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Ba Na Hills sits high in Vietnam’s Truong Son Mountains, about 25 kilometers west of Da Nang. This mountain resort brings together cool weather, French colonial architecture, and modern entertainment in one place. You’ll find cable cars that hold world records, a Golden Bridge held up by giant stone hands, and gardens filled with colorful flowers. The complex includes amusement parks, a Fantasy Park, spiritual sites, and restaurants serving both Vietnamese and international food. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or on your own, or on one of our motorbike rides, Ba Na Hills gives you a full day of activities. This guide covers everything from ticket prices and transportation to the best attractions and practical tips for making the most of your visit.
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Ba Na Hill’s elevation and location map
Ba Na Hills rises 1,487 meters above sea level in the Truong Son Mountains, sitting just 25 kilometers west of Da Nang city, off the coast of central Vietnam. The high elevation creates a natural climate phenomenon where temperatures can drop 8-10 degrees Celsius compared to the coastal city below. On hot summer days when Da Nang reaches 35°C, Ba Na Hills stays comfortably cool at around 20-25°C. This mountain location means you might experience fog rolling in during mornings and bright sunshine by afternoon.
Getting up the mountain requires taking the Ba Na Hills Cable Car system, which holds multiple world records for its length and height difference. The 20-minute ride climbs through different climate zones and offers views across the surrounding jungle and valleys. Once you reach the top, the Golden Bridge appears suspended in the clouds, held by two massive stone hands that look like they belong to a mountain god. The bridge stretches 150 meters and sits at 1,400 meters elevation.
What’s the Ba Na Hills Name Origin?
The story behind the name “Ba Na Hills” has sparked debate among historians for decades. The most common explanation points to French colonists who spotted wild banana trees growing thick along mountain streams in the early 1900s. They called the area “Ba Na,” their interpretation of the Vietnamese words for wild banana.
Local historians offer different takes on the origin. One theory traces back to the K’tu hill tribe who lived in these mountains long before any foreign visitors arrived. The tribe split the mountain into three farming zones – top, middle, and bottom sections – calling them “three Na” or “Ba Na” in their language. This agricultural system helped them manage crops at different elevations.
Another explanation connects to the ancient Cham civilization. The Cham people built a temple for their goddess Ponagar somewhere in this region. When Vietnamese speakers later encountered the Cham name for this sacred site, they pronounced it differently, and over time it morphed into “Ba Na” through repeated use and local dialect.
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Ba Na Hills Cable Car to the Golden Bridge
The Ba Na Hills Cable Car system holds multiple Guinness World Records and remains one of the most impressive cable car networks on the planet. The main line stretches 5,801 meters in a single uninterrupted span, making it the longest non-stop cable car ride anywhere. During the 20-minute journey, you’ll climb nearly 1,300 meters in elevation while crossing dense jungle canopy and mountain ridges.
The system actually consists of several different lines connecting various points across the resort. Engineers built it between 2009 and 2013 to handle the challenging terrain and weather conditions at this altitude. Each cabin fits up to 10 passengers and moves smoothly even when fog blankets the mountains. On clear days, you can see all the way to Da Nang’s coastline and the South China Sea beyond. The cable car operates year-round except during severe weather like typhoons or extremely high winds that make operation unsafe.
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Tips to maximize the cable car experience
- Arrive before 8AM: Morning arrivals work best since lines start building after 9 AM, especially on weekends and holidays. Vietnamese public holidays can bring massive crowds, so factor that into your planning.
- Go on a Clear Day: Weather makes a huge difference in what you’ll see during the ride. Clear mornings offer the best visibility across the mountains and coast. Afternoon clouds often roll in and obscure the views, though the misty atmosphere creates its own dramatic effect. Check the forecast before you go.
- Dress code: Pack a light raincoat, a jacket or long-sleeved shirt even if Da Nang feels hot. The temperature difference hits you as soon as the cable car climbs higher. The summit can feel 10 degrees cooler with high-humidity and rain on most days.
- Capture the Moment: Your phone or camera will get a workout during the ride. The windows stay clean and offer good angles for photos. Just hold your devices securely since the cabin does sway slightly when crossing support towers.
Ba Na Hills Ticket Information & Price for 2026
Visiting Ba Na Hills requires buying tickets that cover the cable car rides and access to most attractions. Here’s what you need to know about pricing:
Cable Car Ticket price
- Adults: 950,000 VND per person (~USD 37). This includes unlimited cable car rides throughout the day and access to major attractions like the Golden Bridge, French Village, gardens, and Linh Ung Pagoda.
- Children (1-1.4 meters tall): 750,000 VND per child. Height matters more than age for ticket pricing, so measure your kids before you go.
- Babies under 1 meter: Free entry. You won’t need to buy a ticket for very young children.
The cable car ticket covers most of what Ba Na Hills offers, but some attractions require separate payment. The Wax Museum charges an additional fee, and certain games inside Fantasy Park cost extra. Food and drinks aren’t included, though you’ll find restaurants and cafes throughout the resort. Plan to bring extra cash or cards for meals and any special activities you want to try.
Buffet Ticket Price
| Buffet Type | Adults | Kids (1–1.4 meters) | Kids under 1 meter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch Buffet | 350,000 VND (≈ $13.46) | 210,000 VND (≈ $8.08) | Free |
| Premium Buffet | 550,000 VND (≈ $21.15) | 350,000 VND (≈ $13.46) | Free |
| Dinner Buffet | 380,000 VND (≈ $14.62) | 230,000 VND (≈ $8.85) | Free |
Where to buy the tickets?
You can buy tickets online before your visit or at the ticket counter at the cable car station. Buying tickets in advance helps you save time and avoid waiting in line, especially during busy travel periods.
What is there to do at Ba Na Hills?
First of all, it is 100% worth the visit and yes, its always packed with crowds of tourists.
Ba Na Hills packs multiple experiences into one mountain resort. The Golden Bridge draws the biggest crowds with its dramatic stone hands holding up a walkway through the clouds. The French Village recreates European architecture with cobblestone streets, cafes, and colorful buildings that look transplanted from a small town in France. Fantasy Park sits indoors across multiple floors and offers arcade games, rides, and entertainment for families with kids.
For quieter moments, Linh Ung Pagoda provides a peaceful contrast to the busier areas. The pagoda sits among gardens and offers mountain views along with traditional Vietnamese Buddhist architecture. Le Jardin D’Amour gardens spread across terraced levels with seasonal flowers, sculptures, and photo spots. The Alpine Coaster gives thrill-seekers a chance to control their own speed down a winding track through the forest. Each area connects via pathways and smaller cable car lines, so you can move between different zones throughout your visit.
1. Golden Bridge (God’s hand bridge)
The Golden Bridge stretches 150 meters across a mountain valley, held up by two enormous stone hands that look weathered and ancient. These hands appear to belong to a giant reaching up from the earth below. The bridge sits at 1,400 meters elevation, which means you’re literally walking through the clouds on foggy days. The golden railings contrast beautifully against the green jungle backdrop and gray stone hands.
This spot gets packed with visitors taking photos, so arrive early morning for fewer crowds and better lighting. The bridge connects to walking paths on both sides where you can explore gardens and grab different angles for pictures. On clear days, you’ll see mountain ranges stretching toward Laos in the distance.
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2. French Village Bana Hills
The French Village recreates a European town complete with stone buildings, bell towers, and narrow cobblestone streets. Walking through feels like stepping into a small French commune from the early 1900s. The architecture mimics different styles you’d find across France, from Parisian apartments with green shutters to countryside villas with terracotta roofs.
A central square features a cathedral with stained glass windows and a clock tower that chimes on the hour. Small cafes and restaurants line the streets serving Vietnamese coffee alongside French pastries. The buildings house shops, hotels, and museums, so this isn’t just a photo backdrop but an actual functioning village. Cool mountain fog often drifts through the streets in the morning, adding to the European atmosphere. Most visitors spend an hour or two wandering through, taking photos, and grabbing a coffee at one of the outdoor terraces.
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3. Ba Na Hills Fantasy Park
Fantasy Park sits entirely indoors across multiple floors inside a massive castle-like building. The air conditioning provides relief from the heat and humidity outside. The park splits into different zones with arcade games, 3D cinema experiences, bumper cars, a climbing wall, and various rides designed for different age groups. Young kids enjoy the carousel and gentle rides on the lower floors while older visitors head to the gaming zones and simulator rides upstairs.
Some attractions require tokens or additional payment beyond your cable car ticket, so check prices before committing. The park gets crowded during peak hours, especially the most popular games and rides. Free-roaming games and photo opportunities fill the spaces between paid attractions.
Families typically spend two to three hours here, though you could easily kill half a day if the weather outside turns rainy. The indoor setting makes it a solid backup plan when fog or rain limits outdoor activities.
4. The Linh Ung Pagoda
Linh Ung Pagoda sits on one of the highest points in Ba Na Hills, offering mountain views from its courtyards and terraces. The pagoda follows traditional Vietnamese Buddhist architecture with tiered roofs, red pillars, and intricate carvings. A large white Buddha statue stands outside as the centerpiece, visible from various points around the resort. Inside, you’ll find altars with incense burning and locals who come to pray alongside tourists taking photos.
The pagoda grounds stay relatively quiet compared to the busier attractions like the Golden Bridge. Gardens surround the temple with bonsai trees and stone pathways leading to different prayer halls. Visitors should dress modestly here, covering shoulders and knees out of respect. Remove your shoes before entering the main halls. The pagoda doesn’t charge an entrance fee since it’s included in your cable car ticket. Early morning visits offer the most peaceful experience before tour groups arrive around midday.
5. Beer Plaza
Beer Plaza sits in the French Village area with outdoor seating that overlooks the mountains and valleys below. The venue serves draft beer, including local Vietnamese brews and some international options, along with snacks and light meals. Prices run higher than what you’d pay in Da Nang due to the mountain location and resort setting.
The plaza works well as a rest stop between exploring different areas of Ba Na Hills. Wooden tables and benches fill the outdoor terrace where you can sit with a cold beer and watch clouds drift past. The atmosphere stays casual and relaxed, especially in the late afternoon when the sun starts dropping.
Live music sometimes plays on weekends and holidays. If beer isn’t your thing, they also serve soft drinks, coffee, and juice. The venue gets busy during lunch hours when families stop for a break, so mid-afternoon offers better chances of snagging a good table with views.
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6. The Wax Museum of Ba Na Hills
The Wax Museum displays lifelike figures of celebrities, historical leaders, and cultural icons from Vietnam and around the world. You’ll find Vietnamese heroes like Ho Chi Minh alongside international figures like Einstein, Michael Jackson, and various movie stars. The museum charges a separate entrance fee beyond your cable car ticket, typically around 100,000-150,000 VND per person.
The figures are positioned in themed rooms where you can take photos posing next to them. Lighting and backdrops are set up specifically for pictures, which is the main draw here. Quality varies between figures, with some looking incredibly realistic while others appear less polished. The museum stays climate-controlled and makes a decent activity if you need a break from walking outdoors. Most people spend 30-45 minutes inside taking photos and moving through the exhibits. Kids often enjoy it more than adults, especially when they recognize characters from movies or sports figures they follow.
Ba Na Hills Food & Drink Options & Restaurants
Ba Na Hills offers diverse dining options spread across the resort, from casual cafes to sit-down restaurants. You’ll find Vietnamese staples like pho, banh mi, and bun cha at various food stalls and eateries throughout the French Village and main plaza areas. International options include pizza, pasta, burgers, and Asian fusion dishes at the larger restaurants.
Some standout treats worth trying include Mango Holic Ice Cream, a refreshing dessert perfect for cooling down between attractions. The crispy orange cake stands out as a local specialty with its sweet citrus flavor and crunchy texture. Grilled dishes prepared fresh at outdoor stalls fill the air with enticing aromas, especially around lunch hours.
Prices run higher than street food in Da Nang due to the mountain location. A basic meal costs 150,000-300,000 VND per person. Buffet options are available at certain restaurants if you want unlimited food. Craft beer from the Beer Plaza pairs well with Vietnamese barbecue. Bring extra cash since some smaller vendors don’t accept cards.
Ba Na Hills Weather Guide: Best Time to Visit in 2026
Ba Na Hills maintains a cooler climate year-round due to its elevation at 1,487 meters. Average temperatures hover around 17°C, which feels comfortable compared to Da Nang’s coastal heat. Summer months from May to August see temperatures reach 20-24°C at the summit, while winter drops to 10-15°C between December and February. Early mornings can feel quite cold, especially when wind picks up.
The best months to visit fall between March and May when weather conditions align perfectly. During this period, skies stay clearer with less fog, temperatures remain mild at 18-22°C, and the gardens burst with colorful flowers. The monsoon season runs from September through December, bringing heavy rain and thick fog that can block views and close outdoor attractions temporarily. January and February can be chilly but still offer good visibility.
Even during dry season, morning fog commonly rolls in and burns off by late morning. Pack layers regardless of when you visit since temperature swings happen throughout the day. The weather changes quickly at this altitude, so bringing a light rain jacket makes sense even outside monsoon months.
How to get to Ba Na Hills from Da Nang or Hoi An with kids?
Ba Na Hills sits about 25 kilometers west of Da Nang, which takes around 45-60 minute drive depending on traffic. From Hoi An, the distance extends to approximately 50-55 kilometers, taking around 90 minutes to two hours by car. Getting there requires some planning since public transportation options are limited. Here’s how most visitors make the trip (Tours are the most popular way to get there)
By Private Car or Taxi
The most straightforward option involves hiring a taxi or booking through the Grab app. Round-trip taxi fares from Da Nang typically run around 800,000-900,000 VND, though prices fluctuate based on waiting time and negotiation. From Hoi An, expect to pay 1,200,000-1,500,000 VND for a round trip. Private car services cost similar amounts but offer more comfort and flexibility with pickup times.
By Motorbike
Renting a motorbike in Da Nang and riding up works for confident riders. The route climbs through mountains on winding roads with steep sections and sharp turns. Traffic can get heavy on weekends when locals head up for day trips. Only attempt this if you’re comfortable handling a bike on mountain roads.
By Shuttle Bus
Ba Na Hills operates shuttle buses from Da Nang city center, departing hourly between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM. The journey takes around 50 minutes and costs significantly less than private transport, making it the budget-friendly choice for solo travelers or small groups without rental vehicles.
Bottom line: Ba Na Hill’s visitor guide
Ba Na Hills delivers a full day of experiences packed into one mountain resort. The Golden Bridge and French Village provide the iconic photo opportunities most visitors come for, while Fantasy Park keeps families entertained and Linh Ung Pagoda offers peaceful moments away from the crowds. Plan your trip between March and May for the best weather conditions with clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
Book your cable car tour, or plan it on your own in advance during peak season to skip long lines. Whether you’re coming from Da Nang or Hoi An, the journey up the mountain rewards you with cooler temperatures, stunning views, and enough activities to fill an entire day. Bring layers, charge your camera, and arrive early to make the most of your visit. Explore the unexplored by our northern Vietnam motorbike tours
About the author
Hamid is an experienced travel guide and rider who has explored Vietnam extensively. With years of guiding tourists across the country, he shares insider knowledge and practical tips to help visitors discover Vietnam’s hidden gems and popular destinations.
