Nestled in the lush greenery of Da Nang, Ba Na Hills stands as a captivating retreat offering a blend of natural beauty and man-made wonders. Perched atop the Truong Son Mountains, this hill station beckons travelers with its cool climate, stunning landscapes and an array of attractions that promise an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Go:
The best time to visit Ba Na Hills is during the dry season, which typically spans from March to September. During these months, you can expect clear skies and pleasant weather, ideal for exploring the outdoor attractions and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. However, do keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season, so be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices. If you prefer fewer tourists and don’t mind the occasional rain shower, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of October to February.
How to get there?
1. Public Bus: traveling to Ba Na Hills by public bus is a budget-friendly option, especially for solo travelers or those looking to immerse themselves in the local experience. From Da Nang city center, you can catch a local bus to the Ba Na Cable Car Station, where you will embark on a scenic cable car ride up to the hills. Be aware that this will take around 1 to 2 hours.
2. Taxi: for a more convenient and comfortable journey, consider taking a taxi from Da Nang to Ba Na Hills, Grab is a great app to book your ride. This option is ideal for small groups or families with children, as it offers door-to-door service and eliminates the hassle of navigating public transportation. The journey by taxi takes around 1 hour.
3. Guided Tour: joining a guided tour to Ba Na Hills is another great option. Experienced guides will take care of all the logistics, from transportation to ticket reservations, allowing you to focus on enjoying the attractions. Plus, you will gain valuable insights into the history and culture of the region as you explore Ba Na Hills with a knowledgeable local guide. We leave you here a link to book your spot in a guided tour.
Things to See:
While the iconic Golden Bridge may steal the spotlight, Ba Na Hills is home to a plethora of other attractions waiting to be discovered:
1. French Village: step back in time as you wander through the charming streets of the French Village, adorned with quaint European-style buildings, cobblestone pathways and vibrant gardens. Indulge in delicious French cuisine, shop for souvenirs or simply soak in the romantic ambiance.
2. Fantasy Park: adventure awaits at the Fantasy Park, where thrill-seekers can enjoy a variety of rides and attractions, including roller coasters, bumper cars and 4D cinemas. With entertainment options for all ages, it’s the perfect place for family fun and adrenaline-pumping adventures.
3. Linh Ung Pagoda: pay homage to the towering statue of the Goddess of Mercy at Linh Ung Pagoda, one of the largest Buddhist sanctuaries in Da Nang. Set against a backdrop of lush greenery and panoramic views, this sacred site offers a serene atmosphere for reflection and spiritual contemplation.
4. Debay Wine Cellar: unwind with a glass of locally-produced wine at the Debay Wine Cellar, situated within the heart of Ba Na Hills. Take a guided tour of the underground cellar, where you will learn about the winemaking process and sample a selection of exquisite wines amidst a rustic ambiance.
5. Hiking Trails: lace up your hiking boots and explore the natural beauty of Ba Na Hills on foot, with scenic trails winding through pristine forests, cascading waterfalls and picturesque viewpoints. Whether you are a seasoned trekker or a leisurely stroller, there is a hiking route suited to your pace and preferences.
Types of Tickets:
When you purchase the “Cable Car Ticket” it grants you access to Ba Na Hills and to the cable car that will take you up. Once you arrive at the top, you can move around the different areas that this place offers like: the French Village, Fantasy Park, Linh Ung Pagoda, Debay Wine Cellar and hiking trails. Some attractions within Ba Na Hills may require separate tickets for entry, such as rides at Fantasy Park or guided tours of the wine cellar. Be sure to check the availability and pricing of these tickets in advance to plan your visit accordingly!
1. Cable Car Ticket: this ticket grants you access from 7:45 to 15:00 to Ba Na Hills and the cable car ride to ascend to the hill station, allowing exploration of attractions like the French Village, Fantasy Park, Linh Ung Pagoda, Debay Wine Cellar, and hiking trails.
2. Cable Car Ticket + Buffet Lunch: includes the cable car ride and access to the complex, along with a buffet lunch at one of the dining venues within the park from 10:00 to 15:00.
3. Cable Car Ticket + Buffet Lunch + Shuttle Bus/Private Car: offers the complete package with a cable car ride, access to the complex, buffet lunch and transportation via shuttle bus or private car for added convenience.
4. Ba Na Hills by Night (15:00 – 22:00) + Buffet Dinner + Shuttle Bus: provides an evening experience with access to Ba Na Hills from late afternoon to evening, including a buffet dinner and shuttle bus transportation for a memorable nighttime adventure.
You can book these ticket packages online to save time and money, avoiding queues at the counter upon arrival. Booking your tickets in advance here offers a 5% discount off the official prices. Secure your tickets online and prepare for an unforgettable journey through Ba Na Hills.
How do I get to the Golden Bridge?
There are several cable car stations that service the enormous area of the Ba Na Hills; the one you need to aim for is the Hoi An Station, which takes you directly to the Golden Bridge. If you want to enjoy this bridge without that many people, we highly advise you to be one of the first entering the cable car when it opens at 7:30.
Recommended Itinerary for Ba Na Hills:
Hope in the Cable Car at Hoi An Station. Visit the Golden Bridge, Love Garden and Wine Cellar, plus the Linh Ung Pagoda. After that go to Bordeaux Station to hop on the next cable car to Louver Station, here you will visit the French Village, the Spiritual Zone and the Fantasy Park, plus we highly recommend you to go on the Alpine Coaster! To go back take the cable car in the L’indochine Station, so you have the chance to ride the longest cable in the world on your way down (5.801m).
Other important information about Ba Na Hills:
- The cable car operates continuously from 7:45 to 22:00 every day.
- Make sure to purchase your tickets online, if not you will definitely have to queue for a long time.
- Ba Na Hills is very cool and windy at the peak, so bring with you a light coat or jacket.
- If you are going with a Grab, you can talk to the driver to wait for you at the entrance until 15:00, if the price is good we recommend you to go with this option since sometimes can be a bit difficult to get a Grab to go back to Da Nang.
- You can stay the night in Ba Na Hills, when you book your accommodation with Mercure Da Nang Ba Na Hills, this hotel is located in the French Village. It’s a great retreat plus you will have the chance to explore Ba Na Hills early and with less people. The ticket for the cable car also comes at a discount when you have your accommodation in the park. You can book your room here for with a 20% discount!
Our opinion of Ba Na Hills:
We really enjoyed our time in Ba Na Hills! We took a Grab to get there since the tours don’t arrive that early. As we where one of the first to enter, we got the chance to experience the Golden Bridge without any people, so we highly recommend to wake up early, it’s worth it! As for the rest of the park it has beautiful walks along the Love Garden, French Village and the Spiritual Zone. Also, you can’t miss the Fantasy Park, since it has a lot of rides and attractions included with the entrance ticket, if you go during the lunch hours the lines will be very short. To finish the visit we highly recommend you to go on the Alpine Coaster, it’s so much fun and you have one ride included with the entrance ticket! The day ticket goes from 7:45 until 15:00, to see all the areas with time you will need to be at least at 8:30 there.
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