Mind blowing with a visit to O Quy Ho pass

A very long time ago, the primitive and majestic of North West mountainous region of Vietnam has become an endless source of inspiration for international tourists, especially those who love adventure travel and trekking. Situated in the mountainous quadrangle of the North West Pass, O Quy Ho or Hoang Lien Pass or Cloud Pass, is a magnificent destination for which every travelers fall in love at the first sight.  

In this article, Authentik Vietnam Travel will bring you closer to the beauty of O Quy Ho Pass - a precious gift that mother of nature endorsed Sapa. 

1. Location and geographic features

Located on 4D Highway, crossing Hoang Lien Son mountain range, O Quy Ho Pass is the connection between Lao Cai & Lai Chau wand the peak of Pass. In addition, this is also the boundary between these two provinces, of which two thirds of the road belongs to Tam Duong district, Lai Chau province; the rest lays on Sapa, Lao Cai. 

Within the scope of knowledge, The O Quy Ho Pass is known as the longest mountain pass in Vietnam, holding a length of up to 50 km which is longer than Khau Pha Pass (Yen Bai) and Pha Son (Son La). The height as well as the ruggedness and the length of O Quy Ho has made the pass the legend name "the North Pass Pass". 

2. Origin of the name O Quy Ho  

Legend has it that, long time ago, there was a bird living in this mountain. This bird appeared with a special noise which is similar to the sound of human crying, attached to the story of the unfinished love of a couple. Later on, people in the area named the pass after the name of this bird – Ô Quy Hồ. 

3. Why the O Quy Ho pass is endorsed with name of Cloud pass? 

The beauty of the O Quy Ho Pass always turns virtual. The side of Lao Cai is misty while the side of Lai Chau is sunny. Winter is snowy and icing whilst during summer, Sapa is often covered with clouds, making it attractive to inbound and outbound tourist. As a result, this pass is so called Cloud pass. 

4. O Quy Ho pass – Traveling tips 
The ideal route for tourists is from Sapa, passing the silver waterfall 12 km and then go straight to the peak of the reservoir lake and stop for a while to admire a panoramic view and the sea breeze at the height of 2,073.

♦ Visit O Quy Ho during the summer 

Interestingly, from the top of O Quy Ho pass, visitors can take the chance to admire the panoramic view of road which pass through the mountains towards Binh Lu. If you are lucky enough, you might catch the beautiful sun ray and take many stunning photo of Fansipan peak. 
♦ Visit O Quy Ho pass during the winter

During winter, Sapa is foggy and chilly while the weather in Lai Chau is quite mild. Since, O Quy Ho is standing right in between two provinces, it displays a strange  scenery with snow and white ice. 

While tourists can catch a sight just like heaven from the top of the mountain, they will be astonished by the rustic beauty once getting to the foot of the pass where exists the most stunning waterfall over the region - silver waterfall. 

The beauty of the O Quy Ho pass has long attracted many international visitors to admire and this place is also a source of creative emotions of many famous artists of Vietnam and shall not give you the dissapoinment. 

Do not miss out the opportunity to admire the  gigantic landscape of Sapa!

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