Vietnam Day 7 — Exploring the Enchanting Ba Na Hills: Golden Bridge
Our seventh day in Vietnam was all about visiting the magical Ba Na Hills. Our pick up for the tour was at A La Carte Hotel, which is near the beautiful sea beach. We were excited for a day full of amazing sights and fun activities.
Ba Na Hills, Sun World
The tour included bus rides to and from Ba Na Hills, tickets to Sun World, a cable car ride, and a buffet lunch. There wasn’t a tour guide, so upon reaching the destination we grabbed a map of Sun World to find our way around.
The World’s Longest Cable Car Ride
The first part of our adventure was the cable car ride, which is the longest in the world at over 5,800 meters. As we rode up, we saw stunning views of the green mountains and a few waterfalls. It felt like we were flying into the clouds. There was a long waiting line for the same, but thankfully there were multiple cable car rides to choose from and we took one which was not the first choice for most visitors.
The Golden Bridge
At the top, our first stop was the Golden Bridge. This famous bridge is held up by two giant stone hands and offers incredible views of the landscape. Walking across it felt like being in a fairy tale, and we took lots of photos. The cold wind on the top of the mountain was a relief.
Pink Palace, Luna Castle and Airship Theater
Next, we visited the Pink Palace, a colorful and fun building with lots of details to see. Next up was the majestic Luna Castle, its spires reaching towards the sky. Inside, we wandered through themed floors, each transporting us to a different world. Airship Theater offered a thrilling simulated flight experience — it is great for kids!
There were long distances to walk on Bana Hills and the major spots were very crowded.
Lunch: A Big Buffet
By midday, we were hungry and the buffet was amazing. There were so many dishes and meats to try, including frog, pork, duck, and beef. Everything was delicious. There were also lots of seafood, salads, fruits, and a few desserts as well.
Fantasy Park and Helios Waterfall
Post-lunch, we headed to Fantasy Park, an indoor amusement park with a myriad of attractions and games. It was a playful escape from the outside world, and I enjoyed a fun ride. Afterwards, we made our way to Helios Waterfall, a tranquil spot where water cascaded down a series of rock formations. The sound of the water and the surrounding greenery provided a peaceful break from our busy day.
French Village
The last stop was the French Village. It looked like a small European town with cobblestone streets, cute cafes, and pretty buildings. It was like stepping into a different world and I loved exploring it.
As the day ended, we took the cable car back down, enjoying the views one last time. The bus ride back to our hotel was filled with happy chatter about the day.
Swimming in the South China Sea
Back at A La Carte Hotel, we decided to swim in the South China Sea. The water was neither warm nor cold, but relaxing.
Dinner
For dinner we again went to the Indian restaurant (same as yesterday) and had a biryani and some below average extremely spicy Golgappe. And then we went to a authentic Vietnamese restaurant Xoi Moi Garden and ordered prawns and a famous local noodle dish of which I can’t remember the name now.
Finally, we returned to our rooms, tired but happy. Ba Na Hills had given us a day full of wonder and fun. From the amazing cable car ride to the beautiful Golden Bridge and the charming French Village, it was a day we will always remember.
Tomorrow, we look forward to more adventures in Vietnam. Stay tuned!
Read about Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9, Day 10, Day 11