If you’re building a Northeast Vietnam route and want a road that feels both wildly scenic and pleasantly rideable, Na Tenh Pass in Cao Bang should be on your shortlist. Often described as a “hidden gem,” Na Tenh is famous for a string of around 20 sweeping turns that look like a ribbon draped over the mountains. It’s not the busiest spot on the Cao Bang Loop, which means you can enjoy the curves, fresh air, and rural views without fighting crowds.
This Na Tenh Pass Cao Bang guide covers where the pass is, how to reach it, what the road is like, the best time to go, photo tips, and how to combine it with nearby highlights for a full day of adventure.
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Where is Na Tenh Pass in Cao Bang?
Na Tenh Pass (Đèo Nà Tềnh) lies in the northern highlands of Cao Bang Province, commonly linked with the Ha Quang area and routes that connect toward Bao Lac and the broader Ha Giang–Cao Bang corridor. For many travelers, Na Tenh isn’t a single “destination” like Ban Gioc Waterfall - it’s a scenic segment you experience while moving between regions or while exploring the less-visited western side of Cao Bang.
That’s part of the charm: you don’t “arrive” at Na Tenh the way you arrive at a waterfall. You ride through it, stop at viewpoints, and realize the road itself is the attraction.
Why Na Tenh Pass is worth the detour
Cao Bang has no shortage of dramatic scenery, but Na Tenh stands out for a specific reason: it’s made for road-trippers. The pass is known for flowing bends rather than constant tight hairpins. That gives you the “mountain pass feeling” without requiring advanced riding skills - assuming the weather is good and you ride responsibly.
Here’s what makes it special:
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The signature 20-turn sequence: The most photogenic section is where the road stacks multiple curves into one view.
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Quiet, rural landscapes: You’ll pass small villages, fields, and valleys that feel far from tourist hotspots.
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A perfect “pass day” stop: If you love scenic roads, Na Tenh pairs naturally with other mountain passes and viewpoints in the region.
If you already plan to explore beyond Ban Gioc and Pac Bo, adding Na Tenh gives your Cao Bang trip a different flavor - less about landmarks, more about the journey.
What the road is like (and who it’s for)
Na Tenh Pass is generally considered a “friendly” mountain pass, but it’s still a pass. Expect slopes, curves, and changing conditions.
Road feel
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Mostly sweeping turns with a satisfying “flow”
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Some narrow sections and blind corners
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Occasional rough patches, gravel, or road works depending on season
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Livestock and local traffic can appear unexpectedly
Who will enjoy it
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Motorbike travelers who want a scenic ride with manageable difficulty
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Car travelers who want panoramic viewpoints without leaving the road
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Photographers who love “winding road” compositions
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Anyone building a quieter alternative route through Cao Bang
Who should be cautious
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Beginners riding in rain/fog
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Travelers trying to ride at night
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Anyone rushing on a tight schedule (Na Tenh deserves slow travel)
Best time to visit Na Tenh Pass Cao Bang
Timing matters because Na Tenh is all about views—mist, rain, or harsh midday sun can reduce the impact.
Best seasons
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Autumn (September to November): Cooler air, better visibility, and beautiful tones across the hills and fields.
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Spring (March to May): Greener landscapes and comfortable temperatures.
Best time of day
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Early morning: Soft light, peaceful roads, and occasional mist in the valleys (beautiful if visibility stays clear).
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Late afternoon: Warm golden tones that make the road pop against the landscape.
When to avoid (if possible)
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Heavy rain days: Reduced grip and limited viewpoints.
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Dark hours: Fog + low lighting is a risky combination on mountain roads.
How to get to Na Tenh Pass (practical approach)
Because Na Tenh is most naturally experienced as part of a route, the “best way to get there” depends on your broader plan.
Option 1: Include it on a transit day
If you’re traveling between areas in the northeast (for example, connecting routes toward Ha Giang or exploring the western side of Cao Bang), Na Tenh works perfectly as a scenic stop on the way. Plan extra time for photo breaks and slow riding.
Option 2: Do a dedicated “mountain pass day” from your base
If you’re staying in Cao Bang City or a town in the northern districts, you can plan a day focused on passes, viewpoints, and rural scenery. This is ideal if you’ve already covered Ban Gioc and want something quieter and more road-trip oriented.
Option 3: Pair Na Tenh with a second iconic pass
Many travelers combine Na Tenh with a more intense pass nearby to create a day that includes both “flowy scenic” and “technical dramatic.”
What to combine with Na Tenh Pass (best add-ons)
To get the most out of the day, pair Na Tenh with at least one of the following:
Khau Coc Cha Pass (for dramatic hairpins)
If you want something more thrilling after Na Tenh’s smoother curves, Khau Coc Cha is often mentioned as a “wow” pass with steep, stacked turns. Together, they create a great contrast: Na Tenh for the ride, Khau Coc Cha for the adrenaline + photos.
Local valleys and village viewpoints
Na Tenh is surrounded by rural scenery that rewards slow travel. Even a short detour to a quiet road or a hillside viewpoint can become a highlight of your day.
A broader Cao Bang Loop itinerary
If you’re doing a multi-day Cao Bang Loop, Na Tenh works well as a “scenic day” between bigger attractions like waterfalls and caves.
Best photo tips for Na Tenh Pass
If you want that iconic “winding road” shot, you need two things: vantage point and light.
Find the right angle
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Look for higher ground where you can see multiple turns at once.
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Don’t settle for the first pull-off. The best viewpoint is often a few minutes farther.
Timing for photos
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Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) gives depth and contrast.
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Midday sun can flatten the scene and wash out details.
Composition ideas
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Use the road as a leading line with the mountains as layers behind it.
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Include a rider or car in the frame (safely) to show scale.
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If you’re using a drone, be respectful of local rules, privacy, and safety - avoid crowded or sensitive areas.
Safety checklist (especially for motorbikes)
Na Tenh isn’t the place to “test your limits.” It’s the place to enjoy the view.
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Ride slow on blind corners and expect oncoming vehicles
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Use engine braking on descents
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Don’t overtake unless you have clear visibility
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Stop only at safe pull-offs, never in the middle of a bend
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Carry a light rain layer even if the day starts sunny
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Download offline maps (signal can be inconsistent)
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Aim to finish the mountain sections before sunset
Suggested itineraries featuring Na Tenh Pass
Half-day Na Tenh highlight (tight schedule)
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Morning: Ride/drive to Na Tenh Pass, slow through the 20-turn section
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Stop at 2–3 viewpoints for photos
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Lunch in a nearby town
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Return via a different road if possible for fresh scenery
Full-day “Pass Day” (recommended)
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Start early for calm roads
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Na Tenh Pass (slow ride + photo stops)
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Add a second pass (like Khau Coc Cha)
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End with a sunset viewpoint before heading back to your overnight base
Add it into your Cao Bang Loop
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Use Na Tenh as a scenic connector day between major attractions
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Keep your schedule flexible; weather and road conditions can slow you down
Conclusion: Is Na Tenh Pass Cao Bang worth it?
Absolutely - especially if you’re traveling by road and love the feeling of a route that’s part adventure, part meditation. Na Tenh Pass Cao Bang is not just a line on a map; it’s a place where the road becomes the experience. The famous 20 turns, quiet highland scenery, and photogenic viewpoints make it one of the most rewarding “in-between” highlights in the province.
Plan for good light, give yourself time to stop often, and treat the pass as a journey rather than a checkpoint. Do that, and Na Tenh will likely become one of your favorite moments in Cao Bang - maybe even your whole Northeast Vietnam trip.
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