Khau Pha Pass

Doan Tuan danny_pham93 · CC0

The longest pass on Highway 32, riding through cloud at 1,200–1,500m above the Mu Cang Chai terraces.

The name means 'horn of the sky' in Thai — the rock horn that breaks through the sea of cloud. Thirty kilometres of road curl between Tu Le and Mu Cang Chai, and each bend opens another flight of terraces stacked down into the valley. In September the ripe rice runs gold from the foot of the pass to the top; in May the flooding turns the same terraces into thousands of mirrors. The summit is the launch point of the 'Flying over the golden season' paragliding festival — from the air, La Pan Tan and Che Cu Nha appear as enormous grain carved into the mountainside.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Khau Pha Pass?

September (ripe rice) and May (flooded terraces)

How long do you need at Khau Pha Pass?

Half a day

What are the opening hours of Khau Pha Pass?

Year-round

Did you know

At over 30km it is the longest pass on Highway 32.
Elevation along the pass ranges from 1,200m to 1,500m.
The name means 'horn of the sky' in the Thai language.
Its summit is the launch site of the annual 'Flying over the golden season' paragliding festival.
The road passes Tu Le, La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha and Nam Co.

Travel tips

Come in September (ripe rice) or May (flooded fields) for the terraces at their best.
Morning fog is thick — start after 8am if you are riding a motorbike.

Source: https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Đèo_Khau_Phạ

Updated: 2026-08-05