Vantai24h – Date 12/25/2015 – National Highway 6 is a main road connecting the capital city of Hanoi and north western area of Vietnam. The total length of this route is 504 km and goes through 4 provinces and cities which are Hanoi, Hoa Binh, Son La and Dien Bien.
Highway 6 is 580 km long in total and plays an important role in the stimulation of traffic between Hanoi Capital and north western provinces such as Hoa Binh, Son La, Dien Bien. The route starts from Nhue River Bridge (Ha Dong District, Hanoi or Km 0) and finishes in Muong Lay Town, Dien Bien Province. There are many large passes on the route with the length of 4 to 32 km. The longest pass is Pha Din lasting from Km 360 to Km 392 (32 km long) with 10% slope. Pha Din Pass is considered as the meeting point of the heaven and earth. With the height of more than 1000m, the mountain pass has ups and downs with sinuous sections; one side is a high cliff and the other is a deep valley. Passing the mountain pass is a very interesting journey to a grandiose mountainous area for tourists who like adventures.
Pha Din Pass is one of four great passes in the north western area. The highest point is at an altitude of 1,648 km with considerably hazardous terrain. It goes uphill and go zigzag down the hill with vertical mountain wall and dangerous corners. Driving up and down the slopes with their deep bends and deep gorges requires skillful driving ability.
Do Xuan Truong, a veteran driver of Transport 24h Co.Ltd shares with you a number of skills when going over mountainous roads as follows:
The first thing to remember is to check your car before setting off. Pay care attention to all of your car’s components including brakes, air conditioning, fuel tank and so forth. Since weather can change so quickly in the mountains, it is also essential to have a full tank of gas in case you get stranded. Also be sure to have any tools for minor vehicle repairs such as changing a flat tire or replacing a belt.
Many drivers do not plan ahead by braking before downgrades and instead, people do not start braking until after they are half way down the hill and their speed has picked up. This is an incorrect braking method. All drivers should brake before a downgrade. This is not only helps on maintenance costs, but is also a much faster safer method of speed control. Do not use the method of trail braking when going downhill. To cool the engine down, you should find a safe place to park your car. Do not turn off the engine and open the water tank. Another faster way is to turn on the heating system but it will cause some troubles for drivers.
In addition, drivers should keep in mind that: do not follow the middle lines of roads too closely. In some circumstances, this may lead to dangerous situations with vehicles coming from the opposite side. Under unexpected weather conditions like fog, heavy rain, snow, driver should go slower, observe more carefully and turn on the fog light. Moreover, landslides may occur at any time so you may stop the engine if there is any danger.
Driving on mountainous roads needs great concentration and sometimes causes stress and tiredness for drivers. There is highly recommended to have more people in the cabin and if going alone, you should consider your health ability and only drive when you are totally conscious. Remember to take proper rest to prepare yourself for further journeys.