Khau Pha Pass
Đèo Khau Phạ
Khau Pha Pass
Đèo Khau Phạ
One of the greatest mountain passes of Northern Vietnam, the "horn to the sky," immersed in clouds and rice terraces.
Lao Cai
Mountain pass
Paragliding
Khau Pha Pass (đèo Khau Phạ) is a breathtaking approximately 30 km winding road on the legendary Highway 32. Its name, meaning "horn to the sky" in the Thai language, perfectly describes the summit, which is often hidden in thick fogs. This place is the #1 choice for extreme paragliding enthusiasts and photographers hunting for incredible views of cascading rice fields and pristine mountain forests.
- Visit duration
4–6 hours
- Average budget
from $100 (including transfer)
- Admission
Free
- Best months
September – October
- Local language
Vietnamese, English
What you need to know
Khau Pha is considered one of the "four great passes" of Northern Vietnam. Rising up to 1,500 meters above sea level, the road runs through steep hairpin turns along sheer cliffs.
Key points of interest:
- Paragliding: This is where the annual "Flying Over the Golden Season" festival takes place. Flights are available for all skill levels (tandem cost 2.5–3.5 million VND).
- Rice Terraces: The best views open up in September–October when the fields turn bright yellow, and in May–June when the terraces transform into giant mirrors.
- Ethnic Villages: Along the way to Mu Cang Chai, you will encounter unique villages of the Hmong and Thai ethnic groups.
- Cao Pha Waterfall: A picturesque stop at the foot of the pass.
Rice ripening season. Golden landscapes and ideal conditions for paragliding. May–June is also an excellent choice for photographers due to the "mirror" water effect on the fields.
On site
- How to get there
From Hanoi via Nghia Lo and Tu Le (6–7 hrs)
- Safety
Driving experience required; rockfalls possible
- Transport
Motorcycle or car with an experienced driver
- Cash
Essential
- Connectivity
Unstable, signal not available everywhere
- With children
Not recommended (dangerous road)