So after queuing at the base station, I finally hopped on the cable car up to Ba Na Hills — and wow, the ride itself is honestly one of the highlights.
You’re floating through clouds, passing waterfalls, forests, and misty mountains. It’s long too — apparently, it holds the Guinness World Record for the longest single track cable car ride (I totally believe it, felt like a scenic dream that just kept going).
If you're afraid of heights, brace yourself, but it's really quite stunning.
Now, a bit of backstory: Ba Na Hills was originally built by the French in the early 1900s as a mountain retreat to escape the hot weather in Da Nang.
They built villas, wine cellars, and basically turned it into a mini Europe in the clouds. It was later abandoned and overgrown — but in the 2000s, Sun Group came in and transformed it into this massive hilltop attraction we see today.
Building this place must’ve been crazy tough — imagine hauling building materials through thick jungle and rough terrain. Respect to the engineers.
Once you reach the top, it’s kind of surreal. The first thing that hits you is the famous Golden Bridge — the one held by two giant stone hands.
It’s as beautiful as it looks in photos, but expect heavy crowds. Everyone’s trying to get that perfect photo, so it’s near impossible to get a clean shot.
Still, standing there with the cool mountain breeze and the view below is something else.
Then there's the French Village — it’s like you’ve stepped into a European town with cobbled streets, gothic-style buildings, fountains, and street performers.
It feels a bit theme park-y, but it’s fun and charming in its own way.
There’s a Fantasy Park too, if you're into arcade games, mini rides, and quirky indoor attractions.
I didn’t spend too much time there, but families with kids seemed to be loving it.
There's also a peaceful spot near the Linh Ung Pagoda where you can catch a breather from the crowds and see the giant white Buddha statue overlooking the mountains.
As for food — you’ll find mostly buffet-style restaurants around, which are fine if you just want to sit, eat, and recharge. The food's decent.
There’s also Beer Plaza, which had live music and was packed with people eating grilled meats and enjoying cold beers. Definitely more lively if you want to soak in the atmosphere.
Overall, Ba Na Hills is a mix of nature, history, and modern-day theme park. It’s super popular with both Vietnamese and international tourists, and I can see why — it’s not something you’d expect to find in Vietnam.
Just be prepared for crowds, a bit of walking, and some tourist pricing.
If you’re not going with a tour group like me, I recommend taking inDrive instead of Grab — it’s cheaper but note you’ll need to pay in cash.
Or you can try their local electric taxi brand Xanh SM, which I heard is cheaper too. After getting dropped off, there’s a free shuttle bus provided by SunWorld that brings you to the actual cable car station.
Totally worth a day trip if you’re in Da Nang or Hoi An. Just come early, bring a jacket (it gets chilly up there), and don’t forget...
Read more"Ba Na Hills: Where France Meets Fantasy and Two Giant Hands Hold Your Happiness!"
Let me tell you, Ba Na Hills is what happens when a French village decides to take a gap year in Vietnam, and the result is pure magic! We’re talking about a place where you can stroll through cobblestone streets, get lost in a fairy-tale village, and then look up to see two massive hands casually holding a golden bridge—no big deal, just your average day in Vietnam!
Our day started with a cable car ride that could give any roller coaster a run for its money. Not in speed, but in sheer jaw-dropping views! The ride is so long you’ll start to wonder if you’re actually moving to the mountains permanently. By the time you reach the top, you’ve seen more greenery than a salad bar, and you’re pretty sure you’ve spotted your future home somewhere down in the valley.
And speaking of homes, Ba Na Hills has decided to bring a whole French village up there because, why not? It’s like someone airlifted a piece of Europe and gently placed it on top of a Vietnamese mountain. You’ll find yourself wandering through quaint little streets, half expecting a baguette-wielding mime to pop out and offer you directions.
Now, let’s talk about the highlight: THE GOLDEN BRIDGE. This is no ordinary bridge, my friends. Oh no, this is a bridge that’s being held up by two massive stone hands, as if some ancient mountain god decided to show off his pottery skills. Walking across it, you’ll feel like you’re in some epic fantasy movie—minus the orcs, but definitely with a few selfie-stick-wielding tourists.
But the real MVP of our Ba Na Hills adventure was our guide. This guy wasn’t just good; he was a walking encyclopedia of fun facts and good vibes! He navigated us through the crowds like a pro, all while dropping knowledge bombs about the history of the place. And the best part? He did it with a smile that said, “I could do this in my sleep, but I won’t because I’m too busy making sure you’re having the time of your life.”
When it came time to refuel, we hit up the Indian/Vietnamese buffet. Now, you might be thinking, “Fusion food? Really?” But let me tell you, this buffet was like a diplomatic meeting between two cuisines, and everyone left full and happy. I mean, where else can you enjoy a plate of chicken curry while contemplating whether to go back for another round of Vietnamese sticky rice? Spoiler alert: I did, and it was glorious.
Ba Na Hills is a stunning place where fantasy meets reality, and you’re never quite sure which one is which. Whether you’re walking across a bridge that looks like it belongs in Middle Earth, exploring a French village with Vietnamese flair, or simply enjoying the company of an exceptional guide, you’ll leave with a full heart, a full stomach, and probably about 1,000 photos of those giant hands.
Pro tip: wear comfortable shoes, because this place is as big as...
Read moreBa Na Hills in Da Nang, Vietnam, is nothing short of magical! From the moment you step onto the cable car that ascends through lush, mist-covered mountains, you know you’re in for an extraordinary experience. The ride itself offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding forests, valleys, and waterfalls, setting the stage for what feels like an escape to a fantasy world.
At the summit, Ba Na Hills has something for everyone. The Golden Bridge, held aloft by two massive stone hands, is a must-see, blending architecture and nature in a way that feels both surreal and serene. Walking along the bridge, you’re met with stunning views of the mountains and coastlines that stretch far beyond Da Nang. It’s truly one of the most photogenic spots in the world.
The French Village takes you straight to Europe with its cobblestone streets, charming architecture, and beautiful gardens. You can wander around and feel like you’re in a quaint French town, with Gothic churches, flower-lined streets, and scenic fountains. The restaurants here offer both authentic Vietnamese and European cuisines, so you’re spoiled for choice whether you want a hearty French meal or a taste of local Vietnamese dishes.
The attractions at Ba Na Hills are extensive. Fantasy Park is a fantastic indoor amusement park with rides, games, and activities for all ages. The Wax Museum is fascinating and offers a unique experience for those interested in meeting life-like sculptures of global celebrities. Even small details, like the flower gardens and the Buddhist temples scattered around, add to the experience, giving visitors a chance to enjoy serene moments amidst the excitement.
The weather at Ba Na Hills can be a delightful contrast from Da Nang, offering cooler temperatures, which makes it a refreshing escape from the coastal heat below. The ever-changing weather also adds a sense of mystery and allure, with fog rolling in to create an almost dreamlike atmosphere.
In short, Ba Na Hills is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Da Nang. It’s a place where nature meets architecture, tradition meets modernity, and fantasy meets reality. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history lover, or simply looking for a picturesque escape, Ba Na Hills has it all. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience on your...
Read more