O Quy Ho Pass - Lao Cai

"O Quy Ho pass is also called the Cloud Pass because it is covered with white clouds all year round. The pass is located right next to National Road 4D that runs through the Hoang Lien Son range, connecting the two provinces of Lai Chau and Lao Cai. The O Quy Ho pass is located at an altitude of nearly 2000 meters above sea level and is among the highest and most majestic mountain passes in Vietnam.
At the top of the mountain pass, the immense and splendor of nature of a thousand years is all in the sight of the visitors. The fresh air here will also give you a very comfortable feeling that you have always been looking for."

O Quy Ho Pass

O Quy Ho Pass - (mountain pass) is located about 17 km away from Sapa city. The mountain pass is the most beautiful and longest in Vietnam, reaching an altitude of almost 2000 meters and a length of about 50 km. Some call it the Cloudpass because it is almost always in the clouds. For others, it is known as the Hoang Lien Son mountain pass, as the pass crosses the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. In any case, the mountain pass connects two provinces: Lao Cai and Lai Chau. The border between the two regions is located exactly at the top of Pass.
The mountain pass winds up (or down). The majestic mountain landscapes are a pleasure for the eyes of the tourists. Nothing is more fun than conquering this mountain pass. When you are up and looking down, you realize that people are only very small.

The mountain pass is called O Quy Ho, because it is linked to a legend thousands of years ago. The legend of this ancient mountain region is about a couple who love each other very much, but they cannot marry due to circumstances. The girl misses her lover so much that she falls ill. After a while she dies and turns into a phoenix bird.
When the sun sets in mountains, hear the phoenix sing: O Quy Ho, O Quy Ho, ... A heartbreaking cry echoes through the forests and mountains. That is why the mountain pass is called “O Quy Ho” after the call of the phoenix.

The gorge of the O Quy Ho Pass

The area in northwestern Vietnam has four mountain passes. As you drive up the winding roads, you will see the green forests and beautiful terraced rice fields, which are far away. Between the mountains is also the longest and most dangerous gorge in Vietnam.
At the top of the O Quy Ho pass, there are a number of small eateries where visitors can rest and enjoy the specialties of the northwest mountains. These can be skewers of grilled meat, fried eggs, corn, potatoes, fried cassava, lamb rice or wild chicken or pork ... After dinner you can enjoy a cup of hot tea or drink Nhi cup of coffee to admire the poetic beauty of the O Quy Ho pass.
Previously, O Quy Ho Pass was very dangerous and history has many horror stories and few people dared to cross it. Since the road to the top is quite dangerous, make sure you are / have a good driver. Pay special attention to corners and drive slowly, while carefully monitoring the sides of the road. The O Quy Ho Pass is still a challenge for adventure trips.
If you ride a scooter or motorcycle, you must go in groups to support each other on the way.

The top of the pass

The view of the O Quy Ho pass is very beautiful. On the way to O Quy Ho Peak, don't forget to stop at the rose garden. So we stopped at Mong Mo Sapa Rose Garden and the view here was breathtaking. It was great to escape from the busy life of Hanoi and enjoy a bit of romance in the mountains. If you visit the rose garden, you also have the chance to learn about the local specialties, such as honey, brocade, fresh and delicious agricultural products.
O Quy Ho Pass is one of the most attractive destinations in Sapa, so you should definitely visit it if you are in the area. If you have a lot of time, you can combine the mountain pass with other famous places such as: Love Waterfall, Tram Ton or the Silver Waterfall.