Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge Day Trip from Da Nang/Hoi An

A Full-Day Adventure from Hoi An and Da Nang: Visiting Marble Mountains, Ba Na Hills, and the Golden Bridge

If you’re looking for an action-packed day that combines culture, stunning views, and some of Vietnam’s most recognizable landmarks, this tour might just be your best bet. For around $118 per person, you get to explore the Marble Mountains, ride the cable car to Ba Na Hills, walk across the iconic Golden Bridge, and visit the charming French Village. Plus, it includes a tasty Vietnamese lunch and dinner, making it quite a comprehensive package for a full day of sightseeing.

What we love most are the spectacular panoramic views from the cable car—the ride itself is a highlight—and the chance to walk across the Golden Bridge, with its astonishing design and sweeping vistas of the hills and coastline. Another favorite is the visit to the Marble Mountains, especially the opportunity to see the 19th-century pagodas and learn about local stone craftsmanship.

A potential consideration is the long hours and walking involved—this is a busy day, and the itinerary covers a lot of ground. Travelers who enjoy active days and outdoor adventures will find it rewarding, though those who prefer a more relaxed pace might feel a bit rushed.

This tour suits travelers who want a balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural sights, and fun attractions—perfect for first-timers or those eager to see the highlights without renting a scooter or doing multiple separate trips.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines cultural, scenic, and entertainment stops.
• Stunning Views: Cable car rides and the Golden Bridge offer breathtaking vistas.
• Authentic Cuisine: Enjoy local Vietnamese dishes for lunch and dinner.
• Family-Friendly: Includes attractions like Fantasy Park and Moon Kingdom.
• Physical Activity: Requires walking and some climbing, so good shoes are essential.
• Value for Money: All entrance fees, meals, and transportation included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Highlights of the Tour

Starting Point and Morning Pickup

The day begins early, around 7:30 to 8:00 AM, with hotel pickups in Hoi An or Da Nang. This setup is convenient, saving you from navigating unfamiliar transportation, and allows you to hit the ground running. You’ll be riding in a comfortable vehicle, with your guide—whose insights bring the experience alive—leading the way.

Visiting Monkey Mountain and Lady Buddha

Your first stop is Monkey Mountain, home to the massive Lady Buddha statue. This statue isn’t just impressive in size—it’s a spiritual symbol overlooking the city and coast, offering fantastic photo opportunities. We loved the way the site also features a bonsai garden, making for a peaceful stroll amid lush greenery. Expect to spend about 30-40 minutes here, soaking in the views and learning about the significance of the statue.

Exploring the Marble Mountains

Next, you’re off to the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone and marble hills. This site is a favorite for its natural caves and pagodas. You can choose to take the elevator or climb the stone stairs—both options are available, but the stairs are a good way to stretch your legs. Inside, you’ll find Tàng Chn and Huyn Không Caves—each with their own stories and religious artifacts. We appreciated the opportunity to visit local stone sculpture factories here, which showcase Vietnam’s respected craftsmanship.

From the top, the panoramic views of Da Nang and the surrounding coastline are stunning, making the climb well worth it. The caves and temples give the visit a peaceful, contemplative feeling amid impressive natural formations.

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Lunch Break: Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine

Around midday, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. The menu features authentic Vietnamese dishes, with My Quang—a regional specialty—highlighted as the included dish. This is a great chance to sample local flavors in a relaxed setting. The quality of the food is generally praised, and the meal offers good value, especially considering it’s part of the tour.

Journey to Ba Na Hills

After lunch, it’s time for the highlight: a cable car ride to Ba Na Hills. The ride itself is a thrill, with the Dream-Stream Station boasting the most modern cable cars in Southeast Asia. The views from the cable are spectacular, with sweeping panoramas of Da Nang, the coastline, and the mountains.

The Golden Bridge is next—an engineering marvel with its pair of giant stone hands seemingly holding the walkway. Walking across it, you’ll feel like you’re floating above the clouds. The bridge has been called the world’s most beautiful pedestrian bridge, and for good reason—its design blends art and engineering in a way that’s both awe-inspiring and photograph-perfect.

The French Village and Fantasy Park

From there, you’ll explore the French Village, which evokes a charming European town. You might catch street music performances or admire the Tombstone Temple and Square du Dome. The village offers a nice contrast to the natural scenery with its architecture and quaint streets.

For the young or young-at-heart, Fantasy Park provides a variety of activities, including Dinosaur Park, Fairy Forest, and thrilling rides like the 5D Wild West and Free-Fall Tower. Several reviews mention enjoying the park’s 90+ free games, making it a fun, lively addition to the day. Be prepared for some walking and a bit of chaos, but it’s all part of the adventure.

Lava Train and Moon Kingdom

The Lava Train adds a whimsical element, taking you through attractions like Helios Waterfall and the Moon Kingdom—a fantasy-themed area with castles and imaginative scenery. It’s a highlight for those who love colorful, fantastical settings.

Return Journey and Dinner

As the day winds down, you’ll take the cable car back down, leaving Ba Na Hills around late afternoon. The tour then heads back to Da Nang, where a local dinner awaits—another opportunity to enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Many travelers appreciate the quality of the meals, especially after a busy day.

Evening Sightseeing and Drop-off

Before heading back to your hotel in Hoi An, you’ll get a chance to see the Dragon Bridge illuminated at night, a spectacular sight with its dragon-shaped structure breathing fire and water on special nights. The return trip concludes around 7:30 PM from Da Nang or 8:00 PM from Hoi An, depending on your pickup point.

In-Depth: What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The combination of cultural sites, natural beauty, and entertainment makes this tour attractive for many travelers. The cable car rides alone are worth the price, offering some of the best views in the region. The Golden Bridge has become a symbol of Vietnam’s innovation and aesthetic flair, and walking across it is a memorable moment.

The Marble Mountains provide insight into Vietnam’s religious architecture and craftsmanship, making the visit both scenic and meaningful. The lunch and dinner included are well-regarded, giving you a taste of authentic Vietnamese flavors without extra fuss.

We appreciated how well-organized the day was, with plenty of time allocated at each stop, and the fact that the entrance fees, cable car tickets, and meals are all bundled in the price. For those who dislike the hassle of planning multiple tickets or transport, this offers excellent value.

However, keep in mind the long hours involved—this is a full-blown sightseeing day that requires walking, climbing, and some patience. If you’re not a fan of heights or have mobility issues, some parts can be challenging. Also, the busy crowds at popular spots like the Golden Bridge and Fantasy Park** can lessen the tranquility of the experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is perfect for first-time visitors who want a well-rounded introduction to Da Nang and Hoi An’s top attractions. It’s suitable for families, adventure seekers, and anyone eager to enjoy scenic cable car rides, impressive engineering feats, and cultural sites in a single day.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, slow-paced experience, you might find this itinerary a little hectic. But if you’re okay with a busy schedule and want to maximize your sightseeing, this tour packs in a lot for the price.

The Sum Up

This Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge Day Trip offers an engaging and visually stunning journey through some of Vietnam’s most iconic spots. The combination of natural beauty, cultural insights, and entertainment provides excellent value, especially with the meals and entrance fees included.

Travelers who love beautiful views, unique architecture, and lively parks will find plenty to love. If you’re prepared for a full day of walking and sightseeing, it’s a well-organized way to experience the highlights of Da Nang and Hoi An without the hassle of independent planning.

This tour is a great choice if you want a balanced taste of Vietnam’s landscape and culture in one day, making it ideal for first-timers or those with limited time who want to see the best of the region efficiently.

FAQs

What is the starting time for the tour?
Most pickups occur between 7:30 and 8:00 AM, allowing for a prompt start to maximize the day’s activities.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, it includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as all transportation between sites in a comfortable vehicle.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, the tour covers entrance fees for the Marble Mountains and Am Phu Cave, along with the cable car tickets.

What meals are included?
You’ll enjoy a Vietnamese lunch—featuring My Quang—and a local dinner, both well-reviewed for their authentic flavors.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially since it includes attractions like Fantasy Park, but note that some walking and climbing are involved.

Can I skip certain attractions?
The itinerary is fixed, but you can choose to participate in most activities; however, flexibility options aren’t specified.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, camera, sunscreen, and water are recommended; dress respectfully at religious sites.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the activities involve walking and climbing, so it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments or afraid of heights.

This tour packs in a lot of stunning sights and cultural experiences into one well-organized day. Whether you’re marveling at the views from the cable cars or wandering through the charming French Village, you’ll come away with a true sense of Vietnam’s varied appeal—all at a sensible price.

You can check availability for your dates here: