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Story: Ngo Quang Minh
Photos: Nguyen Quang Ngoc
There is a proverb that relates to Dalat: Dat Aliis Laetitiam Aliis Temperriem, which means “To some, it brings joy; to others, it brings coolness”. Perhaps by chance, the initial letters of this saying come together to form D.A.L.A.T. This city of radiant flowers, whispering pines, and gentle, pure-hearted locals boasts rich cultural values and spectacular mountain passes that have earned a place on Vietnam’s tourism map.
When speaking of mountain passes, we must first mention D’Ran, the pass with the most unique name in the region, named after the beautiful town of D’Ran perched midway up the pass in Don Duong district. Dr. Yersin dubbed this pass “Little Langbian” during his third tour of the region in 1893.
Stretching over 10 kilometers, D’Ran Pass connects Don Duong with Tram Hanh and Trai Mat, passing through Cau Dat, Xuan Tho, and Xuan Truong before reaching the heart of Dalat. Its sharp hairpin bends attract thrill-seeking drivers, and tourists have dubbed D’Ran the “Road of Tears” in homage to its perilous beauty and poetic allure. In spring, D’Ran is graced by cherry blossoms and crisp, cool air. By late autumn and early winter, the pass glows with the vibrant yellow of wild sunflowers. Alongside fresh air and lush greenery, D’Ran offers various roadside stops where visitors can savor local cuisine amid the captivating ancient pine forests.
For over a century, D’Ran Pass has served as a steadfast link between the ancient traces of the Sa Huynh culture in Phan Rang – Thap Cham, Ninh Thuan province, and the youthful, modern heart of Lam Dong province: the city of Dalat.
One of Vietnam’s longest mountain passes, Khanh Le Pass runs for 33 kilometers, making it longer than D’Ran Pass. This vital link between Dalat and Nha Trang has been dubbed “the road connecting the sea and the flowers”. Khanh Le Pass lies on the eastern slope of the southern Truong Son range, linking the final stretch of Provincial Road 723 in Lac Duong district, Lam Dong province, with Provincial Road 652 in Khanh Vinh district, Khanh Hoa province. The pass is known by many names, such as Bi Doup Pass (after the nearby Mount Bi Doup), Hon Giao Pass (after the Hon Giao mountains to the north), and Long Lanh Pass. Traveling over Khanh Le Pass, one cannot help but marvel at the verdant mountains and crystal-clear streams. The pass is known for its exhilarating bends and lingering mist, where heaven and earth converge. On par with the renowned “Four Great Passes” of the Northwest or the majestic Hai Van Pass across Bach Ma Mountain, Khanh Le Pass embodies the romantic and poetic essence of the Central Highlands.
Less famous than the passes of D’Ran and Khanh Le, Ta Nung Pass should not be missed.
Locals often call it the “Silk Road” because it passes through a village of the same name known for its traditional silk weaving craft. Visitors must cross Ta Nung Pass to reach Van Thanh Flower Village, the majestic Elephant Waterfall, and Linh An Pagoda—the second-largest Truc Lam Zen Monastery in Dalat. Approximately 30 kilometers long on Provincial Road 725, Ta Nung Pass plays a crucial role in connecting Dalat City with Lam Ha district in Lam Dong province. It facilitates the transport of goods throughout the highlands and helps to preserve the unique natural beauty and ancient local culture. The dã quỳ (wild sunflower) capital of Ta Nung is especially radiant when “golden flowers bloom just as winter begins” in the “vast mountain city afternoons” with “high hills veiled in mist”, as described in the song Đà Lạt lập đông (Dalat in Early Winter) by the composer The Hien.
Finally, we cannot fail to mention Prenn Pass, upgraded in 2023 with a refreshed appearance, double width, and realigned curves. The pass retains the natural softness that has brought fame to routes in the Lam Vien Plateau, while ensuring traffic safety as the southern gateway to the city. Like a silk ribbon draped over the undulating ancient pine forests, Prenn Pass features complex terrain with towering cliffs on one side and deep abysses on the other. The pass derives its name from the graceful and untouched Prenn Waterfall—a national scenic treasure of Lam Dong province. It also lies on Dalat’s hottest “backpacker” route, stretching from the end of the Lien Khuong Expressway to the beginning of Ba Thang Tu Street. Although not a long or dangerous route, tourists consistently rate Prenn Pass as the most beautiful “trail masterpiece” in this region. It is also an ideal check-in spot during the cloud-hunting season and in the spring, when cherry blossoms bloom.
Located 1,500 meters above sea level, Dalat is made more unique by its exquisite winding mountain passes: as unfamiliar as D’Ran, as treacherous as Khanh Le, as tranquil as Ta Nung, and as beautiful as Prenn. Navigating these bends, morning, noon, and night, people feel more love and appreciation for the poetic essence that stretches across the Central Highlands Plateau.
