Motorbike Accident on the Hai Van Pass: Who to Call and What to Do

💡 First: call 115 for an ambulance if anyone is injured, then 113 to report the accident to police. If you can move safely, turn on your hazard lights and move out of traffic. You will need a stamped police report for your travel insurance and, if your passport is damaged or lost, for Vietnamese Immigration.

What should you do in the first five minutes?

Stay calm and prioritise life above everything else. If anyone is seriously injured, call 115 first - speak slowly and clearly, or hand the phone to a Vietnamese-speaking bystander. Call 113 to report the accident to police; they will dispatch traffic officers and coordinate with 115 when needed. Turn on your hazard lights, move the motorbike off the carriageway if you can do so safely, and stay visible at the roadside.

Which hospital should you go to from the Hai Van Pass?

The pass is roughly 20 km north of Da Nang city and about 70 km south of Hue. If you are on the Da Nang side or near the summit, the closest major 24/7 emergency room is Da Nang Hospital (124 Hai Phong, tel 0236 3821 118). For English-language support, Vinmec Da Nang International Hospital (30 Thang 4 St, tel 0236 3711 111) has an international patients department and is approximately 25-30 minutes away. If you are closer to Hue, Hue Central Hospital (International Medical Center, 16 Le Loi) is the regional referral centre.

Should you move an injured person?

Do not move someone with a possible spine or neck injury unless they face immediate danger from traffic or fire. Keep them still and warm, talk to them, and wait for the ambulance. Moving a spinal injury incorrectly can worsen it significantly. Only begin CPR - and call 115 simultaneously - if the person is not breathing and has no pulse.

Why does the police report matter, and how do you get it?

Travel insurers almost always require a local police report stamped by the ward police station where the accident occurred. Without it, medical and repair claims are routinely rejected. A police report is also required by Vietnamese Immigration if you lost or damaged your passport in the accident - without one, the Immigration Department cannot issue exit paperwork. File the report as soon as you are medically stable, even if the other party left the scene.

From hospital, ask the social worker or ward nurse to contact the local ward police on your behalf - hospitals in Vietnam are experienced with this. You can also call the Da Nang Visitor Center (tel (0236) 3 550 111, 108 Bach Dang) for guidance. The step-by-step guide for filing a police report as a foreigner in Da Nang covers what to bring and how to request a stamped copy.

Notify your insurer's emergency line within 24-48 hours, with your policy number, the accident date and location (GPS coordinates help), and the police report number. For a full document checklist, see the travel insurance claim guide for Da Nang and Central Vietnam.

Is the Hai Van Pass genuinely dangerous for foreign riders?

The pass is scenic but challenging: tight hairpin bends, steep gradients, limited roadside barriers on the seaward side, and frequent fog in the morning and during the rainy season (September to December). The road surface can be slick with moss in damp weather. Riders unfamiliar with Vietnamese traffic conditions, on an underpowered or poorly maintained rental bike, or travelling in low visibility face elevated risk. The Da Nang motorbike accident guide covers prevention, licence requirements and what to do if your rental is damaged.

FAQ

Can I call 115 or 113 if I do not speak Vietnamese?

Yes - both numbers answer 24/7. Speak slowly and say "foreigner, accident, Hai Van Pass." If you cannot communicate, stay on the line; the operator can locate the call. Handing the phone to any Vietnamese-speaking bystander is the most reliable approach.

Which side of the pass is Da Nang and which is Hue City?

The southern approach and lower southern slopes are Da Nang. The summit area and the northern descent toward Lang Co fall under Hue City jurisdiction. For emergency services, call the national numbers (115 / 113) regardless of which side you are on - dispatchers route to the nearest available unit.

The rental company is demanding cash on the spot - do I have to pay?

You are liable for damage under your rental agreement, but you do not have to pay at the roadside. Get the police report first, photograph all damage before any repairs, and notify your insurer before agreeing to any costs. Paying immediately without documentation can complicate an insurance claim.

The other party left the scene - can I still get a police report?

Yes. Report the accident at the local ward police station covering where it happened. Bring your passport, describe the incident, and provide any photos or dashcam footage. A hit-and-run report is still valid for insurance purposes. Do this as soon as you are medically stable.

I was not wearing a helmet - will that affect my insurance claim?

Possibly. Vietnam law requires all motorbike riders to wear helmets. Some travel policies exclude or reduce payouts for injuries sustained while breaking local traffic law. Check your policy wording before you rent a motorbike, not after an accident.

Official sources

• UK Government, Vietnam travel advice: getting help - emergency numbers 113, 114, 115 confirmed. Verified October 2026.
• U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, safety and security advice - emergency numbers and accident reporting guidance. Verified October 2026.

For step-by-step help with a motorbike accident in Central Vietnam, the Da Nang Help service offers bilingual interpreter and document support.