowds (30–100 daily visitors); bring rain gear. Last-minute bookings often available.

• Festival Seasons: Lunar New Year (January/February) for temple events, with higher crowds (200+ visitors). Book 2–4 weeks ahead.

• Timing Tip: Mornings (6:00–10:00 AM) for cooler hikes; evenings (5:00–7:00 PM) for beach sunsets. Avoid rainy afternoons for safety.

Ngang Pass, in Ky Nam Commune (Ha Tinh) and Quang Dong Commune (Quang Binh), is 75 km from Ha Tinh Ward and 416 km from Hanoi:

• From Hanoi (7–9 hours):

  • Train: $20–$65 (500,000–1,625,000 VND) round-trip, 6–7.5 hours to Ha Tinh Station, then taxi ($25–$30 or 625,000–750,000 VND) to Ngang Pass.

  • Bus: $15–$30 (375,000–750,000 VND) round-trip, 6.5–8 hours to Ha Tinh, then taxi ($25–$30).

  • Private Car: $100–$120 (2,500,000–3,000,000 VND) round-trip, 7–8 hours direct to Ngang Pass.

  • Xanh SM Taxi: $160–$200 (4,000,000–5,000,000 VND) round-trip, eco-friendly, 7–8 hours.

• From Ho Chi Minh City (2.5–34 hours):

  • Flight: $70–$130 (1,750,000–3,250,000 VND) round-trip, 2 hours to Vinh Airport (unavailable July–December), then taxi ($35–$40 or 875,000–1,000,000 VND) to Ngang Pass.

  • Train: $55–$110 (1,375,000–2,750,000 VND) round-trip, 28–32 hours to Ha Tinh, then taxi ($25–$30).

  • Bus: $50–$85 (1,250,000–2,125,000 VND) round-trip, 30–33 hours to Ha Tinh, then taxi ($25–$30).

• From Ha Tinh Ward (1.5–2 hours):

  • Drive 75 km south on National Highway 1A to Ngang Pass.

  • Taxi: $25–$30 (625,000–750,000 VND) round-trip.

  • Motorbike Rental: $8–$12/day (200,000–300,000 VND, Vietnamese license required).

• Navigation Tip: Save “Ngang Pass, Ky Nam Commune” in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose trains or Xanh SM taxis for lower emissions; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable transport.

• Safety: Confirm taxi fares; avoid unlicensed motorbikes to prevent fines ($100–$200 or 2,500,000–5,000,000 VND).

Pack these essentials for a sustainable visit:

• Clothing: Lightweight attire, sturdy hiking shoes, hat; waterproof jacket ($4–$8 or 100,000–200,000 VND) for rainy season.

• Gear: Reusable water bottle ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), reusable tote ($1–$4 or 25,000–100,000 VND), biodegradable sunscreen.

• Essentials: Compact umbrella ($4–$8), hand sanitizer, mosquito repellent ($0.80 or 20,000 VND).

• Tech: Smartphone with Vietmap/Maps.me, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($8–$15 or 200,000–375,000 VND).

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

Ngang Pass Activity Costs

• Entry Fees (Hoanh Son Quan, Temple): $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Hiking: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).

• Boat Tours to La Island: $20–$25/boat (500,000–625,000 VND).

• Beach Access: $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Dining (e.g., Ham Duong fish sauce, lobster): $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND).

• Guided Eco-Tour: $25–$35 (625,000–875,000 VND).

• Homestay in Ky Nam: $15–$30/night (375,000–750,000 VND).

Transport Costs (Round-Trip)

• From Hanoi: Train: $20–$65 + taxi ($50–$60); Bus: $15–$30 + taxi ($50–$60); Private Car: $100–$120; Xanh SM Taxi: $160–$200.

• From Ho Chi Minh City: Flight: $70–$130 + taxi ($70–$80); Train: $55–$110 + taxi ($50–$60); Bus: $50–$85 + taxi ($50–$60).

• From Ha Tinh Ward: Taxi: $50–$60 (1,250,000–1,500,000 VND); Motorbike: $16–$24 (400,000–600,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $15–$25 (bus, entry, homestay, street food).

• Mid-range: $40–$60 (train, guided tour, homestay).

• Luxury: $80–$120 (private car, premium stay, dining).

• Timing: Visit at 6:00–10:00 AM for cooler hikes; evenings (5:00–7:00 PM) for beach sunsets. November–April for dry weather; weekdays for fewer crowds (30–100 vs. 50–150 on weekends).

• Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead; buy entry tickets on-site. Book accommodations 1–2 weeks ahead for festivals (January/February).

• Sustainability: Support eco-friendly boat tours; use reusable items. Join beach or trail cleanups for a positive impact.

• Navigation: Save “Ngang Pass, Ky Nam Commune” in offline maps; follow National Highway 1A signs.

• Safety: Stick to marked trails; secure valuables. Avoid driving in heavy rain.

• Weather: Dry season for safer hikes; rainy season needs rain gear ($4–$8 or 100,000–200,000 VND). Check AccuWeather.

• Cultural Respect: Greet locals with “xin chào”; respect sacred sites like Mother Lieu Hanh Temple.

Our eco-friendly tours showcase Ngang Pass’s highlights:

• Ha Tinh Coastal Tour ($70–$100/person, 1 day): Explore Ngang Pass, Con Pass Beach, savor local seafood. Includes guide, eco-transport.

• Ha Tinh Cultural & Nature Adventure ($160–$220/person, 2 days): Visit Ngang Pass, Mother Lieu Hanh Temple, homestay. Includes meals, guide.

• North-Central Vietnam Explorer ($360–$520/person, 4 days): Discover Ngang Pass, Thien Cam Beach, Vu Quang National Park, eco-stays. Includes meals, eco-transfers.

• Prices include guides, eco-transports, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book via links in this guide.

Ngang Pass in Ha Tinh Province is a historic and scenic masterpiece, offering winding roads, ancient relics like Hoanh Son Quan Gate, and serene beaches. With sustainable practices and Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly Ha Tinh Tours, you can immerse in this mountain pass’s natural beauty and cultural significance while exploring Ha Tinh’s coastal and culinary treasures, ensuring a sustainable Ha Tinh Travel experience. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-tour today for an authentic, sustainable adventure!
Ready to explore Ngang Pass? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group for an authentic, sustainable adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group