Ba Na Hills Vietnam: What to Know Before You Go (And How to Love It)

I’ll be honest — I was on the fence about visiting Ba Na Hills.

Crowds are my worst nightmare, I’m not in it for the Instagram photos, and I assumed it would be packed with tons of kids. However I did want to see the architecture, as well as ride the cable car, so I figured I may as well go.

Thankfully, it ended up being one of my favorite days in Vietnam!

I got there right when it opened, quickly took the bridge pics, and luckily, the crowds didn’t follow me. Everyone was gathered around the Golden Bridge trying to get their perfect hand photo, while the rest of the park stayed peaceful for nearly two hours.

I visited on a Friday in February and the weather was gorgeous. I found myself wandering quiet stone streets and enjoying the views without the usual chaos.

After lunch (and two liters of beer) at the German Beer Garden, that’s when the park was very crowded.

Not sure if I was just lucky, but hopefully if you follow my guide, you will also have an enjoyable day at Ba Na Hills!

What is Ba Na Hills?

Ba Na Hills is a mountaintop resort and entertainment complex located in the Truong Son Mountains, about 35 kilometers southwest of Da Nang, Vietnam.

Originally established as a French hill station in 1919, it was revived and transformed into a modern attraction by the Sun Group, a major Vietnamese developer.

The current version of Ba Na Hills officially opened in 2009 after several years of construction. It took roughly four years to build the initial stages of the resort, which included the cable car system, French Village, and Fantasy Park.

Since then, more features have been added, including the iconic Golden Bridge, which opened in 2018 and quickly became an international sensation.

Ba Na Hills combines historical inspiration with futuristic touches. It’s designed to offer a little bit of everything — scenic beauty, cultural architecture, family-friendly entertainment, and unexpected moments like craft beer on a mountaintop.

How to Get to Ba Na Hills Vietnam

Ba Na Hills is about 35 kilometers north of Da Nang, which means about an hour by car depending on traffic. You have a few options to get there:

Private car: Expect to pay around 600,000 VND (about $25 USD) for a round trip. Drivers typically wait for you while you explore, which is super convenient. This is the option I did and it was worth the money. You can book a car through your accommodations.

Grab (ride-hailing app): Slightly cheaper if you’re lucky, however getting home can be a challenge and there will be a lack of drivers in the area.

Tour groups: These are available from Da Nang and Hoi An. Tours are convenient but often feel rushed, and you’ll likely not arrive when it opens. Check out this option here.

Best Time of Day to Visit Ba Na Hills

Be at the base of the mountain, where the shuttle buses and cars drop everyone off, by 7:30 AM at the latest.

The shuttle buses will start to bring people to the cable cars and they will allow you to board. The cable car takes about 20-25 minutes to get up the mountain.

By the time you reach the top, the park will be open, typically 8 am.

Weather can be unpredictable. Early mornings often come with thick fog that hides everything — even the Golden Bridge. I was lucky and the fog was gone by 8:10 am.

The fog usually dissipates by noon and the crowds die down after 3 pm.

You can also visit the entire park and then return to the Golden Bridge in the afternoon. Just keep in mind it may be really hot depending on the time of year.

How Much Time Do You Need at Ba Na Hills?

That depends on you and who you are traveling with.

When I went it was just me and my partner, so we quickly took pictures on the Golden Hand Bridge, wandered the otherwise empty park until about 11 am, and then had lunch at the beer garden, and were done by 2 pm.

If you have children with you, or if you want to visit the wax museum, ride the alpine coasters, and do the wine tour, then you need a full day.

Tickets and Hours

• Opening hours: 8 AM to 5:30 PM (may extend during holidays or high season)
• Ticket price: About 900,000 VND (~$36 USD) for adults
• Includes: Round-trip cable car, Fantasy Park access, Golden Bridge, French Village, and gardens
• Kids under 1 meter tall enter free
• Discounted rates for children (1m–1.4m) and seniors

Buy tickets online in advance. It saves time, and some platforms offer bundled deals or small discounts.

You can also book a tour, and they will handle all of the logistics for you. I just didn’t book a tour this time, as I wanted to make sure we were at the mountain base by 7:30 am.

How to Get Up to Ba Na Hills

Once you arrive at the base station, shuttle buses will take you to the gondolas. You’ll need to then take a series of gondolas to reach different sections of the mountaintop resort.

There are five cable car lines in total. Some go directly to the Golden Bridge (depending on the time of day), and others take you up toward the French Village or Fantasy Park.

The rides themselves are smooth, scenic, and long enough to take in sweeping mountain views. The longest ride can take up to 25 minutes, so allow time for it in your schedule.

Staff will guide you at the station if you’re unsure which line to take.

What to Do at Ba Na Hills

Once you enter with your mobile or paper ticket, you will see stands with maps in multiple languages.

Some travelers said that the map was useless however I found it really helpful, as you can tell by all the creases!

There are three different areas of the park, Land of the Moon, Land of the Sun, and Land of the Earth. Each section has different architecture and areas to explore.

Here are a few highlights of what the park offers:

Golden Bridge (Hand Bridge)

This iconic bridge is held up by two giant hands and stretches 150 meters across the mountaintop.

Crowds gather quickly, so go straight here when you arrive. If you’re lucky with clear skies, you’ll get breathtaking views of the surrounding forest and mountains.

By mid-morning, the bridge turns into a people parade, so the earlier, the better. Even at 8 AM, I couldn’t get a clear shot without a few people in the way.

French Village (Restaurants and Shops)

This area is where the Instagrammers can go crazy once again for pictures. Think gothic-style churches, romantic squares, and stone buildings with colorful shutters.

Live performances, fountain shows, and street musicians keep the area lively. Stop for a coffee or baguette and soak in the whimsical setting.

There are also cute photo spots tucked into alleyways that are easy to miss if you’re rushing.

Fantasy Park (Rides and Games)

This massive indoor amusement zone is perfect for families or anyone who loves arcade games, thrill rides, and quirky attractions.

There’s a 3D cinema, a few 4D experiences, a drop tower, bumper cars, and even a dinosaur exhibit. Best part? It’s included in your ticket.

If it rains or gets super windy, this is a good place to hang out and have fun indoors.

Yes, the attractions were a little cheesy for two adults over 35, however, it was still nice to walk around in the AC for a bit and play some arcade games.

The German Beer Hall (An Active Brewery)

Yes, you can have freshly brewed beer on a mountaintop in Vietnam. After exploring the park for two hours, this is where I spent the rest of my day.

So, if beer is your thing, then yes, Ba Na Hills is worth visiting!

Beer Plaza serves craft brews made on-site, with a full Bavarian-style vibe — wooden tables, long benches, and live folk music.

Liters of beer can be purchased for approximately $10 USD. Pair your beer with grilled sausages, pretzels, or pork knuckles.

The staff often put on festive dance shows which just add to the lively atmosphere.

When I arrived at the front entrance of the park, we received two free beer tickets. Once we watched how the beer is made, we could then redeem the tickets for a 4 oz beer. Hopefully, they offer them when you visit!

Restaurants and Bakeries

Food options at Ba Na Hills were like any theme park. Overpriced with Western and Asian options but most of the seating was indoors to escape the wind or heat.

Here are just a few options for dining:

• La Lavande Bakery offers buttery croissants, fruit tarts, and decent espresso — a perfect morning stop.
• Arapang Restaurant has an enormous buffet with everything from Vietnamese pho to pizza, sushi, and desserts. It has 70 international dishes and can accommodate up to 4,000 diners, so no reservation is required.
• Le Jardin Restaurant feels a bit more upscale and peaceful. It has panoramic views and great pasta dishes if you want a sit-down meal.

There are a few street carts scattered around the French Village also— grilled meats, fresh fruit, and sweet snacks are offered.

Reservations are generally not required for most restaurants at Ba Na Hills, as many operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

However, L’Étable, the sole French à la carte restaurant in the French Village, recommends reservations due to its specialized menu crafted by Head Chef Janne Ollikainen and its specific operating hours from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM. ​

Are All Attractions Included in My Ticket?

No, there are a few experiences that cost extra.

While your Ba Na Hills ticket covers many attractions, some experiences require an additional fee. Here’s a breakdown:​

• Alpine Coaster: 70,000 VND (approximately $3 USD) per ride. There are three routes, the longest one takes about 5 minutes.
• Wax Museum: 100,000 VND (approximately $4 USD) per entry.
• Debay Wine Cellar Tour: Price varies on how many tastings; see the pic above for rates.
• Skill Games at Fantasy Park: Prices vary per game; tokens can be purchased inside the park.​

Please note that these prices are subject to change. It’s advisable to check the latest rates before your visit.​

Tips for Beating the Crowds

If you’re not a fan of long lines and chaotic crowds, use these strategies to enjoy a more relaxed visit:

• Arrive before 8AM to get on the Cable Car — this is your best bet for short lines and quiet views.
• Head straight to the Golden Bridge — it gets crowded very fast.
• Visit on a weekday — Mondays and Tuesdays are often the quietest.
• Stay until closing — around 5:30 PM or 6 PM depending on the season. Late afternoon light is beautiful and the crowds thin.

Morning fog can be heavy, but don’t panic. Hang out nearby and check back around noon. Often, you’ll get a clearer second chance.

What to Wear and Bring

The weather at Ba Na Hills changes fast — warm at the base, cool or chilly up top.

• Layered clothing is essential. A light jacket or sweater keeps you comfortable.
• Comfortable walking shoes — you’ll be on your feet a lot.
• Sunscreen and a hat even if it’s overcast.
• Portable charger — your phone will be working overtime on photos and videos.
• Small umbrella or raincoat in case of sudden showers.

There are places to sit and rest, but not many shady spots. Staying comfortable makes a big difference.

Check out my full packing guide which includes my favorite items!

What are the Facilities Like at Ba Na Hills?

The entire park was extremely clean, there were trash cans every few feet.

Bathrooms can be found in almost every corner of each area of the park. They were easy to find, spotless, and accessible.

Are There Hotels at Ba Na Hills?

Yes, Ba Na Hills offers a few accommodation options, making it possible to stay overnight and enjoy a quieter, more immersive experience.

I saw several people dragging their suitcases around the park, so if you do plan to stay, make sure the hotel can come help you with your bag.

Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills

This 4-star hotel sits right in the heart of the French Village. Styled after a 19th-century European town, the Mercure offers charming Gothic architecture, cozy rooms, and incredible views. See rates for the Mercure Ba Na Hills Resort here.

Ebisu Onsen Resort

Located about 5 kilometers from Ba Na Hills, this resort offers a peaceful escape with Japanese-style hot springs. The resort includes onsen baths, spa treatments, and modern amenities in a more tranquil setting. See rates for the Ebisu Resort here.

Getting Home From Ba Na Hills

This will depend on how you arrive. If you take a tour, your guide will show you where to exit.

If you took a Grab to arrive, you can try to call one to pick you up but you may be waiting a really long time.

For me, since I took a private car, it was a little trickier trying to find my driver.

Near the Beer Garden, there is the Ga Tainga Station exit with a sign that reads: “To Da Nang”. Get in line to take the gondola to the mountain base. This area is usually crowded.

Once you are off the gondola follow the crowd to the parking lot and then hope your driver has a sign for you. Make sure you save his or her number BEFORE entering the park so it’s easier to find each other.

Is Ba Na Hills Worth it?

If you’re still on the fence about Ba Na Hills, I totally get it — I was too. But my visit ended up being one of the highlights of my Vietnam trip. The key is going early, planning ahead, and keeping your expectations balanced.

Sure, it’s a tourist destination. But it’s also stunning, quirky, and unexpectedly fun. Wandering misty mountaintop streets in near silence, sipping craft beer with new friends, and hopping on scenic cable cars? That’s my kind of travel day.

If you follow the tips I’ve laid out — especially the early start — you can avoid most of the crowds and enjoy the park at its best.

Whether you’re in it for the architecture, a bit of theme park fun, or just that photo on the Golden Bridge, Ba Na Hills is worth visiting during your Vietnam itinerary!

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