THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SUN WORLD BA NA HILLS, VIETNAM

Whether or not you know Ba Na Hills, you have most probably come across the iconic bridge of the open palm. It is a must visit on your trip to Vietnam, but try to make your way early to beat the crowds. You'll be treated to a breathtaking view of the natural landscapes.

A day trip to Ba Na Hills is like stepping into a fantasy world perched above the clouds. Here, you will find the ultimate guide to making the most of your time there.

Now, what is Ba Na Hills you ask and why am I writing a separate full blog post about it? Ba Na Hills is part of the Sun World Amusement Park Group. Though it is around 20 km from Da Nang, about 45 minutes, it is one of Vietnam's top-rated tourist attractions. It's both a resort and entertainment complex. Ba Na Hills is located over 1,000 m above sea level, making it an ideal destination in the summer, since temperatures are much cooler.

You can consider coming by yourself, by taxi or joining a group tour. If you join a group tour, keep in that that you would mostly be getting free time to explore the area on your own and will only be spending a small amount of time with the group, though you'll get your tickets and transportation taken care of. Additionally, you'll have limited time in each area.

To reach Ba Na Hills, you need to ride one of the world's longest cable cars. Along the way, you can expect to see jaw-dropping views of waterfalls, forests, misty peaks and more. Once at the top, you'll be treated to lots of activities and food options catering to all ages and interests. There is even accommodation options at the top if you decide to spend the night.

I recommend starting with the Golden Bridge, held aloft by two giant stone hands —an iconic photo spot and the symbol of Ba Na Hills. It is a popular spot and has previously been awarded as one of the world's top pedestrian bridge, so do expect a big crowd. The bridge is especially magical at sunrise, when the clouds roll beneath your feet.

Next, stroll through Le Jardin D'Amour, flower gardens. There is a wine cellar tucked beneath the hills that you can access at an additional cost. At the gardens, you can also find a maze which you can try, or you can simply walk around and take pictures of the "Instagrammable" spots, providing an excellent backdrop for the perfect shot. The views from the garden are stunning. Here, I tried the "gold coin" snack they were selling, which I found just OK. You can also visit the Linh Ung Pagoda here.

There is a second cable car up that you must take to reach the main entertainment area. There, you'll find the hotels, the Fantasy Park and the French Village. Think cobblestone streets, Gothic architecture and the ultimate European vibes that will transport you to the Medieval times. Throughout the day, you will find live performances in the square. The French Village is one of the best and most-loved spots in Ba Na Hills. It is lined with recognizable classical landmarks such as the square, church, town, old village and hotels.

If you come with a group, there is an option to book a package with lunch. Even if you don't opt in for lunch, you will find a wide selection catering to different tastes and dietary restrictions. There are restaurants offering buffets, but you can find fast food and a convenience store as well. Cuisine varies from international, to Asian and Vietnamese. Most of the restaurants are close by. If you’re planning to eat during peak lunch hours (11:30 AM–1:30 PM), consider booking ahead or arriving early to avoid long queues.

No trip to Ba Na Hills is complete without a stop at the Fantasy Park first. It is an indoor amusement wonderland, inspired by Jules Verne's novels. This park is perfect for families and all ages. You can find many rides included in your ticket, including a drop tower, 4D & 5D cinemas offering immersive movie experiences, a mirror maze, bumper cars and arcade games. A popular ride is the Alpine Coaster, but you need to pay an additional fee to access.

Unfortunately for me, I injured myself at one of the rides in the park, but it was an accident and due to my clumsiness. The staff were incredibly helpful and even brought me to the medical center. After falling on my knees after exiting the bumper cars, it took me a while to get back to normal. I was limping, and got a huge bruise. It took weeks to heal the pain which still comes back from time to time, especially if I sit on the floor. However, I was quite lucky that the incident occurred towards the end of my time at Ba Na Hills, since it would've ruined my entire day. This accident is one of the reasons I decided to return home earlier than expected instead of seeing more of Vietnam. I hope to go back in the future to cover the rest of the country. I originally intended on going to Hue, Hanoi, Sapa and Halong Bay before making my way back home, but that didn't happen.

The guide mentioned that it will rain around 3 pm at Ba Na Hills and it sure did. It was right on time, but didn't last for too long. We made it down in time, but keep in mind that sometimes the cable cars may stop running temporarily due to the weather. Thus, it is important to plan your trip accordingly. You can expect to walk a lot. I recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, bringing a light jacket or sweater, as it is cooler at the top. Bring sunscreen, water and of course, your camera or phone - maybe bring a power bank to ensure you have enough battery to get you through the day. If you decide to spend more time at Ba Na Hills, you can consider staying at one of the hotels, such as Mercure Da Nang French Village Ba Na Hills, which is conveniently located in the center of the village.

Ba Na Hills is more than a theme park—it’s a surreal escape where you can experience four seasons in a single day, surrounded by clouds, castles, and fun. Whether you're chasing Instagram-worthy views or just want a break from the city, it’s a must-see destination when in Da Nang. It is well worth the day trip. Consider booking tickets in advance online to skip the queue, or you may book a tour like I did. You may find the exact tour I booked right here. Download the app for easier access to the tour and you can use my promo code IEATTRAVELWRITE5 for an additional discount.

Have you been to Ba Na Hills or is it on your list? Let me know!