Ma Pi Leng Pass

Khánh Hmoong · CC BY 2.0

One of Vietnam's 'four great mountain passes', with sheer cliffs plunging to the jade-green Nho Que River.

Ma Pi Leng is a road that takes every driver's breath away. The Happiness Road clings to the mountainside — towering rocky crags on one side, a dizzying abyss on the other, where the Nho Que River flows like a ribbon of green silk. They say only here do you truly feel how small humans are, and how magnificent nature can be.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Ma Pi Leng Pass?

September–November, dry weather with little fog

How much does it cost to visit Ma Pi Leng Pass?

Free

How long do you need at Ma Pi Leng Pass?

2–3 hours

What are the opening hours of Ma Pi Leng Pass?

All day

Did you know

The pass is about 20km long, at nearly 1,500m above sea level.
'Ma Pi Leng' means 'the bridge of a horse's nose' in the Hmong language.
The Tu San Canyon below is the deepest canyon in Southeast Asia.

Travel tips

Rent a boat on the Nho Que River to admire the pass from below — a spectacular view.
Drive slowly and carefully, especially in the rain.

Source: https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%90%C3%A8o_M%C3%A3_P%C3%AD_L%C3%A8ng

Updated: 2026-08-06