Over recent years, Da Nang’s Lien Chieu District authorities have made their great efforts in managing, preserving and promoting the cultural and historical values of the Hai Van Gate.

Domestic and foreign tourists visit the Hai Van Gate

The venue sits at the top of its namesake mountain pass located at the geographical boundary between the city and Thua Thien-Hue Province.

The gate sits at the top of the Hai Van Pass which runs approximately 21 km across a spur of the larger Annamite Range that juts into the East Viet Nam Sea.  Located at 490m above sea level, Hai Van Gate literally means ‘ocean cloud gate,’ referring to the mists that sometimes rise from the sea and reduce visibility.

In 1826, during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang, a rampart and a fortified gateway were built at the top of the Hai Van Pass. Combining nature and the creations of man, the gate deserves its name ‘the most marvellous wonder’ which was given to it by Emperor Le Thanh Tong when he went sightseeing there.  Despite its long history, the gate is still solid but is now covered with moss.

In April, the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism officially recognised the Hai Van Gate as a national relic site thanks to its profound historical, architectural and artistic value.

The gate had at one point been left to fall into disrepair, but nowadays, it has emerged as one of the must-see places in the city. 

Especially, effective measures have been taken to stop such matters blighting the site’s image as the overcharging and the harassment of tourists, and the operation of traders who insist on begging passers-by to buy their goods.

Ms Nguyen Thi Thanh from Dong Nai Province highly appreciated the safe and civilised tourism environment at this attraction as traders here show their polite and friendly attitudes and behaviour towards visitors. Also, they sell their goods at displayed prices.

“If I get the chance to visit Da Nang again, the Hai Van Gate will be a wonderful destination I don’t want to miss”, said Thanh.

Alongside domestic visitors, foreign holiday-makers also show their great interest in admiring the beauty of this relic site, with its special architectural and artistic features, and gaining an insight into its historical values as well.

Relevant agencies from Da Nang and Thua Thien Hue Province have made their joint efforts in tightening the management of the Hai Van Gate, with a focus on preventing visitors ruining the relic.

Twice a month, clean-up activities take place at the site in a bid to ensure the environmental sanitation here.

In the coming time, the municipal Hai Van Gate Management Board will be established to ensure even more effective management of the site.