O Quy Ho pass in Viet Nam

“O Quy Ho pass” is a mountain pass road that stretches nearly 50 kilometers. Two-thirds of this road are within the Tam Đường district in Lai Châu province, while the remaining one-third lies in Sa Pa district, Lào Cai province, Vietnam.

Passing through the entrance of Hoàng Liên National Park, just a few kilometers away, you’ll reach the summit of O Quy Ho pass. This location also marks the border between the two northern mountainous provinces of Lào Cai and Lai Châu. The winding and treacherous road has become a popular spot for impressive check-in photos.

Standing at an elevation of 2,000 meters above sea level, visitors can admire the misty Hoàng Liên mountain range in the afternoon sun or catch glimpses of Fansipan Peak (the “Roof of Indochina”) shrouded in white mist. If Sapa is considered a paradise, then O Quy Ho pass is the “Gateway to Heaven.” Looking down from this vantage point, the breathtaking scenery captivates the soul.

At an elevation of 2,073 meters above sea level, the pass is often enveloped in ethereal clouds. O Quy Ho pass in Lào Cai is renowned as an ideal cloud-hunting spot and a captivating destination for adventurous travelers.

In summer, you’ll witness a stark contrast: Lai Châu bathed in bright sunlight while Lào Cai remains enshrouded in cool mist. In winter, everything changes in the blink of an eye. Lào Cai becomes sun-kissed, while Lai Châu slumbers in the cold winter haze. O Quy Ho pass is always the perfect place for stunning photographs. Moreover, during Sapa’s winter, snow may fall, offering a rare and magical experience for those standing atop the pass.

The beauty of O Quy Ho pass lies not only in its geographical significance but also in its poetic allure, making it a must-visit destination in the Northwest region of Vietnam.

O Quy Ho pass has its own unique beauty in each season, and the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience there.

In summer: The weather during this time is quite cool and pleasant, with a touch of freshness and minimal fog. It’s suitable for traveling. However, you should only travel the section of the pass in Lào Cai because the Lai Châu side can be very hot.

In winter: The weather in Lai Châu during winter is more comfortable, with some sun around noon. However, Lào Cai is completely covered in fog, and there might even be freezing temperatures and snow. If you plan to explore O Quy Ho during this time, make sure to bring warm clothing and gloves. Additionally, the ideal time to travel the pass is in the late afternoon when the sunset tints the entire Northwest mountains in red. Consider staying overnight at a hotel to catch the sunrise in the morning; it won’t disappoint.

Conquer O Quy Ho Pass, there are a couple of options for transportation:

- Motorbike (Previously): In the past, the common way to travel the pass was by motorbike along National Highway 4D. However, this option can be challenging due to the winding roads and varying weather conditions.

- Cable Car (Currently): Now, there’s a safer and more convenient way to reach the summit: by taking the cable car. You can easily purchase cable car tickets at the station (usually when buying tickets to visit the Fansipan peak). From the Fansipan summit, move to Thác Bạc area, then head to Trạm Tôn. Afterward, travel about 4-5 km along National Highway 4D to reach the peak of O Quy Ho Pass.

Choosing the best time to visit O Quy ho pass depends on your preferences:

* Summer: The weather is cool, with clouds often enveloping the pass. It’s a great time for cloud hunting and enjoying the misty atmosphere.

* Winter: During winter, it gets very cold, and the pass may be covered in white snow. This can be a fascinating experience, especially for those from warmer regions who rarely see snow.

Remember that each season has its own unique beauty, so the timing of your visit will depend on what you want to experience there.

As for preparations, since this is a day trip, you won’t need to pack too much. Bring essential personal documents, cash, a jacket, comfortable shoes, a map, some snacks, and water.