Nestled between mountains and the sea, Da Nang is a city where tradition meets modernity, and history flows seamlessly into the present. Once called Co Luy during the Champa period, Da Nang has long been a crossroads of cultures and commerce. It grew into an important port under the Nguyen Dynasty, later became a key base during French colonial rule, and emerged from the Vietnam War to reinvent itself as one of the country’s fastest-growing cities. Today, it is a vibrant hub of industry, trade, and especially tourism.
Just a short drive from Da Nang, Ba Na Hills rises above the clouds like a fantasy brought to life. The journey begins with a ride on one of the world’s most spectacular cable car systems—routes that have broken multiple world records for both length and height. As the cabin glides upward, the city and coastline fall away behind you, revealing cascading waterfalls, untouched forests, and layers of misty mountains. It feels less like transportation and more like a flight into another world.
At 1,487 meters above sea level, Ba Na Hills enjoys a pleasantly cool climate year-round, earning it the nickname “heaven on earth.” Visitors often remark that you can experience all four seasons in a single day: a crisp spring morning, a bright summer noon, a breezy autumn afternoon, and a chilly winter night. This refreshing climate made Ba Na Hills a favored retreat for French colonists in the early 20th century, and the spirit of that heritage remains in the design of the French Village. Wandering through its cobblestone lanes, past stone churches and quaint little squares, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into the heart of Europe—only here, it’s perched high above the jungles of Vietnam.
For families and adventurers, Fantasy Park delivers endless amusement with carousels, racing simulators, and quirky themed rides. Street performances, lively festivals, and a variety of international dining options keep the atmosphere buzzing. Yet, the true centerpiece of Ba Na Hills—the sight that draws travelers from across the globe—is the Golden Bridge.
Unveiled in 2018, this extraordinary pedestrian bridge appears to be held aloft by two massive stone hands emerging from the mountain. Stretching nearly 150 meters, it offers sweeping views of rolling hills, the East Sea glimmering in the distance, and on foggy mornings, a dreamlike atmosphere that feels otherworldly. The bridge quickly became a global sensation, featured in magazines, on travel lists, and across social media. Standing there, suspended between sky and earth, it’s easy to see why.
Whether you come for the thrill of the cable cars, the charm of the French Village, the fun of Fantasy Park, or simply to take in the breathtaking views from the Golden Bridge, Ba Na Hills is more than a day trip—it’s an experience that lingers long after you’ve descended back into the bustle of Da Nang.
Often nicknamed the “City of Bridges,” Da Nang dazzles with its iconic structures spanning the Han River. The most famous, the Dragon Bridge, is a striking yellow span designed to resemble a Ly Dynasty dragon soaring toward the sea. Each weekend, crowds gather to watch the dragon breathe fire and water, a spectacle that has become symbolic of the city’s creativity and resilience. For a more romantic moment, the Love Bridge offers couples the chance to leave padlocks along its wooden pier, while the much-photographed Golden Bridge—though located just outside the city in Ba Na Hills—remains one of the most extraordinary modern landmarks in Vietnam.
To understand Da Nang’s deeper roots, step inside the Cham Museum of Sculpture, home to the world’s largest collection of Cham artifacts. Built in 1915, the museum houses exquisite sandstone and terracotta pieces dating from the 7th to the 15th centuries. Each sculpture tells the story of the Champa Kingdom, a once-flourishing civilization that ruled much of Central Vietnam and left behind temples and ruins scattered across the region. Walking through its galleries is like tracing the spiritual and artistic heartbeat of an ancient culture, and it remains one of the most important cultural stops in the city.
Hotel Novotel Danang Resor
Hai Chau District Da Nang Da Nang
Bep Trang
24-26 Le Hong Phong Phuoc Ninh, Hai Chau, Da Nang
Da Nang’s food scene is a delicious reflection of Central Vietnam’s culinary soul. Start with a steaming bowl of mì Quảng, the city’s signature noodles served in a rich peanut and pork broth. Sample delicate Hue-style dumplings like bánh bèo and bánh nậm, soft yet savory bites that melt on the tongue. Don’t miss the city’s beloved bún chả cá, rice noodles paired with fragrant fish cakes in a light, flavorful broth. Each dish tells a story of tradition, local pride, and the vibrant flavors of Vietnam’s central coast.