National Route 1 crosses it as it traverses the Hoành Sơn, a side-spur of the larger Annamite Range.

It marked the former boundary of Champa and Dai Viet until 1069, when Vietnamese Lý dynasty annexed Quảng Bình into her territory.

Controlling the strategic pass was a priority through the ages as the narrow neck of land could be choked off.

The scenic pass is also well known in Vietnamese literature, its beauty having been sung by many writers, perhaps the most well-known is the poem by Bà Huyện Thanh Quan.

A modern tunnel has since bypassed the climb, shortening the driving time through the pass as well as making it safer for drivers.