Transparent pricing
One-way, with driver
1.400.000 ₫
Round-trip, with driver
2.500.000 ₫
Da Nang to Hue is Vietnam's most scenic short drive — 95 km along QL1A over the Hai Van Pass, past Lang Co Beach, and into the Perfume River valley. Two route options: the Hai Van Pass itself (21 km of coastal switchbacks with photo stops, 45 extra minutes) or the Hai Van Tunnel (6.3 km straight-through, 10 minutes, opened 2005 bypassing the pass).
Most tourist travelers opt for the Hai Van Pass for the scenery — Top Gear once called it "a deserved pilgrimage for any motorist." Locals use the tunnel because it's fast and safer in bad weather. Our drivers will do either at your preference; recommend Pass on the way up, Tunnel on the way back to see the view once but not waste time twice.
Travel time: Hai Van Pass route = 2.5h with photo stops; Tunnel route = 2h. From Hoi An add 45 min (110 km instead of 95).
Recommended itinerary
Scenic Hai Van Pass route (2.5 hours + stops):
- 0:00 — Depart Da Nang hotel / DAD airport.
- 0:30 — Onto QL1A heading north.
- 1:00 — Approach Hai Van Pass — the dramatic coastal climb begins. Photo stops at the summit (watchtower, panoramic views).
- 1:45 — Descend into Lang Co Beach area. Optional stop for lunch (fresh seafood lunches, ~USD 10 per person).
- 2:15 — Cross into Thua Thien Hue Province.
- 2:30 — Arrival in Hue city center.
Tunnel route: same start, skip 45 minutes of pass → arrive in 2 hours.
What to see along the way
Between Da Nang and Hue:
- Hai Van Pass summit (elevation 496m) — 360° views of Da Nang Bay, Lang Co, forests.
- Lang Co Beach — pristine white-sand beach, often less crowded than Da Nang's My Khe.
- Lap An Lagoon — oyster-farming lagoon, photography goldmine at low tide.
- Elephant Springs (Suoi Voi) — swimming hole 30 min west of Lang Co. Small detour.
- Hue Imperial Citadel (at destination) — start 2-3 hour visit immediately upon arrival.
Road conditions & driving notes
Hai Van Pass driving:
- Pass conditions — 21 km, 80 km/h limit but 30-40 km/h realistic. Switchbacks, tourist buses, motorbike tours.
- Fog at summit can be heavy — sometimes visibility drops to 50m. Tunnel is safer in these conditions.
- Photo stops — summit viewing platform has free parking. Bathroom + small refreshments available.
- Lang Co Bay viewpoint — 10 km north of summit, one of Vietnam's most photographed coastlines.
- Tunnel closed periodically for maintenance — check advisories.
Alternative transport options
Train (Da Nang → Hue, local train): 100-300K VND, 2.5h, slower but scenic. Doesn't go through the pass (goes around).
Public bus: USD 6-10, 3-4h. Tourist shuttles are cleaner than local buses.
Flight: none for this short distance (no Hue airport most days).
Private car with driver: USD 58 one-way (sedan), USD 82 (7-seater). Best value for photo stops + luggage + time control.
Best time to travel
Hai Van Pass year-round but weather-dependent:
- Dec-Apr: best visibility. Clear days give full coastal views.
- May-Aug: hot but clear. Afternoon fog/haze increases.
- Sep-Nov: wet + foggy. Pass can close briefly during typhoons. Tunnel always open.
Ready for the Da Nang → Hue trip?
Book a suv with a professional driver. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup.