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Khau Pha Pass

Khau Pha Pass: A breathtaking stop on the Mu Cang Chai loop

08/10/2025 143 views

Khau Pha Pass is one of the most famous mountain passes in northern Vietnam, known for its height, length, and dramatic curves. It offers breathtaking views of terraced rice fields, valleys, and cloud-covered peaks.

1. Overview of Khau Pha Pass

Khau Pha Pass is renowned as one of the “Four Great Passes” in Northwest Vietnam. Stretching about 30 kilometers at an elevation of 1,200 meters, it forms a natural boundary between the communes of Van Chan and Mu Cang Chai. Historically part of Yen Bai Province, the area is now under Lao Cai Province’s administration. 

Khau Pha Pass

Khau Pha Pass, Vietnam is one of the “Four Great Passes,” admired for its majestic beauty (Source: Collected)

Khau Pha Pass is famous for its winding roads, sharp bends, and sheer cliffs. In the local language, “Khau Pha” means “Horn of Heaven,” a name inspired by the mountain peaks rising skyward. Here, mountains shaped like curved horns pierce through the clouds. The serpentine road weaves through ancient forests and rice terraces cultivated by the H’Mong and Thai ethnic groups. 

Khau Pha Pass also has historical significance. Its eastern foot was home to Cao Pha Commune (now Tu Le Commune) and the Khau Pha guerrilla unit. From 1946 to 1952, this unit fought valiantly, repeatedly blocking French military advances.

Explore: Northern Vietnam: 10 amazing destinations to satisfy your wanderlust

2. What to see and do on your visit to Khau Pha Pass?

2.1. Marvelous landscapes

The journey across Khau Pha Pass promises breathtaking scenery at every turn. It offers dramatic contrasts: sheer cliffs on one side and sweeping valleys on the other. As you ascend, the road is lined with lush pine forests, while the base of the pass rises like a horn piercing the clouds. Mist often blankets the summit year-round, giving it a romantic atmosphere for an exhilarating cloud-hunting experience. 

From the top, tourists can gaze across the Lim Mong fields and the Cao Pha Valley, where terraced fields climb toward the sky. Villages of the Thai ethnic minority nestle in the valleys below, adding to the charm of the view. Once you have crossed the pass, the iconic Mu Cang Chai rice terraces await, especially those in La Pan Tan – famous for their spectacular golden hues during harvest season.

khau pha pass, vietnam

From the summit, sweeping views of forests and rice terraces unfold (Source: Collected)

2.2. Paragliding

Paragliding from the summit of Khau Pha Pass is a must-try in Mu Cang Chai. Take-off begins at the top of the pass, with landing points at the base. Thrilling and daring, the experience is guided by professional pilots who ensure safety while you soar above the rice terraces. Every September and October, during the harvest season, the famous “Flying Over the Golden Fields” paragliding festival takes place here. From thousands of meters above sea level, gliding with the winds while admiring golden paddies, endless forests, and scattered villages offers an unforgettable memory.

2.3. Motorbike tours

For adventure seekers, conquering Khau Pha Pass by motorbike is both challenging and rewarding. Riding along the twisting roads allows you to fully embrace the pristine mountain air and sense of freedom as you descend the slopes. Traveling slowly is recommended – not only for safety but also to ensure you do not miss any of the incredible landscapes. After overcoming the obstacles of the winding journey, the views from both the roadside and the summit make every effort worthwhile.

2.4. Nearby villages

Take the time to visit local villages for a taste of highland life. Here, the culture is preserved through traditional costumes, stilt houses, customs, and food. You can see villagers in vibrant attire, especially the H’mong women in their hand-embroidered skirts. Life in these villages moves at a gentle pace: men and women tend to ripening rice fields, children play around, and herders lead buffalo to the fields in the misty mornings. In hamlets like Lim Mong and Lim Thai, villagers still carry woven baskets up the hillsides or sell forest vegetables to passing travelers.

Discover the daily life of ethnic villages near Khau Pha Pass

Discover the daily life of ethnic villages near Khau Pha Pass (Source: Collected)

2.5. Local specialties

After your journey, you can recharge with delicious dishes at eateries along the pass. Highlights include grilled wild pork, salt-roasted crabs, mountain apple wine, colorful sticky rice, and even salmon. One specialty not to miss is Tu Le green rice, famous throughout the Northwest. Its naturally green color, soft fragrance, and sweet taste come from carefully harvested young rice, prepared through meticulous methods passed down by generations of the Thai people.

Discover: Mu Cang Chai or Sapa: Which is better for your trip?

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3. Guide for first timers to Khau Pha Pass

3.1. When to visit?

Thanks to its high altitude, Khau Pha Pass enjoys cool weather year-round. The most stunning time to visit is the harvest season from September to October, when the rice terraces turn golden. Another ideal period is May – June, known as the “water pouring season,” when freshly irrigated terraces glisten like giant mirrors reflecting the sky and mountains.

3.2. How to get there?

To get to Khau Pha Pass from Hanoi, it is recommended that you go to the former Yen Bai City first (either by coach or by limousine bus), then rent a motorbike and continue on to Khau Pha. From Yen Bai City, follow National Road 37 southwest, then turn right onto National Road 32. If you want to drive straight from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai, also follow National Road 32. 

Guide for first timers to Khau Pha Pass

The journey to Khau Pha Pass is quite long (Source: Collected)

3.3. What to note?

Here are some tips for your trip to Khau Pha Pass:

  • Prepare both physically and mentally for the long journey.
  • Bring drinking water and snacks like chocolate, biscuits, or dried fruit.
  • Wear appropriate gear: jacket, helmet, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
  • Check the weather.
  • Ensure your motorbike is in excellent condition and fully fueled before the trip.
  • Pack light – preferably only a small backpack.
  • Bring warm clothes and a scarf for chilly nights.
  • Don’t forget your smartphone and power bank to capture every moment.
  • Travel in a group for more safety.

More on: North Vietnam itinerary: TOP places & tips for a memorable journey

FAQs about Khau Pha Pass in Northern Vietnam

Where is Khau Pha Pass?

Khau Pha stretches for more than 30 kilometers, forming the boundary between the communes of Van Chan and Mu Cang Chai. It was once part of Yen Bai Province, but now lies within Lao Cai Province.

How high is Khau Pha Pass above sea level?

The pass rises between 1,200 and 1,500 meters, ranking among the highest mountain passes in Vietnam.

How long is Khau Pha Pass?

At about 30 kilometers, Khau Pha is one of the longest dramatic passes in the region.

Is it safe to drive through Khau Pha Pass?

The road is steep, winding, and often shrouded in mist, so caution is essential. Despite the challenges, it remains a favorite route for seasoned bikers and thrill seekers who find the experience unforgettable.

Are there homestays near Khau Pha Pass?

Yes. In Mu Cang Chai and Tu Le, you will find many welcoming homestays offering comfortable rooms and sweeping views of the rice terraces and mountains.

FAQs about Khau Pha Pass in Northern Vietnam

Conquering Khau Pha Pass by motorbike is a demanding but rewarding experience (Source: Collected)

Explore: Sapa to Mu Cang Chai: Top-rated transportation options

Khau Pha Pass is more than just a challenging mountain road; it is a journey into the heart of Northwest Vietnam. With its misty peaks, winding trails, rice terraces, and ethnic villages, Khau Pha Pass leaves every tourist with unforgettable memories.

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