Na Tenh Pass: a gentle adventure in northern Vietnam

In the northernmost province of Cao Bang, there lies a gem called the Na Tenh Pass, featuring 20 bends and a wealth of serene landscape.

Cao Bang, adorned with a multitude of enchanting passes, has long been celebrated for its natural beauty. Among these various mountain roads, the quietly enchanting Na Tenh Pass, with its 20 curves, often goes unnoticed.

Situated along the route from Ha Giang Province to Cao Bang, Na Tenh Pass is in Can Nong Commune, Ha Quang District. It borders Xuan Truong Commune in Bao Lac District of Cao Bang.

While preparing for a motorbike trip to Cao Bang in late September, 29-year-old Hanoi resident Le Thanh Binh came across a picture of Na Tenh Pass on his navigation app.

He was instantly captivated by the winding road and its seemingly unexplored beauty. Determined to uncover this hidden treasure, he added Na Tenh Pass to his itinerary.

In contrast to some other passes in Cao Bang with stiff and staircase-like cliffs, Na Tenh Pass offers a smoother journey with gentle curves.

"The bends are relatively mild, without any sharp twists. In comparison to Khau Coc Cha Pass, Na Tenh is much easier to navigate," Binh said.

Among the 20 bends of Na Tenh Pass, you'll encounter terraced fields and cornfields nestled halfway up the mountain. Travelers have the unique opportunity to conquer the pass while immersing themselves in the natural beauty that surrounds Cao Bang from every angle.

From September 15 to 17, Truong Ngoc Quyen, a 27-year-old adventurer from Ho Chi Minh City, embarked on a cycling adventure in Cao Bang, traversing the Khau Coc Tra Pass to Xuan Truong Valley and finally to the Na Tenh Pass.

For this adventure, Quyen chose to cycle uphill on Khau Coc Cha Pass and downhill on Na Tenh Pass.

Having cycled in numerous destinations, including iconic routes like Ma Pi Leng Pass in Ha Giang, O Quy Ho Pass in Lao Cai, and Khau Pha Pass in Yen Bai, Quyen was struck by the scenery on both sides of Na Tenh Pass, featuring lush green rice fields, quaint villages, and the warm embrace of local residents.

The route to Na Tenh Pass offers relatively even terrain, making it suitable for both cycling and motorbike adventures.

"Take it slow to savor the scenery and breathe in the crisp, fresh air," Quyen said.

Descending Na Tenh Pass, while not particularly strenuous, requires caution, as the continuous series of 20 bends can be more challenging than expected. Travelers should avoid rainy days, as the roads can become slippery.

The best time to experience the beauty of Na Tenh Pass is during late-September to October when the terraced fields take on a golden hue that beautifully complement the lush green mountains and forests. Alternatively, travelers can visit from May to July when the pass is adorned with vibrant green cornfields on both sides.

For those exploring this area, it's highly recommended to also venture along the Khau Coc Cha Pass, situated on the same road. This pass follows the vertical contours of Coc Cha Mountain and connects Xuan Truong Commune with Bao Lac Town.

Although it is only about 2.5 kilometers in length, the Khau Coc Cha Pass is characterized by 15 steep and challenging levels. It was once just a narrow 40-centimeter trail. However, from 2009 to 2011, the Cao Bang province government invested in expanding and concreting the road surface to 5 meters-wide.

Despite these improvements, it remains one of Vietnam's top 10 most dangerous passes, attracting backpackers up for the challenge, according to the Cao Bang Cultural and Tourism Information Center website.