Conquering O Quy Ho Pass - A Magnificent Road To The Heavenly Beauty
The 50-kilometer long road that runs around the Hoang Lien Son Range, between the northern provinces of Lao Cai and Lai Chau is O Quy Ho Pass. The breathtaking sceneries of this land is such a blessing of Mother Nature. Several years ago, as a solo backpacker in my early 20s, I challenged myself to overcome that significant route all by myself. With a heart for wildlife, I set off my trip to Sapa and O Quy Ho Pass on my old Triumph 300cc.
The Legend Of O Quy Ho Pass
The official name, O Quy Ho, is said to have come from a mythical bird that used to live in the area, with an unsuccessful love story since time immemorial. The bird often sang at the end of the day in Hoang Lien Mountain, making the sound like "O Quy Ho."
O Quy Ho Pass is located in Tam Duong District, Lai Chau province, and one-third of the Sapa District. Across the vast Hoang Lien Son range of mountains, the Pass, also known as "King of Northwest Pass," holds the record for a length of up to 50 km and the top of the Pass at an altitude of nearly 2.000 m, "Heaven Gate." On my solo trip, not rushing by the time, I stopped by Silver Waterfall falling from the height of 200 meters. Such an incredible number. Then, the significant flow makes it ways to the stream under the valley of O Quy Ho. The sound of the water harmonizes with the gentle breezes, creating impressive sounds of mountains.
My Journey To Conquer O Quy Ho Pass
A 30-minute drive from Sapa Town towards Lai Chau, Dien Bien province, I reached one of the few most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam: Silver Waterfall, and just another 10km and there will be the most stunning mountain pass in the Northern area of Vietnam: O Quy Ho Mountain pass. During the journey, the vast pine forests, trees were laden with stalls selling chayote on the hillside and the verdant rose gardens all year round on both sides will help you keep the long-distance out of your mind.
With a height of more than 200 meters, Silver Waterfall is the headwater of the Muong Hoa Stream under O Quy Ho Mountain pass. On days when the sky is clear, it is said that people can even see the down-coming water when standing on the Ham Rong Mountain far far away. The water is dazzlingly white that it might be the reason for the waterfall’s name of “Silver Waterfall”. Getting nearer to it, you can clearly hear the sound of its water streaming out impetuously. Standing under its foot, you will see a truly splendid beauty of nature. The water splashing out like white flowers is an interesting discovery to visitors. After going up the stone steps and conquer the waterfall, you could come down to the foot on a separate way and enjoy some Sapa specialty like a grilled wild bird or grilled local mountain pork to energize yourself and continue your journey to O Quy Ho Mountain pass - the one at the highest position of Vietnam
The weather was the only thing that made me knew I was almost there. As you approach the Heaven Gate, a magnificent peak in O Quy Ho, you can feel changes in the climate as you travel along the Pass. As I reached the mountain peak, it got colder and colder. The misty mountain town was refreshing and a little chilly. Looking down to the valley surrounded by the mountains where Sapa is located, it was foggy and cloudy at the front of Sapa town.
As one of the most challenging and winding passes in Vietnam's northwestern mountains, O Quy Ho is genuinely a significant challenge for long-distance drivers with dangerous roads, a bottomless abyss on one side, and another hand, high mountains. However, these trials reward successful explorers with a deserved victory when driving through the limitless curves there. Standing on the top of O Quy Ho, I relished the sight over the horizon, the endless sky, and infinite ranges of mountains, mixed with the looming green fields and unlimited tracks around the hills. While capturing its heaven-like scenery at the top, don't forget to look out for food stalls run by locals. There, you can check out famous dishes like grilled eggs and rice cooked in bamboo stems, known as com lam. Such a satisfying treat after an exhausting ride!