National Highway 27C runs 121 km from Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa to Da Lat in Lam Dong, crossing the Khanh Le Pass - at 33 km the longest pass road in Vietnam after Pha Din, climbing to about 1,700 m. Construction began on 20 April 2004, the first phase opened on 24 July 2007, and the route was designated a national highway in June 2015. It has steep curves, high rock faces and canyons dropping some 300 m, and passes through Bidoup Nui Ba National Park.
Why go
The single best mountain drive in southern Vietnam: 121 km from sea level to the highlands
Khanh Le Pass climbs 33 km to about 1,700 m - the longest pass road in the country after Pha Din
Rock faces, hairpins and canyons falling away some 300 m below the road
Morning mist and cloud forest as the road enters Bidoup Nui Ba National Park
The climate flips completely - coastal heat to highland cool in under three hours
How to get there
QL27C leaves Nha Trang westwards and climbs to Da Lat. From Cam Ranh, join it via Nha Trang. Wikivoyage puts Nha Trang-Da Lat at roughly 5 hours by road, with Phuong Trang buses at about 200,000 dong.
Local tips
This pass has a real landslide and rockfall history, and has been closed and night-restricted after incidents - check its current status before driving it
Cloud and rain can cut visibility to nothing on the upper section; do not ride it in the dark
It is genuinely cold at the top - carry a layer even if you left the coast in shorts
CXR Things to doPrices and opening hours change. Check the operator's page before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit QL27C and Khanh Le Pass?
QL27C and Khanh Le Pass: Free. Fees change, so treat this as the last published figure rather than a guarantee.
How far is QL27C and Khanh Le Pass from Cam Ranh airport?
QL27C and Khanh Le Pass is about 69 km from Cam Ranh International Airport, roughly 75 minutes by road.
When is the best time to visit QL27C and Khanh Le Pass?
Best time for QL27C and Khanh Le Pass: Dry season, and early in the day before the cloud closes in on the pass.
How long do I need at QL27C and Khanh Le Pass?
Allow Half day one way for QL27C and Khanh Le Pass, not counting the drive each way.
Can foreign visitors go to QL27C and Khanh Le Pass?
Yes, foreign visitors are permitted at QL27C and Khanh Le Pass under the current rules. Carry your passport.
How do I get to QL27C and Khanh Le Pass?
QL27C leaves Nha Trang westwards and climbs to Da Lat. From Cam Ranh, join it via Nha Trang. Wikivoyage puts Nha Trang-Da Lat at roughly 5 hours by road, with Phuong Trang buses at about 200,000 dong.
Sources
3
Every figure on this page was checked against these pages.