According to Mr. Pham Duc Nam, Chairman of the People's Committee of Dong Van commune (Tuyen Quang province), the local authorities recently reinstalled iron fences and warning signs at the "death cliff" area to prevent locals and tourists from approaching it.

Accordingly, the path leading to the "death cliff" in Ma Pi Leng village, Dong Van commune, has been fenced off with a 2-meter-high barrier, surrounded by warning signs and notices prohibiting access due to the risk of landslides and threats to life.

Authorities are stationed around the area to prevent locals and tourists from approaching.

Erecting barriers to prevent tourists from risking their lives checking in at the
The "Instagrammable rock formation" at Ma Pi Leng Pass is a popular check-in spot for many tourists. Photo: @moclago

According to local authorities, cracks have appeared in the area, posing a risk of landslides , but some people still try to climb over the fence to take photos, despite warnings about the danger.

Previously, this location had stopped receiving visitors since July 1st while the planning was being adjusted and safety conditions were not yet guaranteed, but the fence and warning signs were repeatedly vandalized, forcing the local authorities to repair them.

"Death Cliff" is located within the scenic area of ​​Ma Pi Leng Pass on the Happiness Road, famous for its sheer limestone cliffs, protruding rock formations, and panoramic views down into a gorge approximately 500-700m deep.

The terrain, with its many sharp, jagged rocks, rough surface, and narrow, steep paths, makes climbing risky, as rocks can roll down or people can fall into the ravine, especially when tourists try to pose for photos in precarious positions.

Erecting barriers to prevent tourists from risking their lives checking in at the
Erecting barriers to prevent tourists from risking their lives checking in at the
A fence has been erected around the "Death Cliff" to ensure the safety of tourists. Photo: Pham Duc Nam

Previously, in 2023, a British tourist slipped and fell about 2 meters while climbing out to take photos, injuring his leg and bleeding profusely. In 2021, a backpacker in Son La also had a similar accident in this area.

Local authorities will consult with experts to assess the current situation and develop reinforcement plans after the planning adjustments are completed. They will only consider reopening when all safety conditions are fully met.

This is the second time the "Death Cliff" has been closed, following a 10-day temporary closure in September 2025. This time, the renovation work is expected to be implemented more comprehensively under the supervision of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Tuyen Quang province.