Ba Na Hills, Vietnam: The Best Sights and Experiences
Ba Na Hills is an incredible amusement park located in the mountains of Da Nang, Vietnam. This magical destination is home to one of the most iconic landmarks in Vietnam such as the Golden Bridge.
Ba Na Hills is not just a theme park; it offers a ton of activities, such as carnival games, rides, and restaurants, making it a family-friendly destination. This guide will take you on an adventure to Ba Na Hills, explaining how to get there and giving a complete overview of all the best activities and rides available at this amazing destination.
Must-See Attractions in Ba Na Hills, Vietnam
Ba Na Hills has plenty of attractions and things to do, its not your average theme park with a few fun rides. This place has it all, from incredible landmarks like the Golden Bridge to awesome rides and cool arcade games. Let's explore the must-see attractions in Ba Na Hills.
The Golden Bridge (Cầu Vàng)
The Golden Hands Bridge is one of Vietnam's most Instagrammable places that attracts visitors from all over the world. Images of this iconic landmark can be seen all over social media, and large crowds of tourists flock to this famous Golden Bridge because of its photogenic nature.
This incredible landmark was built on the edge of a mountaintop and spans 150 meters across the Ba Na Hills resort. It feels quite surreal to stand on the bridge, almost like two giant hands are holding you in the sky. That might sound frightening, but the views from the bridge and the surrounding mountains are simply awe-inspiring, and the overall experience at the Golden Bridge is unforgettable.
The French Village
Although the Golden Bridge is the standout feature of Ba Na Hills, it is not the only place that makes this theme park so exciting. There are plenty of must-see attractions in Ba Na Hills, and in my opinion, the French Village is just as cool as the Golden Bridge. Of course the French Village was influenced by French architecture, and its atmosphere is reminiscent of a fantasy movie with lots of medieval charm.
The French Village is the perfect place to stroll through and capture some cool photos. Souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants line the streets of the French Village, and this area is the most central location of Ba Na Hills, which means it is difficult to miss it as you will probably walk by the French Village at some point during your visit. Overall, it's a fun area with restaurants, cafes, shops and a great atmosphere.
Le Jardin D’Amour Gardens
The French-inspired gardens, inspired by nine fairytales, perfectly complement the nine Le Jardin D'Amour Gardens. I highly recommend taking a stroll in these tranquil gardens, as they are a peaceful getaway from the crowds of the French Village. These gardens are not the most famous area of the theme park, but the beauty of the perfectly manicured hedges and well-looked-after plants is definitely something worth seeing.
The Debay Wine Cellar
The Debay Wine Cellar is an historic wine cellar that was built into the mountain in 1923. As a tribute to the area's French colonial history, the cellar is housed in its original, stunning old-world structure that looks like a European château.
The Debay Win Cellar provides a one-of-a-kind experience by blending a beautiful historic structure with an extensive wine list. The wine tasting and seeing this picturesque area are made much more enjoyable by the mild weather in Ba Na Hills and the unique architecture.
Entertainment and Leisure Activities
Although all the buildings, landmarks, and sights of Ba Na Hills are great, this amusement park also has very fun rides and games. Below are a few of the main rides and games available at Ba Na Hills.
The Ba Na Cable Car
The Ba Na Cable Car might actually be one of the most unique and exciting parts of the Ba Na Hills experience. It is the longest non-stop single-track cable car in the world, and the views from the cable car are simply breathtaking. The ride takes you over dense jungle and waterfalls, offering a bird's-eye view of the stunning landscape below.
The Ba Na cable car is actually a must-see because this is the only way to reach the entrance of Ba Na hills. Every visitor will have to take the cable car to reach the entrance of Ba Na Hills, regardless of what ticket they choose.
Currently construction on a new cable car line is taking place which could result in future crowding. Despite the ongoing construction, visitors can still enjoy the site year-round, although midweek visits are preferable to avoid the busier weekends.
Ba Na Hills Cable Car is the only way of getting to the main entrance of the theme park but at least it offers a unique experience where visitors can also enjoy the beautiful scenery, with impressive views from the cable car and picturesque landscapes throughout the area.
The Alpine Coaster
The Alpine Coaster is a small rollercoaster that winds around the hills of the theme park. It's designed to have small seats that wind around narrow tracks. This little rollercoaster doesn't reach collosal speeds or sky-high heights, but it is still a thrilling ride that winds around the mountaintop of Ba Na Hills.
Each corner turn of the Alpine Coaster feels like you're on the edge of a cliff with the narrow tracks exaggerating this feeling. It's definitely a must-try ride, especially as it's uniquely integrated with the nature of the mountain.
Fantasy Park
Fantasy Park is an enormous indoor entertainment area with three floors of activities, including arcades and a 3D cinema. Despite the fact that the Fantasy Park is an indoor arcade, it truly has a great selection of entertaining games and activities. This ranges from traditional arcade games to more unique modern games.
There are carnival games where you can win prizes like toys too, so fantasy park actually has a little bit of everything. Although its an indoor area, it should not be missed as its great fun and a nice way to take break from the outdoor activities.
The Wax Museum
The wax museum features hyper-realistic wax figures of celebrities from around the world. It's an interesting little museum if you'd like to see some cool, realistic figures. Museums like this can, however, be found around the world, and once you have seen one or two of them, they are no longer as exciting. I would recommend this if you haven't experienced a wax museum yet.
The Wax Museum is a highlight of the Ba Na Hills theme park and is classified as a must, however, I would personally prioritize the other sights and rides first and leave the wax museum as an extra.
The Best Time to Visit Ba Na Hills
The best time to visit Ba Na Hills is during the week, avoiding weekends and peak season. Visiting during the week means it will be less crowded, and the queues for rides and attractions will be faster. This will also allow you to see more of Ba Na Hills while you are there. The theme park is huge, and fully exploring it on a busy day can sometimes be difficult.
The summer months are usually busier, but the weather is warmer and sunnier. As Ba Na Hills is located in the mountains, you should expect it to be at least a few degrees cooler than Da Nang City. So as for the season and weather, this will be up to personal preference. I recommend checking the weather forecast before booking tickets, as the weather in Ba Na Hills can sometimes be wet, windy, and foggy, which is not a great way to spend a day on a mountaintop.
During the peak season, you should be prepared for crowds and long lines. Of course, if you are visiting Da Nang for a short period of time during a certain season, you won't have many options for the times you can visit. In that case, visiting whenever you are able to is better than not visiting at all. In other words don't let the weather stop you from experiencing this awesome place.
Accommodation Options
The Mercure Danang French Village Ba Na Hills is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of the French Village of Ba Na Hills, boasting a prime location that offers stunning views of the surrounding area and exceptional service. It’s an easy choice for visitors who would like a great hotel in the middle of the theme park.
You should consider staying overnight if you would like to make the most of your visit and avoid the large crowds that usually start to form around midday.
Booking a tour to Ba Na Hills
I highly recommend booking a tour to Ba Na Hills, as this is the best way to easily get to and from the theme park. Most tours usually include the cable car fee to get from the bottom of the mountain to the Ba Na Hills entrance, and some tours even include lunch or dinner, depending on the package you choose.
Booking through Klook is an affordable option that can make the day a lot easier, avoiding the hassles of planning and buying everything individually, such as the bus ticket and cable car ticket.
For visitors who prefer to book things themselves, I have included some tips below to help you with that.
Ba Na Hills at Day or Night?
There are actually two types of tickets available at Ba Na Hills. The standard ticket is a daytime ticket, and the discounted ticket allows you to enter from 3 p.m. until 9.30 p.m. If you are only interested in seeing the Golden Bridge and a few other small things, then you can save a bit of money with the evening ticket.
For visitors who would like to explore the whole theme park, please keep in mind that many of the rides and attractions actually close at either 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. This means you can still explore the theme park at night, which is quite magical, but a lot of the rides and shops will already be closed by then.
The day ticket allows you to stay the whole day, so I do think this is the best option, as you could visit in the morning and stay the whole day all the way up until the night if you have the energy for it.
Getting to Ba Na Hills from Da Nang
Take a Grab driver or taxi from Da Nang City to Ba Na Hills, approximately 45 minutes away. The Grab car fare is around $15 US each way, which is great value considering the distance. You can also drive yourself to Ba Na Hills, but note that Ba Na Hills can have limited parking due to its high volume of traffic.
The Ba Na Cable Car is the only way to reach the top of the hills, offering a round-trip experience with stunning views from the cable cars. When you reach the bottom of the mountain, at the entrance of Ba Na Hills, you will find ticket booths. You can buy your cable car ticket at a ticket booth and take the cable car up to the top of the mountain where Ba Na Hills is located.
Tips and Essentials for Visiting Ba Na Hills
For air-conditioned buildings, wear light clothing, a light sweater, or a long-sleeved shirt.
It can sometimes get cold in Ba Na Hills, depending on the time of year. You may want to bring a jacket.
Don’t forget your camera and charger, as you’ll want to take plenty of photos.
Be prepared for crowds and long lines, especially during peak season.
Planning Your Day Trip to Ba Na Hills
Planning your day trip to Ba Na Hills is a great way to ensure you have enough time to explore all the incredible sights and rides this theme park has to offer.
Plan to spend at least 6 hours at Ba Na Hills to make the most of your visit.
Consider arriving early to avoid the crowds and make the most of your day.
Take a map and plan your itinerary in advance to ensure you don’t miss any of the must-see attractions.
Don’t forget to try some of the local food and drinks, including Vietnamese coffee and street food.
Plan which attractions and rides are most important to you, as you might not have time to visit them all. You can do this on the day you arrive, or by checking the Ba Na Hills website to see what attractions and rides are available.
Ba Na Hills has plenty to do, and planning your day can make it just a bit easier to experience all the cool, fun things this theme park offers.
Summary
Ba Na Hills is an incredible place, full of fun and adventure. It offers a unique experience compared to other theme parks, especially because of its medieval-style French Village, Golden Bridge, and variety of fun outdoor places.
The picturesque mountaintop location and unique landmarks make Ba Na Hills feel like a fairytale; it is so magical that it sometimes doesn't feel real! All in all, I highly recommend visiting this special place, especially if you are visiting Da Nang or Hoi An!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth visiting Ba Na Hills, Vietnam?
Yes, it is most definitely worth the trip to Ba Na Hills. It's great fun, and there's a lot to do in this amazing theme park.
What is Ba Na Hills known for?
Ba Na Hills is known for having the Golden Bridge, an iconic landmark that is designed to look like two hands holding up a bridge on the edge of a mountain.
Is Ba Na Hills closer to Da Nang or Hoi An?
Are Ba Na Hills and Sun World the same?
Ba Na Hills is owned by the Sun World company, so yes, it is essentially the same thing, but Ba Na Hills is just one of their most famous locations.