Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge

About Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge

About Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge

Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge Travel Guide

Ba Na Hills is a famous mountain resort near Da Nang, known for its cool climate, French-inspired architecture, and the stunning Golden Bridge (Cầu Vàng) held by giant stone hands. Here’s everything you need to know before visiting!


1. Best Time to Visit

  • Morning (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM): Fewer crowds, best for Golden Bridge photos.

  • Weekdays: Less crowded than weekends/holidays.

  • Season:

    • Mar–Aug: Sunny, great views (but hotter).

    • Sep–Feb: Cooler, possible fog (mystical vibe but may obscure views).


2. How to Get There

  • From Da Nang: ~35km (~1-hour drive).

    • Taxi/Grab: ~500k–700k VND round trip.

    • Motorbike: Cheaper but steep, winding roads.

    • Tour Bus: Many agencies offer day trips (~1M VND/person, includes cable car).

  • Parking: Available at the base (free/motorbike ~5k VND).


3. Tickets & Costs

  • Entrance Fee: ~900k–1.2M VND (includes cable car & most attractions).

    • Golden Bridge access: Included in ticket.

  • Optional Extras:

    • Wax Museum: ~100k VND.

    • Fantasy Park (amusement): Included.

    • Alpine Coaster: ~150k VND.


4. Must-See Attractions

✔ Golden Bridge – The iconic 150m bridge held by giant hands (best early morning).
✔ French Village – European-style castles, churches, and streets.
✔ Debay Wine Cellar – Historic French-built tunnel with wine tasting.
✔ Linh Ung Pagoda – Giant Buddha statue with panoramic views.
✔ Fantasy Park – Indoor games, roller coasters, and 4D cinema.
✔ Alpine Coaster – Exciting downhill ride through the hills.


5. Cable Car Experience

  • World’s longest single-track cable car (5.8km, ~20-min ride).

  • Two routes:

    1. Suoi Mo Station → Golden Bridge (most scenic).

    2. Ba Na Station → French Village.

  • Tip: Sit near the front for the best views!


6. What to Bring & Wear

  • Comfortable shoes – Lots of walking/hills.

  • Jacket/sweater – Cooler temps at high altitude (15–25°C).

  • Sunscreen/hat – Strong UV at peak hours.

  • Camera – Instagrammable spots everywhere!

  • Cash – Some vendors don’t accept cards.


7. Food & Dining

  • Buffet restaurants (~200k–400k VND) – Decent variety.

  • Beer Plaza – German-style beer garden.

  • Local snacks – Try bánh mì chảo (sizzling Vietnamese bread).

  • Bring water – Prices inside are higher.


8. Pro Tips

✅ Arrive early (before 8 AM) to avoid crowds at Golden Bridge.
✅ Check weather – Fog can ruin views (avoid rainy days).
✅ Buy tickets online – Saves time (Klook/Traveloka often cheaper).
✅ Combine with Sun World Da Nang – Some tickets include both.


9. Nearby Attractions

  • Chua Linh Ung (Lady Buddha) – On the way back to Da Nang.

  • My Khe Beach – Relax after a long day.

  • Marble Mountains – Sacred caves & viewpoints.

Getting There

Getting to Ba Na Hills and the famous Golden Bridge (Cầu Vàng) from Da Nang is straightforward, but planning ahead ensures a smooth trip. Here’s everything you need to know:


1. Distance & Travel Time

  • Location: ~35km (22 miles) west of Da Nang.

  • Travel time: ~45-60 minutes by road + 20-minute cable car ride to the top.


2. Best Ways to Get There

Option 1: Private Taxi/Grab

  • Cost: ~400k–600k VND (one way, depending on car type).

  • Pros: Direct, comfortable, good for groups.

  • Cons: More expensive than shared options.

  • Tip: Ask the driver to wait or book a round trip (some hotels arrange this).

Option 2: Motorbike/Scooter

  • Cost: ~150k–200k VND/day (rental) + fuel (~50k VND).

  • Pros: Flexible, scenic mountain ride.

  • Cons: Steep, winding roads—only for confident riders.

  • Route: Follow QL1A → TL602 (signs to Ba Na Hills).

Option 3: Tour Bus/Shuttle

  • Cost: ~150k–300k VND (round trip, often included in tour packages).

  • Pros: Hassle-free, includes cable car tickets.

  • Cons: Fixed schedule (usually departs 7–8 AM, returns 3–4 PM).

  • Where to book: Hotels, travel agencies (Klook, Viator), or Sun World Ba Na’s official shuttle.

Option 4: Private Car with Driver

  • Cost: ~800k–1.2M VND (full day, includes waiting time).

  • Best for: Families/groups who want flexibility.


3. Cable Car to Ba Na Hills

  • Mandatory: All visitors must take the cable car (no walking/hiking up).

  • Ticket price: ~750k–900k VND (includes park entry; check Sun World’s website for updates).

  • World-record ride: Longest non-stop cable car (5.8km, 20 mins).

  • Lines: Arrive early (before 9 AM) to avoid crowds.


4. Golden Bridge Tips

  • Best time to visit:

    • 7–9 AM: Fewest crowds, soft light for photos.

    • Weekdays: Much less busy than weekends.

  • Photo spots:

    • Front view: Classic shot with the giant stone hands.

    • Side angles: Less crowded, unique perspectives.

    • Foggy days: Creates a mystical vibe (common in early morning).


5. What to Bring

  • Warm clothes: Temperatures drop to 15–20°C (59–68°F) at the summit.

  • Comfortable shoes: Lots of walking/hills.

  • Sun protection: UV rays are strong even if it’s cool.

  • Cash/VND: Some stalls don’t take cards.


6. Nearby Attractions in Ba Na Hills

✔ French Village – European-style buildings, photo ops.
✔ Fantasy Park – Indoor amusement park (great for kids).
✔ Linh Ung Pagoda – Giant Buddha statue with mountain views.
✔ Debay Wine Cellar – Historic underground tunnel.


7. Extra Tips

  • Buy tickets online: Slight discount, skip ticket queues.

  • Avoid holidays: Vietnamese holidays = massive crowds.

  • Stay overnight: Mercure Danang French Village offers a magical evening vibe.

What To Do

A trip to Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge (Cầu Vàng) is a must when visiting Da Nang! This French-inspired hill station offers stunning views, thrilling attractions, and Instagram-worthy spots. Here’s a complete guide on what to do:


📍 Top Things to Do in Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge

1. Visit the Golden Bridge (Cầu Vàng)

✅ Walk on the iconic bridge – Held by giant stone hands, offering breathtaking mountain views.
✅ Best photo times:

  • Early morning (7:30 AM – 9 AM) – Fewer crowds, soft light.

  • Sunset – Magical golden hour glow (but busier).
    ✅ Avoid midday crowds – Tour buses arrive around 10 AM.

**2. Ride the Sun World Cable Car

🚠 World’s longest non-stop single-track cable car (5.8 km, ~20 mins).
🌄 Stunning views of forests, waterfalls, and mountains.
🎟️ Ticket includes access to most attractions (check combo deals).

**3. Explore French Village (Le Jardin D’Amour)

🏰 Feels like a mini Europe – French-style castles, churches, and gardens.
📸 Great photo ops – Especially at the Love Flower Garden and L’Esprit Square.
☕ Cafés & restaurants – Try the French-inspired pastries.

**4. Visit Linh Ung Pagoda & Giant Buddha

🙏 27m-tall white Buddha statue overlooking Da Nang.
🕊️ Peaceful atmosphere – Great for meditation and panoramic views.

**5. Fantasy Park (Indoor Entertainment)

🎢 Roller coasters, arcade games, and 4D cinema – Fun for families.
❄️ Snow World – Experience artificial snow (extra fee).

**6. Debay Wine Cellar

🍷 Historic French-built wine cellar – Free wine tasting (optional purchase).

**7. Check Seasonal Events

🎄 Christmas Festival (Dec) – Lights, parades, and Santa.
🎪 Carnival shows – Daily performances in French Village.


🎟️ Tickets & Costs

💰 Entrance Fee: ~750k–900k VND (~30–38 USD) – includes cable car & most attractions.
🚌 Shuttle bus from Da Nang: ~150k VND (~$6 USD) – Optional but convenient.


⏰ Best Time to Visit

⏳ Full-day trip needed (opens 7 AM – 5 PM).
🌤️ Best weatherMarch-August (less fog, clear views).
☁️ Avoid rainy season (Sep-Feb) – Fog can obscure views.


🚌 How to Get There

🚗 From Da Nang:

  • Taxi/Grab (~45 mins, ~500k VND / $20 USD one way).

  • Private tour (includes guide & transport).

  • Motorbike (only if comfortable with mountain roads).

🚌 Shuttle Bus:

  • Sun World’s official bus (from Da Nang center).


💡 Pro Tips

✔ Arrive early (7:30 AM) – Beat crowds at Golden Bridge.
✔ Wear comfortable shoes – Lots of walking & stairs.
✔ Bring a jacket – It’s cooler at high altitude (~15°C less than Da Nang).
✔ Pack snacks – Food inside is pricey.
✔ Check fog forecast – Visibility affects views.


🍽️ Where to Eat

🍴 Arapang Buffet Restaurant (decent variety).

Some Tips

Here’s your ultimate guide to visiting Ba Na Hills & the Golden Bridge in Da Nang, Vietnam—tips to maximize your experience while avoiding crowds and hassles!


1. Best Time to Visit

  • Early morning (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM): Beat the crowds + best lighting for Golden Bridge photos.

  • Weekdays (Tue-Thu): Less crowded than weekends.

  • Avoid holidays (Tet, Reunification Day): Massive local tourist influx.

  • Weather check: Fog is common—clear days offer the best views.


2. Getting There

  • From Da Nang: ~45-min drive (25 km).

    • Taxi/Grab: ~500k-700k VND round trip (negotiate fixed price).

    • Private tour: Includes transport + entry (~1.2M-1.8M VND/person).

    • Motorbike: Only if experienced (steep, winding roads).

  • Parking: Free for motorbikes; ~20k VND for cars.


3. Tickets & Costs

  • Entrance fee: ~900k VND/adult (includes cable car & most attractions).

  • Golden Bridge: Free access with ticket.

  • Optional extras: Wax Museum (~100k VND), Fantasy Park (included).

  • Buy online (Klook/Vietnamtrip): Slightly cheaper + skip ticket lines.


4. Must-See Attractions

✔ Golden Bridge (Cầu Vàng) – Famous “giant hands” structure (go early or late to avoid crowds).
✔ French Village – European-style castles, churches, and streets.
✔ Debay Wine Cellar – Historic underground tunnel with wine tasting.
✔ Fantasy Park – Indoor games & roller coasters (great for kids).
✔ Linh Ung Pagoda – Giant Buddha statue with mountain views.
✔ Sun World Cable Car – One of the world’s longest (20-min ride, stunning views).


5. Golden Bridge Photo Tips

📸 Best angles:

  • From the side – Avoid crowds in your shot.

  • Low angle – Makes the hands look more dramatic.

  • Early/Late – 7:00 AM or 4:00 PM for softer light.
    ⚠️ Avoid: Midday (harsh shadows + biggest crowds).


6. What to Bring

  • Warm jacket (temps drop to 15-20°C at the top).

  • Comfortable shoes (lots of walking + stairs).

  • Sunblock & hat (UV is strong even if cloudy).

  • Cash/VND (some shops don’t take cards).


7. Food & Dining

  • Buffet restaurants (~250k-400k VND/person) – Average quality but convenient.

  • Bring snacks – Prices inside are inflated.

  • Try: Banh mi, Vietnamese coffee at local stalls.


8. Avoiding Crowds

🚠 Take the first cable car up (7:00 AM).
🚶 Visit Golden Bridge first, then explore French Village later.
⏳ Stay late – Crowds thin after 3:00 PM.


9. Nearby Attractions

  • Chua Linh Ung (Lady Buddha) – On the way back to Da Nang.

  • My Khe Beach – Relax after a long day.


10. Pro Tips

  • Use the free map at the entrance to plan your route.

  • Check cable car routes: Some go straight to Golden Bridge.

  • Visit in March-May or Sept-Nov – Best weather, fewer rains.

Best Time To Visit

The Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge (Cầu Vàng) are must-visit attractions near Da Nang, but timing your trip right is key to avoiding crowds and bad weather. Here’s the best time to visit:


⏰ Best Time of Day

  • EARLY MORNING (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM)

    • Least crowded (tour buses arrive around 9:30 AM).

    • Best lighting for photos (soft morning light, fewer shadows).

    • Cooler temperatures (Ba Na Hills is at 1,487m altitude—mornings are fresh, sometimes foggy).

  • LATE AFTERNOON (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM)

    • Fewer crowds (many day-trippers leave by 3 PM).

    • Golden hour (sunset views if weather is clear).

    • Possible mist/magic fog (atmospheric photos).

❌ Avoid 10 AM – 2 PM – Peak crowds, harsh sunlight, long cable car lines.


📅 Best Time of Year

  • March – August (Dry Season)

    • Sunny skies – Best visibility for Golden Bridge photos.

    • Warmer but still cool at high altitude.

    • April – May – Least rain, ideal conditions.

  • September – February (Rainy & Cool Season)

    • Fewer tourists, but frequent fog/rain (Golden Bridge may be hidden in clouds).

    • December – January – Can be very cold (10-15°C), but Christmas decor is stunning!

⚠️ Avoid holidays (Tet, Reunification Day, weekends) – Extremely crowded.


🚡 Cable Car Tips

  • First cable car at 7:00 AM – Beat the rush!

  • Longest non-stop cable car in the world (~20 min ride, stunning views).

  • Lines get long by 10 AM – Arrive early or late.


📸 Golden Bridge Photography Tips

  • Sunrise/Sunset – Best lighting, fewer people.

  • Weekdays > Weekends – Much less crowded.

  • Fog can be magical – But may obscure views.

  • Drone shots – Allowed in some areas (check rules).


🌦 Weather Considerations

  • Mornings often foggy – Can clear up by midday.

  • Afternoon rain common in wet season – Bring a poncho.

  • Temperature drops at night – Bring a light jacket.


🎟 Tickets & Entry

  • Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

  • Ticket Price: ~750k-900k VND (includes cable car & most attractions).

  • Buy online (Klook/Website) – Slightly cheaper, skip ticket lines.


🚶‍♂️ Nearby Attractions in Ba Na Hills

✔ French Village – Feels like Europe!
✔ Fantasy Park – Indoor amusement park.
✔ Linh Ung Pagoda – Giant Buddha statue.
✔ Debay Wine Cellar – Historic underground tunnels.