Ba Na Hills, Da Nang: Information, Things to Do, Ticket Prices
Ba Na Hills tourist area in Da Nang is located atop Chua Mountain, offering expansive views, breathtaking natural scenery, and fresh air. Ba Na Hills is professionally developed with world-class entertainment facilities, promising an unforgettable experience. Let’s explore what Ba Na Hills has to offer!
Overview of Ba Na Hills, Da Nang
Ba Na Hills is a renowned international-class tourist complex in Da Nang, developed by the Sun Group on the towering summit of Ba Na Mountain (also known as Chua Mountain). It is believed that the name “Ba Na Hills” originated during the French colonial period in Indochina. When the French arrived here, they noticed the abundance of banana trees and named it “Banane,” which later was adapted by the Vietnamese to “Ba Na”. Since then, the mountain has been called Ba Na.
Regarding its development, Ba Na Mountain was first discovered in 1901 by French Captain Marin Debay. Ten years later, the French began constructing a resort, making Ba Na Hills a famous retreat throughout Indochina. After 1945, when the U.S. imperialists invaded Vietnam, Ba Na Hills was used as a military observation post. It wasn’t until the peaceful period that Da Nang city invested in developing Ba Na Hills into a large-scale eco-tourism destination, though it initially failed to attract many visitors. In 2007, Sun Group invested in Ba Na Hills and transformed it into an international tourist destination, featuring grand attractions like the Golden Bridge, French Village, and Ba Na Cable Car, drawing visitors from around the world.
With an altitude of over 1,400 meters above sea level, the temperature at Ba Na Hills is usually quite cool in the summer, ranging from 15 to 25°C, and can be rather cold in the winter, dropping below 10°C. The area is often shrouded in mist and clouds year-round, offering visitors a chance to experience fresh air and stunning scenery where earth and sky meet. For those seeking a blend of natural beauty and unique travel experiences, Ba Na Hills is an unmissable destination when visiting Da Nang.
Read more: Hoi An, Vietnam: 15 Places to Visit & Things to Know
How to Get to Ba Na Hills
Ba Na Hills is located about 30 km southwest of Da Nang. To reach Ba Na Hills, you can choose various means of transportation from Da Nang’s city center. The journey usually takes about 30 minutes. The road from Da Nang to Ba Na Hills is quite scenic, making the drive itself a pleasant experience.
- Travel by personal vehicle: The 30 km route from the city center to the foot of Ba Na Mountain offers many beautiful landscapes. When traveling by personal vehicle, you can stop to enjoy the views. This mode of transport is ideal for those on a leisurely trip with plenty of time and the desire to explore various spots along the way.
- Travel by taxi/Grab: This option is suitable for groups of 3 to 7 people or families traveling together. The cost ranges from 350,000 VND to 450,000 VND for a one-way trip and 500,000 VND to 600,000 VND for a round trip.
- Travel by public transportation: Lastly, you can opt for bus services to Ba Na Hills. Several direct bus routes are available from various locations in the city. While this is a more budget-friendly option, a minor downside is that you need to keep track of the bus schedules and stop times to avoid unnecessary waiting.
- Take the cable car to Ba Na Hills: Ba Na Hills is situated over 1,000 meters above sea level, so you will need to take a cable car from the station at the mountain’s base to reach the summit. This is also one of the most exciting activities, as you can enjoy breathtaking views of Ba Na Mountain’s natural scenery during the ride.
The Best Time to Explore Ba Na Hills
With its beautiful natural scenery and cool climate, you can visit Ba Na Hills at any time of the year. However, the period from April to October is considered the best time to visit. During this summer season, you can experience the unique phenomenon of four seasons in one day and enjoy the full beauty of Ba Na Hills without worrying about the mist obscuring your view.
Things to Do at Ba Na Hills
Explore the Moon Castle
The Moon Castle is a must-visit spot, tied to fascinating legends about the Dragon Cave. This area is believed to be the home of the oldest mythical creature – the Fire Dragon. Spanning a floor area of 38,000 square meters, each level of the castle tells a different story.
One of the highlights is the grand stage, which can accommodate 2,000 people. It hosts world-class performances that leave visitors with unforgettable experiences.
Visit the Sun God Waterfall
This complex features 43 statues themed around Greek mythology, creating an impressive scene. You will be amazed by the recreation of famous works from major museums worldwide, such as Apollo, the god of light; Venus, the goddess of love; and Athena, the goddess of war. These “Roman treasures” are truly powerful and captivating, drawing the attention of all who visit.
Explore the Golden Bridge
The Golden Bridge, nestled amidst the majestic landscape of Ba Na Hills, is an architectural marvel. Spanning nearly 150 meters, the bridge resembles a golden thread held by giant stone hands reaching out from the mountain. Upon its debut, the Golden Bridge immediately captured the attention of both domestic and international tourists, appearing in numerous articles by renowned travel magazines and being named one of the “Top 10 most unique and beautiful bridges in the world.”
From the bridge, you can take in expansive views of the vast, awe-inspiring mountainous landscape and the endless sky. This is bound to be an unforgettable experience during your visit to Da Nang.
Read more: Dragon Bridge, Da Nang: A Striking Landmark in the Heart of the City
Visit Linh Ung Pagoda 2
In addition to the recreational attractions at Ba Na Hills, you can also immerse yourself in the sacred atmosphere of Linh Ung Pagoda at the summit of Ba Na Mountain. This is one of Vietnam’s most famous religious and tourist sites. The scenery at Linh Ung Pagoda is a perfect blend of nature’s beauty and impressive religious architecture.
The pagoda is distinguished by a 27-meter-tall white stone statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, meticulously crafted, along with its intricately designed gate and walkways. A visit to this pagoda offers a moment of peace and serenity for the soul, as well as an opportunity to gain deeper insight into the rich religious culture of the Vietnamese people.
Experience the Mountain Climbing Train
Before visiting the ancient Debay Wine Cellar, Le Jardin d’Amour Flower Garden, and Linh Ung Pagoda, you can enjoy a short journey on the Mountain Climbing Train by Garaventa (Switzerland) from Debay Station. The train can hold 80 passengers per cabin, traveling along a 400-meter cable line at a speed of 5 meters per second, with a capacity of 1,600 passengers per hour. As it winds its way through the vast mountainsides, the mountain train offers a novel experience unique to Ba Na Hills.
Explore Le Jardin d’Amour Flower Garden
Discovering Le Jardin d’Amour Flower Garden is a romantic experience when visiting Ba Na Hills. This garden consists of 9 themed areas, each showcasing different flowers and concepts, such as the Garden of Memories, Dream Stream Garden, Mythical Garden, Eden Garden, Sacred Garden, Grape Garden, Lovers’ Garden, Meditation Garden, and Mysterious Garden. Each area has its own unique charm and beauty.
Visit the 100-Year-Old Debay French Wine Cellar
Built by the French in 1923, the Debay Wine Cellar is a remarkable structure ideal for storing wine, with a constant temperature maintained between 16-20°C. In addition to exploring the wine cellar, which is dug 100 meters deep into the ground, visitors can savor European delicacies or choose meaningful souvenirs for friends and family.
Explore the French Village
The French Village spans an impressive 45,300 square meters, with seven zones representing the seven notes of a vibrant, dreamy musical scale. Its architecture is inspired by the travels of the missionary Pigneau de Behaine across France. The village features a miniature portrayal of the grandeur of France, with replicas of famous landmarks like St. Denis Cathedral, Chateau de Chenonceau, and Apremont sur Allier village.
This is an ideal spot for capturing beautiful moments of your Ba Na Hills adventure. You can also enjoy French cuisine at upscale restaurants or visit shops selling souvenirs and handicrafts.
Visit the Wax Museum
The Wax Museum at Ba Na Hills is the first wax sculpture exhibition in Vietnam. It features replicas of famous figures from around the world in various fields such as film, music, sports, and politics. Each wax figure is a meticulously crafted artwork by Italian artists. You will have the opportunity to meet 49 world-renowned stars, business leaders, and politicians, including Angelina Jolie, Steve Jobs, Barack Obama, and Lady Gaga.
Read more: Top 8 Must-Visit Museums in Da Nang
Fantasy Park Entertainment Area
Fantasy Park at Ba Na Hills is an exciting place that offers thrilling entertainment experiences. Missing out on Fantasy Park would be a regret for any visitor to Ba Na Hills. It offers numerous exhilarating activities for those looking to challenge themselves, as well as fun indoor games for children. You can also enjoy 4D and 5D movies, bumper cars, shooting games, and water slide races.
Here are some must-try games at Fantasy Park:
- Freefall Tower
- High-speed Carousel
- Adventure Climbing
- Wild West Zone
- High-speed Slide
- Pegasus Ferris Wheel
What to Eat at Ba Na Hills
Here are our suggestions for dining options at Ba Na Hills. You can choose to enjoy a buffet at Bee Plaza or order individual dishes at one of the restaurants.
- Buffet at Bee Plaza for 225,000 VND: Simply purchase a ticket and select your favorite dishes. The main advantages are the reasonable price, diverse food options, and delicious flavors. This is a great choice if you’re traveling alone or with family and want to save on costs.
- Ordering individual dishes at a restaurant: The main perk of this option is the freedom to choose your favorite dishes and enjoy the culinary skills of the renowned chefs here. This option is more expensive than the buffet, so you should consider it if you’re looking for a premium dining experience.
Additionally, here are some other restaurants to consider:
- La Lavande Buffet Restaurant
- Aparang Restaurant
- Rosa Fried Chicken Restaurant
- Brasserie Restaurant
- Little Tokyo Restaurant
Read more: Top 7 Restaurants in Da Nang for Best Dining Experiences
Opening Hours and Ticket Prices
The opening hours of Ba Na Hills are from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM (with services mainly available from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and until 6:30 PM during peak season). Our recommendation is to start your trip about 30 minutes before the official opening time, as parking and purchasing tickets can take around 20 minutes. Additionally, you’ll need to take a cable car to reach the summit, which will take another 30 to 45 minutes.
In the past, most visitors only went to Ba Na Hills in the morning, as there were limited activities in the evening. However, recently Ba Na has introduced a Night Combo (with cable car access after 3:00 PM) and more evening activities, making it a popular choice for many tourists to visit in the afternoon and evening.
So, when is the best time to visit Ba Na Hills for the best experience? This will depend on your preferences and schedule.
Morning Visit
- Advantages: You can visit many attractions, which is ideal for photography, sightseeing, and participating in outdoor entertainment activities.
- Disadvantages: Since most tourists or tour groups choose the morning for their visit, you may experience crowds and longer wait times.
Afternoon and Evening Visit
- Advantages:
- Witness breathtaking sunsets, see the grand castles illuminated, stroll through the mystical fog, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the “Enchanted Night Party” and the unique 3D Mapping shows.
- Fewer tourists, providing you with a more peaceful experience.
- Disadvantages: You will be limited in terms of sightseeing, as some attractions like the Golden Bridge and the flower gardens close after 6:00 PM. After this time, most visitors will only have access to the French Village and Sun Plaza areas.
Cable Car Ticket Prices for Ba Na Hills
You will need to purchase a cable car ticket at the ticket counter located at the foot of the mountain to reach the summit of Ba Na Hills. The specific ticket prices are as follows: Adults and children over 1.3 meters in height are 750,000 VND per person (this includes the mountain climbing train and access to the wine cellar, but not the Wax Museum), children between 1 meter and 1.3 meters are 650,000 VND per person, and children under 1 meter are free of charge.
The ticket includes access to the Ba Na Hills tourist area, round-trip cable car rides, most games at Fantasy Park, the mountain climbing train, Le Jardin D’Amour Flower Garden, Debay Wine Cellar, the Golden Bridge, the French Village, and the spiritual area. The price also includes a 10% VAT (value-added tax).
Since the ticket includes round-trip cable car access, make sure to keep your ticket for the return journey.
Some Tips for Visiting Ba Na Hills
To have the best experience during your visit to Ba Na Hills, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- The cable car ticket is only valid for the day of purchase. If you buy your ticket online, be sure to check the validity period.
- Upon arriving at Ba Na Hills, grab a map to help you easily navigate to the attractions you want to visit.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Carry a light jacket, as the temperature at Ba Na Hills can get relatively cool in the late afternoon and evening.
- Wear comfortable sneakers, as you’ll be walking quite a bit.
With its unique structures and exciting experiences, Ba Na Hills remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in Da Nang, attracting numerous visitors. To explore all the famous spots mentioned above, it’s best to arrive early, ideally around 9:00 AM, so you can finish your tour by 5:00 PM. If you’re interested in adding Ba Na Hills to your travel itinerary, feel free to consult with our travel experts for more information.
