Asia's Authentic European Village And Thrilling Theme Park Is Only Accessible By A Scenic Cable Car

Imagine a charming European village with cobblestone streets and Gothic-style architecture. Now, imagine this town sitting atop a mountain in Vietnam. Although it sounds out of place, that's exactly what you get at Ba Na Hills. This European-inspired retreat and theme park is like no other, and thanks to its remote location, it offers some epic views.

Ba Na Hills sits on a mountaintop roughly 30 minutes from Da Nang and an hour from Hoi An (also known as the mini Venice of Vietnam). The park was originally established in 1919 by French colonists hoping to create a retreat for European travelers. A century later, it has evolved into a whimsical entertainment complex. Its architecture features preserved ruins alongside modern replicas of old French buildings, and the village is bursting with eateries, attractions, and a theme park. But the best part? Getting there is half the adventure. This destination sits nearly 5,000 feet above sea level, and the only way to travel here is via cable car — the longest nonstop single-track cable car in the world. The 20-minute journey passes high above lush jungle and cascading waterfalls with sweeping views of Da Nang's coastline.

Ba Na Hills is ideal for romantic getaways, family adventures, and tourists looking for a niche attraction. It's a unique place where entertainment, culture, and natural beauty collide. There's so much to do here, from visiting the iconic Golden Bridge to exploring hidden wine cellars and riding rollercoasters. But word to the wise: this place is massive. So before you head up the mountain, keep reading. We'll cover everything you should know before visiting.

After a long, glorious cable car ride, you'll reach Sun World Ba Na Hills. The journey offers a sneak peek at the panoramic vistas from the top. However, visitors don't solely come here for the views — there's lots to experience in this expansive park, which is why we recommend picking up a map at the information center to get your bearings.

The park's French Village transports you to another world, making you feel as if you stepped into medieval Europe. The Luna Castle is straight out of a fairytale, while the Helios Waterfall is bursting with golden mythological statues. Don't forget to cross the Golden Bridge, an Instagram-worthy walkway overlooking the lush Vietnamese countryside. The bridge will take you to Le Jardin D'Amour, a collection of nine tranquil and beautifully kept gardens. After covering all this ground, head to the Bar Debay Wine Cellar, where you can decompress with a glass of wine and a delicious meal.

Aside from sightseeing, there are plenty of other attractions to keep you entertained. The entire park is dotted with souvenir shops, and if that's not enough, there's a beautifully designed shopping mall. You can also check out famous figures at the wax museum or see a show at the Airship Theater. If you prefer an adrenaline rush, hit up the Alpine roller coaster, which shoots you directly into Fantasy Park. This underground theme park was inspired by Jules Verne's novels and has an otherworldly vibe. Here, you can enjoy carnival games, rock climbing, and a thrilling rollercoaster.

With so much to see, you'll need a full day to explore Sun World Ba Na Hills. The cable car is open from the morning to the late evening. However, we suggest checking the website for updated schedules. While ticket prices vary, Vietnam is generally a tourist-friendly, affordable location. The site will also inform guests of any closures (which can happen following strong storms) or special events like Ba Na by Dark and summer festivals. Regardless of the season, we recommend getting there early to beat the rush. Or better yet, stay overnight at one of Ba Na Hills' hotels to experience it without crowds. However, most attractions close as soon as the cable cars stop running.

Keep in mind that you're at the top of a mountain — even if the weather is clear and sunny in Da Nang, it may be wet and foggy in Ba Na Hills. Check the weather report and plan appropriately. Foggy weather will obstruct some of the views, but it also adds a magical element. And seeing the Luna Castle's spires peeking over mist is a sight in and of itself!

Visitors do report having cell reception, so you can post stories and share photos immediately. But despite all the modern amenities, we recommend bringing cash. While you can get away with using credit cards, some vendors only accept cash payments. If you're already en route, there's an ATM at the Ba Na Hills cable car station. Lastly, with so many things to do, it's worth mapping out a few of your must-see highlights in advance. This is a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience, and you wouldn't want to miss the top attractions!