Hai Van Pass

Hai Van Pass is a nearly 21 km long mountain pass in Vietnam, traversing the larger Annamite Range that juts into the South China Sea, forming the Hai Van Peninsula and the adjoining Son Tra Island. Once forming the boundary between the kingdoms of Dai Viet and Champa and the boundary between the climates of northern and southern Vietnam, Hai Van Pass shelters Danang from the "Chinese winds" that blow in from the northwest. During the winter months (November - March), weather on the north side of the pass might be cold and wet, while the south side might be warm and dry.

In possession of major strategic importance in this history of Vietnam, Hai Van Pass represented a major barrier to any land army that attempted to move between the northern and central regions of the country for a long time. It is also has world-famous scenic beauty.