You may have seen the viral photos of immense stone hands holding a bridge over the mountains, or heard about a renovated colonial hill station outside Da Nang. This place, which captures the imagination of visitors, is Ba Na Hills. At this unique European theme park in Chúa Mountain, you’ll discover a different world unlike anywhere else in Vietnam. Here’s your guide to the best of Ba Na Hills.

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Cable car to the top

Built as a resort town for the French in 1919, Ba Na Hills now welcomes visitors from all over the world. Getting there is one of the highlights, as you soar up the mountainside in a spacious cable car with views of the sea in the distance, and tumbling waterfalls and woods below. Because the temperature at Ba Na Hills is always cool and pleasant, it’s the perfect escape during summer, but also beautiful at any time of year.

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Photo opps everywhere

A medieval village awaits when you arrive at the top of the mountain, with a central fountain, cathedral and stone houses. The designers of Ba Na Hills decided to recreate a French village in the mountains, and they succeeded, with picturesque spots around every corner. Take a stroll through Le Jardin colourful flower gardens, or wander the winding lanes to discover amazing views of the valley. Don’t be surprised if you encounter mimes and fairytale princes and princesses wandering the grounds.

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A world-famous bridge

The pièce de résistance at Ba Na Hills is, of course, its famed Golden Hands Bridge, which took social media by storm in 2018. This pedestrian bridge is really two giant hands supporting a golden thread suspended over the valley below. Facing the sunrise over the East Sea, the views from the bridge are spectacular on clear days, and misty and moody on foggy ones. Go early in the morning to have the bridge to yourself -- it can get crowded later on. 

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Sleep in style

For a truly romantic getaway, look no further than the Mercure Danang French Village. This hotel was designed in 19th-century gothic style, and is a magical place to stay with family or friends. All of the hotel’s spacious rooms feature cloud-like king beds, opulent decor and pretty balconies. With three on-site spas, a fitness centre, pool and several restaurants to choose from, you’ll be truly spoilt for choice.

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Endless entertainment

Beyond bridges and beautiful hotels, Ba Na Hills make sure that you are fully entertained during your visit. Fantasy Park is an amusement park designed and based on Jules Verne’s adventure novels, with rides, rock climbing and 4D theatres. Between the park’s wax museum, games arcade and swimming pool, children of all ages will find plenty of fun activities to keep them busy. Adults can cosy up at the historic Debay Wine Cellar or kick back at the sun-lit Beer Plaza. 

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Golfing in the mountains

If you’re a golf enthusiast, don’t leave without playing a round at Ba Na Hills Golf Club, outside of Da Nang. Enveloped by mountains, this striking, world-class course was designed by Luke Donald and features many subtle undulations, requiring a variety of approach shots. The club was awarded ‘Asia’s Best Golf Course’ twice by the World Golf Awards as well as designation as the ‘World’s Best New Golf Course’ upon opening in 2016. 

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Getting to Ba Na Hills

To reach Ba Na Hills from Da Nang, make your way by private car, use the Grab app, or hire a taxi for approximately 800,000 VND round-trip. While you can drive to the top, it would be a shame to miss the cable car ride, priced at 700,000 VND per person. 

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For tickets, visit Sun World Ba Na Hills’s official website.