If you had mentioned Ba Na Hills to me before my trip to Vietnam, I wouldn’t have had a clue what you were talking about. Before heading to Da Nang, I had a quick scroll through Instagram and was flooded with posts of selfies and poses on a bridge with two giant hands. I soon learned that this was the Golden Bridge, thanks to all the travel accounts I follow.
What I didn’t know, though, was that the Golden Bridge is just one part of a massive resort perched high in the mountains. It’s an eclectic and somewhat random mix of a theme park, a French chateau, fairytale castles, and even a spiritual retreat—kind of like a trippy version of Universal Studios. It was definitely not what I was expecting!
Where is Ba Na Hills located?
Ba Na Hills is tucked away in the mountains, about a 25-minute drive from Da Nang city centre. Sitting high in the Annamite Range at over 1,400 metres above sea level, it offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains and coastline. The best thing is that it’s really convenient to get to with a car.
Where to buy tickets for Ba Na Hills
You will need to buy tickets to enter Ba Na Hills. There are several options for purchasing tickets: you can buy them online, at the gate, or through travel agencies. We opted to get ours through Klook, and the process was super simple. On the day of your visit, all you need to do is have your QR code scanned at the entrance, and you’re all set to go!
Best way to get to Ba Na Hills
There are a number of ways to get to Ba Na Hills from Da Nang, but I would say hiring a private driver is the best way to get there. They can drop you off and pick you up at times that suit you best. We booked a driver through Klook when purchasing our tickets, and the experience was seamless. The service was hassle-free and very flexible with timings.
For example, we originally arranged for a 3.30 p.m. pick-up, but we ended up finishing earlier than expected. A quick WhatsApp message to the operator was all it took to request an earlier pick-up time. They promptly sent someone to pick us up at our preferred time. It was so easy!
TIP: It’s worth paying a bit extra for early pick-up
We paid a little extra to arrange a pick-up time of 6.30 a.m., which gave us plenty of time to stop by a banh mi shop and grab breakfast. This small adjustment turned out to be a great decision! We arrived at Ba Na Hills well before opening time, which meant no lines for the cable cars and minimal crowds at the Golden Bridge. It was the perfect way to start the day!
Can you do Ba Na Hills without a tour?
Absolutely—and in my opinion, that’s the best way to spend a day there! Ba Na Hills is the kind of place where exploring at your own pace feels much more enjoyable than being on a rigid tour schedule. With so much to see and do, the freedom to wander around without worrying about time constraints or sticking to a group itinerary makes a big difference. I always believe that having the flexibility to explore on your own terms makes for a much better experience!
Highlights of Ba Na Hills
For me, the three standout experiences at Ba Na Hills were the breathtaking cable cars, the iconic Golden Bridge, and exploring the charming French Village. We were incredibly lucky to have had the chance to experience these without too many people, which allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty and atmosphere of these attractions.
The Cable Cars
Hands down, the cable cars were a highlight in themselves! The view on the 20-minute ride from the entrance to the first station was nothing short of breathtaking, and heading up in the morning made it even more special. As the cable car ascends, you can feel the air becoming fresher and cooler—a much-needed escape from the summer heat and humidity.
Golden Bridge
The Golden Bridge is undoubtedly one of the main attractions—if not the most famous—of Ba Na Hills. Because it’s so well-known, you can expect the bridge to be crowded. After reading reviews from other travellers, I noted that the best times to visit were either early morning or late afternoon. We decided to arrive before the theme park opened to beat the crowds. On the day we went, the morning offered clear blue skies, and the views were incredible.
When we visited the bridge again in the afternoon, around 2 p.m., it was a completely different experience. The area was packed with tour groups, and the clouds had rolled in, obscuring the views. It felt far more chaotic compared to the peaceful vibe of the morning. If you want to make the most of your visit, I definitely recommend going early if you can!
TIP: If you arrive early, go to the Golden Bridge first before anything else
Although the theme park officially opens at 8 a.m., we were lucky they started the cable cars about 30 minutes beforehand. The first stop was Marseille Station which is where you get off for the Golden Bridge. If you go early enough, there should be minimal crowds. Even though we went on a Sunday, it wasn’t too bad in the morning.
The French Village and Medieval Fair
The French Village and Medieval Fair had a lot of interesting decor, and I was impressed with how much effort went into making the area look like Europe. Everything was really well-kept, and I loved just wandering around, checking out the beautiful gardens and all the little details in the decor.
Of course, there were some random things too—like a replica of the Helios Waterfall and a huge fantasy Lunar Castle with wizard statues and faces carved into rock. I wasn’t quite sure what was going on half the time with the different buildings and sculptures but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Is Ba Na Hills worth visiting?
Ba Na Hills is a great spot for families or anyone looking for a mix of fun attractions and stunning views. So, is it worth it? While it’s not a “once-in-a-lifetime” kind of activity, it’s worth a visit if you’re in Da Nang. It offers the perfect balance of sightseeing, photo ops, and fun rides and activities. We had a great time, especially since we managed to beat both crowds and clouds!
That said, if you’re more into history or untouched nature, this might not be your thing. But for a fun and memorable outing, I’d definitely say Ba Na Hills is worth checking out.
Final thoughts
I found Ba Na Hills to be an interesting experience. While it definitely has an artificial theme park vibe, it also brings its own distinctive charm. Honestly, I’d say the cable cars alone are worth the trip. On top of that, they’ve got funiculars and alpine coasters, which are fantastic ways to take in those stunning mountain views. Plus, getting there and back is pretty straightforward, which makes it an easy and convenient day trip from Da Nang.
