🚗 Khanh Le Pass Review – Scenic & Challenging Route from Nha Trang to Da Lat

Looking for a scenic, cool, and low-traffic route from Nha Trang to Da Lat? Try driving along Khanh Le Pass – one of the most breathtaking and emotional mountain roads in Central Vietnam.

📍 Where Is Khanh Le Pass?

• Also known as: Hon Giao Pass
• Route: National Road 27C, connecting Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa) and Da Lat (Lam Dong)
• Length: Around 33 km, cutting through pristine forested mountains

This route is preferred over National Highway 20 because it is shorter, more scenic, and less congested with heavy trucks.

🌿 Why I Love Driving Khanh Le Pass

I’ve done both directions (Nha Trang → Da Lat and Da Lat → Nha Trang) and absolutely love this road because:

• Cool, pleasant weather, especially as you climb higher
• Stunning natural scenery: lush forests, floating clouds, misty peaks
• Less traffic, smooth drive, and much less tiring than Highway 20

⚠️ Important Safety Tips When Driving Khanh Le Pass

1. Avoid traveling during or right after heavy rain

Recently, landslides have become more frequent on this pass after storms. If it's raining or just rained, rocks and soil may fall onto the road — very dangerous!

2. Don’t drive in early morning fog or cloudy weather

Once, I was driving from Da Lat back to Nha Trang when the sky became overcast, and it started to drizzle. Soon, I hit dense fog with visibility under 1 meter. I had to crawl down the slope slowly, constantly braking, hoping no reckless driver or landslide would appear.

3. Drive slower than the speed limit – better safe than sorry!

When descending toward Nha Trang, keep your speed well below the posted limit. For example, if it says 50 km/h, stick to 35–40 km/h. Don’t rush — steep descents are dangerous.

🚦 Practical Tips for the Road

Aspect	Real-World Tip
Vehicle Condition	Check brakes, lights, and tires carefully
Fuel	Fill up at Khanh Vinh before climbing the pass
Clothing	Bring a light jacket – it gets cold as you go higher
Best Time to Drive	Between 7 AM – 3 PM. Avoid dawn and dusk
Weather to Avoid	Rain, heavy clouds, dense fog
Descent Speed	Always below the limit – 35–40 km/h is ideal

💬 My Personal Experience

Khanh Le Pass for me is a journey both beautiful and memorable – where you can soak in the mountain air, admire pristine landscapes, and disconnect from the busy world. But don’t underestimate it – good preparation and cautious driving are essential.

🧭 Final Thoughts

Driving Khanh Le Pass is a wonderful experience, but don’t let it turn into a survival story. Go slow and stay safe – the view is worth it!