How to Visit the Golden Bridge in Vietnam Guide

You’ve probably seen it before—an iconic photo of a golden bridge gracefully cradled by a pair of gigantic stone hands that are larger than life. It’s the Golden Hand Bridge in Vietnam, and while it might look like something out of an ancient legend, it’s actually in an amusement park near Da Nang, a vibrant city in central Vietnam.

Nestled high in the Ba Na Hills, this surreal structure is part of a larger complex that includes everything from French-style villages to flower gardens, offering a mix of breathtaking views and quirky attractions. Whether you’re chasing that perfect Instagram shot or looking to visit this imaginative bridge, here’s everything you need to know about the Golden Bridge in Vietnam.

What is the Golden Bridge?

The Golden Bridge, or Cầu Vàng, is a 150-meter-long pedestrian bridge perched high in the Ba Na Hills, and yes, it’s held up by two giant hands that seem to emerge from the mountainside.

Opened in 2018, the bridge was built to connect the cable car station to a garden in the Sun World Ba Na Hills amusement park. While the intention wasn’t to boost tourism in the region—it definitely did the trick.

Almost overnight, it became an Instagram sensation, with travelers worldwide flocking to get their own photos of this dreamy, otherworldly landmark.

Here’s a fun fact: those massive hands aren’t actually made of stone. They’re fiberglass, carefully designed to look weathered and ancient.

While the bridge’s primary purpose is to connect the cable car station to the gardens below, it’s really all about the views. You get a sweeping panorama of the mountains and rolling hills, and sometimes, if you’re lucky, the clouds roll in, making it feel like you’re floating above the world.

What is Ba Na Hills?

Ba Na Hills is a quirky mountaintop amusement park located just outside of Da Nang, Vietnam, and it’s unlike any other theme park you’ve probably visited.

Imagine riding a cable car that takes you 1,400 meters above sea level, where you’ll step into a world that’s part French village, part fantasyland, and part botanical garden. It’s got everything from an alpine coaster to temples, but the real showstopper? The Golden Bridge, of course.

Developed initially as a French hill station in the early 1900s, Ba Na Hills was where the French colonial elite would escape the heat and unwind in the cool mountain air.

While the park has plenty to offer, the Hand Bridge is hands-down (pun intended!) its most popular attraction. It’s the main reason why people make the trip up to Ba Na Hills, and for good reason—the views from up there are absolutely stunning.

But don’t stop at just the bridge. The park itself is a fascinating mix of European architecture, cultural landmarks, and beautiful gardens, all set in a cool, misty climate that feels worlds away from the heat of Da Nang below.

If you’re planning a visit, be sure to carve out enough time to explore all the little surprises Ba Na Hills has in store.

Best Way to Reach the Golden Bridge from Da Nang

Getting to the Golden Bridge from Da Nang is straightforward, but it takes some planning.

The easiest way is by car, about a 45-minute drive from the city center. You can grab a taxi, Grab (Vietnam’s Uber), or hire a private car for the day, which is super convenient if you want the freedom to come and go at your own pace.

Unfortunately, no public transportation‘ll take you directly to Ba Na Hills, but don’t worry—there are still plenty of options to get you there.

If you’re staying at a hotel or guesthouse, check with your accommodation! Many offer shuttles to Ba Na Hills, which can save you the hassle of booking your own ride.

Once you arrive at the park entrance, you’ll take a cable car up the mountain; it’s actually the longest non-stop cable car in the world! The ride alone is an experience, with sweeping views of the lush, green mountains below.

Ticket Prices and Park Information

To access the Golden Hand Bridge, you’ll need to purchase admission into Ba Na Hills since the bridge is part of the park.

The good news is your ticket covers more than just the bridge—it includes access to the cable car, the French village, gardens, and most of the attractions in the park.

As of now, ticket prices for international adults are around 650,000 VND (about USD 35), while tickets for children range from 700,000 VND (around USD 29), but prices can change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check before you go.

You can book tickets on their website or on a third-party website like Klook.

Your ticket gives you a full day to explore everything Ba Na Hills has to offer and trust me, there’s a lot to see.

Ba Na Hills is open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with the cable car running throughout the day.

Map to Golden Bridge Vietnam

Interactive Map of Ba Na Hills

Once you’ve taken the cable car from the park entrance, the bridge is actually your first stop. As soon as you step off, you’ll be just a short walk away from the Golden Hand Bridge, so you can’t miss it!

The bridge is perched right at the start of the Le Jardin D’Amour area, which is a beautiful section of the park filled with flower gardens. It’s a great first stop after soaking in the incredible views from your cable car ride.

After visiting the bridge, you can continue exploring other attractions in Ba Na Hills, like the French Village or the Linh Ung Pagoda.

Crowds at Golden Bridge in Vietnam

Since the Golden Hand Bridge is hands-down the most popular attraction in Ba Na Hills, it can get crowded pretty quickly.

The bridge itself is pretty big, but it fills up fast with so many people wanting that perfect photo.

If you don’t time your visit right, you’ll end up sharing the space with lots of other visitors, which means you’ll be taking pictures with a crowd of strangers in the background—not exactly the vibe you’re going for!

Best Time to Visit Golden Bridge

The best way to beat the crowds is to visit right when the park opens or just before it closes. Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be quieter, and you’ll have a better chance of getting that perfect, uninterrupted shot.

Ba Na Hill’s park map also has a crowd feature that tells you how crowded an attraction is—super helpful! Check it before you go.

People generally come in waves, often in tour groups, so even during the day, there are short windows of time where you might get a break in the crowds—but there’s also the chance you’ll end up stuck with a group.

The park is usually less busy overall if you visit on a weekday instead of the weekend.

Avoiding major holidays or peak tourist seasons can also help.

And while the bridge is the star of the show, don’t rush off as soon as you’ve got your photos! Stick around to enjoy the views and the atmosphere—it’s worth it once the crowd thins out.

What’s the Weather Like at Golden Bridge?

The weather at the Golden Hand Bridge can be unpredictable, and it’s notorious for being shrouded in clouds often.

Because the bridge is so high up in the Ba Na Hills, clouds often roll in and cover the tops of the mountains, creating a misty atmosphere—but sometimes it’s a little too misty, and you can’t see much of anything!

It’s not uncommon to get unlucky and find the bridge completely hidden in the fog, so while it can make for some cool, moody shots, you might miss out on those sweeping views of the mountains.

Unfortunately, there’s not really a reliable way to know beforehand if the weather will cooperate. Even checking the forecast only sometimes helps since things can change quickly up there.

Your best bet is to go early in the day when the sky is more likely to be clear, but it’s always a gamble.

That said, even if the clouds roll in, the experience of walking through them on the bridge is pretty unique in itself! Just be prepared for the unexpected, and bring a light jacket since it tends to be cooler and misty at the top.

How Much Time to Spend at the Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills?

The Golden Bridge might be the main reason you’re heading to Ba Na Hills but don’t expect to spend a ton of time on the bridge itself.

You can actually walk across it in about two minutes. Still, you’ll probably want to hang around for 15-20 minutes or so, especially if it’s crowded and you’re waiting for that perfect photo op with fewer people in the background (if the weather allows!).

As for Ba Na Hills, you’ll need about 2-3 hours to explore everything at a relaxed pace. The cable car ride up the mountain takes a good chunk of that time, as it’s long and leisurely, with stunning scenery.

Be prepared to wait a bit, too, especially if you’re visiting during peak times—lines for the cable car can get long.

On top of that, don’t forget to factor in time for wandering around the French Village, checking out the gardens, and maybe grabbing a bite to eat.

If you want to squeeze in some of the rides or visit the pagodas, you could easily spend half a day or more exploring. But 3 hours should be enough to get the full experience without feeling rushed for just the bridge and the main highlights.

Weather at Ba Na Hills and What to Wear

Ba Na Hills sits up in the mountains, so it’s actually cooler than Da Nang’s mainland. But don’t get too excited—it’s still pretty warm! The elevation gives you a nice break from the city’s sweltering heat, but you’ll definitely want to dress in layers.

A light cardigan or jacket is a good idea since it can feel breezy, especially in the mornings or when the clouds roll in.

That said, even though it’s “cooler” up there, it’s still Vietnam—so yes, it’s still hot! You’ll want to have something light underneath your layers that you can easily wear on its own as the day heats up.

Comfortable shoes are a must too, since you’ll be walking around a lot. Think breathable, light, and ready for anything from misty mountain air to sunshine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there restaurants or cafes nearby where I can grab a meal?

Yes! Ba Na Hills has plenty of small vendors, cafes, and restaurants where you can sit down for a meal or grab something quick. Whether you’re craving a full meal or just a snack, you’ll find a variety of options scattered throughout the park.

The prices are a bit more expensive than what you’d pay in Da Nang (since, well, you’re kind of a captive audience up there), but don’t worry—you definitely won’t starve!

You can find a mix of Western and Asian food in Ba Na Hills, so you’ll have options whether you want a pizza or some pho. There are also plenty of classic amusement park snacks like sausages, ice cream, and hot dogs to munch on while you explore.

However, I recommend you eat before going to the park as the food is just okay and not worth spending much money on. There are tons of amazing local restaurants in Da Nang that offer fresh food at a better price.

But here’s the fun part: Vietnam has its own special amusement park snacks that are worth trying!

A favorite you should definitely look for is bánh cam, which are fried, sweet sesame balls filled with mung bean paste. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and chewy inside, and the perfect bite-sized treat.

Is it possible to visit the bridge in one day as a solo traveler?

Absolutely! You can totally visit the Golden Hand Bridge in one day, whether you’re solo or with a group. Exploring the whole park will take around 2-3 hours, so it’s definitely doable on a day trip.

That said, visiting Ba Na Hills can easily turn into a full-day activity, especially if you want to check out more than just the bridge.

If you’re short on time, you could go straight to the bridge, snap some photos, and head back down, but since you have to buy a park ticket anyway, you might as well enjoy everything the park has to offer.

From the cable car ride to the French Village and the gardens, there’s plenty to see and do, making it a great solo adventure to stretch out and explore at your own pace.

Is there a lot of walking involved to get to the bridge from the cable car?

No, from the cable car station to the bridge it’s about a 3-5 minute walk. They are very close to each other and once you step out the station you’ll immediately see the bridge.

Can I take a guided tour, or is it easy to visit on my own?

There are several guided tours available for Ba Na Hills, all from third-party tour guides, including Klook, Viator, and GetYourGuide, that take you to all the must-sees in the park. I don’t think the park itself has tour options.

If you’re someone who likes the structure of a tour, it’s worth checking with local tour operators.

That said, it’s incredibly easy to visit Ba Na Hills on your own. The park’s website has all the information you need, and once you arrive, you’ll get a detailed park map to help you navigate.

Plus, the park is well-marked, and if you ever feel lost, plenty of friendly staff are around to point you in the right direction. Most of the staff speak both Vietnamese and English, so communication won’t be an issue.

Whether you prefer the freedom of solo exploring or the convenience of a group tour, Ba Na Hills is easy to tackle either way!

What Else to See:

While the Golden Hand Bridge is the star of the show, there’s plenty more to explore in Ba Na Hills that makes your visit worthwhile:

• Ba Na Hills French Village: Step into this charming replica of a French town, complete with cobblestone streets, medieval-style buildings, and even a gorgeous church. It’s like being transported to Europe for the afternoon—perfect for wandering and snapping more photos.
• Linh Ung Pagoda: This peaceful spot is home to a massive 27-meter Buddha statue that overlooks the park. It’s a great place to take a break, soak in the spiritual atmosphere, and enjoy sweeping views of the mountains.
• The Theme Park: For some extra fun, head to Ba Na Hills’ amusement park. There’s something for everyone, from thrilling rides like the Alpine coaster to arcade games and a giant drop tower. It’s a fun way to break up your sightseeing and add some excitement to your day.

What to Pack

• Camera: Whether you’re using your phone or a dedicated camera, you’ll want to capture all the beauty of the Golden Hand Bridge and the park’s incredible views.
• Comfortable Walking Shoes: The park is large, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Make sure to wear sturdy, comfy shoes to keep your feet happy all day.
• Light Jacket or Cardigan: It’s cooler in the mountains than in Da Nang, so pack a light layer like a jacket or cardigan. You can easily remove it if the day warms up, but you’ll appreciate it on the chillier morning or when the clouds roll in.
• Day Pack: A small backpack is perfect for carrying essentials like your water bottle, sunscreen, snacks, and any souvenirs you pick up along the way.
• Sunglasses and Sunscreen: Even though the weather is cooler up there, the sun can still be strong. Sunglasses will protect your eyes, and sunscreen will keep your skin safe from UV rays.

Is Golden Bridge Vietnam Worth Visiting?

If you really want to see the bridge for yourself, then it is worth visiting. If you’ve never heard of the Golden Hand Bridge before and the rest of the park doesn’t interest you, then it’s not worth it.

I would also only recommend it to people with extra time in Da Nang, as the park itself is kind of boring as it prioritizes experiences and attractions over rides.

At the end of the day, it’s just a bridge and an amusement/attraction park! There are other cool things to check out in Da Nang that offer more insight into the local culture.

Photography Tips on Seeing the Golden Bridge

If you’re hoping to capture the Golden Hand Bridge in all its glory, here are a few tips to help you get that perfect shot:

• Best Viewpoints: The best photos are taken from either end of the bridge, but the end closest to the entrance offers the ideal angle. From here, you can capture the entire length of the bridge along with the two massive hands cradling it.
• Include Both Hands: To really showcase the grandeur of the bridge, make sure to include both hands in your shot. When the hands aren’t visible, the bridge loses a lot of its dramatic effect, so frame your photo to feature them prominently.
• Morning Light is Best: Early mornings are prime time for good lighting. The soft light at the start of the day highlights the bridge beautifully, while shadows later in the day can be too harsh and distracting, especially near sunset.
• Avoid the Crowds: For photos without people, try to visit as soon as the park opens or just before closing. These are the best times to avoid crowds and get those cleaner shots without other visitors in the frame.
• Look for Unique Angles: If you’re looking for something a bit different, consider using the cable car ride to capture an aerial view of the bridge. You’ll get a stunning shot of the bridge from above, surrounded by mountains and forests.
• Wide Shots Work Best: A wide-angle lens will help you capture the bridge and its breathtaking surroundings. Don’t forget to take a few shots that show off the bridge with the landscape—it’s just as impressive as the bridge itself!

See the Golden Bridge in Person

Visiting the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills is a truly memorable experience and makes for some amazing photos and memories. It’s one of the places I get the most wows from when sharing my travels with friends or family. While it’s not the most culturally deep, it’s a cool attraction that gives you a unique experience of an amusement park in Da Nang. Happy travels!