English
French
Spanish
ItalianThung Khe Pass
On the journey from Hanoi to Mai Chau, you will pass through Thung Khe Pass. Unlike other mountain passes known for their treacherous paths, this one is famous for the striking white hue covering its slopes, earning it the name White Rock Pass. Join Asia King Travel to explore the majestic yet poetic beauty of this pass.
What makes Thung Khe Pass unique is its white rocky cliffs
Thung Khe Pass lies between Mai Chau and Muong Bi communes in Phu Tho Province. Located along the road from Hanoi to Mai Chau, it is an unmissable stop for sightseeing. The pass is 110 kilometers from Hanoi and just 20 kilometers from the charming villages of Mai Chau.
The pass stretches about 12 kilometers and sits at an elevation of 1,000 meters above sea level. Instead of sharp curves or perilous paths, it features gentle roads winding gracefully along the mountainside. So you can easily make your own way to visit the pass.
Similar to the way to Mai Chau, you can take either the Lang-Hoa Lac Expressway, starting from Thang Long Boulevard, or the National Highway 6, beginning from Nguyen Trai Street. The two routes meet at Hoa Binh Ward (the former Hoa Binh City). If you’re coming from the Lang–Hoa Lac Expressway, be sure to turn left onto the Lang–Hoa Binh Expressway at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism.
From Hoa Binh Ward, follow National Highway 6 south, and you will see white cliffs on the way.
A curve on the pass
The best time to visit Thung Khe Pass is during the winter in Northern Vietnam, from November to March. It’s not because the weather is most convenient for traveling, nor because it offers the best views. It’s about the unique feeling the pass gives you.
To see real snow in Vietnam, you’d normally have to trek to high northern mountains. And even then, you’d need some luck. But at Thung Khe Pass in winter, the pristine white landscape tricks your mind into feeling as if you’re standing on a snowy mountain pass.
The white surface looks as if it were covered in snow
Suggested for you: Mai Chau Tour 3 days: Serenity Getaway
What sets this pass apart from others is its silvery white rocky slopes. At first glance, you might mistake Thung Khe Pass for being blanketed in snow, but that isn’t the case. The white color comes from the exposed limestone revealed during the construction of the pass. With the fine white limestone dust and the chilly air, the scenery can make you feel as though you’re standing in a snow-covered landscape somewhere in Europe.
There is a spacious area jutting out where visitors can freely take photos
The scenery of Thung Khe Pass is perfectly composed, with the cool white tones of rocky slopes, drifting clouds, lush greenery, and the peaceful life of nearby villages. You’ll instantly fall in love with this place at first sight. Thanks to its high mountain terrain, the weather here is refreshingly cool, and the pure air leaves every visitor pleasantly uplifted.
From Thung Khe Pass, it’s just a little over ten kilometers to reach Mai Chau. On clear days, you can see the entire valley from the top of the pass. Through drifting mist and clouds, the highland villages with evening smoke curling above, the green valley, and the stilt houses scattered in the distance will surely inspire you to complete the rest of your journey.
Along the stretch that juts out from the mountainside, there are several small roadside stalls where travelers can take a break. Most are simple, built from wood or corrugated metal, with thatched roofs and a few tables and chairs. Yet, that’s all you need for a rest stop in the middle of a remote mountain pass.
These stalls sell simple snacks like roasted sweet potatoes, boiled corn, and boiled eggs, as well as Mai Chau specialties such as bamboo sticky rice and fragrant charcoal-grilled pork. It’s a little sneak peek of what awaits you in Mai Chau.
Stalls sell many Mai Chau specialties
Just past Thung Khe Pass, you’ll be immediately struck by the sight of a lush green valley bathed in golden sunlight. From the Mai Chau flagpole, you can already see Ban Lac clearly. Take a moment to stop at the flagpole and capture some unforgettable photos with your friends on your Vietnam tour.
Avoid traveling on rainy days or late at night: The pass can get slippery in the rain, and thick fog at night greatly reduces visibility. It’s best to travel during the day (ideally in the early morning) when the weather is dry to ensure safety.
Do not speed or drive recklessly: A pass is still a pass. Thung Khe has many steep slopes and sharp curves, with rocky cliffs on one side and deep valleys on the other. Drive carefully, maintain a steady speed, and always stay focused on the road.
Choose a safe spot to stop when taking photos: There are no guardrails along the white cliffs. Park your vehicle in safe areas and avoid venturing too close to the edge.
Just a little more to Mai Chau, stay safe!
Thung Khe Pass is an exciting reason to visit Mai Chau right now. We hope this Vietnam travel guide has been helpful for you, and Asia King Travel is ready to take you on a journey to explore every beauty of the S-shaped land.
Suggested for you: Mai Chau Cycling Tour 3 days: Explore Scenic Rice Paddies
