Crossing the Ocean Cloud Pass by train is one of the most scenic rides in Vietnam. When you travel by train from Hue to Da Nang make sure to reserve a seat on the left in the direction of travel in order to enjoy the amazing views.
Ocean Cloud Pass
Although the Ocean Cloud Pass, or Hai-Van-Pass in Vietnamese is only 496 m high, it forms a high geological barrier between North and South Vietnam. The pass is also a natural weather divide and often shrouded in clouds.
It was hard fought in the Indochina war as well as in the Vietnam war. Still today, you find ruins of American and French bunkers along the top of the pass.
Train from Hue to Da Nang
When our train enters the station in Hue, we are a bit skeptical whether it would bring us safely to your destination.
The elderly trainset shakes heavily on the tracks. Ultimately, it is then half as bad.
We have a reserved seat and await the day calm and serene. Soon I realize, that despite a moderate speed, I can not open the windows. But I find another window in the corridor outside the compartment.
It is the only window on the train, which can be opened and I do not have to shoot through the glass panes.
However, a smoker also discovered this window, so sometimes I can only film above his shoulders.
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More InformationDespite these small problems we have not regretted the train journey. The views and scenery are spectacular.
First, the train runs along the seashore. Fishermen pursue their everyday work, either in boats or with large fishing nets on wooden scaffolding.
Cows and buffalo graze on the other side of the railway route. Behind, the first mountains already rise.
Later we notice that also fish farming is carried out in big tanks near the shore.
If you are hungry, you can buy something to eat from the service staff.
When we reach the first tunnel it is clear to us that we have reached the mountains.
The route goes through tunnels and over viaducts, often in considerable height along steep mountain slopes.
Sometimes the view opens in wide valleys and gives a clear view of the exotic vegetation.
During the journey you can enjoy amazing panoramic views of deserted sandy beaches or rocky coastlines.
Before and after each tunnel, a track marshal has to pay attention whether the track is free and to indicate it to the train driver.
As we cross the highest point, the first skyscrapers of Da Nang appear already in the haze of the horizon.
The closer we get to da Nang, the denser the settlement. The railway allows insights into the backyards of small houses and into the private life of the residents.
After 150 km and 3 hours ride, we reach the station of Da Nang. We take another look at the train, which makes this extraordinary little journey across the Ocean Cloud Pass possible.
Please read on > By Car from Da Nang to Hoi An
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