About Ngang Pass
Ngang Pass (Deo Ngang) is a historic mountain pass on the Hoanh Son range of the Annamite Range, straddling the border between Ha Tinh Province (Ky Nam, Ky Anh) and Quang Binh Province on National Route 1A. At about 250 meters elevation, it is notable for its scenic winding road, panoramic views of mountains and the East Sea, and the 19th-century Hoanh Son Quan gate relic.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a winding mountain road through forested slopes with viewpoints overlooking the coastline and surrounding mountains. At the summit is the stone Hoanh Son Quan gate, a former border gate with brick and stone walls where visitors can stop, take photos and view the border marker between Ha Tinh and Quang Binh. The area is open and exposed with roadside parking and small stalls. Most visitors drive or ride through, stop briefly for sightseeing and photography.
Key highlights
- 01
Hoanh Son Quan - historic stone border gate built in 1833 at the summit
- 02
Panoramic views of the Hoanh Son mountains, forests and East Sea coastline
- 03
Winding scenic drive on the historic National Route 1A over the pass
- 04
Border marker between Ha Tinh and Quang Binh provinces
- 05
Association with the famous Vietnamese poem 'Qua Deo Ngang' by Ba Huyen Thanh Quan
History of Ngang Pass
Ngang Pass was historically a natural border and strategic gateway between the northern and central regions of Vietnam. The Hoanh Son Quan gate at the summit was constructed in 1833 under Emperor Minh Mang of the Nguyen Dynasty to control passage and collect tolls. The pass was an important route on the historic north-south mandarin road and later National Route 1A.
Culture & Context
The pass is deeply embedded in Vietnamese literature and culture, most famously through the 19th-century poem 'Qua Deo Ngang' (Passing Ngang Pass) by poet Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, which describes the desolate and majestic landscape. Hoanh Son Quan is recognized as a historical relic and cultural landmark.
Route
| By air |
|---|