If you’re heading to Vietnam and want a full day of breathtaking scenery and unique attractions, the Da Nang – Ba Na Hills Tour offers a compelling mix of natural beauty, impressive engineering, and entertaining activities. For around $75, you’ll spend about a day exploring highlights like the Golden Bridge, the longest cable car in Asia, and the charming Linh Ung Pagoda.
What we particularly appreciate about this tour is how smoothly it combines scenic rides with cultural stops and fun spots like Fantasy Park — a huge indoor amusement zone. Plus, the views from the mountain top, especially over the Hai Van Pass and Da Nang city, truly are unforgettable.
That said, a potential consideration is the stop at a souvenir shop that some might find a little commercial — a common feature in guided tours. Still, for those looking for a comprehensive day out with a guide to navigate the logistics, this experience hits the mark.
If you enjoy combining natural beauty with a touch of adventure and don’t mind a full schedule, this tour is ideal. It suits travelers eager for a guided experience that covers major highlights without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.
Key Points
- Breathtaking Views: Experience panoramic vistas of Da Nang, Hai Van Pass, and the mountains from the cable car and mountain top.
- Iconic Golden Bridge: Walk along this uniquely-shaped bridge held by enormous stone hands, a perfect photo opportunity.
- Cultural Stops: Visit Linh Ung Pagoda with its massive Buddha statue and colonial French villas.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy 90 activities in Fantasy Park, making it suitable for kids and those young at heart.
- Efficient Transportation: The tour includes round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off, easing logistics.
- Value for Price: For $75, the combination of rides, sightseeing, and food offers a solid overall value.
Starting Your Day: From Downtown to Heavenly Heights
Your day begins early, with pickups usually between 7:30 and 8:00 am from your hotel in Da Nang. This makes the experience accessible whether you’re staying in the city center or nearby. The approximately 30 km transfer to Ba Na Hills is comfortable and sets the stage for the adventure ahead.
Once you arrive at the Dream Stream Cable Car Station, you’ll quickly notice that the cable car system here scores five world records. It’s the longest in Asia, and travelers often marvel at the smooth, glass-bottomed cabins as they ascend into the clouds. We loved the way the cable car ride offers uninterrupted views of the lush landscape below, giving you a sense of flying over the mountains and forests.
Some travelers, like the reviewer who called the experience “very good,” appreciated the professionalism of the guide, Tom, who enhanced the trip with helpful insights. Others, however, noted that the tour can be done independently for less money — a fair point if you’re comfortable with logistics and want to skip the guide.
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Exploring Ba Na Hills and Its Highlights
The first stop within Ba Na Hills is Vong Nguyet Hills, where you can enjoy the sweeping scenery and perhaps snap some photos of the misty valleys. Then, the tour takes you to Linh Ung Pagoda, home to a colossal Buddha statue that’s quite a sight, especially against the backdrop of mountains. We loved the serenity here and the chance to observe local spiritual practices.
Next, you’ll visit some of the French colonial villas and the Old Villas of French, giving a flavor of the area’s colonial past. The architecture and historical ambiance are quite charming, and it’s a good photo opportunity. Walking through the Le Jardin Damour gardens — comprising nine beautifully landscaped spaces — offers a peaceful moment before heading up further.
The highlight is undoubtedly the Golden Bridge. Suspended high in the mountains, this unusually-shaped pedestrian bridge is held aloft by two giant stone hands. The design is playful yet awe-inspiring, offering fantastic photo ops with the mountains and forest stretching into the distance. We found the walk along the bridge both surreal and exhilarating.
Scenic Views and Cultural Highlights
From the mountain top, you’ll get legendary views stretching across the mountains, down to Hai Van Pass and the city of Da Nang. This is where the tour shines — the vistas are truly spectacular and worth the trip alone. If weather permits, you’ll see a patchwork of green hills and rugged coastline.
The tour also includes a visit to Le Nim Villas and the Old Wine Tunnel — a nod to Ba Na’s past as a colonial retreat and wine-making area. While these stops may seem more historical, they add a layer of context to the journey, making it richer than just sightseeing.
Lunch and Leisure
Midday is reserved for a lunch break at Ba Na restaurant, where you can enjoy local or international dishes. The tour doesn’t specify exact menu options, but the inclusion of a meal helps keep the day balanced.
More Great Tours NearbyAfternoon: Fun at Fantasy Park
Post-lunch, the experience turns playful with two hours at Fantasy Park, Vietnam’s third-largest indoor amusement zone. The park features 90 activities, including 4D and 5D films, dinosaur parks, and adventure rides like the “death race” and “skiver.” It’s a hit with families or anyone wanting a break from sightseeing.
One review mentioned that the park is a highlight, offering a variety of games that cater to different tastes. This indoor component adds a fun, relaxed element to the otherwise scenic and cultural day.
Return to Da Nang and Shopping
Around 3 pm, your guide will lead you back along Hoang Van Thai street, with a stop at Central Specialities Super Market for souvenir shopping. It’s a chance to pick up local specialties or gifts before heading back to your hotel.
Pricing and What’s Included
For $75, the tour covers hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, cable car rides, lunch, bottled water, a professional guide, and travel insurance.
While some reviews suggest the tour offers good value, others argue that it can be cheaper to organize independently, especially if you are comfortable navigating transport and sightseeing on your own. The convenience factor, however, is significant — especially for first-time visitors or those wary of logistics.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive day out with a knowledgeable guide showing them the highlights of Ba Na Hills. It’s especially suited for families, first-timers, or those who appreciate having transportation and logistics handled. If you’re interested in seeing iconic sights like the Golden Bridge and trying different activities without worrying about planning, this option offers good value.
However, if you’re budget-conscious or prefer to tailor your experience, you might find a DIY approach or smaller independent excursions more to your liking — especially since some reviews point out the optional shop stops and the possibility of cheaper alternatives.
The Da Nang – Ba Na Hills Tour combines scenic beauty, cultural visits, and family-friendly fun into a single day. The standout features are undoubtedly the long cable car journey and the Golden Bridge, which will likely be highlights of your trip to Vietnam. The inclusion of a large indoor amusement park makes it a well-rounded experience, especially for those traveling with children or seeking a relaxed pace.
While it’s priced reasonably and includes a lot of what you need for a memorable day, travelers should be aware that some parts, like the shop stops, may feel a bit commercial. For most visitors, though, the stunning views, impressive engineering, and enjoyable activities make this tour a worthwhile investment.
Ultimately, if you value guided convenience, iconic sights, and a mix of culture and fun, this trip will serve you well — just be prepared for an active, full-day adventure.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from hotels in Da Nang city center. You’ll need to specify your pickup location when booking.
Can I join this tour if I stay in Hoi An?
Yes, travelers in Hoi An can contact the tour provider to arrange transfer from Hoi An to Da Nang.
What should I bring for the tour?
Sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Bringing bottled water is also included in the package.
How long is the cable car ride?
The cable car system is the longest in Asia, offering sweeping views as you ascend to Ba Na Hills. The ride itself is part of the experience, lasting enough to enjoy the scenery.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children often enjoy the indoor park, scenic views, and fun activities. Keep in mind that only one child can be carried per adult at the discounted rate, and some parts might not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues.
What is the main highlight of this tour?
Most travelers find the Golden Bridge and the mountain views from the top to be the most memorable. The cable car ride is also a major attraction.
Can I do this tour independently?
Yes, it is possible and sometimes cheaper, but you’ll need to arrange your own transportation and tickets. The guided tour offers convenience and local insight.
In all, this tour provides a well-rounded look at Ba Na Hills, blending stunning scenery, cultural sites, and fun activities into one accessible package. Whether you’re seeking iconic photo opportunities, a family adventure, or a relaxing day with great views, it’s worth considering — just arrive with a sense of adventure and an appetite for spectacular sights.
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