O Quy Ho Pass is a popular attraction for travelers seeking adventure and natural beauty in their Sapa trip. With a winding road and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, it is highly recommended to take a drive through the pass and immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of Sapa.
1. Overview of O Quy Ho Pass Sapa
1.1. Location of O Quy Ho Pass
O Quy Ho Pass is one of the most impressive and challenging mountain passes in the northern region of Vietnam. It is approximately 10 kilometers away from the town of Sapa and 60 kilometers away from the city of Lai Chau.
O Quy Ho Pass winds through Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range. Running alongside National Road 4D, the pass stretches for nearly 50 kilometers, with the peak of the pass marking the boundary between the two provinces of Lao Cai and Lai Chau.
1.2. Legend of O Quy Ho Pass
According to legend, in the past, there was a love story that didn't end happily between a fairy and a peasant named O Quy Ho. They used to meet at this pass, but they couldn't marry each other. Out of sorrow, the fairy turned into a bird and flew around the mountain peak, calling out the name of her lover. Since then, this pass has been called O Quy Ho Pass.
Additionally, the pass is also called Hoang Lien Pass or Hoang Lien Son Pass because it runs across Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range. People even give it the more poetic name of "Cloud Pass" because of the constant presence of clouds in the area.
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2. How to get to O Quy Ho Pass?
There are two ways to get to O Quy Ho Pass: from the town of Sapa Town or from the city center of Lao Cai.
If you are traveling from Sapa, you can take Dien Bien Phu Road to Silver Waterfall, pass by the entrance gate of Hoang Lien National Park, and arrive at Tram Ton Ranger Station. Then, travel about 6 kilometers more to reach the top of O Quy Ho Pass.
If you depart from the city center of Lao Cai, you can take a bus, coach, or rent a motorbike to get to Sapa. Then, you can follow the same route as mentioned above to get to the final destination.
3. When is the best time to visit O Quy Ho Pass Sapa?
The best time to visit the pass largely depends on your preferences.
If you are fond of wild cherry blossoms, you should travel to Sapa in February. During this time, many wild cherry branches are sold on the road along O Quy Ho Pass or in Sapa Market. The weather at this time is cold with occasional light rain.
March is the time of spring, as well as the time when the Rhododendron flowers bloom on Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range. This is the most distinctive flower of Sapa and is considered the symbol of the region. The weather during this time is no longer rainy. Instead, it is dry with a little beautiful fog on the mountain pass.
The period from October to December is the best time for tourists to hunt for clouds. In these months, clouds are much more likely to be seen than in other months of the year. Tourists can capture many mesmerizing photos of the cloudy scenery.
Watching snowfall in Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range is also a nice experience to have. This phenomenon often occurs in December and January, throughout the mountains.
>>> It is recommended that tourists check Vietnam weather before their trip!
4. What to see in O Quy Ho Pass?
4.1. O Quy Ho Heaven Gate
Located at the peak of O Quy Ho Pass, Sapa Heaven Gate, also known as O Quy Ho Heaven Gate, is the best place to admire the magnificent mountains at an altitude of nearly 2,300 meters.
Surrounded by vast clouds amidst the mountains, you will be overwhelmed by the beauty of O Quy Ho Pass winding around the slopes of Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range. In the distance, there are two beautiful waterfalls and the hidden Muong Hoa Valley.
4.2. The Glass Bridge
O Quy Ho Glass Bridge is one of the highest and longest glass bridges in Southeast Asia. The bridge stretches out over a mountain cliff with a length of 60 meters and a height of 500 meters, completely made of transparent glass. Here, visitors will have an opportunity to experience the outdoor skywalk system at a height of 300 meters. Standing on the glass bridge, you can admire the majestic natural scenery and watch the clouds above O Quy Ho Pass.
4.3. The Lonely Tree
The Lonely Tree in Sapa is a beautiful and iconic sight that draws visitors from all over the world. As its name suggests, the tree stands alone on a small hill overlooking the stunning valley below. The Lonely Tree has become a popular spot in the Sapa itinerary of many tourists. Its solitude makes it a symbol of strength and resilience in the face of adversity, a reminder of the beauty and power of nature.
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4.4. The breathtaking waterfalls near O Quy Ho Pass
- Silver Waterfall: A magnificent waterfall located about 20 kilometers away from Sapa. The waterfall cascades down from a height of over 200 meters, surrounded by lush green forests and majestic mountains, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers.
- Love Waterfall: A breathtakingly beautiful waterfall of Hoang Lien National Park, located about 14 kilometers away from Sapa. The waterfall is surrounded by towering mountains. A trek to Love Waterfall is challenging, but the stunning scenery along the way makes it well worth the effort.
5. What to eat at O Quy Ho Pass?
O Quy Ho Pass in Sapa is famous not only for its stunning scenery but also for its delicious local cuisine:
- Grilled mountain pork served with sticky rice and vegetables
- Thang Co - a traditional soup made from horse meat, organs, and bones, flavored with local herbs and spices
- Xoi Xeo - savory and sweet sticky rice mixed with mung beans and fried onions
Besides O Quy Ho Pass, there are a variety of other attractions in Sapa, such as Muong Hoa Valley, Ham Rong Mountain, Cat Cat Village, Fansipan Mountain, Ta Phin Village, etc. You should spend time visiting these places to make the most of your trip to this town.
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O Quy Ho Pass is a stunning mountain pass in Sapa, Vietnam, known for its breathtaking scenery and challenging road. It is a must-see for adventurous travelers who want to experience the natural beauty of Northern Vietnam. Don't miss the chance to explore this stunning road in the heart of the region.
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