Where is O Quy Ho Pass?
O Quy Ho Lao Cai pass is the largest and most beautiful pass in Sapa, also the longest pass in the Northwest. The pass is an important road connecting the two provinces of Lao Cai and Lai Chau. The name O Quy Ho is in the H’mong language, which is said to originate from a tragic love story of a woodcutter and a beautiful fairy. Because of her failed love, she turned into a bird that forever cried “O Quy Ho” earnestly. Since then, people here have used this call to name the pass.
The majestic view of the O Quy Ho pass – the unofficial king of the Four Great Peaks of the Northern Mountains of Vietnam. (Photo: Collected)
O Quy Ho pass is located on the route running through Hoang Lien Son range, so the pass is also known as Hoang Lien pass. With an altitude of more than 2000m, craggy bends, and a length of up to 50km, O Quy Ho pass makes other famous passes such as Ma Pi Leng (20km), Pha Din (32km long) or Khau Pha (40km). somewhat small. For that reason, O Quy Ho pass is known as the “king without a throne” of the “four great peaks” of the Northwest and one of the most “hot” Sapa tourist destinations .
How many km from Sapa O Quy Ho Pass and how to go?
O Quy Ho Lao Cai pass is located right on National Highway 4D, so to get to this place, you need to catch a car to Sapa town. From here, ask the people in the town the way to the highway. They will show you the shortest way to O Quy Ho Sapa . Actually, this road is not too long because O Quy Ho pass is more than 15km from Sapa (from the town center). However, the road has many twists and turns that are extremely difficult and dangerous, especially the section from Tram Ton to the foot of the pass. If you do not have a hard steering wheel, it is best to rent a car with a local driver.
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When should you go to O Quy Ho?
If you do not know when to travel to O Quy Ho pass, please immediately save the following useful information:
+ Going to O Quy Ho Pass in the summer : This is a quite suitable time to go to O Quy Ho Pass in Lao Cai because the weather is cool, pleasant, with a little bit of coolness and little fog. You will see the road clearly and it will be easier to go. However, you should only go to the pass on the part of Lao Cai because the section on the Lai Chau side is now hot and dead, nothing is beautiful.
Admire the gentle sunset covered in orange-yellow color across the mountains and forests of the Northwest from the top of O Quy Ho pass. (Photo: Collected)
+ Going to O Quy Ho pass in winter: The weather in the winter in Lai Chau is somewhat more pleasant when there is a little sunshine at noon and Lao Cai is completely covered by fog, even frosty snow. If you intend to go on a trip to O Quy Ho at this time, remember to bring enough jackets, gloves,…
When going to O Quy Ho Pass in Sapa in winter, remember to bring enough coats and scarves if you don’t want to catch a cold. (Photo: Collected)
In addition, according to Vietnam Booking’s experience, the most ideal time to travel to O Quy Ho pass of the day is in the late afternoon when the sunset dyes red covering the entire Northwest. Or you can also stay one night at Sapa hotel , then go on a morning hike to catch the sunrise.
Unique experiences should try when going to O Quy Ho Lao Cai
For those who have never been here, they will probably wonder what is so beautiful about O Quy Ho Pass that makes so many people so passionate? Actually, the answer lies in the journey to conquer this legendary pass.
Majestic waterfalls
Right at the foot of O Quy Ho pass towards Sapa is Silver Waterfall – one of the 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Lao Cai. The majestic waterfall pouring down to create white foam day and night has surprised many domestic and foreign tourists when coming here.
The majestic beauty of Silver Waterfall makes many domestic and international tourists amazed. (Photo: Collected)
Besides, Love Waterfall is also a famous place that attracts couples to Sapa. Not as big and magnificent as Silver Waterfall, Love Waterfall has a soft and gentle beauty like a silk strip. According to legend, this is also the meeting place of the woodcutter and the fairy in the story of O Quy Ho pass.
O Quy Ho Lai Chau Heaven Gate and O Quy Ho Cafe
After going through the majestic waterfalls, you will conquer the top of O Quy Ho pass, also known with names such as O Quy Ho Heaven Gate, Sapa Heaven Gate. This is a destination that you will regret if you miss when traveling to Sapa. At the top of the pass, there will be a high hill giving you a panoramic view of the magnificent Hoang Lien Son range, which is submerged in the sea of white clouds. Not only that, in each season, O Quy Ho Lai Chau Heaven Gate will give you a different scene like the golden terraced fields in the ripe rice season or sparkling in the pouring water season.
Admire the poetic nature of Hoang Lien Son range from the O Quy Ho Lai Chau Heaven Gate area. (Photo: Collected)
In addition, in this area of Sapa Heaven Gate, a modern coffee shop was built, named Cafe O Quy Ho . In the misty space, enjoying a cup of smoky coffee next to the rolling mountains will definitely be a memorable experience in your journey to conquer the beauty of the mountainous region. In addition, do not forget to check in at the “divine” virtual living corner – Miniature Bali Heaven Gate. Make sure you have a whole “photostore” to post for a year.
A moment of surprise with the beautiful scenery like watercolor paintings of the Northwest mountains from the lonely tree on the top of O Quy Ho pass. (Photo: Collected)
The poetic scenery of the mountains and forests of the Northwest
On the journey to conquer the top of the pass, you will pass through the highest road in Vietnam. This is a long, mysterious road hidden in the cliffs. And then when you pass a bend, you will capture the image of the rustic villages in Lai Chau with the undulating mountains like a picture. Perhaps only when you witness it with your own eyes, you can feel the startling beauty of the Northwest mountains.
Source: Collected internet.