Ba Na Hills is a must-visit destination in Da Nang, famous for its stunning views and diverse attractions. With a mix of natural beauty, entertainment, and cultural sites, it offers a unique experience for every traveler. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know for your visit to Ba Na Hills, including transportation, accommodation, prices, dining, and activities… Let’s dive in!1. General Introduction to Ba Na Hills
Located more than 1,400 meters above sea level, Ba Na Hills is one of the must-visit destinations when traveling to Da Nang. Nicknamed “a heavenly paradise on earth”, this place impresses visitors with its cool climate all year round, majestic natural landscapes, and a dreamy atmosphere often enveloped in mist and clouds.
Featuring European-inspired architecture harmoniously blended with Eastern cultural elements, Ba Na Hills is both an ideal retreat and an exciting entertainment complex offering a wide range of fun activities. Today, Ba Na Hills attracts millions of visitors each year, becoming an iconic destination that represents the charm of the livable city of Da Nang.
The name “Ba Na” dates back to the French colonial era, when French explorers discovered that this area was home to many banana trees. They named it “Banane,” the French word for banana. Over time, the Vietnamese pronunciation shifted to “Bà Nà,” and the name has remained ever since.
With its dreamy natural scenery and fresh, cool climate, Ba Na Hills is a year-round favorite for travelers. However, the best time to visit is between April and October. During these months, Ba Na offers the unique experience of “four seasons in a day,” and clearer skies allow you to fully admire its fairytale-like landscapes without the usual morning mist.
In addition, Ba Na Hills is also famous for its lively festivals and events, often held during holidays and special occasions. During these times, the resort becomes even more vibrant with dazzling decorations and a joyful, festive atmosphere. That’s why Ba Na Hills remains one of the must-visit destinations in Da Nang.
To get to Ba Na Hills, you can choose a transportation option that suits your needs from downtown Da Nang. It’s located about 35km (22 miles) southwest of the city. If you travel by motorbike, it takes around 30 minutes. The route is scenic and enjoyable - perfect for sightseeing along the way.
Popular options include:
- Motorbike rental: Great for solo travelers or small groups who love a bit of adventure. Prices range from $3 – $8 USD/day.
- Private car: Ideal for families with kids or elderly members. A 4–7 seat car costs about $28 – $40 USD/day.
- Taxi: One-way fare is around $14 – $18 USD, and round trip fares are about $20 – $24 USD.
Source: Sun World Bana Hills Da Nang
Sun World Ba Na Hills has provided a detailed map to help visitors easily navigate and find attractions within the park. You can view the official map here: https://sunworld.vn/banahills/ban-do
When you visit Ba Na Hills, you will be amazed by the unique and iconic structures. These are also the spots where many stunning check-in photos are created, which you definitely can't miss:
Time Gate:
The Time Gate at Ba Na, designed by Belgium's Dragone company, combines Hue Imperial architecture with natural elements like water, mist, and light. Its large clock face with sun and moon motifs creates a stunning visual effect. It marks the beginning of a journey into the world of Giants, where stories of the Sun and Moon Kingdoms await.
Spanning 60,000m², the Nhat Thuc Square is divided into three main areas: the plaza, retail zone, and restaurant area. It offers the best experiences found in major squares around the world.
Key highlights include:
- A garden with 20 sculptures of famous Greek goddesses.
- A giant glass pyramid inspired by the Louvre Museum in France.
- Two Renaissance-style corridors with 59 stone pillars and murals depicting the sky and universe.
- Marble flooring and walls from Egypt and India.
Designed by TA Landscape Architecture, the Golden Bridge stretches 150 meters in length and 12.8 meters in width. Its standout feature is the pair of giant, weathered hands covered in moss that emerge from the mountainside, supporting the bridge and creating a breathtaking, almost mythical scene. The bridge is the only path leading from the Marseille cable car station to the Heavenly Garden.
Since its debut, the Golden Bridge has gained global fame, featured by major media and winning top tourism awards like the "World's Leading Tourist Attraction" (2019–2023) and The Guide Awards 2018.
Nestled on Mount Chúa, Le Jardin D’Amour is a 21,000m² garden with 9 themed sections, featuring tulips, lavender, hydrangeas, and more. It's a peaceful spot for strolls, photo ops, and vibrant flower festivals held annually at Sun World Ba Na Hills.
The French Village spans 45,300 m², featuring 32 buildings across 7 zones inspired by grand French castles. With classic cafés, restaurants, and hotels, it offers a charming, fairytale-like setting for check-ins and exploration of iconic architecture like St. Denis Cathedral, Chateau de Chenonceau, and the old town of Brittany.
Built by the French in 1923, the Debay Wine Cellar is carved deep into Ba Na Mountain, maintaining a cool 16–20°C ideal for storing oak-barrelled wine. Visitors can enjoy wine exhibitions, tastings, try on vintage European aristocratic costumes, and savor fine wines paired with grilled meats.
Opened in May 2022, the Moon Castle impresses with its majestic Gothic architecture. Spanning 3.8 hectares, it features fascinating zones for exploration and photos, including the grand Dragon Cave, the ancient Power Wolf Den, and the vast Moonlight Square—home to epic kingdom battles.
The Sun God Waterfall was crafted over 6,000 hours by world-renowned sculptors from the Frilli Gallery and Susan Leyland. Inspired by Greek mythology, this 8-ton bronze masterpiece features 43 statues of gods like Apollo, Bacchus, and Venus in dynamic poses. The highlight is the central statue of Helios riding a golden chariot drawn by five majestic horses, arranged down cascading steps to resemble a glowing waterfall enhanced by lights and water effects.
When it comes to What’s at Ba Na Hills?, one cannot miss the ideal entertainment spots featuring a wide range of exciting attractions, offering visitors a one-of-a-kind experience in Vietnam.
Fantasy Park is an indoor amusement area covering 21,000 square meters, with over 100 games of various types. Visitors can enjoy thrilling activities such as a 29-meter free fall tower, Skiver pilot ride, bumper cars, rock climbing, and more.
This is one of the most popular attractions at Sun World Ba Na Hills. Visitors can steer their own coaster as it winds around the mountainside, taking in the breathtaking views of Ba Na’s majestic forests and the pointed rooftops of ancient, fairytale-like castles in the distance.
The Magic Flying Swing features a giant double spiral with a tilted rotating top and sturdy chains connecting the seats. This thrilling ride gives visitors an adrenaline-pumping experience as they "fly" at high altitudes, spinning at high speeds nearly parallel to the ground.
At the Airship Cinema "Flying Eyes," visitors will sit in a moving vehicle that simulates the flight movements of a bird, allowing them to "fly" through space and admire famous landmarks and wonders of the world.
The Heavenly Horse Ferris Wheel takes visitors back to their childhood on the backs of Roman horses and exquisite chariots, accompanied by soothing and uplifting music. The ride is designed with a double carousel, making it perfect for families and groups of friends to relax, chat, and enjoy together.
Recreating the vibrant atmosphere of European fairs from half a century ago, the European Fair at Ba Na Hills offers visitors a lively entertainment space with six game booths featuring exciting prizes and a variety of food stalls from around the world.
Ba Na Hills is not only famous for its lively year-round festival atmosphere, but when asked "What is there at Ba Na?", one cannot forget its spiritual land, a "sacred place" that attracts many visitors to worship and explore Vietnamese cultural beliefs through the following iconic landmarks:
Linh Ung Pagoda Ba Na
Linh Ung Pagoda Ba Na is one of the "Three Linh Ung Pagodas" in Da Nang. Located at an altitude of over 1,400 meters, the pagoda features ancient architecture and is renowned for its 27-meter-high statue of Buddha Shakyamuni meditating amidst the clouds, which is both sacred and mystical.
Linh Chua Linh Tu Temple is located at the top of Ba Na, standing out with traditional Vietnamese architecture, featuring red tile roofs and intricately carved beams and columns. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess of the Forest, and it attracts many visitors who come to worship and pray for peace and safety.
Standing out with the traditional architecture of Northern Vietnam, Tru Vu Tea House is designed as a tranquil space for tea tasting, featuring low wooden tables and chairs, soothing meditative music, and a picturesque natural setting. This place offers visitors a sense of calm and serenity, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
The Ba Temple in Ba Na Hills has a long history and has witnessed many periods of intense warfare in Vietnam. The temple is dedicated to a female deity known as Đức Bà. According to legend, “Bà” is the saint who blesses people with favorable weather, peaceful lives, and protects them while they venture into the mountains and forests.
The Stele House is designed like an ancient resting pavilion with a gracefully curved roof and intricate carvings. At the center of the structure stands a 1.8-meter-high four-sided stele, recording the rare and romantic landscapes of Ba Na Hills. This is an ideal place for visitors to rest and enjoy the scenery after a long pilgrimage through the spiritual landmarks.
The Bell Tower is built in the traditional Vietnamese Buddhist architecture with multiple levels in a square shape. The top level houses a one-ton bronze bell, cast in one piece and intricately carved. When the bell tolls, the spiritual atmosphere at the peak of Ba Na Hills becomes even more serene and sacred, providing a sense of calm and tranquility for those who come to pay their respects.
Ba Na Hills is renowned as a land of year-round festivals. It’s always bustling with lively celebrations and vibrant events, creating a dynamic cultural and artistic atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor.
Time: February to March annually
Visiting Ba Na Hills between February and March, travelers will be immersed in a fragrant and colorful world of tulips. Pink, red, yellow, white, and orange tulips bloom in full glory. As the largest tulip festival in the country, the event stretches from the central square to the flower gardens, Mo Stream, and Lovebird Garden. These areas become a grand stage for breathtaking tulip displays that delight visitors with artistic floral performances.
The Grand B’estival Beer Festival
Time: May to September annually. If you miss the flower festival, don’t worry - there’s another equally exciting event from May to September: the massive B’estival Beer Festival.
Right in the heart of Ba Na Hills, visitors can enjoy the flavors of 25 renowned beer brands from Germany. The refreshing taste of beer combined with lively music ensures an unforgettable experience for independent travelers exploring Ba Na Hills.
Time: May to September annually.
The Carnival Parade is held year-round, bringing a festive, party-like atmosphere to Ba Na Hills. Through the charming old streets, you’ll be amazed by artistic performances such as singing, stilt walking, circus acts, and magic shows - all by professional international dancers. The carnival is filled with seasonal flowers, tantalizing food aromas from local restaurants, and cheerful music echoing throughout the hills. With ever-changing themes each year, this festival promises memorable emotions and experiences for all who attend.
Time: May annually. This is one of the most iconic and anticipated festivals at Ba Na Hills.
During the wine festival season, Ba Na transforms into a genuine winemaking village. Visitors can sample complimentary glasses of wine and even take part in the winemaking process—from start to finish - before tasting the final product they helped create. In addition, there are numerous other exciting artistic performances and activities to enjoy.
Time: September to October annually.
Halloween is no stranger to Westerners - and at Ba Na Hills, it’s a must-have celebration atop Mount Chua. Each year, Halloween is reimagined with a unique theme and captivating appeal. If you visit Ba Na during this time, you’ll get to experience a true Halloween atmosphere, complete with spooky fairy tales, horror movie-inspired sets, and electrifying performances by international artists. Don’t miss the whimsical pumpkins, ranging from tomato-sized minis to massive giants weighing dozens of kilos, scattered across harvest carts, farms, garden corners, and shops - perfect for photo ops!
Time: November to December annually.
As the New Year approaches, Ba Na Hills becomes a miniature Western wonderland. During this festive season, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the joyous spirit of the Winter Festival, making it the perfect year-end getaway.
Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills is the only hotel located at the top of Ba Na. The hotel spans a total area of 6 hectares and consists of 7 buildings in classic Gothic style. Mercure Danang is a 5-star hotel offering 461 rooms across 9 room categories, along with a wide range of luxurious amenities, including:
While it's not mandatory, booking your cable car and entrance tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons or holidays, can help you save time waiting in line.
It usually takes around 6 to 8 hours to fully explore Bà Nà Hills. You’ll need at least a full day to enjoy most of what the destination has to offer. Including travel and leisure time, your visit may take around 8 to 10 hours in total. That’s why most visitors choose to go in the morning and return in the late afternoon.
Yes, Ba Na Hills offers tour guide services in various languages, including English and French. You can inquire at the information desk or book in advance through travel agencies.
Book your tickets in advance (especially during peak seasons and weekends): This helps you avoid long lines at the entrance and ensures you get a cable car slot. Tickets can be purchased online via the official Sun World Ba Na Hills website or through reputable travel agencies.
Check the weather forecast: The weather at Ba Na Hills can change quickly throughout the day. Checking the forecast in advance will help you dress appropriately.
From the iconic Golden Bridge to the serene French Village and vibrant year-round festivals, Ba Na Hills truly offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and world-class entertainment. Whether you're an adventure-seeker, a nature lover, or simply looking for a refreshing retreat above the clouds, Ba Na Hills is a destination that deserves a spot on every traveler’s bucket list.
Make the most of your journey by planning ahead, arriving early, and taking time to explore every magical corner of this mountaintop wonderland. Let Ba Na Hills be the highlight of your Da Nang adventure. For those looking to dive deeper into Vietnam’s wonders beyond Ba Na Hills, we offer a variety of unforgettable itineraries. Explore these carefully crafted tours and make the most of your visit:
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