Is Ba Na Hills worth visiting or should you skip it? This is a question that is frequently asked by visitors to Hoi An and Da Nang in Central Vietnam.
In fact, it is a question we asked ourselves and it was not until our fourth trip to the region that we finally visited this popular Vietnamese tourist attraction. Since then, we have fallen in love with Ba Na Hills, and we hope you will too.
Imagine looking out over spectacular views of the mountains and Da Nang coastline from the Golden Hand Bridge. Discover a world of wonder as you walk amid the castles and cobble stoned streets of the French Village.
- What is Ba Na Hills?
- Getting to Ba Na Hills
- Transport to Ba Na Hills from Da Nang & Hoi An
- Ba Na Hills Cable Car Station & Entry Tickets
- Stay Overnight at Ba Na Hills
- Ba Na Hills Highlights – Worth It For These Alone
- Ba Na Hills Downsides
- Who Should Visit Ba Na Hills
- Final Verdict – Is Ba Na Hills Worth Visiting?
What is Ba Na Hills?
A major factor in deciding if Ba Na Hills is worth visiting, is understanding what it is. Although Ba Na Hills has its roots in French colonial times, it is not a cultural or historic site.
While it retains its French flavour, the Ba Na Hills of today is a lively medieval inspired theme park and mountain resort.
What you will find at Ba Na Hills:
- A theme park and mountain resort
- Ba Na Hills is not a cultural site
- Ba Na Hills is built for tourism
If you enjoy history and cultural tourism Ba Na Hills may not be for you. Alternatively, the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Hoi An Ancient Town and the My Son Sanctuary may be a better fit for your travel plans.
Originally theme parks were not really our style, and it was one of the reasons it took so long for us to visit. From the moment we arrived we fell under the spell of Ba Na Hills, a place suitable for people of all ages.
Getting to Ba Na Hills
There are a few different options for getting to Ba Na Hills. When planning your trip, keep in mind that it is a 45-to-60-minute drive from the centre of Da Nang to the Ba Na Hills cable car station. Hoi An to Ba Na Hills cable car station is roughly a 60-to-90-minute drive depending on traffic.
*Top Tip
It is important to book your trip to Ba Na Hills well in advance as it is a much-loved tourist destination. Tours, transport, cable car and entry tickets sell out quickly, especially on weekends and public holidays.
Transport to Ba Na Hills from Da Nang & Hoi An
Most people visiting the region choose to take a Ba Na Hills tour. This is the easiest choice as it includes transport, cable car and entrance fees into Ba Na Hills.
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Take a Ba Na Hills Shuttle Bus
If you like to travel independently, you can share a shuttle bus to Ba Na Hills from Hoi An or Da Nang.
View full details and availability for the Shuttle bus
Private transfers to Ba Na Hills
Relax in airconditioned comfort with a private transfer to Ba Na Hills from either Da Nang or Hoi An.
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Ba Na Hills Cable Car Station & Entry Tickets
Once you arrive at the cable car station you will need to buy a ticket for the cable car and entry into Ba Na Hills. The cable car takes around 30 minutes to make the journey up the mountain to the French Village.
The cable car gently glides over rugged mountain terrain and peaceful waterfalls. As you get higher the silence makes way for the boisterous hum of insects and the occasional whisp of mountain mist.
Find tickets for the cable car and Ba Na Hills entry here
Stay Overnight at Ba Na Hills
Of course, the best option is to stay overnight at the Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills. This allows you to beat the crowds and take in the spectacular beauty of sunrise on the Golden Bridge.
Find accommodation at Ba Na Hills
Ba Na Hills Highlights – Worth It For These Alone
We love all the excitement of Ba Na Hills. We have visited on three separate occasions and are still in awe of an attraction that continues to evolve and grow.
The adventure begins with a half hour cable car journey up the mountain. From the cable car you will see dense mountain forests, trickling waterfalls and sometimes be shrouded in a thick cooling mist.
Cobbled streets guide you through this charming French village. Throughout the day live entertainment can be found within the town square, cathedral and Beer Plaza.
Wind your way past medieval castles, colourful gardens and fountains. Take the cable car down to the famous Golden Bridge or stop for lunch in one of the many restaurants and cafes that line the streets.
What you will see at Ba Na Hills:
- Golden Bridge
- Cable Car
- French Village & Castles
- Alpine Coaster
- Live Entertainment
- Fantasy Park (Children’s games and rides)
Is Ba Na Hills Worth Visiting for Families?
If you are adventurous a ride on Ba Na Hills famous Alpine Coaster is an absolute must. Get ready for a day of family fun in the indoor Fantasy Park which has a selection of family friendly rides and games.
Ba Na Hills Downsides
As much as we love Ba Na Hills it does have its downsides particularly if you do not like crowds or theme parks in general.
This is especially true around the Golden Bridge, a famous Vietnamese tourist attraction. The Golden Bridge is supported by two giant hands and overlooks views across the surrounding mountains and the coastline of Da Nang.
One way to beat the crowds is to stay overnight at the Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills. This allows you to see the beautifully lit facades of the French Village by night and watch the sunrise on the Golden Bridge without the crowds.
The Disadvantages of Ba Na Hills:
- Crowds (especially on the Golden Bridge)
- Artificial feel
- Expensive food
- Foggy Weather (no views)
Is Ba Na Hills Worth Visiting for Dining?
Although Ba Na Hills has a host of Vietnamese and International dining options, the price of food can be expensive compared to other locations in Vietnam. This aligns with most theme parks across the world, but it is something you should consider if you are on a budget.
Is Ba Na Hills Worth Visiting for Weather?
Ba Na Hills is renowned for its foggy weather. Fog usually comes and goes throughout the day often leaving sunny weather and a refreshing cooler climate.
Who Should Visit Ba Na Hills
If you are a theme park lover Ba Na Hills is the perfect place for you. Whether you are travelling solo, as a couple or family Ba Na Hills will charm you will its varying array of attractions.
Ba Na Hills is for:
- Families & theme park lovers
- Not for culture-focused travellers
- Not suitable for short itineraries
Is Ba Na Hills Worth Visiting on a Short Stay in Vietnam?
If it is your first visit to Vietnam and you are on a short time frame, I would skip Ba Na Hills and put it on an itinerary for your next visit to Central Vietnam.
Alternatives For First Time Travellers
- Hoi An Ancient Town
- Marble Mountains
- Hai Van Pass
Unless you are a theme park enthusiast, Hoi An Ancient Town activities, the Lady Buddha and Marble Mountains in Da Nang are a better choice for a quick trip to Vietnam.
Final Verdict – Is Ba Na Hills Worth Visiting?
Is Ba Na Hills Worth Visiting or Should You Skip It? Ultimately the choice is up to you. As I said, we put off going to Ba Na Hills because we were not keen on theme parks, but we are so glad we finally did.
This pretty French inspired village was far more than we expected. When the cable car drifts through the mists and reveals this magical kingdom, you cannot help but marvel at the engineering and architectural feat that stands before you.
Have you visited Ba Na Hills? What did you love about your trip? Feel free to comment we would love to hear from you.
