10 Ways To Spend A Perfect Day at Ba Na Hills

Ba Na Hills

Ba Na Hills is a hill station in the Truong Son Mountains in central Vietnam. It is located about 25 kilometers west of the coastal city of Da Nang and 1,487 meters above sea level. Not wrong to say that Ba Na is a “green lung” of Da Nang City. Because only this place can make you feel 4 seasons in one day.

Savour stunning views from the award-winning cable cars

The only way up to Ba Na Hills is via cable cars, so your entry includes a round-trip. CNN ranked this infrastructure among the 10 most impressive cable-car systems in the world, and it’s won more than one Guinness World Record besides. There are various cable lines and stations, depending on where you want to reach. Want to start at the famous Golden Bridge? Take the Hoi An (05) ground station. Whichever one you choose, you’ll be rewarded with a picturesque ride boasting incredible, 360-degree views. On a clear day, you can see as far as Danang and the sea.

Stroll and stop for selfies

At the top, wander the French Village for photo ops aplenty. It has everything you’d expect from a medieval village – think a town square, cute cafes, a cathedral, and a fountain. It looks realistic, so as you walk the cobbled streets and hear the French music playing, you’ll feel transported to Europe of yesteryear. Pose beneath archways, below balconies, beside vintage-looking bikes … or anywhere there, really, for your next memorable profile pic.

Walk Vietnam’s most iconic bridge

Want to feel like you’re skipping through clouds on a golden ribbon? Check out the Golden Bridge, which you’ve probably already seen online. The 150-meter-long bridge, featuring two giant hands holding the walkway, has inspired numerous replicas worldwide. Most recently, Ian Markiewicz, the visual effects supervisor for the Netflix series “The Sandman” based on the Neil Gaiman comics, mentioned that the bridge in the opening scenes was inspired by the Golden Bridge.

Note: This architectural marvel can get crowded. To capture a shot without other tourists in sight, it’s best to go early.

Tour the beautiful gardens 

Want to take a romantic stroll among landscaped gardens? Hop on the one-of-a-kind funicular to get to Le Jardin d´amour. It comprises nine different gardens designed in different styles. There’s a garden maze, a giant chessboard, and loads of hedges, balustrades, and blooms for capturing beautiful pictures. 

Enjoy thrilling entertainment 

Explore the enormous Fantasy Park entertainment area, which is divided into three floors. On Level One, called ‘Thrill Zone’, you can enjoy video arcades, walk through the mirror maze, and ride the bumper cars. Level Two, ‘Spirit of Adventure’, features 3D, 4D, and 5D cinemas. For an immersive experience, head to Level Three, ‘Mystery World’, which has a 3D, 360-degree mega-cinema. If you’re seeking a real thrill, try the 29-meter drop-and-twist tower ride, inspired by adventure novels like “Journey to the Center of the Earth” and “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.” Another exciting attraction is the outdoor Alpine Coaster, a roller coaster where you can control the brakes and reach speeds of up to 40km/h.

Marvel at the figures in the wax museum 

Visit the Wax Museum to admire the work of Italian artists. Inside, you’ll find hyper-realistic wax figures of celebrities from various fields, including sports and entertainment. Don’t miss the chance to take a photo with lifelike representations of singer Taylor Swift, former US President Obama, footballer David Beckham, martial arts legend Bruce Lee, and more. As you explore, you’ll also learn about the meticulous process involved in creating these stunning figures.

See the spiritual sites

Vietnam is known for its spiritual structures situated on mountaintops. Take a break from the crowds and visit the Linh Ung Pagoda, which is located 1,500 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking views. The pagoda is home to one of the largest Buddha statues in the country, resting peacefully on a five-meter wide circular base and standing at 27 meters tall. Other spiritual attractions in the area include the Linh Phong Zen Monastery and the Holy Mother Shrine.

Go wine-tasting

The only part that remains from when Ba Na Hills was a French resort is the Debay Wine Cellar. It was built deep into the mountain in 1923 so that wine could naturally be stored at temperatures between 16°C and 20°C. Visitors can learn about wine production and sample various types of wine. Additionally, there is an annual wine festival in May.

Take a tea break with a view

Vietnam’s centuries-old tea culture is well known. If this is your beverage of choice, stop at the Tru Vu Tra Quan Tea House for a fresh cuppa. It’s built in a traditional Vietnamese style and is surrounded by soothing scenery. 

Play a round of golf 

At the bottom of Ba Na Hills, there’s a par 72, 18-hole Championship golf course designed by golfing pro-Luke Donald. With non-stop greens, water features, and the surrounding forest, this is one of Vietnam’s most attractive courses. The best views are from the tee box at the par-3 12th hole.

Tips for Visiting Bana Hills

1. Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Ba Na Hills is during the dry season, which runs from November to March. The weather is cool and dry during this time, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. This makes it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and exploring the gardens and temples. On the other hand, the rainy season runs from April to October and can be quite wet and humid, with frequent rainstorms and occasional typhoons. The landscape is beautiful during the rainy season, but outdoor activities can be challenging and less enjoyable.

2. Weather Conditions

Weather in Ba Na Hills can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature and rainfall. Visitors should come prepared with appropriate clothing and gear for any weather conditions.

3. Tickets and Prices

Ticket prices for Ba Na Hills can vary depending on the type of ticket and time of year. Basic admission tickets start at 750,000 VND (approximately $33) for adults and 600,000 VND (approximately $26) for children and include access to the cable car, French village, and various gardens and temples. Packages with additional attractions such as the wax museum, wine cellar, and amusement park range in price from 900,000 VND (approximately $39) to 2,100,000 VND (approximately $91) per person. Prices may be higher during peak tourist seasons, and they are subject to change.

4. Food and Beverages

Ba Na Hills offers a variety of food and beverage options, including restaurants, cafes, and bars serving Vietnamese and European cuisine. The French Village is a popular dining option, featuring traditional French cuisine and a wine cellar with wines from around the world. There are also restaurants serving Vietnamese dishes and street food-style snacks. Prices for food and beverages at Ba Na Hills can be higher than in other places in Vietnam due to its status as a tourist destination, but there are affordable options available.

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