By aussiematesvietnam Step Back in Time at Ba Na Hills French Village
G’day, fellow wanderers! Aussie Mates here with Tracy by my side, ready to share one of Vietnam’s most unique attractions. After spending nearly two decades in this beautiful country, we’ve uncovered countless gems, but Ba Na Hills French Village stands out as something truly special. Nestled in the mountains near Da Nang, this architectural marvel transports visitors to a quaint European town without leaving Vietnam. So grab a cuppa, settle in, and let me walk you through this remarkable destination that’s becoming increasingly popular with Aussie travellers.
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What Exactly Is Ba Na Hills French Village?
For those unfamiliar with this attraction, Ba Na Hills is a mountain resort complex located about 35km west of Da Nang in central Vietnam. Sitting at 1,500 metres above sea level, it features several distinct areas, but the crown jewel is undoubtedly the French Village. This meticulously designed area replicates a medieval French town, complete with Gothic-style architecture, cobblestone streets, and a town square that looks like it’s been plucked straight from a European fairy tale.
Developed by Sun Group, one of Vietnam’s premier tourism developers, the French Village opened in 2014 and has since become a must-visit destination for tourists seeking something different from Vietnam’s typical offerings. The entire complex pays homage to French colonial architecture, which is fitting considering Vietnam’s historical French influences during the colonial era from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s.
Tracy and I first visited in 2015, and blimey, were we gobsmacked! The attention to detail is remarkable – from the Gothic-inspired cathedral to the quaint little shops and cafes that line the streets. It’s like being teleported to a small French town, complete with the cool mountain air that’s a welcome relief from Vietnam’s tropical heat.
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Getting There: The Journey Is Half the Fun
Part of the Ba Na Hills experience is the journey itself. To reach the French Village, you’ll need to take what was once the world’s longest single cable car. This 5.8km cable car ride offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and jungle below. As you ascend nearly 1,300 metres, you’ll have plenty of time to snap photos and marvel at the lush landscape.
Tracy, who’s not too keen on heights, was initially a bit hesitant about the cable car. But even she couldn’t help but be awed by the spectacular scenery. The cable car system is a remarkable feat of engineering, gliding smoothly above the canopy while offering 360-degree views of the mountains.
A bit of useful advice from an old hand: try to visit on a weekday if possible. Weekends can get incredibly busy with local tourists, particularly during Vietnamese holidays. Also, consider arriving early in the morning to beat both the crowds and the potential afternoon mist that sometimes obscures the views.
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Architectural Marvels: A Stroll Through Medieval France
Once you’ve arrived and set foot in the French Village, you’ll immediately feel like you’ve been transported to another continent. The cobblestone streets wind between impressive stone buildings, each one showcasing classic Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. The centrepiece is undoubtedly the Saint Denis Cathedral, a scaled-down replica of its Parisian namesake.
The Square is where most of the action happens – a central plaza surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and shops. Here you’ll find street performers, musicians, and sometimes seasonal decorations that enhance the European atmosphere. Tracy particularly loves the flower arrangements that adorn many of the buildings, adding splashes of colour to the otherwise stone-dominated landscape.
What impresses me the most is the commitment to authenticity. The developers didn’t cut corners – they imported materials and consulted with architectural experts to ensure the buildings reflected true European design principles. Even the interior of the cathedral features intricate stained glass windows and Gothic arches that would make you swear you were in France, not Vietnam.
Beyond the Architecture: Activities in the French Village
The French Village isn’t just about admiring buildings – there’s plenty to do to fill a full day’s visit. One of the most popular attractions is the Wax Museum, featuring lifelike figures of Vietnamese and international celebrities, historical figures, and characters. It’s no Madame Tussauds, but it’s still good for a laugh and some photos.
For those interested in Vietnamese heritage, the Wine Cellar offers tastings of locally-produced wines, including some interesting rice and fruit varieties. Being an Aussie with a healthy appreciation for a good drop, I was sceptical at first, but some of these wines are genuinely worth trying.
One of our favourite activities is simply people-watching from one of the many cafes while enjoying a pastry and coffee. There’s something quintessentially European about this leisurely pastime, and the setting couldn’t be more perfect for it. Many of the restaurants serve a mix of Vietnamese and European cuisine, allowing you to enjoy French onion soup in the morning and a bowl of pho in the afternoon if you fancy.
[IMAGE:french-village-cafe]
The Golden Bridge: A Modern Wonder
While not strictly part of the French Village, no visit to Ba Na Hills is complete without seeing the Golden Bridge (Cau Vang). This architectural marvel, which opened in 2018, has quickly become an international sensation. The 150-metre pedestrian bridge appears to be held aloft by two giant stone hands rising from the mountainside.
Walking across this bridge offers not only spectacular views of the surrounding mountains but also a truly unique photo opportunity. Tracy and I have visited numerous times with friends and family from back home, and it never fails to impress. The contrast between the ancient-looking stone hands and the sleek golden bridge creates a surreal, almost fantasy-like scene.
A word of warning though, mates – this is possibly the most photographed spot in all of central Vietnam. If you want that perfect shot without hundreds of other tourists in the frame, you’ll need to arrive very early or be extremely patient. But trust me, it’s worth the effort.
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Weather Considerations: Be Prepared
One thing that often surprises first-time visitors is the weather at Ba Na Hills. Being 1,500 metres above sea level means it’s typically 10-15 degrees cooler than Da Nang or Hoi An. While this makes it a refreshing escape during Vietnam’s scorching summer months, it can also mean unexpected chilliness if you’re not prepared.
Tracy and I always recommend bringing a light jacket or sweater, even if it’s sweltering down at sea level. The weather can also change quickly – a sunny morning can turn into a misty afternoon with limited visibility. This atmospheric fog can add a mystical quality to the French Village, but it might obscure some of the panoramic views from the cable car or Golden Bridge.
The ideal time to visit is during the dry season (February to May) when you’re most likely to have clear skies. The autumn months (September to November) can also offer good weather, though with a higher chance of mist and light rain.
Accommodation: Making It an Overnight Experience
While many visitors experience Ba Na Hills as a day trip from Da Nang, there’s actually accommodation available if you want to extend your stay. The Mercure Ba Na Hills French Village is a 4-star hotel that maintains the French theming throughout its 494 rooms.
Staying overnight offers a unique advantage – you’ll experience the French Village after the day-trippers have departed. Tracy and I splurged on an overnight stay for our anniversary a few years back, and we were treated to a magical evening experience. The buildings are beautifully lit at night, and there’s often evening entertainment in the Square that day visitors miss out on.
The morning after, we enjoyed early access to attractions before the cable cars brought up the crowds. Watching the sun rise over the mountains from the Golden Bridge with just a handful of other guests was truly special – worth every dong of the somewhat premium price tag.
[IMAGE:night-view-french-village]
Practical Tips from Long-Time Expats
Having visited Ba Na Hills numerous times over the years, Tracy and I have gathered some insider tips that might help make your visit smoother:
- Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid queues at the cable car station.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes – you’ll be covering a lot of ground on cobblestone streets.
- Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid the local weekend crowds.
- If you’re on a tight schedule, prioritize the French Village and Golden Bridge – these are the true highlights.
- Check the weather forecast before going, but remember that mountain weather can be unpredictable.
- Bring some extra layers – the temperature difference between Da Nang and Ba Na Hills can be surprising.
- The all-inclusive ticket includes attractions and some buffet meals, which offers good value if you plan to spend the full day.
Is It Worth the Visit?
I often get asked by fellow Aussies whether Ba Na Hills is worth including in their Vietnam itinerary, especially given the entrance fee (around 800,000 VND or approximately $50 AUD per person as of my last visit). My answer is always a resounding “yes” – with a few caveats.
If you’re primarily interested in experiencing “authentic” Vietnam, then Ba Na Hills might feel a bit like a detour from that goal. It’s unabashedly a purpose-built tourist attraction rather than an organic cultural site. However, if you approach it as a unique entertainment complex with spectacular mountain views and impressive architecture, you won’t be disappointed.
Tracy puts it well when she says it’s “Vietnam’s answer to Disneyland, but with a French twist.” It’s fantasy, it’s escapism, but it’s done with such commitment to detail that you can’t help but be impressed. And the cable car journey alone offers views that rival many natural attractions throughout Southeast Asia.
Conclusion: A Surreal But Worthwhile Experience
Ba Na Hills French Village represents Vietnam’s growing tourism ambitions and capabilities. It’s a fantasy version of France nestled in the mountains of central Vietnam, offering a surreal but undeniably enjoyable experience. While it may not provide deep insights into Vietnamese culture, it showcases the country’s ability to create world-class tourism attractions that appeal to international visitors.
For Australian travellers, particularly those who might find Vietnam’s heat and bustle challenging at times, Ba Na Hills offers a comfortable, cooler alternative that still provides stunning views and unique photo opportunities. The chance to experience a slice of Europe while in Southeast Asia creates an interesting juxtaposition that makes for great travel stories back home.
After nearly two decades in Vietnam, Tracy and I still find ourselves returning to Ba Na Hills with visiting friends and family. There’s something genuinely magical about watching their faces as they step into this unexpected world – a French village in the clouds of Vietnam. If that’s not worth the price of admission, I don’t know what is.
Until next time, mates – happy travels!
– Aussie Mates