Ba Na Hills

Situated on Chua Mountain, Ba Na Hills is one of Da Nang’s premier attractions. Because of its high altitude, the area has a much cooler climate than the city center and is often shrouded in mist or clouds at certain times of day. Ba Na draws visitors with its cable car system, scenic mountain landscapes, and famous landmarks such as the Golden Bridge, the French Village, Le Jardin d’Amour flower gardens, and Linh Ung Pagoda. It is an ideal day trip when visiting Da Nang.

Overview of Ba Na Hills 

Ba Na is both a nature reserve and a resort complex located in Ba Na Commune, Da Nang City, approximately 25 km southwest of the city center. The entire complex sits atop Chua Mountain, part of the Truong Son Range, at an elevation of 1,487 meters above sea level.

Between 1919 and 1938, the French developed the summit of Chua Mountain, constructing villas, a hospital, a post office, and a bank to serve as a holiday retreat for French officials, military officers, and merchants, as well as wealthy Vietnamese.

Over the past 15 years, Ba Na Hills has gained widespread recognition for its tourism complex, earning the title of “Vietnam’s Leading Tourist Resort” from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism for four consecutive years (2014–2017).

Ba Na enjoys a cool climate year-round, with average daily temperatures ranging from 17°C to 20°C. It is often described as a temperate zone within a tropical forest, as the weather can shift to reflect all four seasons within a single day.

How to get there?

The transport options listed below only take you to the cable car station. To continue up to the summit of Ba Na, visitors must purchase a cable car ticket. Since 2018, Da Nang City has closed the road route to Ba Na due to safety concerns; it is now reserved for forest ranger patrols, planting and maintenance, and firefighting.

Bus

From Da Nang Airport, visitors can take bus route No. 3 to Ba Na Hills (a 25 km journey). The fare is 30,000 VND, with buses running every 15 to 30 minutes. Operating hours are from 5:30 AM to 7:00 PM daily.

Three other bus routes depart from within the city to Ba Na: Route No. 9 (Oncology Hospital – Pham Hung); Route No. 13 (Oncology Hospital – Vietnam-Korea University); and Route No. 14 (Han River Port – High-Tech Park). Fares range from 8,000 to 30,000 VND per trip.

Taxi

A 5-seater taxi from Da Nang city center to the Ba Na cable car station costs between 350,000 and 400,000 VND per trip. Popular taxi companies include Vinasun, Tien Sa, and Mai Linh. Visitors can also opt for ride-hailing services. Taxis are a suitable choice for groups of 3–4 passengers.

Other modes of transport include motorbikes and bicycles; travelers can park their vehicles at the lot near the cable car station.

Cable car and tickets

The cable car operates from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Tourists traveling by cable car to the top of Ba Na have the following options. Ticket price for round trip:

– Cable car ticket: 950,000 VND (adults) – 750,000 VND for children (1-1.4m) and people over 70 years old. For Da Nang people, ticket prices are 600,000 VND and 500,000 VND, respectively.

– Cable car combo and lunch buffet: 1.4 million VND (adults) – 950,000 VND for children (1-1.4m) and people over 70 years old. For Da Nang people, ticket prices are 950,000 VND and 700,000 VND, respectively.

– Night cable car combo, time frame from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.: ticket price ranges from 500,000 VND to one million VND, depending on the time. With night combos, visitors can also choose combined transportation, dining, and accommodation services. Free cable car tickets to games at Fantasy Park, the Golden Bridge, the flower garden, and Moon Castle. Tourists should note that cable car ticket counters are separate for individual customers, groups, and travel companies.

Places to visit in Ba Na Hills

After reaching the top, visitors should stop at the information counter to get a map of the Ba Na Hills tourist area and directions from stations such as Hoi An station, Suoi Mo station, Ba Na station, or Morin station. Some outstanding sightseeing areas on Ba Na Peak:

Golden Bridge

Golden Bridge is a destination not to be missed. The bridge sits at an altitude of 1,414 m above sea level and is likened to a golden silk strip running halfway across the mountain. Inaugurated in June 2018, the Golden Bridge is 150 m long, located at an altitude of 1,414 m, and supported by two giant hands. The bridge quickly became a new tourism symbol of Da Nang, praised by many international newspapers such as CNN, BBC, The New York Times, Time, and The Guardian.

In August 2018, Golden Bridge reached the top 100 most wonderful destinations in the world, voted by Time magazine. In 2021, The Daily Mail voted the bridge one of the 10 new wonders of the world.

The Golden Bridge is always crowded with tourists during the day. If you want a deserted photo, visitors must arrive early in the morning or stay overnight in Ba Na.

French Village

A 45,300 m² area recreating medieval France, with 7 areas: Bretagne village, Conques Aveyron village, Chateau De Chenonceau castle, St Denis Cathedral, Apremont sur Allier village, etc.

The French Village features squares, churches, hotels, shops, and paved streets. The buildings feature characteristic details such as sloping roofs, stone walls, large windows, and pointed towers, reminiscent of ancient French towns.

There is a moss-covered fountain, a sculpture of Auberon – the king of the fairies- or a road with famous giant book models such as The Little Prince and The Old Man and the Sea, decorated with ornamental plants and flowers.

The center of the area is Du Dôme square, where performances and entertainment activities often take place for visitors.

Moon Castle

The castle has ancient architecture typical of famous European castles hidden in the clouds, opening a journey that takes visitors to a mysterious land, with many experiential activities, recreating Renaissance Europe.

The project covers ​​38,000 m² and includes 4 floors with different themes: Dragon Cave, Mighty Wolf, Elite Owl, and Moonlight Square. It also includes a 2,000-seat stage where many famous shows are performed.

Eclipse Square

This area connects the vibrant Sun Kingdom and the mysterious Moon Kingdom. Visitors will follow the domed corridor, which depicts images reminiscent of European Renaissance art, and the green glass tower in the middle of the square, like a corner of a miniature Louver museum. Spanning more than 60,000 m², the square offers experiences from architecture and art to nature, landscape, cuisine, and bustling life, with 3 main subdivisions: the square, retail area, and restaurants.

Fantasy Park amusement park

The 21,000-square-meter indoor play area provides the whole family with entertainment space suitable for all ages. Including 3 floors with more than 100 games, notably the dinosaur park, a destination for fans of the Jurassic Park series; a 4D cinema where the line between reality and fiction is blurred by entertainment technology according to international standards; and thrilling games such as a 29 m high indoor free fall tower, electric car crash, and skiver pilot.

There is also the first Wax Museum in Vietnam with simulated wax statues of world-famous artists, politicians, and businessmen such as Lady Gaga, Jackie Chan, Barack Obama, Steve Jobs, Angelina Jolie, etc.

Debay wine cellar 

Debay wine cellar, named after the French captain who discovered Ba Na, was built in 1923. It stores wine, most of which comes from France.

Normally, wine cellars in Europe are dug underground, while the Ba Na wine cellar penetrates into the mountain. The tunnel is about 100 m long, 2.5 m high, and 2 m wide. The tunnel walls are built of mountain stone, and the ceiling is arched. The cellar temperature fluctuates between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius.

Currently, the cellar has 14 wine holes, including wine from villa or hotel owners in Ba Na. Entrance tickets start at 100,000 VND per adult.

Le Jardin d’Amour flower garden

Le Jardin d’Amour flower garden is a prominent attraction in Ba Na Hills, located near the Golden Bridge area, Linh Ung Pagoda, and Debay wine cellar. With its large area and many gardens in different styles, it is a great place to walk, admire flowers, and take photos.

Le Jardin d’Amour has 9 gardens, each with a different theme and layout. Visitors can explore the Garden of Dreams, Garden of Eden, Garden of Mysteries, Garden of Lovebirds, Garden of Thought, Garden of Mythology, Garden of Memory, Osaka Garden and Sacred Garden. The space combines flowers, trees, walkways, miniature landscapes, and decorative works.

Thanks to the cool climate of the high mountains, the garden has suitable conditions for growing many types of flowers. Depending on the time of year, the garden’s colors and landscape also change with the flowers in season. In addition to large flower beds, visitors can see rows of trimmed trees, decorative statues, and many views of the Ba Na mountain landscape.

A convenient feature of Le Jardin d’Amour is its proximity to many famous landmarks. After visiting the flower garden, visitors can continue to the Debay wine cellar, Linh Ung Pagoda, and the Golden Bridge without traveling far.

Spiritual spaces

Ba Temple, Linh Ung Pagoda, Linh Phong Stupa, Linh Phong Meditation Pagoda, and Shakyamuni Buddha Dai are spiritual spaces on the top of Ba Na.

Linh Ung Pagoda – Ba Na

Linh Ung Pagoda – Ba Na is one of Ba Na Hills’ most prominent spiritual attractions, located on Chua Mountain at nearly 1,500 meters above sea level. Inaugurated in 2004, this is one of three famous pagodas named Linh Ung in Da Nang.

The pagoda’s most prominent feature is the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, about 27 meters high, meditating on a lotus. The white Buddha statue stands out among the mountainous landscape and can be seen from many locations in Ba Na. Below the statue are reliefs depicting stories related to the Buddha’s life.

The pagoda has Vietnamese Buddhist architecture with a curved tile roof, a large yard, and a solemn worship space. Compared to the bustling entertainment areas of Ba Na Hills, this area feels quieter. On foggy days, pagodas and Buddha statues rising above the clouds and mountains create Ba Na’s unique character.

In front of the pagoda, there is a three-leaf pine tree – a precious pine tree variety in the Vietnam Red Book.

Linh Phong Stupa

Linh Phong Stupa is part of the spiritual complex in Ba Na Hills, located in the Chua Mountain area. The building features traditional Buddhist architecture and is often visited by tourists alongside Linh Phong Zen Pagoda, the Bell Tower, and Linh Chua Linh Tu.

Linh Phong Stupa has nine floors; each floor has four sides with a white stone statue of Shakyamuni Buddha facing out in four directions, surrounded by statues of the Four Great Heavenly Kings. Four bronze bells are hung at the four corners of each tower floor, symbolizing sacred resonance. In Buddhist architecture, stupas often have religious significance and are symbols associated with Buddhist teachings. In Ba Na, Linh Phong Stupa helps create a tourist area with traditional cultural colors, distinct from European architecture and modern amusement parks in Ba Na Hills.

Linh Phong Zen Pagoda

Linh Phong Zen Pagoda, also known as the North Pagoda, represents Northern pagoda architecture, built of ironwood and covering ​​650 m². The temple grounds are designed into two rows, left and right, guarded by Buddha statues and 18 Arhats.

The pagoda features tiled roofs with upturned eaves, and its buildings are arranged around a spacious courtyard. The surrounding area is open and airy, blending greenery with the mountainous landscape characteristic of Ba Na. Situated away from the bustling entertainment zones, it offers a peaceful setting for visitors to rest, sightsee, and learn about Buddhist culture.

A notable feature of the Linh Phong Zen Pagoda complex is the statue of Maitreya Buddha, a familiar figure in Buddhism known for his joyful expression and large belly. This figure is often associated with joy, serenity, and prosperity. Visitors can pay their respects, offer incense, or simply spend time exploring the pagoda grounds.

Ba Temple

Ba Temple is one of the oldest spiritual sites in Ba Na, set amid mountains and forests at the top of Chua Mountain. Compared with the modern buildings and crowded entertainment areas of Ba Na Hills, Ba Na Temple is small, with simple architecture and traditional folk beliefs.

The temple was built in the early twentieth century, when the French began exploring and developing Ba Na into a resort. According to local beliefs, this place is dedicated to Ba, a deity believed to protect the Ba Na land and bring peace and protection to those who live, work, or visit this mountainous area. Through many historical upheavals, most of the old resorts in Ba Na have been degraded or disappeared, but Ba Na Temple has been preserved and remains a place of worship.

The project is not very elaborate, mainly consisting of the main altar and a small front yard. The surrounding space has many green trees, creating a feeling of quiet and separation from nearby entertainment areas. People and tourists often come here to burn incense and pray for peace, health, and luck.

Linh Chua Linh Tu Temple

Linh Chua Linh Tu Temple is dedicated to Ba Chua Thuong Ngan (Princess of the Forest), a Mother Goddess associated with the mountains and forests in Vietnamese folk belief. The temple is situated atop Chua Mountain at an elevation of 1,487 meters, the highest point in the Ba Na area.

The name “Linh Chua Linh Tu” can be interpreted as the sacred temple of the Mountain Goddess. Traditionally, people believed Ba Chua Thuong Ngan presided over the mountains and forests, protecting people and bestowing peace. Consequently, the temple holds profound spiritual significance, particularly in relation to the long-standing Vietnamese tradition of Mother Goddess worship.

Inside, the temple houses altars dedicated to the Princess of the Forest and other Mother Goddesses, featuring ceremonial tables, statues, and lacquered, gold-gilded horizontal boards inscribed with Chinese characters. These elements offer visitors insight into an indigenous Vietnamese spiritual practice, elevating the site beyond a mere sightseeing attraction at Ba Na.

A distinctive external feature is a red plaque displaying the name “Linh Chua Linh Tu” in gold Chinese characters. In front of the main sanctuary stands a hexagonal pavilion housing a statue of the Maitreya Buddha.

For international visitors, Linh Chua Linh Tu Temple offers a compelling opportunity to explore the tradition of Mother Goddess worship and the cultural reverence for nature and the mountains in Vietnam.
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Linh Phong Thien Tu, also known as Northern Pagoda, has a quite quiet space, separate from the vibrant amusement and entertainment areas of Ba Na.
Linh Phong Thien Tu was built according to traditional Vietnamese pagoda architecture, with a tiled roof, curved blade and large front yard. The works are arranged in harmony with the surrounding mountain and forest landscape, creating a solemn space for sightseeing, worshiping Buddha and learning about Buddhist culture.
One of the highlights of this area is the Maitreya Buddha statue with an image of a happy face and big belly, symbolizing joy, prosperity and luck in Buddhist culture. Tourists often stop here to visit, offer incense and pray for peace.
Thanks to its high location, the Linh Phong Thien Tu area also has a wide view of the Ba Na landscape. On clear days, visitors can see green mountains in the distance; On foggy days, the temple is often surrounded by white clouds.

Bell Tower is a building located near locations such as Linh Phong Thien Tu and Linh Chua Linh Tu. The building was built in traditional Vietnamese architectural style and is a notable stop when visiting the Chua mountain area.
The floor has an open structure, curved tile roof and pillars supporting the roof. Inside hangs a large bronze persimmon. In Buddhist culture, the sound of temple bells has the meaning of reminding people to calm down, let go of worries and find balance in their minds. At certain times, the bell rings far away in the mountains and forests, creating a unique feature for the spiritual area of ​​Ba Na.
Besides its religious significance, the location of the Bell Tower is also a suitable spot to observe the surrounding landscape. Because it is located high on Chua Mountain, this place often has a cool climate and sometimes dew or low clouds appear. On clear days, visitors can see the mountains and Ba Na landscape in the distance.

Performing arts programs
One day in Ba Na, visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant space of art performances, enjoy unexpected and attractive moments performed by international actors and artists. From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. every day, art shows will be performed at Le Jardin D’amour flower garden, Hoi Tu Square, church, French village, and Beer Plaza.

Eating and drinking
At Ba Na Hills, visitors will find a system of 30 restaurants in three main areas including French village, Du Dome Square and Le Jardin flower garden, serving Asian and European cuisine. Guests can choose from many options such as buffet or a la carte.
A food tour will be suitable to enjoy all the culinary quintessence. Anh Tuyet artisan restaurant with Vietnamese dishes; Caucasus restaurant with grilled lamb with Russian flavors; Brasserie restaurant is a place to enjoy pizza, pasta, spaghetti and Italian cuisine; Thai Market is the destination for Thai food lovers. As for those who love fresh, delicious Chinese-style noodles, they can go to the Kungfu noodle restaurant.

Accommodation
The only hotel at the top of Ba Na is Mercure Danang Ba Na Hills, designed like fairy castles. All 494 rooms have windows overlooking the French village or panoramic views of Ba Na mountain. Hotel amenities include a spa, gym, indoor swimming pool, bar, retail store or bakery.
Room prices range from 2.5 million VND per night.