The Me Pja Pass is also called “the 14-storey mountain pass in Vietnamese (đường đèo 14 tầng). It owes this name to the 14 turns in the road.
You will find this mountain pass in the province of Cao Bang, one of the northern provinces in Vietnam that is better known with the Ban Gioc Waterfall; the largest and most impressive waterfall in the country. The road through the Me Pja pass is about 2.5 km long and is one of the winding roads in northeastern Vietnam. Construction of this road started in 2009 and completed in 2011.
- The 14 turns of Me Pja Pass
- Me Pja Pass viewpoint
- How to get to the Me Pja Pass?
- Other sights to visit in the area
The 14 turns of Me Pja Pass
Located in the Bao Lac district of Cao Bang province, Me Pja Pass, known locally as the “14-storey mountain pass, is not part of any major road but rather a route connecting the northern districts, that happens to be very scenic. If you’re traveling between Bao Lac and Cao Bang City, there are faster and more direct routes available. Most travelers also take the quicker route or they are not aware of this alternative. This leaves this winding road as a detour for those seeking a more adventurous and scenic route.
This pass, part of QL4A, primarily connects the northern districts of Cao Bang and sees relatively little traffic compared to major highways. The road itself feels carved into the mountainside, with towering rock faces flanking both sides, especially as you ascend higher. The road’s condition, while alright, reflects its less-traveled status, with some potholes and uneven surfaces. However, the lack of traffic makes for a peaceful and scenic drive. Lower sections of the pass offer glimpses of the valleys and mountains, but the higher portions are more enclosed by the rock walls.
While the drive itself is enjoyable, the true highlight of Me Pja Pass is the panoramic viewpoint, reached by a short hike from the summit. Here, you can fully appreciate the pass’s dramatic twists and turns as they snake through the rugged landscape.
Me Pja Pass viewpoint
Driving over Me Pja Pass offers a thrilling experience with its sharp turns and steep ascents, but the true magic of the pass lies in the view from above. While the road itself doesn’t offer many amazing views, the panoramic view from the Me Pja Pass viewpoint is nothing short of breathtaking.
How to get to the viewpoint
Unlike other mountain passes in Vietnam, such as the Ma Pi Leng pass in Ha Giang, the Tram Ton Pass at Sapa and the Hai Van pass between Hue and Hoi An, you have to do a little more effort to get to the viewpoint.
A sign on the side of the road on top of the Me Pja pass that is hung by locals indicates the path how to get to the viewpoint. You can park your car or motorbike at the small restaurant opposite of the forest entrance. You can buy a drink and possibly hire a guide here too.
To then get to the majestic panorama viewpoint you have to walk on a forest path. The path leading to the panoramic view of the Me Pia pass is not that difficult, but can be a bit slippery after raining. The path is well cleared and there are markings on stones showing the route.
Count that the complete hike up takes about 1 hour, but the view is well worth it.
How to get to the Me Pja Pass?
Location of the Me Pja Pass
Me Pja Pass is located on Highway 4A (QL4A), connecting Xuan Truong Municipality with the center of Bao Lac in Cao Bang Province. This remote pass, known for its dramatic 14 hairpin turns, is tucked away in the less-traveled northern regions of Vietnam, making it a hidden gem for adventurous travelers.
Location: Google Maps
Getting to Cao Bang
Most travelers visiting the Bao Lac area are often combining Ha Giang and Cao Bang in their itinerary. To do this, you would typically travel to Ha Giang first, either by taking a sleeper bus at night or a limousine bus during the day. From Ha Giang, your journey towards Cao Bang begins.
Another less common but equally rewarding option is to focus solely on Cao Bang. Although less popular than Ha Giang, Cao Bang is also accessible by both sleeper buses and daytime limousine vans from Hanoi. The travel times from Hanoi to Ha Giang and Hanoi to Cao Bang are both around 6 to 7 hours.
Travel tip: plan enough time!
If you plan to drive from Meo Vac (Ha Giang) to Cao Bang City in one day, including a detour to Me Pja Pass, it will take at least 5 hours of driving through winding mountain roads. This does not include time for stops or hiking to the viewpoint. If your schedule allows, consider spreading the journey over two days. This way, you can explore more and enjoy a less tiring trip. The Bao Lac area has some very nice homestays, while between Bao Lac and Cao Bang City, accommodation options are sparse.
From Ha Giang or Cao Bang to Me Pja Pass
Option 1: Drive motorbike
Motorbike rentals are available in both Ha Giang City and Cao Bang City, with rental costs typically ranging from 100k to 150k VND per day. However, if you plan to combine Ha Giang and Cao Bang, arranging a one-way rental can be challenging, as most rental companies do not have locations in both cities. Another option is starting from Hanoi.
Keep in mind that driving through the mountains of northern Vietnam requires some experience. Although rental companies may not ask for it, you should have a valid license with an IDP (International Driving Permit) to be fully insured and compliant with the law.
Option 2: Tour (Motorbike or car)
Opting for a tour gives you two choices: motorbike or car. Both options cover the same route, but the experience differs. A major advantage of taking a tour is that you don’t need to worry about one-way rentals, as everything is arranged for you.
Car: This option offers a bit more comfort, especially for the long stretches of road west of Cao Bang, where there are few towns to stop. The car also provides protection against the weather, which can be an advantage during the rainy season or hot summer days.
Motorbike: Ride as a passenger on the motorbike. This option is adventurous and safer than driving yourself, as your guide is experienced and knows all the best spots to bring you.
A Unique Off-the-Beaten Experience to Me Pja Pass and More
At Local Vietnam, we can arrange everything for you—whether you’re exploring Cao Bang’s hidden gems or combining Ha Giang with Cao Bang. We offer both car and motorbike tours and can even mix modes of transportation, such as doing Ha Giang by motorbike and switching to a car to explore Cao Bang. Request your customized experience, and we’ll create a suitable itinerary just for you. You can also check our Cao Bang Loop Tour, which include a stop at Me Pja Pass.
Other sights to visit in the area
Besides the pass, the entire area is amazing to explore. It is predominantly characterized by local villages and stunning mountain landscapes, so while there are fewer “official” sights, the natural beauty is unparalleled. For a deeper understanding of this region, you can read our travel guide for Bao Lac.
East from Me Pja Pass: The biggest highlight of Cao Bang for many is undoubtedly Ban Gioc Waterfalls. However, there are also hidden gems that few travelers know about, such as Angel Eye Mountain and Phong Nam Valley.
West from Me Pja Pass: Continue your journey towards Ha Giang, where you will first enter Meo Vac, home to the largest ethnic minority market in Ha Giang and the gateway to Vietnam’s most famous mountain pass, Ma Pi Leng.
