Golden Bridge, Việt Nam - Things to Do in Golden Bridge

Things to Do in Golden Bridge

Golden Bridge, Việt Nam - Complete Travel Guide

The Golden Bridge (Cầu Vàng) in Ba Na Hills, near Da Nang, Vietnam, has become one of the country's most iconic and Instagram-famous attractions since its opening in 2018. This stunning 150-meter pedestrian bridge appears to be held up by enormous stone hands emerging from the mountainside, creating a surreal and magical experience for visitors. Located within the Ba Na Hills resort complex, the bridge sits 1,400 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests. While the Golden Bridge is the star attraction, the Ba Na Hills complex is a full-day destination featuring French colonial architecture, beautiful gardens, a replica medieval castle, and various entertainment options. The area was originally developed by French colonists in the 1920s as a hill station retreat from the heat of the lowlands. Today, it combines the historic charm of its colonial past with modern attractions, making it a unique destination that offers both natural beauty and cultural experiences in the mountains near Da Nang.

Top Things to Do in Golden Bridge

Walk the Golden Bridge

Experience the world-famous Golden Bridge with its giant stone hands supporting the walkway 1,400 meters above sea level. The bridge offers spectacular mountain views and countless photo opportunities, especially during golden hour when the lighting creates magical effects. The experience is truly surreal as you walk across what appears to be a bridge held by ancient giant hands.

Booking Tip: Book Ba Na Hills tickets online in advance for 750,000-900,000 VND ($30-36). Visit early morning (8-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-5 PM) to avoid crowds and get the best lighting for photos. Cable car rides are included in the ticket price.

Ride the Cable Car System

Take one of the world's longest cable car systems to reach Ba Na Hills, offering stunning aerial views during the 20-minute journey. The cable car holds multiple Guinness World Records and provides breathtaking vistas of the coastline, mountains, and forests below. The ride itself is an attraction, passing through different climate zones as you ascend.

Booking Tip: Cable car rides are included with Ba Na Hills entrance tickets. Expect queues during peak times (10 AM-3 PM), so arrive early or late in the day. The system operates continuously, but weather conditions can cause temporary closures.

Explore Fantasy Park

Enjoy Southeast Asia's largest indoor amusement park located within Ba Na Hills, featuring over 200 games and activities. The park includes thrilling rides, arcade games, a haunted house, and various entertainment options suitable for all ages. It's particularly popular during hot weather or rain as it provides air-conditioned relief.

Booking Tip: Fantasy Park access is included with Ba Na Hills tickets. Allocate 2-3 hours for the park if traveling with children. Some premium games require additional payment, typically 20,000-50,000 VND per game.

Visit the French Village

Wander through the meticulously recreated French medieval village complete with Gothic cathedral, cobblestone streets, and European-style architecture. The village features shops, restaurants, and cafes designed to transport visitors to medieval Europe. The attention to detail in the architecture and landscaping creates an authentic European atmosphere in the Vietnamese mountains.

Booking Tip: Access is included with Ba Na Hills tickets. Visit during weekdays for a more peaceful experience and better photo opportunities. The village is particularly beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon light.

Explore Linh Ung Pagoda

Visit the beautiful Buddhist temple complex featuring a 27-meter tall statue of the Goddess of Mercy (Quan Am). The pagoda offers spiritual tranquility and stunning mountain views, providing a peaceful contrast to the more tourist-focused attractions. The temple's architecture beautifully blends traditional Vietnamese Buddhist design with the mountain setting.

Booking Tip: Temple access is free with Ba Na Hills ticket. Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) and maintain respectful behavior. Early morning visits offer the most serene experience with fewer crowds and often misty mountain views.

Getting There

The Golden Bridge is located in Ba Na Hills, approximately 25 kilometers west of Da Nang city center. Most visitors reach the area by taxi, private car, or motorbike, with the journey taking 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. Many hotels and tour operators in Da Nang and Hoi An offer shuttle services or day trips to Ba Na Hills. If flying in, Da Nang International Airport is the closest airport, about 45 minutes away by car. From Hoi An, the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours by road.

Getting Around

Once you arrive at the Ba Na Hills base station, transportation is primarily via the cable car system, which is included in your entrance ticket. The complex is designed for walking, with well-maintained paths connecting all attractions. Golf carts are available for those who need assistance, and the French Village area is compact and easily walkable. Most visitors spend 6-8 hours exploring the entire complex, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. The cable car operates continuously throughout the day, making it easy to move between different levels of the resort.

Where to Stay

Da Nang City Center
My Khe Beach Area
Hoi An Ancient Town
An Thuong Beach District
Han Market District
Dragon Bridge Area

Food & Dining

Ba Na Hills offers numerous dining options within the complex, ranging from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, though prices are higher than in Da Nang city. The French Village features several themed restaurants and cafes serving both Vietnamese and international cuisine. For more affordable and authentic options, most visitors eat in Da Nang before or after their visit. The complex allows outside food, so packing snacks and water is recommended. Local specialties to try in Da Nang include mi quang noodles, banh mi, and fresh seafood, which offer better value and authenticity than resort dining.

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When to Visit

The best time to visit the Golden Bridge is during Da Nang's dry season from February to August, with March to May offering the most pleasant weather. Visit early morning (8-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) for the best lighting, fewer crowds, and cooler temperatures. The bridge can be crowded during Vietnamese holidays and weekends, so weekdays are preferable. Weather at 1,400 meters elevation is typically 6-8 degrees Celsius cooler than in Da Nang, so bring a light jacket. Avoid the rainy season (September to January) when clouds may obscure mountain views and cable cars may be affected by weather.

Insider Tips

Bring a light jacket as temperatures are 6-8°C cooler at the bridge elevation, even on hot days
Download offline maps and charge your phone fully - cell service can be spotty in the mountains and you'll want plenty of battery for photos
The giant hands are actually made of fiberglass and wire mesh designed to look ancient, but the illusion is incredibly convincing in photos

Explore Activities in Golden Bridge