Dốc Chín Khoanh - A silk ribbon winding through the rocky sky of Ha Giang.

Chín Khoanh Pass - A silk ribbon winding through the rocky sky of Ha Giang

In the gray stone mountains of Ha Giang, there is a pass that doesn't need a grand sign but still leaves a lasting impression after just one visit. Chín Khoanh Pass – where nine sharp turns follow one another like the breath of the mountains and forests, both challenging the driver and revealing a vast, open, and emotional natural landscape.

Not as fierce as the "great passes," Chín Khoanh Pass captivates in a very unique way: soft in shape, but strong in the feeling of conquest.

1. Chín Khoanh Pass – A winding masterpiece of the rocky plateau

Chín Khoanh Pass is located on National Highway 4C, a vital route connecting the core communes of the rocky plateau, between Sủng Là and Phố Cáo. True to its name, the pass has 9 sharp turns, layered on the mountainside, forming graceful arcs amidst the vast wilderness.

Chín Khoanh Pass – One of the unique passes in Ha Giang (Source: iVIVU.com)

From above, the pass looks like a silk ribbon draped across the mountainside, standing out against the cold gray cat-ear stones and the green patches of terraced fields and forest trees. At a sufficient altitude, the air here is cool year-round, with thin mist covering in the morning and slanting sunlight dyeing the mountainside gold in the afternoon – beautiful in a very Ha Giang way.

2. When each turn is a frame

Chín Khoanh Pass is not just for passing through, but for stopping to admire. Each turn opens up a different perspective:

• In the distance is a deep valley
• On the other side are villages nestled against the mountainside
• Further away is the panoramic view of the Dong Van rocky plateau stretching to the horizon

Chín Khoanh Pass is not just for passing through, but for stopping to admire (Source: VnFinance)

In September – November, the ripe rice season dyes the terraced fields golden, interspersed with the pink-purple of buckwheat flowers at the end of the year, making the whole pass look like it has a new coat. If you're lucky enough to visit at sunrise or sunset, the orange-yellow light pouring down on the turns creates a scene that is both majestic and poetic, truly worth capturing through the lens.

3. The feeling of conquest – For those who love to travel

For those who love adventure and the feeling of freedom, Chín Khoanh Pass is a highlight that is hard to miss. The terrain has a clear slope, with consecutive sharp turns, requiring the driver to:

• Maintain a stable speed
• Master the steering
• Be highly focused when turning

In return, there is the feeling of wind rushing, the space opening up before your eyes, and the very real joy of overcoming each turn. It’s not the feeling of “winning,” but the feeling of merging with the mountains and forests, moving through nature with all your senses.

Conquering Chín Khoanh Pass with its clear slope (Source: Digiticket)

4. Timing & tips for a complete journey

• Best time: September – November (ripe rice, buckwheat flowers)
• Avoid: late afternoon, rainy days, or thick fog due to limited visibility
• Safety: check brakes, tires, lights; wear full protective gear
• Mindset: go slow, don’t overtake recklessly, prioritize experience over speed

If you're not familiar with the mountain roads, travel with someone experienced or choose morning – noon hours to ensure safety.

An ideal check-in spot with beautiful natural scenery (Photo: @sontran171097)

Chín Khoanh Pass is not a pass to rush through, but a place to feel every movement of the rocky plateau. Amidst the nine winding turns along the mountainside, one realizes that the beauty of Ha Giang is not just in the destination, but lies right on the road we travel.

If one day you want to seek just the right amount of adventure, expansive nature, and deep emotions – let Chín Khoanh Pass become a memorable milestone in your journey to the rocky sky of Ha Giang.

-------------

Source: iVIVU.com