By aussiematesvietnam Experience the Magic of Sun World Ba Na Hills: A Slice of French Paradise in Vietnam
G’day fellow travel enthusiasts! Aussie Mates here with Tracy, bringing you another cracker of a destination from our adopted home in Vietnam. Today, I’m taking you on a journey to what I reckon is one of the most surreal attractions in all of Southeast Asia – Sun World Ba Na Hills. After calling Vietnam home for nearly 20 years, Tracy and I have visited this magical mountain retreat countless times, and crikey, it never gets old!
Imagine this: you’re soaring above lush jungle canopy in the world’s longest cable car, then suddenly a French colonial village appears on a mountaintop, complete with a medieval castle, stunning gardens, and that famous Golden Bridge held by two massive stone hands. Sounds like something out of a fantasy novel, doesn’t it? Well, mates, it’s all real, and it’s just 40 kilometers west of Da Nang.
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Whether you’re a first-timer to Vietnam or returning for another go, Ba Na Hills deserves a spot on your itinerary. So grab a cuppa, settle in, and let me walk you through everything you need to know about this remarkable destination.
The History: From French Hill Station to Fantasy Land
Ba Na Hills wasn’t always the tourist wonderland it is today. Back in 1919, the French colonists established it as a hill station – a mountain retreat where they could escape the sweltering coastal heat. They built elegant villas, planted gardens, and created their own little piece of Europe high above the Vietnamese jungle.
After the French departed, Ba Na fell into disrepair for decades. Then in 2009, the Sun Group (a major Vietnamese developer) began transforming it into what Tracy calls “Disneyland meets Mont Saint-Michel with a Vietnamese twist.” The cable car system opened first, breaking multiple world records, followed by hotels, restaurants, gardens, and attractions that have continued expanding ever since.
When we first visited back in 2010, it was nowhere near as developed as it is now. Tracy and I watched in amazement as each year brought something new. The crowning jewel came in 2018 with the opening of the Golden Bridge (Cau Vang), which instantly became an international sensation and Vietnam’s most Instagrammed spot.
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Getting There: The Journey Upward
Half the fun of Ba Na Hills is simply getting there. From Da Nang, it’s about a 40-minute drive to the base station. I recommend either hiring a private car (about 400,000 VND each way, roughly $25 AUD) or joining a tour if you’re not keen on navigating Vietnamese traffic. If you’re staying in Hoi An, add another 30 minutes to your journey.
Once you arrive at the base, prepare for the cable car ride of your life. The main line stretches nearly 5.5 kilometers and rises 1,400 meters in elevation. As Tracy always says, “It’s worth the price of admission just for this ride!” The views of the mountains, forests, and waterfalls below are absolutely gobsmacking. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Da Nang and the coastline.
Pro tip from an old hand: arrive early (before 9am) to beat both the heat and the crowds, especially during peak season. Tracy and I usually aim to be on one of the first cable cars up the mountain, which gives us a couple of peaceful hours before the tour groups arrive.
The Golden Bridge: Those Famous Hands
Let’s start with the main attraction that put Ba Na Hills on the global map – the Golden Bridge. Opened in 2018, this 150-meter pedestrian walkway appears to be held aloft by two enormous stone hands emerging from the mountainside. It’s designed to look like a golden thread plucked from the sky by a mountain god.
The first time Tracy and I saw it, we were absolutely gobsmacked. I remember saying to her, “Crikey, this makes the Sydney Harbour Bridge look ordinary!” That might be a bit of an overstatement (sorry, Sydney), but the visual impact is truly something else.
The bridge connects the cable car station with the Le Jardin D’Amour gardens, and offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It’s beautiful at any time of day, but if you catch it early morning when mist is swirling around the hands, it’s downright magical.
Fair warning though, mates – everyone wants their photo here. Patience is key, or visit during early morning or evening hours when there’s a bit more elbow room. Tracy’s developed a knack for finding the perfect camera angles that make it look like we have the place to ourselves, even on busy days!
[IMAGE:golden-bridge-mist]
French Village: Europe in the Clouds
After crossing the Golden Bridge, you’ll find yourself transported to a picturesque French colonial village that looks like it’s been plucked straight from the Gothic quarters of Europe. The attention to detail is remarkable – cobblestone streets, Gothic architecture, a replica of Notre Dame cathedral, and a medieval square complete with fountain.
Tracy and I love wandering through the narrow streets, popping into the Saint Denis church (a smaller replica of its Parisian counterpart), and admiring the architecture. There’s something wonderfully surreal about sipping a cappuccino in a French-style café while gazing out at the Vietnamese jungle below.
The village is home to numerous restaurants, souvenir shops, and interactive museums. My personal favorite is the wax museum, which features surprisingly good replicas of celebrities and historical figures. Tracy always gives a cheeky wave to the Hugh Jackman figure – a bit of Aussie solidarity thousands of kilometers from home!
Fantasy Park: Fun for the Young at Heart
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “I’m a bit long in the tooth for theme parks.” But trust me, Fantasy Park is a ripper, even for us boomers. This three-story indoor amusement arcade is housed inside a castle-like structure and offers a welcome respite from the weather, be it too hot, too cold, or rainy.
Inside, you’ll find dozens of arcade games, 3D and 4D theaters, and virtual reality experiences. Tracy’s favorite is the drop tower (she’s braver than me), while I prefer the vintage carousel and the immersive 4D cinema. There are also a few gentle rides that won’t throw your back out – though I did once challenge a group of local teenagers to a bumper car showdown. Let’s just say the old man still has some moves!
All rides and attractions inside Fantasy Park are included in your entrance ticket to Ba Na Hills, which makes it excellent value compared to many other theme parks where you’re constantly reaching for your wallet.
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Gardens and Spiritual Sites
For a change of pace, the Le Jardin D’Amour (Garden of Love) offers nine differently themed gardens to explore. Tracy particularly loves the Mythical Garden with its Greek-inspired statues and the Memory Garden with its vibrant roses. These meticulously maintained gardens provide perfect spots for a peaceful stroll and some cracking photo opportunities.
Ba Na Hills also houses several spiritual sites. The most impressive is Linh Ung Pagoda, featuring a 27-meter-tall Buddha statue that overlooks the mountains. There’s also a Confucian temple where you might spot locals making offerings. These spiritual elements provide a lovely Vietnamese counterbalance to all the European-inspired architecture.
After nearly two decades in Vietnam, Tracy and I have developed a deep appreciation for how the country blends ancient traditions with modern attractions. Ba Na Hills exemplifies this perfectly – one moment you’re in a replica French village, the next you’re offering incense at a traditional Buddhist shrine.
Dining Options: From Bánh Mì to Beer Halls
You won’t go hungry at Ba Na Hills – the place is chock-a-block with dining options ranging from quick Vietnamese street food to fancy international restaurants. The Beer Plaza, modeled after a German beer hall complete with long communal tables and Bavarian-inspired decor, is a personal favorite of mine. Nothing beats a cold beer after walking around in the Vietnam heat!
For something more upscale, Le Bistro serves decent French cuisine with impressive mountain views. But if you’re after authentic Vietnamese food, head to Noodle House for some proper local dishes that won’t break the bank.
Tracy and I usually pack some snacks (the adventurer in us never fully disappears), but we make a tradition of having lunch at the Beer Plaza. Their roast pork knuckle with sauerkraut washed down with a cold beer is a combination that can’t be beat – especially when you’re sitting 1,400 meters above sea level!
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Weather Considerations: Be Prepared
One thing that often catches visitors off guard is the weather at Ba Na Hills. Being high in the mountains means it can be significantly cooler than Da Nang or Hoi An – sometimes by 10 degrees Celsius or more.
Tracy always reminds me to throw a light jacket or jumper in the backpack, even on days when it’s scorching at sea level. The mountain can also generate its own weather patterns, with mist and clouds rolling in unexpectedly. While this creates some spectacular photo opportunities, it can get chilly in a heartbeat.
The best weather is typically from February to April and September to October. Summer months (May to August) can be hot but often bring afternoon thunderstorms. November to January can be quite cool and misty – atmospheric, but bring warm clothing!
Practical Tips for Fellow Aussie Travelers
- Entrance tickets cost around 850,000 VND (approximately $55 AUD) for adults, which includes the cable car rides and all attractions except arcade games.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes – you’ll be on your feet most of the day on cobblestone streets and garden paths.
- Consider staying overnight at one of the mountain hotels to experience Ba Na Hills after the day-trippers leave. The Mercure is our top pick.
- The Alpine Coaster is a hoot! It’s like a bobsled you control yourself, winding down through the forest.
- If you’re not great with heights, the cable car might be challenging, but the staff are excellent at helping nervous riders.
- Most staff speak enough English to assist with basic needs, but having a translation app handy doesn’t hurt.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
After countless visits over the years, Tracy and I still include Ba Na Hills in our itinerary whenever friends or family visit us in Vietnam. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s artificial. But bloomin’ heck, it’s also spectacularly creative and unlike anywhere else on earth!
Is it “authentic Vietnam”? Not really, but it’s authentically contemporary Vietnam – a symbol of the country’s ambition, creativity, and impressive development. Plus, the sheer audacity of building a French village atop a jungle mountain and connecting it with record-breaking cable cars deserves respect.
For Aussie travelers looking to experience something truly unique during their Vietnam adventure, Ba Na Hills delivers in spades. It offers a perfect break from temple-hopping and beach-lounging, especially if you’re traveling with multiple generations or people with different interests.
As Tracy and I often tell our visitors: “Vietnam is a country of contrasts and surprises. Embrace the unexpected, and you’ll have the time of your life.” Ba Na Hills might be the most unexpected delight of all.
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Until next time, mates – keep exploring, keep being surprised, and don’t forget to pack a light jumper even in tropical Vietnam!
Cheers,
Aussie Mates & Tracy