How to Get to Golden Bridge - Ba Na Hills from Da Nang/Hoi An

Last summer, we had the opportunity to visit Vietnam and couldn't miss the chance to see the incredible Golden Bridge in Da Nang. This architectural marvel, also known as the Hands Bridge, has been all over Instagram since its opening in 2018, and we were determined to see it for ourselves. If you're planning a trip to central Vietnam, here's our first-hand account of how to get from Da Nang to Golden Bridge, what to expect, and whether it's worth the journey.

1. How Far is Golden Bridge from Da Nang?

One of the first questions we had when planning our visit was: How far is Golden Bridge from Da Nang? The bridge is located in Ba Na Hills, approximately 35-40 kilometers (about 22-25 miles) southwest of Da Nang's city center. While this might not sound too far, the journey is a bit more complex because the Golden Bridge sits at an elevation of around 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) in the Annamite mountain range.

The actual travel time from downtown Da Nang to the Golden Bridge depends on your mode of transportation and traffic conditions, but you should plan for:

• 40-60 minutes to reach the base of Ba Na Hills
• Plus another 15-20 minutes by cable car to reach the Golden Bridge itself

The distance from Da Nang to Golden Bridge is at the top of Ba Na Hills. - Photo source: Google Maps

2. How to Get from Da Nang to Golden Bridge: All Your Options

During our trip, we researched all possible transportation methods to reach this spectacular attraction. Here's a breakdown of each option based on our experience:

2.1. Shuttle Bus (Budget-Friendly Option)

We initially considered the shuttle bus, which is perfect for budget travelers who want flexibility without joining a larger tour group.

Price: About 120,000-150,000 VND ($5-$6.50) for a round-trip ticket, or 100,000 VND ($4.30) one-way Journey Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes each way Schedule: Morning pickup at around 7:45-8:00 AM from Login Coffee (120A Nguyen Van Thoai) and afternoon return at approximately 4:00-4:15 PM from the Ba Na Hills parking lot

The shuttle bus is a fantastic budget option, but note that it follows a fixed schedule, so you'll need to plan your day accordingly. If you're not a morning person, this early departure might be challenging.

2.2. Taxi or Private Car (My Choice)

We ultimately chose to hire a private car since we were traveling as a group, making this option reasonably cost-effective when split between us. This gave us maximum flexibility and comfort.

Price:

• Taxi: 350,000-500,000 VND ($15-$22) each way from Da Nang center
• Private car: 800,000-1,200,000 VND ($35-$52) for a round trip, depending on the vehicle size

Pro Tip: We recommend booking a round trip rather than trying to find a taxi for your return journey. Our driver was happy to set a pickup time that worked for us, which removed a lot of stress from the day.

Taxi is a quick and convenient means of transport to help tourists move from Da Nang to the foot of Ba Na Hills. - Image source: Freepik

The drive itself was scenic, taking us through beautiful countryside and providing glimpses of local life outside the city. Our driver was knowledgeable about the area and pointed out interesting sights along the way, enhancing our experience.

2.3. Motorbike (Adventure Option)

If you're comfortable riding motorbikes, this is an option we saw many travelers taking. While we didn't choose this method ourselves, we chatted with several backpackers who did and they raved about the beautiful drive.

• Price: Motorbike rental costs around 80,000-150,000 VND ($3.50-$6.50) per day 
• Journey Time: About 1 hour each way 
• Experience: The road is reportedly in excellent condition and relatively quiet, with stunning scenery of beaches, jungles, and local villages

If you're an experienced rider, this option offers the most freedom and a sense of adventure. Just make sure you have an international driving permit and are comfortable navigating Vietnamese roads.

Motorbikes are the ideal means of transport for tourists who want to fully feel the fresh air on the roads. - Image source: Freepik

2.4. Organized Tour (Hassle-Free Option)

Many travelers we met at our hotel opted for organized tours, which typically include:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Round-trip transportation
• Cable car tickets
• Lunch
• Guide service

While this is typically the most expensive option, it eliminates all the planning and logistics. For first-time visitors to Vietnam who are short on time or prefer everything arranged for them, this is worth considering.

3. The Cable Car Experience

Regardless of how you get to Ba Na Hills, the only way to reach the Golden Bridge itself is by cable car. This isn't just transportation—it's part of the experience!

The cable car system at Ba Na Hills holds several Guinness World Records and offers breathtaking views of the mountains and coastline. The ride takes about 15-20 minutes, and once you arrive, you'll need to navigate to the bridge itself, which is located in the Thien Thai Garden area of Ba Na Hills.

Important Note: The entrance ticket to Ba Na Hills includes the round-trip cable car ride and access to the Golden Bridge, along with other attractions in the resort complex. In 2023, we paid approximately 850,000 VND (about $37) per ticket, but prices may change, so check the official Sun World website for current rates.

Cable car is the only means of transportation from the foot of Ba Na Hills to Golden Bridge. - Photo source: Pexels

4. Best Time to Visit the Golden Bridge

Timing can make or break your Golden Bridge experience. Here's what we learned:

4.1. Best Season

We visited in June, which turned out to be perfect. The best months to visit are April through August when Da Nang typically experiences less rain and fog. The clear skies provided spectacular views from the bridge down to the coastline.

During September to December, the area experiences more fog, which creates a mystical, dreamlike atmosphere around the bridge. Though less predictable for photos, this can also be incredibly beautiful in its own way.

4.2. Best Time of Day

We arrived at Ba Na Hills around 8:30 AM and headed straight to the Golden Bridge. This strategy paid off! Early morning (before 10 AM) is ideal for several reasons:

• The lighting is beautiful for photography
• The morning mist creates a magical atmosphere
• Most importantly, there are significantly fewer crowds

By mid-day, the bridge becomes extremely crowded, making it difficult to get photos without dozens of other tourists in the frame. If you can't make it in the morning, late afternoon (after 3 PM) is your next best option as many day-trippers start heading back to Da Nang.

Tourists need to note some of the above things so that their trip to Golden Bridge can take place safely and smoothly. - Photo source: Joytime

5. Our Experience at the Golden Bridge

Walking onto the Golden Bridge was genuinely awe-inspiring. The massive stone-like hands (which are actually made of fiberglass and wire mesh) appear to be lifting the golden pathway right out of the mountainside. At 150 meters (492 feet) long and nearly 13 meters wide, the bridge itself is impressive, but it's the hands that create the jaw-dropping effect.

The bridge offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and, on clear days, all the way to Da Nang and the coastline. The contrast between the ancient-looking hands and the modern gold bridge creates a surreal scene that's unlike anything we've experienced elsewhere.

We spent about an hour on the bridge itself, taking photos from every angle and simply enjoying the atmosphere. The entire Ba Na Hills complex deserves at least 4-6 hours to explore properly.

6. Beyond the Golden Bridge: Other Attractions

While the Golden Bridge is the star attraction, Ba Na Hills offers much more. After visiting the bridge, we explored:

• The French Village: A charming replica of a medieval French town with restaurants, shops, and beautiful architecture
• Le Jardin D'Amour: Lovely flower gardens perfect for a relaxing stroll
• Linh Ung Pagoda: An impressive Buddhist temple with beautiful views
• Fantasy Park: An indoor amusement center with various games and rides (included in your entrance ticket)

7. Essential Tips from Our Experience

1. Arrive early: We can't stress this enough. The difference in crowd levels between 9 AM and 11 AM was staggering.
2. Dress in layers: Even in summer, the temperature at Ba Na Hills is significantly cooler than in Da Nang due to the elevation. We were grateful for the light jackets we brought along.
3. Wear comfortable shoes: Ba Na Hills is extensive, and you'll do a lot of walking. Our step counters registered over 15,000 steps by the end of the day!
4. Book transportation in advance: Especially during high season, shuttle buses and private cars can fill up quickly.
5. Bring snacks and water: While there are restaurants in Ba Na Hills, they're relatively expensive compared to Da Nang prices.
6. Allow enough time: Plan for a full day if possible. We spent about 6 hours at Ba Na Hills and still didn't see everything.

8. Is the Golden Bridge Worth Visiting?

The Golden Bridge has received mixed reviews from travelers. Some find it "touristy" or "underwhelming," while others consider it a must-see attraction. Here's our honest take:

The Golden Bridge itself is genuinely impressive and unique—we've never seen anything quite like it anywhere else in the world. The hands are massive and meticulously detailed, creating a surreal scene against the mountain backdrop. For photographers especially, it's a dream location.

However, Ba Na Hills as a whole is very much a tourist attraction and theme park, with the associated crowds and commercialization. If you're expecting an untouched natural wonder or authentic cultural experience, you might be disappointed.

The Golden Bridge itself is genuinely impressive and unique—we've never seen anything quite like it anywhere else in the world - Image Source: Joytime

In our opinion, if you're already in Da Nang for a few days, the Golden Bridge is absolutely worth the trip—especially if you can get there early to beat the crowds. The combination of unique architecture, stunning mountain views, and the impressive cable car journey made it one of the highlights of our Vietnam trip.

9. Conclusion

Getting from Da Nang to Golden Bridge requires some planning, but the journey is straightforward with several good transportation options. The 35-40 kilometer distance takes about an hour to cover, plus the cable car ride up the mountain.

Whether you choose the budget-friendly shuttle bus, the convenience of a private car, the adventure of a motorbike ride, or the simplicity of an organized tour, the Golden Bridge offers a unique experience that has rightfully earned its place as one of Vietnam's most photographed attractions.

Have you visited the Golden Bridge? What was your experience like? Drop a comment below and share your story!

Here are some suggested ways to travel from Da Nang to the Golden Bridge. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose the option that suits you best. From selecting the right mode of transportation to small tips along the way, we hope this information helps you have a complete and memorable journey exploring the Golden Bridge.

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