What to Expect in Turtle Rock, Hai Van Pass?

The Turtle Rock (Cu Rua Rock, Hon Da Cu Roa) is a famous view point and cafe on Hai Van Pass, particularly half way from Da Nang coast and Hai Van Gate on the summit. It’s a big natural rock where visitors can climb to the top and catch a stunning panoramic view. In the front, it’s possible to see the Da Nang Bay with a meandering shoreline, Lang Van Beach (the longest beach in the pass) embraced by tropical forests, the Monkey Mountain (or Son Tra Mountain), city of Da Nang, fishing boats during sunny months. In some periods of the day, there is a chance to see the train slowly moving through the pass (more information about “Hai Van Pass train”).

This rock is named ‘Turtle Rock’ because it looks like a turtle going back to the sea. Across Hai Van Pass, visitors will see some similar rocks, but this place provides the most striking view.

Today, visitors can find a local style cafe at the Turtle Rock to drink a coffee with a view (or even go to rest room) as well as have some simple food for brunch or lunch. The prices are not expensive at all.

Steps to the top of the Turtle Rock at Hai Van Pass are small, slippery when it’s rainy. While standing on the top of this rock, please be very careful because of no fence or any other things to keep your safety. For that reason, if go with kids, please hold their hand all the time or not take them there.

Occasionally, local people ask for buying something in their shops to visit the Turtle Rock.