Quick answer: Hai Van Quan (Hai Van Gate) is the restored Nguyen-dynasty fortress at the top of the Hai Van Pass, on the border between Da Nang and Hue, about 490–500 m above sea level. Since 2 June 2026 entry costs 70,000 VND per person, and it is open daily from 7:00 to 17:30 (checked October 2026). Plan 30–45 minutes for the gate, the walls and the views over Lang Co and Da Nang Bay.
Hai Van Quan at a glance
Item | Details (checked October 2026) |
|---|---|
Entrance fee | 70,000 VND per person, the same for Vietnamese and foreign visitors |
Fee in force | From 2 June 2026 to 31 December 2028 (Hue People's Council resolution) |
Discounts | Children under 1.2 m free; 50% off for residents of Hue and Da Nang and some policy groups (as reported by VnExpress) |
Opening hours | Daily, 7:00–17:30 |
Location | Summit of the Hai Van Pass road (QL1A), about 25–30 km from central Da Nang |
Managed by | Hue Monuments Conservation Center (2026–2028), then Da Nang |
Time needed | 30–45 minutes |
The gate was free to enter from its reopening in August 2024 until the fee started in June 2026, so older blog posts that say "free" are out of date.
Hai Van Quan history: the "first great pass" of the kingdom
The Hai Van Pass has always been a natural barrier between north and south in central Vietnam. A defensive post stood on the summit long before the present fortress. In 1826, Emperor Minh Mang ordered the gate rebuilt as a proper military checkpoint guarding the southern approach to the imperial capital, Hue.
Look for the two inscriptions. The gate facing Hue carries the name Hai Van Quan, while the side facing Da Nang reads Thien ha de nhat hung quan, roughly "the most majestic pass under heaven". Between 1945 and 1975, French, and later American and South Vietnamese, forces added bunkers and lookout posts, and you can still see these concrete pillboxes beside the old brick walls.
Decades of weather and war left the fortress in poor condition. From 2021 to late 2024, Hue and Da Nang jointly ran a restoration project worth more than 42 billion VND, repairing the gates, walls, guardhouse and stone steps.
What you see at Hai Van Gate
The two gates and the walls. Walk through the arched gates and along the restored walls for views to both sides of the pass.
Views south over Da Nang Bay. On a clear day you can follow the curve of the bay towards the city and the Son Tra Peninsula.
Views north towards Lang Co. The lagoon and the long beach at Lang Co open up below the Hue side of the pass.
War-era bunkers. The pillboxes on the hill behind the gate are the best viewpoint, but the steps are steep and uneven.
Cafes and stalls in the parking area. There are drinks and snacks at the summit; prices are higher than in town.
When to visit Hai Van Gate
Visibility matters more than the hour. The summit is often in cloud, especially during the rainy season from about September to December, when you may see nothing but fog. From February to August the chances of a clear view are better, and mornings are usually clearer than afternoons. Plan to arrive after 7:00 when the gate opens, and well before 17:30 if you are coming late in the day.
The summit is also windier and cooler than the coast, so bring a light layer.
How to get to Hai Van Quan
The gate sits on the old pass road, not the tunnel. Cars and buses that take the Hai Van Tunnel skip it completely, so make sure your driver goes over the top. The train runs along the coast below and does not stop at the summit either. Our comparison of Hai Van Pass by car, motorbike or train explains the trade-offs.
The easiest options with a private car:
Trip | 5-seat car | 7-seat car |
|---|---|---|
Da Nang → Hue via Hai Van Pass and Lang Co (about 3 h) | $60 | $70 |
Hoi An → Hue via Hai Van Pass, Lang Co and Lap An (about 4 h) | $80 | $90 |
Half-day Hai Van Pass round trip from Da Nang | Price on request via WhatsApp | |
Transfer prices are per car and include tolls, fuel and parking, with no deposit (checked October 2026 on our private car price list). If you are moving on to Hue anyway, ask the driver to stop at the gate on the way. For the full route, stops and timing, read our Hai Van Pass from Da Nang guide. On the Hue side, add a swim or seafood lunch with our Lang Co Beach guide, or see the full Da Nang to Hue transfer page.
Practical tips
Carry small notes. Have cash in Vietnamese dong for the 70,000 VND ticket and for drinks at the summit.
Watch your step. The steps up to the bunkers are steep and slippery after rain.
Be patient with crowds. Motorbike tours and coaches stop here around mid-morning. Arriving close to 7:00 or after 15:00 is quieter.
Don't climb on restored walls. Stick to the paths and stairs; this is a national relic.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Hai Van Quan ticket?
70,000 VND per person since 2 June 2026, the same price for Vietnamese and foreign visitors. Children under 1.2 m enter free (checked October 2026).
What are the Hai Van Gate opening hours?
Daily from 7:00 to 17:30, according to VnExpress's report on the start of ticketing.
Is Hai Van Quan worth visiting?
Yes, if the weather is clear. The views over Da Nang Bay and Lang Co are the highlight, and the restored gate adds history to the stop. In thick fog, a short photo stop is enough.
Does the Hai Van Tunnel pass the gate?
No. The tunnel runs under the mountain. To see Hai Van Quan you need to take the old pass road over the summit.
Can I stop at Hai Van Gate on a transfer to Hue?
Yes. On a private transfer over the pass, the driver can stop at the summit, Lang Co and other viewpoints. Mention it when you book.
Book a ride over the Hai Van Pass
Going to Hue, or want a half-day loop to the gate and back? Message us on WhatsApp +84 968 275 320 with your date, pickup point and group size, and we will reply with the route and price. No deposit: you pay the driver at the end of the ride.