Things to do in Ba Na Hills

Ba Na Hills, located on Nui Chua Mountain in Da Nang, is a stunning resort that draws numerous visitors from both Vietnam and around the globe. The area enjoys a cool and pleasant climate, ideal for sightseeing and relaxation. The name Ba Na translates to my mountain, originating from the Katu language spoken by local residents who belonged to a small minority group before French colonization.

In 1919, the French established Ba Na Hills as a hill station. Over the years, Sun World Corporation transformed it into a vibrant tourist complex and resort. Today, visitors can admire its impressive French architecture while enjoying various entertainment options available at the site.

Top 10 things to do in Ba Na Hills

1. Stroll Across the Iconic Golden Bridge

Opened in 2018, the Golden Bridge quickly gained fame even before its official debut. It links Marseille station to Le Jardin station in France and has been hailed by Time Magazine as one of the most stunning landscape bridges globally. What really sets it apart is its extraordinary design, featuring two enormous stone hands draped in moss that appear to support the bridge. From this vantage point, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Da Nang City, making it an unforgettable sight.

2. Explore the French Village at Ba Na Hills

With its charming medieval French architecture and remnants of colonial history, this village feels like a slice of Europe right in Vietnam. The area boasts a lively square complete with a fountain, church, restaurants, shops, and hotels—all reflecting a quintessential French lifestyle. The refreshing mountain air adds to the European vibe, while street performers bring energy and entertainment to the streets; you can even snap some fun photos with them! If you're considering an overnight stay, you can easily book a room at Mercure French Village Hotel online and soak up the enchanting atmosphere both day and night.

3. Discover Le Jardin D'Amour – The French Garden

Nestled near Linh Ung Pagoda and the impressive giant Buddha as well as Debay wine cellar on Ba Na Hills' lower slopes lies this beautiful garden. A quick funicular ride will take you there! However, don’t think of it as just one garden; it's actually a complex made up of nine distinct gardens that showcase exquisite European design alongside vibrant flowers and botanical artistry—a true masterpiece waiting for you to explore!

4. Visit Linh Ung Pagoda

Linh Ung Pagoda and the Giant Buddha Statue are both situated close to the garden, offering a stunning panoramic view where clouds seem to float like a sea. The impressive Buddha statue stands out as the most iconic feature of this area and is easily visible from the gardens. Right in front of the pagoda, there's a pine tree mentioned in Vietnam's Red Book, highlighting its significance and preciousness.

5. Debay Wine Cellar

The Debay Wine Cellar Ba Na Hills, which dates back to the French colonial era in the 19th century, is around 100 years old. This unique wine cellar is carved nearly 100 meters into the Ba Na mountains, maintaining a cool temperature between 16 to 20 degrees Celsius year-round. It's constructed using litsea cubeba resin, a material found exclusively in this region. Wine enthusiasts should definitely check it out since it offers some of the finest wines from around the globe.

6. Wax Museum

A trip to the Wax Museum is a fantastic experience! Here you'll find lifelike figures of renowned personalities and celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Lady Gaga, Queen Elizabeth II, Michael Jordan, Messi, Obama, and many others. It's an ideal spot for fans to express their admiration for these icons while snapping some memorable photos.

7. Cable Car

If you’re looking for some thrills with breathtaking views of mountains at high speed, hop on the Alpine Coaster! It can reach speeds up to 40 km/h as it glides through Chua Mountain Forest and Ba Na Hills—perfect for an exhilarating ride before heading over to Fantasy Park!

8. Fantasy Park

Fantasy Park Ba Na Hills draws inspiration from classics like Journey to the Center of the Earth and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. It's packed with exciting and adrenaline-pumping rides. If you're looking to unwind, hop on some thrilling attractions with your family. Make sure to check out the drop tower that soars 29 meters high for breathtaking views of the entire park. Don’t miss out on the 4D Death Race and the 5D cinema experience—they're highlights you won’t want to skip!

9. Tru Vu Tra Quan Tea House

Nestled atop a cool hill, this tea house offers a cozy spot to savor tea while enjoying stunning landscapes in refreshing weather. The decor features Japanese-inspired elements like square tables and cushions, while the architecture reflects traditional northern Vietnamese styles.

10. Events and Festivals at Ba Na Hills

When planning your visit, consider timing it with some local events and festivals happening throughout the year in different areas of Ba Na Hills. Here’s what you can look forward to:

- Flower Festival (February - September)

- Carnival (April - September)

- Wine Festival (May)

- Beer Festival (June - September)

- Halloween Festival (October)

- Winter Festival during Christmas break

How to get to Ba Na Hills

From Hue to Ba Na Hills

Ba Na Hills is roughly 120 kilometers from Hue, and the best way to get there is by car or motorbike. The journey by private car from Hue to Ba Na Hills takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. You can hire a private car, book a taxi, or join a tour group that offers transportation. If you prefer to ride a motorbike, the scenic Hai Van Pass is a great route to take, offering incredible views along the coast. Although it’s a bit longer by motorbike, around 3 to 4 hours, the drive is enjoyable for those who love adventure. Alternatively, you can take a bus or train from Hue to Da Nang and then continue by taxi or shuttle from Da Nang to Ba Na Hills.

From Da Nang to Ba Na Hills

Ba Na Hills is the closest to Da Nang, making the trip relatively easy and quick. You can reach Ba Na Hills in about 45 minutes by car or taxi. Many hotels in Da Nang also offer shuttle services directly to Ba Na Hills. If you prefer public transportation, buses from Da Nang’s central bus station can take you near the Ba Na Hills entrance, but this option is less direct and will require a short taxi ride at the end. Motorbike rental is another popular option, especially for those who want to enjoy the scenic route to Ba Na Hills.

From Hoi An to Ba Na Hills

The distance from Hoi An to Ba Na Hills is around 70 kilometers, and the best way to get there is by car, taxi, or private shuttle, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. There are also organized tours from Hoi An that include both transportation and entrance tickets to Ba Na Hills. If you are feeling adventurous, renting a motorbike is also an option, but be prepared for a longer and slightly more challenging ride through traffic and mountain roads. Another option is to take a bus from Hoi An to Da Nang and then transfer to a shuttle or taxi to Ba Na Hills.

Regardless of where you start your journey, Ba Na Hills is worth the trip for its stunning landscapes, cool mountain air, and amazing attractions.