From Da Nang/ Hoi An: Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge Day Trip

Discovering Ba Na Hills: A Practical Guide to Vietnam’s Mountain Marvel

A day trip to Ba Na Hills from Da Nang or Hoi An offers a captivating mix of stunning scenery, cultural sights, and fun activities—all for $86 per person. With about 8 hours of travel, you’ll experience the thrill of riding the world’s longest non-stop cable car, walk across the iconic Golden Bridge, explore a charming French Village, and see the highest Buddhist statue in Vietnam at Linh Ung Pagoda.

What we love about this tour is how it combines natural beauty with a touch of European style and a bit of adventure. The cable car ride itself is a highlight—impressively long and offering panoramic views that make every minute in the air worthwhile. Plus, visiting the French Village feels like stepping into a cinematic set, with its quaint architecture and relaxing vibe. The buffet lunch provides a genuine Vietnamese meal, and the Fantasy Park adds a playful element, especially if you’re traveling with kids or just young at heart.

A notable consideration: weather can impact outdoor activities and some game options like outdoor rides might be closed for safety during bad weather. Since Ba Na Hills experiences four seasons in a single day, packing a warm jacket is a smart move. The tour also involves a fair amount of walking and outdoor exposure, so comfortable shoes are essential.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a bit of everything—spectacular views, cultural sights, and light-hearted fun. It’s especially ideal for those who want a well-rounded experience without the hassle of planning multiple excursions. If you’re curious about fantasy parks, scenic bridges, and charming villages, this trip has plenty to offer.

Key Points

• Stunning cable car ride: The longest non-stop cable car in the world delivers breathtaking views.
• Iconic Golden Bridge: Perfect for photos, it offers sweeping vistas and a unique design.
• Cultural highlights: The Linh Ung Pagoda with Vietnam’s tallest Buddha statue provides spiritual and photographic appeal.
• Authentic buffet lunch: Enjoy Vietnamese cuisine at a local restaurant, a good value for the price.
• Fun activities: Play at Fantasy Park and explore the French Village for a lighthearted experience.
• Weather considerations: Be prepared for changing weather; outdoor activities might be affected.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Ba Na Hills Experience

Getting There and Timing

The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Hoi An (7:30–8:00 AM) or Da Nang (8:30–9:00 AM), which makes things simple for travelers staying in these areas. After a roughly 1.5-hour van ride, you arrive at the foot of Ba Na Hills. From there, the highlight is the 25-minute cable car ride that takes you to the mountain top, offering panoramic views of lush forests and distant mountains—an experience that sets the tone for the day.

The Cable Car Journey

This isn’t just transportation—it’s part of the adventure. The cable car system at Ba Na Hills claims to be the longest non-stop in the world, and it’s easy to see why it earns attention. As you ascend, you’ll marvel at the changing scenery below, from dense greenery to the sprawling French-style architecture that characterizes the village. We loved the way the cable car smoothly carried us above the treetops, making the journey feel like a gentle flight over the landscape.

Exploring the Main Highlights

Once at the top, the Golden Bridge looms large. Suspended between two giant stone hands, the bridge has become an icon for the area. The views are impressive—vast green valleys stretching into the distance. You’ll want to pause and capture plenty of photos. The design of the bridge allows you to walk along its length, soaking in the scenery and marveling at the engineering feat.

Next, a visit to the Linh Ung Pagoda introduces you to Vietnam’s Buddhist culture. The largest Buddha statue in Vietnam stands majestically, providing a peaceful spot for reflection or a great photo backdrop. The temple complex is well-maintained, and the views of the surrounding mountains add a spiritual dimension to your visit.

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French Village and Fantasy Park

After the cultural stop, you’ll head to the French Village, a charming replica of a European town square. With its cobbled streets, cafes, and traditional architecture, it’s a lovely spot for a leisurely walk or a coffee break.

For a dose of fun, Fantasy Park offers a variety of indoor games and attractions suitable for all ages. From arcade games to mini rides, it’s a playful way to unwind. As one reviewer noted, “playing some games in Fantasy Park was a highlight,” especially if you’re traveling with kids or want a little lighthearted entertainment.

Lunch and Return

A buffet lunch is included, served at a local restaurant. It offers a good range of Vietnamese dishes, balancing flavor and value. After lunch, the group can relax or explore more before heading back down via cable car. The descent offers another chance for scenic views and a peaceful ride back to the foot of the mountain.

Practical Details and Considerations

The entire trip wraps up with a 1.5-hour van ride back to your initial pickup point. The group size is limited to 13 participants, providing a more intimate experience and better interaction with guides. The price of $86 includes all transportation, cable car rides, and lunch—making it quite a good value considering the comprehensive itinerary.

Keep in mind that bad weather can affect outdoor activities, and some outdoor games may be closed during rain. As Ba Na Hills is known for unpredictable weather, packing layers and a rain jacket is wise. Also, children taller than 1.4 meters (about 4 feet 7 inches) will incur an extra fee of 300,000 VND, so plan accordingly.

What’s Not Included

Optional extras like the Wax Museum, Debay Wine Cellar, and Alpine Coaster cost extra—around 100,000 VND or 70,000 VND each—and are not part of the main package. If you’re interested in these, you can decide on the spot.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for travelers seeking a balanced mix of nature, culture, and fun. It’s especially good if you appreciate scenic rides and iconic sights like the Golden Bridge. If you’re traveling with family or friends looking for light adventure without the hassle of planning transportation or tickets, this organized tour fits the bill.

Those interested in photography will find plenty of Instagram-worthy moments, from sweeping vistas to the charming French-style architecture. It also suits those who enjoy cultural sights like pagodas and statues but prefer to see them comfortably rather than wandering on their own.

If rain is forecast, be prepared—some outdoor activities might be limited, but the overall experience remains worthwhile. It’s a solid choice for first-timers eager to see the highlights of Ba Na Hills without the stress of planning every detail.

Final Reflection: Is This Tour Worth It?

In our view, this tour offers an excellent value for money. The price of $86 covers transport, entrance fees, cable rides, and a decent lunch, all bundled into a hassle-free day. The guided aspect ensures you gain insights into the sights and get assistance navigating the area, which is helpful if you’re unfamiliar with the region.

The stunning views from the cable car and the photo opportunities at the Golden Bridge alone make it worthwhile. Combine that with the cultural visit to Linh Ung Pagoda and the chance to relax in a European-style village, and you’ve got a well-rounded experience. The small group size guarantees personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

While weather can sometimes be unpredictable, the overall experience remains enjoyable, especially given the professional guide and the inclusion of lunch and transportation. If you’re after a family-friendly outing that mixes scenic beauty, cultural insights, and some fun, this tour fits the bill beautifully.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, including pickup, travel, activities, and return.

What time does the tour start?
Pickup in Hoi An is between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM, while in Da Nang it’s between 8:30 and 9:00 AM.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially those taller than 1.4 meters (4 feet 7 inches). Children enjoy the sights and games, but note that extra fees apply for taller kids.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a warm jacket (due to potential cold weather), sunscreen, and a camera for capturing scenic views.

Are meals included?
Yes, a buffet lunch at a local restaurant is part of the package.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?
Yes, it takes place regardless of rain or shine. Outdoor activities might be limited in poor weather, so plan accordingly.

Are there optional activities not included?
Yes, such as the Wax Museum, Wine Cellar, and Alpine Coaster, which cost extra.

To sum it up, this Ba Na Hills day trip offers a well-paced, scenic, and culturally enriching experience that can suit a wide range of travelers. It’s a smart choice for those who want to enjoy Vietnam’s mountain scenery and unique attractions with minimal fuss, all while enjoying a fair price for an unforgettable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: