Mã Pí Lèng: The King of Karst Limestone Passes (Hà Giang)
Perched 1,500 meters above sea level in the UNESCO Đồng Văn Karst Plateau, Mã Pí Lèng clings precariously to the vertical limestone cliffs of the Happiness Road (Con Đường Hạnh Phúc). Gaze 800 meters straight down into the emerald ribbon of the Nho Quế River winding through Tu Sản Canyon — the deepest canyon in Southeast Asia.
Riding this pass feels like flying along the edge of the world. The limestone towers rise like dragon teeth through swirling mountain mist.
Hải Vân: The Ocean Cloud Pass of Central Vietnam
Made world-famous by Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear as 'a deserted ribbon of perfection — one of the best coastal roads in the world,' the Hải Vân Pass rises 500 meters directly out of the East Sea between Da Nang and Huế.
Here, the mountain jungle drops directly into white-sand beaches and turquoise lagoons. Standing atop the ancient French and American bunker crest overlooking Lăng Cô Bay is an unforgettable highlight of any Vietnam journey.