In the past, when King Le Thanh Tong was on a pilgrimage through Hai Van Quan, he had to say that this place is really “the most powerful man in the world”. That confirms the majestic and poetic beauty of this place.
Hai Van Quan – an important historical and military relic (Photo: collectibles)
Not only is it an architectural relic of great historical and military value, Hai Van Quan also has a beautiful location, located on the north-south celestial road, attracting a large number of visitors. If you have the opportunity to travel to Hue , visit this place to understand more about the history of nation building and defending the nation.
1. Where is Hai Van Quan?
When learning about famous Hue tourist attractions , visitors must have heard about Hai Van Quan. What is Hai Van Quan? This is a defensive work relic located on the top of Hai Van pass at an altitude of 496m above sea level, in the Bach Ma – Hai Van mountain range. This unique architectural work has been ranked as a national historical and architectural monument.
The work is a tourist destination visited by many tourists (Photo: collectibles)
- Address: Located on the top of Hai Van pass, in the territory of Lang Co town (Phu Loc, Thua Thien – Hue) and Hoa Hiep Bac ward (Lien Chieu, Da Nang).
- Opening hours: All day
- Ticket price: Free
- Directions: From Hue city center, you follow Highway 49, turn right at Nguyen Tat Thanh. Then, you continue to follow National Highway 1A – Ly Thanh Tong to Hai Van Pass. When you reach Lang Co bridge, you go another 9km to reach the monument.
2. History of Hai Van Quan – the first Hung Quan
According to the introduction of Hai Van Quan, this place is one of the important gates of Vietnam. The Tran, Ho, Le, and Mac dynasties all focused on setting up defense posts here. Lord Nguyen Hoang in the past also considered the location of this gate on Hai Van pass as “the throat of Thuan Quang”. Later, Emperor Gia Long immediately after ascending the throne also sent troops to Hai Van pass to guard.
The building is no longer intact as before (Photo: collectibles)
What year was Hai Van Quan built? In the 7th year of Minh Mang (Binh Tuat – 1826), the work was built as a military fortress to defend at the southern gateway of Hue citadel . Inside and outside of the fortress are arranged cannons and telescopes to guard and defend.
3. What to visit in Hai Van?
3.1. Admire Hai Van Quan relic – ancient Hue military fortress
This military relic is located in a dangerous position at an altitude of about 500m above sea level. On the door looking at Thua Thien Palace, 3 words “Hai Van Quan” are written on the door, and on the door looking down Quang Nam is the words “The world is the most powerful man”.
This building is built according to the following dimensions:
- Front door: The height and length are 15 meters, and the width is 17 meters and 1 inch;
- Back door: The height is 15 meters, the length is 11 meters, and the width is 18 meters and 1 inch;
- The archway: The height is 10 feet 8 inches, the width is 8 feet 1 inch.
The ancient, mossy relic is the check-in place for many tourists (Photo: collectibles)
Because this is an important gate, King Minh Mang sent 2 teams to respond and 4 teams to carry guns to the construction site. The equipment includes: 5 bronze guns, 200 flamethrowers, 100 ascension cannons and gunpowder.
However, up to now, because Hai Van Quan is located on the top of a high mountain, covered with clouds all year round, with a lot of rain, along with the influence of time and the destruction of war, the walls and gates have been damaged quite a lot. Currently, this relic remains only the watchtower and the gate with a mossy, ancient look.
3.2. Enjoy the beautiful view of Hai Van Pass from Hai Van Pass
Coming to Hai Van Quan, visitors will be completely conquered by the beautiful scenery here. Standing from the gate, looking towards the wonderful Hai Van Pass , you will fully admire the majestic mountains and winding passes. Farther is the vast blue sea, the sky is high.
From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Hai Van Pass (Photo: collectibles)
3.3. Check-in the North – South celestial path with 1-0-2 at Hai Van Quan
Visiting this work, do not forget to take “excellent” photos at the north-south natural path across the majestic Hai Van pass. From this unique check-in coordinates, one direction of Thien Ly Street turns into Hue, the other direction turns into Da Nang.
Don’t forget to take “super cool” check-in photos on Thien Ly street (Photo: collectibles)
4. Experience going to Hai Van safely
Because Hai Van Quan is located on the top of Hai Van, visitors will have to cross the pass to get there. It is also because the pass is quite dangerous, so you need to pay attention:
- Do not jostle when going on the pass;
- Control the appropriate speed, should go slowly in the bends;
- You should bring a raincoat because on the pass it often rains. Inside should wear warm clothes to prevent cold;
- Avoid going later in the evening because the dark road is very dangerous;
- Ride a motorbike with good brakes. You can find a reputable Hue motorbike rental address to rent a car to visit Hai Van pass.
Visitors pay attention to safety at the bends (Photo: collectibles)
Source: Collected internet.