Cloud Pass (Vietnam)

The pass consists of around 100 km of mountain roads and constitutes a natural border between Thừa Thiên–Huế Province and the city of Đà Nẵng. No matter what your itinerary in Vietnam, you're bound to travel along it at some point. The road has lots of sharp bends and many of the vehicles on it seem to be driven by drivers who don't always inspire confidence in the way they respect the rules of the road (then again, does anyone in Vietnam?).

I even came across animals blocking the way in places. So basically, take great care if you're the one who's driving! That apart, to travel over the Ocean Cloud Pass is to experience literally kilometres of breathtaking views: you find yourself constantly wanting to stop to try to get the best photos! It's an absolutely stunning place!

I'd been told that the pass acts as a climatological border between the north and the south of the country, and that when we reached its summit the clouds would block the view, the wind would get up, and we'd begin to feel the chill of the cold … and what was fascinating was that the only time I did this journey by motorbike, this is exactly what it was like!

At the highest part of the pass are some fairly uninteresting stalls; don't stop here, unless you want to get something to quench your thirst!

Now that the tunnel exists, many people avoid travelling via the Ocean Cloud Pass, especially those driving trucks, buses and taxis. This enables them to cut time off their journeys. If you yourself have the option of taking the pass, however, jump at the opportunity!