January
10.7°C ~ 51°F
13 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
Sapa
O Quy Ho Pass
Vietnam’s longest mountain pass, with sharp bends and views of Fansipan and the Hoang Lien range.
- Time needed
- From 2 hours
- Entry fee
- Free
- Best months
- Sep – Nov
- Best time
- October – April for clear skies
Overview
O Quy Ho is the longest mountain pass in Vietnam, about 50 km in length, connecting Sapa in Lao Cai with Lai Chau. It is one of the “four great passes” of the north and winds through high green slopes with clouds below you.
The highest section is Tram Ton Pass at about 1,900 m, where the weather changes between the Sapa side and the Lai Chau side. Many visitors stop at Tram Ton for views of Fansipan, and then drive on to Silver Waterfall.
Highlights
- Drive the longest pass in Vietnam
- Stop at Tram Ton for views of Fansipan
- See cloud valleys below the road
- Combine with Silver Waterfall on the way
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Open all day (the road can close in heavy rain) |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Free |
| Time needed | 2 – 3 hours |
| Best time of day | October – April for clear skies |
| Good for | Drivers, motorbikers, photographers |
| Accessibility | A road trip; viewpoints have small car parks |
| Facilities | Viewpoint stalls, cafes at Tram Ton |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Sapa by month.
February
12.2°C ~ 54°F
13 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
March
16°C ~ 61°F
15 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
April
18.5°C ~ 65°F
17 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
May
20.1°C ~ 68°F
24 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
June
20.7°C ~ 69°F
28 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
20.8°C ~ 69°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
20.5°C ~ 69°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
19.6°C ~ 67°F
25 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
October
17.2°C ~ 63°F
22 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
November
14.8°C ~ 59°F
15 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
December
11.2°C ~ 52°F
13 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
How to get there
From Sapa centre
The pass is reached by taxi, private car or motorbike from Sapa town. A round trip to Tram Ton takes about 2 hours, and Silver Waterfall is on the way.
Tips before you go
- Check road and weather before you go
- Bring a warm layer; the pass is cold and windy
- Drive slowly on bends, and avoid night driving
- Hire a driver if you are not used to mountain roads
Location
O Quy Ho Pass, Sapa, Lao Cai
Starts about 12 km from Sapa town
More attractions in Sapa
FAQs
How long is O Quy Ho Pass?
About 50 km, linking Sapa and Lai Chau.
Do I need to drive the whole pass?
No. Most visitors go only as far as Tram Ton Pass and Silver Waterfall.
When are the views best?
Clear mornings from October to April offer the best views, but cloud and mist are common all year.