Updated May 2023
The mountain-top resort of Ba Na Hills is like Vietnam’s Disneyland. A hill station and resort on top of a mountain, its replica of a medieval French village is a great day out for anyone who fancies a change from the Old Town and the beach.
You’ll find the 3-floor Sunworld Amusement Park alongside street performances, gardens, cafes and eateries. Add to this a climbing wall, dinosaur park and much more, all set within a fairytale wonderland of turrets. Combine a host of things to do with a mountain location and some of the best views you’ll find in the whole of Vietnam, and Ba Na Hills is a day out that’s not to be missed!
Where is Ba Na Hills?
The resort is in the Truong Song Mountains, with Da Nang the nearest city at around 40km away. Heading west, it forms the third point of an imaginary triangle stretching from Hoi An to Da Nang.
How Far is Ba Na Hills from Hoi An?
Ba Na Hills is around 62km from Hoi An, in a north-westerly direction. You can take a tour from either Hoi An or Da Nang, or make your own way there by motorbike or car.
How High is Ba Na Hills?
Ba Na Hills stretches up to 1487m above sea level. As access on foot is prohibitively long and quite arduous, cable car and the rail link are really the only sensible options.
Not only is the cable car ultra-convenient, the views are simply amazing and not to be missed. Plus, in this 20-minute ride you’ll get to experience the longest and highest cable car in the world at 5,801m in length!
How to Get to Ba Na Hills from Hoi An
Hoi An Tours to Ba Na Hills
It can be a little tricky to navigate your way to the attraction – which is why many tourists take a Ba Na Hills tour from Hoi An. You’ll also find plenty of day trips from Da Nang.
The organized tours usually include:
- Pick-up and return to Hoi An
- Park entrance fee
- An English-speaking guide
- Insurance
- Bottled water and lunch.
Ba Na Hills by Motorbike & Public Transport
If you’re making your own way there, you’ve a number of options. But be sure to leave early – this way you’ll stay ahead of the crowds and also give yourself ample time to enjoy the resort before setting off for home.
By Motorbike
The journey is pretty straightforward and the roads are largely good. So if you’re an experienced rider in Vietnam, this is a great option. When you reach the base, parking attendants will direct you towards the covered – and free! – parking lot.
By Taxi or Private Car
A metered taxi is around 700,000 VND one-way (90 minutes). But if you’re just doing a day trip from Hoi An, you’re better off negotiating a flat rate with a private driver – including driver waiting time. Private drivers are quoting around 500,000 VND one-way and 800,000 VND return (including 4 hours waiting time) with a little extra for a 7-seater. For larger groups or two families traveling together a great option is a 16-seater which is 700,000 VND one-way and 1,100,000 VND return. Overall a private car for most is the fastest and most convenient way and the best value for money too.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
Ba Na Hills is best avoided at the height of the rainy season (October/November), although if you’re lucky enough to catch a dry day, you may well enjoy smaller crowds.
February and March are generally a little quieter than the summer months, with crowds beginning to swell from April onwards. But don’t let that put you off – an early start is all it takes to make the most of the day.
Whenever you go, remember that you’ll be climbing high above sea level, so you might be leaving a sweltering climate behind for one that feels almost chilly – even at the height of summer. Make sure to pack an extra layer or two, plus some rain gear if necessary, so you won’t get any nasty surprises once you emerge from your cable car.
And, as the magical photos from Tán Thị Thu Nguyệt on this page show, cloudy days can sometimes add a fairytale feel.
How to Buy Tickets to Ba Na Hills
You can purchase tickets for Ba Na Hills through the official website, travel agencies, or at the ticket booth on-site.
To purchase tickets online, you can visit the official Ba Na Hills website, select the ticket type and date, and complete the transaction using a credit card or other online payment methods.
Alternatively, you can also purchase tickets through third-party travel agencies that offer tours to Ba Na Hills which may include transportation to and from the park.
Finally, you can purchase tickets at the ticket booth on-site, but be prepared to wait in line during peak season. It’s recommended to book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment and ensure availability.
Price: 900,000 VND adults (over 1.4 meters); 750,000 VND kids (between 1-1.4 meters). Kids under 1 meter free. Combo including buffet lunch 1,190,000 (adults); 910,000 (kids). Price includes cable car, Fantasy Park, Golden Bridge and Moon Castle (Wax Museum and some games with prizes excluded)
See https://banahills.sunworld.vn/en/ticket-information/ for the most up-to-date information.
The Cable Car to Ba Na Hills
The cable car ride to Ba Na Hills is an exhilarating journey that takes around 20 minutes to reach the top of the mountain from the base station.
Offering a stunning, sweeping panorama of the majestic, rugged countryside and forests, the Ba Na Hills cable car is one of the longest cable car rides in the world, covering a distance of 5.8 kilometers.
Cabins have aircon and are roomy, each taking up to eight passengers.
The Funicular Railway to Ba Na Hills
The Funicular Railway connects the base of the mountain to the hill station atop, allowing visitors to transit easily without the need to take the cable car.
The train ride is an enjoyable way to explore the scenic beauty of Da Nang, including sites such as waterfalls, streams, and lush forests. The journey takes around 15 minutes one-way, and the ride can be enjoyed in peace and comfort, thanks to the train’s spacious cabins.
The Funicular Railway is the first and only mountain train system in Vietnam.
The train runs at regular intervals, allowing visitors to explore the mountain’s upper regions and enjoy the scenic beauty of the district. It’s an exciting and unique way to experience the beauty of Ba Na Hills, and it’s a must-try attraction for visitors who enjoy train trips and scenic views.
Top Things to do at Ba Na Hills
The Golden Bridge, Ba Na Hills
The Golden Bridge is one of the most popular attractions at Ba Na Hills. It is located on the mountaintop and offers a stunning view of the surrounding countryside. The bridge is 150 meters long and is ‘held up’ by two giant hands that appear to be made of stone. The hands give the bridge a unique appearance, almost like it was a gift from the gods. Visitors can walk along the bridge and take in the breathtaking view of the mountains and dense forests. It’s a great spot for photography enthusiasts, who can capture some incredible shots with the backdrop of the countryside. The Golden Bridge when illuminated at night is a dazzling sight to behold.
The French Village, Ba Na Hills
The French Village is a popular attraction at Ba Na Hills, transporting visitors back in time to the medieval era of France. The village is designed like an old French town and has a beautiful central square featuring colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. The architecture of the French village is reminiscent of the French Renaissance period, with several buildings preserved in their original form.
While touring the village, visitors can check out the Notre Dame Cathedral, a replica of the famous Parisian cathedral, and the La Promenade shopping street where they can find various boutiques and local vendors. The village also features several cafes and restaurants serving authentic French cuisine.
The Fantasy Park, Ba Na Hills
The Fantasy Park is an extensive indoor amusement center, featuring a range of exciting rides and games including roller coasters, bumper cars, arcade games, and 3D cinema experiences. It also features a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.
A fun feature of the park is the dinosaur adventure zone, where visitors can interact with life-size animatronic dinosaurs. There’s also the highest indoor climbing wall in Vietnam.
Ba Na Hills’ Fantasy Park features Vietnam’s largest indoor video arcade which is engrossing for kids and grown-up kids alike. And don’t miss the Drop Tower, if you’ve got the stomach for it!
The Wax Museum, Ba Na Hills
The Wax Museum at Ba Na Hills is a popular attraction for visitors who are interested in celebrities and history. Visitors can experience close encounters with around 50 meticulously crafted wax figures of almost life-like appearance. Among the famous personalities featured in the Wax Museum are Barack Obama, David Beckham, Mick Jagger and Vietnam’s former president, Ho Chi Minh.
Closes at 7pm and not included in general tickets.
The Flower Garden, Ba Na Hills
The Flower Garden at Ba Na Hills is a beautiful attraction known for its vibrant and colorful floral displays. Covering an area of over 4000 square meters the Flower Garden is home to a vast variety including tulips, daisies, and hydrangeas. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the garden and appreciate its imaginative design featuring colorful murals and life-size statues.
It’s one of the many photogenic sites at Ba Na Hills, and at night, the garden is tastefully illuminated, creating a romantic ambience.
The Linh Ung Pagoda, Ba Na Hills
The Linh Ung Pagoda is a significant religious site located within the Ba Na Hills complex. Considered one of the most important spiritual sites in Da Nang, Vietnam., the site features a 27-meter-tall statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, which can be seen from miles away.
Visitors can climb the steps to the pagoda and explore the beautiful grounds, which are filled with intricate Buddhist artwork, statues, and carvings. The peaceful and serene atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for meditation and reflection.
The pagoda also offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lush greenery. The site is well maintained by the Buddhist monks on-site, who are always willing to share the history and significance of the pagoda with visitors.
Debay Wine Cellar, Ba Na Hills
The Debay Wine Cellar, Ba Na Hills was built by the French in the early 20th century and refurbished to include a wine cellar in 2009. Located at the foot of the Ba Na Hills complex, the Debay Wine Cellar features a rich collection of wines from around the world.
Visitors can take a tour of the cellar, learn about the winemaking process, and sample some of the wines on display. The cellar spans an area of 1000 square meters and houses over 4000 bottles of wine, making it one of the largest wine cellars in Vietnam.
The underground cellar has a constant temperature of 16-20 degrees Celsius, preserving the wine collections.
The Alpine Coasters, Ba Na Hills
The alpine coaster is a type of ride that combines the speed and excitement of a roller coaster with the thrill of a mountain sled ride. The coaster track is located on the slopes of the mountain, providing scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
Each outdoor alpine coaster car is equipped with a brake lever, allowing riders to control their speed and enjoy the ride at their own pace. The coaster track stretches over 3 kilometers, winding through valleys and around the mountain.
Safety measures are in place, including seat belts, helmets, and detailed instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.
Tinh Tam Garden
The Tinh Tam Garden – literally the ‘heart joy’ garden – is calming and serene. It is designed to be a place of tranquility and peace, ideal for those seeking to unwind and relax.
The garden features a variety of plants and flowers, including bonsai trees, decorative rock formations, and a small pond complete with a bridge. Its centerpiece is a beautiful lotus pool, that is surrounded by flower beds and shaded benches.
The Tinh Tam Garden is designed in a traditional Vietnamese style, with simple elegance and natural beauty. It’s one of the quieter and less crowded attractions at Ba Na Hills, making it perfect for visitors looking to escape the crowds and find a peaceful retreat.
Le Jardin D’Amour
Le Jardin d’amour is divided into several sections, each with its own unique features. Visitors can explore the statue garden featuring sculptures of angels, cherubs, and cupids or admire the beautiful rose garden with different varieties of roses in exquisite shapes and colors.
The garden features a central heart-shaped lake, edged by a circular walking path.
Accommodation at Ba Na Hills
One of the most popular hotels is the Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills. The hotel is part of the traditional French village, complete with charming architecture, restaurant, and swimming pool. The rooms are spacious and elegantly designed, with modern amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs.
Staying overnight at the top of the mountain allows visitors to experience the unique atmosphere of Ba Na Hills after the visitors are gone for the day. Visitors can also enjoy the park’s attractions when it is less crowded, take in the stunning views of the city at night, and enjoy early morning walks in the fresh mountain air before others arrive.
Ba Na Hills History
Even if you’ve never heard the name ‘Ba Na Hills’, it’s likely you’ve seen an image of it somewhere – perhaps one of the giant’s hands holding a golden bridge, or the gigantic seated Buddha.
But long before the selfie queens and the insta-snappers appeared, Ba Na Hills has been welcoming guests – from as far back as 1919, in fact. The region was used by French colonialists as a hill station to which they could retreat during the warmer months.
Back then, the resort included hundreds of villas and restaurants, most of which were destroyed during the wars of independence. The theme park you see today is an entirely modern phenomenon.
Frequently Asked Questions
20 minutes
Ba Na Hills has one of the most famous cable cars on the planet. It is also an extensive replica French village with beautiful gardens, and is world famous for its Golden Bridge which is seemingly supported by the ‘hands of God’. Its massive amusement park is also a huge drawcard.
A day is enough (6 hours) but if you stay overnight you can experience early morning and after dark away from the crowds
Sun Group
It is named after the nearby area which was famous for its banana plants
In 1919, the former hillside town was built by French colonists to escape the heat of Da Nang and sorrounding areas. There were over 200 villas at one time that enjoyed stunning views over the South China Sea.
Early morning or late afternoon and stay the night
As Ba Na Hills is high above sea level make sure to pack an extra layer or two, plus some rain gear if necessary, so you won’t get any nasty surprises once you emerge from your cable car. This is particularly so if you visit in the evening.
February, March and April are generally a little quieter than the summer months, and thus good options if you want to avoid the crowds. The crowds aside, Ba Na Hills is fabulous getaway on the hot summer days of June, July and August. Avoid the wetter months -September to January.
Other Great Day Trips
Other great day trips in the Hoi An – Da Nang area include My Son Sanctuary, Monkey Mountain, Lady Buddha and the Marble Mountains.
