The train from Hue to Da Nang slowly begins its ascent as it approaches the Hai Van Pass, famously known as “The First Grand Gate under Heaven” for its breathtaking beauty and grandeur. Stretching nearly 21 kilometers along the Bach Ma mountain range, the pass marks the natural border between Thua Thien Hue and Da Nang. The train winds along steep cliffs, passes through dark tunnels, and curves sharply around the mountainside, revealing panoramic views of Lang Co Bay’s turquoise waters to the north and Da Nang Bay glimmering in the south. From the window, passengers can spot Lap An Lagoon, Bai Chuoi Beach, Tu Hien Estuary, and tiny fishing boats dotting the calm waters below. The journey across Hai Van Pass lasts about 40 minutes, offering not just a connection between two cities but one of the most scenic coastal rail rides in Southeast Asia, where mountains, clouds, and sea meet in perfect harmony.
