Overview of the Golden Bridge
Perched high above the misty mountains at an altitude of 1,414 meters, the Golden Bridge (Cầu Vàng) has quickly become one of Vietnam’s most iconic landmarks since its opening in 2018. Nestled within the Sun World Ba Na Hills Resort, the bridge is not only an architectural wonder but also a poetic symbol that blends art, nature, and spirituality.
The bridge stretches 150 meters in length and curves gracefully like a golden ribbon suspended in the clouds. What makes it truly extraordinary are the two enormous, weathered stone-like hands that seem to emerge from the forest below. Covered in mossy textures, these hands are designed to look ancient, as if sculpted by nature itself. They appear to cradle the bridge, symbolizing the “hands of the gods” holding up a golden thread across the sky.
✨ Architectural Details
- Length: 150 meters, divided into 8 spans
- Width: 5 meters total, with a 3-meter pedestrian path flanked by flower beds on both sides
- Materials: Golden titanium-plated railings, painted steel plates, and kempas wood flooring, known for its durability and natural resistance to humidity
- Design Inspiration: A fusion of modern engineering and mythical storytelling, giving visitors the impression of walking on a bridge held aloft by divine hands
🌿 Purpose & Location
The Golden Bridge is more than just a photo spot—it also serves a functional role within Ba Na Hills. It connects Marseille Station with the lush Thien Thai Garden, making it both a scenic walkway and a convenient passage between attractions in the resort. Along the way, visitors can pause to admire panoramic views of the Da Nang coastline, the surrounding forests, and on clear days, even the distant cityscape far below.
🏞 Why It’s Special
Unlike most observation decks or mountain walkways, the Golden Bridge offers an experience that feels almost surreal. The combination of architectural artistry, spiritual symbolism, and breathtaking natural scenery creates an otherworldly atmosphere. Whether blanketed in mist at sunrise or glowing in the golden light of sunset, the bridge feels like a path between heaven and earth—a true masterpiece of design and imagination.
Awards and Global Recognition
Since its opening in 2018, the Golden Bridge (Cầu Vàng) has captured the imagination of travelers and the attention of global media. What began as an ambitious architectural project has quickly become a worldwide symbol of Vietnam’s modern tourism and creativity.
- World Travel Awards 2020 – crowned as “Iconic Tourist Bridge of the Year.”
- The Guardian (UK) – listed the Golden Bridge among the “Top 10 Most Unique and Beautiful Bridges in the World.”
- The Independent (UK) – highlighted it in the “10 Most Incredibly Beautiful Bridges” feature.
- Insider (US) – ranked it among the “28 Most Impressive Bridges in the World.”
- Widely featured across social media platforms, travel vlogs, and international magazines, the bridge has become a bucket-list destination for millions of travelers, often described as one of the most Instagrammable places in Asia.
Its global recognition is not just due to its photogenic design, but also because it represents the fusion of Vietnamese cultural imagination and world-class engineering.
How to Get to the Golden Bridge
Visiting the Golden Bridge is part of the journey itself, combining scenic mountain roads with one of the most breathtaking cable car rides in the world.
From Da Nang City
- Distance: About 35 km from Da Nang International Airport (DAD).
- Travel Time: 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic.
- Transport Options:
- 🚖 Taxi or Private Car – The most convenient and comfortable way, especially for families or groups.
- 🚌 Tourist Bus or Shuttle – Affordable and often included in day tours from Da Nang or Hoi An.
- 🏍 Motorbike – Popular with adventurous travelers who want flexibility and scenic stops along the way.
The Cable Car Experience
Once at Ba Na Hills Station, visitors board the world-famous cable car to reach the resort area where the Golden Bridge is located.
- Duration: Around 15 minutes.
- Highlights:
- Holds the Guinness World Record for the longest single-cable cable car system (over 5.8 km).
- Offers stunning aerial views of waterfalls, lush forests, and cloud-draped mountains.
- Considered by many visitors as a must-do attraction in itself, not just a means of transport.
When you step off the cable car, the Golden Bridge is just a short walk away, waiting to greet you with its surreal design and panoramic mountain views.
Opening Hours
- Golden Bridge: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
The bridge remains open until late in the evening, offering visitors the chance to experience it in different moods—from misty mornings to golden sunsets, and even under the soft glow of night lights.
- Cable Car Services: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Cable car hours may be extended slightly during weekends and peak holiday seasons. It’s best to check in advance or arrive earlier in the day to avoid long queues.
💡 Tip: To capture the bridge at its most magical, visit early morning (before 10 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM). Midday tends to be crowded and hot, especially in summer.
Entrance Fees
Access to the Golden Bridge itself is free, but visitors must purchase a Ba Na Hills resort ticket, which covers the bridge as part of the larger complex.
- Adults: 900,000 VND (~32 EUR / 35 USD)
- Children (1m – 1.4m tall): 750,000 VND (~27 EUR / 29 USD)
- Children under 1m: Free of charge
What’s Included in the Ticket:
Your entrance fee is not just for the Golden Bridge—it unlocks a full day of fun and exploration inside Sun World Ba Na Hills:
- 🚠 Unlimited Cable Car Rides – including the record-holding single-cable system.
- 🌸 Le Jardin d’Amour (Flower Gardens) – nine themed gardens bursting with color.
- 🏰 Moon Castle & French Village – European-style squares, fountains, and architecture.
- 🍷 Debay Wine Cellar – a historic 1923 French-built tunnel cellar.
- 🎢 Fantasy Park – Vietnam’s largest indoor amusement park with rides and games.
- 🏞 Scenic viewpoints, pagodas, and cultural shows throughout the resort.
💡 Extra Costs: Food, drinks, and special experiences (such as wax museum tickets) are not included in the standard admission.
Best Time to Visit
The Golden Bridge is breathtaking year-round, but the ideal season runs from February to August. During this period, Da Nang enjoys mostly clear skies, plenty of sunshine, and comfortable temperatures, making it the perfect backdrop for photos.
- Morning (Sunrise): Arrive early for a magical, misty atmosphere and far fewer crowds. It’s the best time for serene photos before large tour groups arrive.
- Afternoon (Sunset): As the day winds down, the bridge glows in warm golden light, offering dramatic photo opportunities.
💡 Pro Tip: Plan your visit around weekdays rather than weekends or holidays to avoid heavy crowds.
Top Attractions in Ba Na Hills
While the Golden Bridge is the star, Ba Na Hills is a full-day destination with plenty to explore:
- 🏰 French Village – A whimsical European-style square complete with Gothic architecture, cobblestone alleys, fountains, and cozy cafés.
- 🌸 Le Jardin d’Amour – Nine themed gardens featuring nearly 1,000 plant species, designed for leisurely strolls and colorful photo stops.
- 🍷 Debay Wine Cellar – Built in 1923 by the French, this underground stone cellar offers a glimpse into colonial history (and a chance to taste local wines).
- 🎢 Fantasy Park – The largest indoor amusement park in Vietnam, boasting over 90 rides, 4D cinemas, and games for all ages.
- 🚡 Alpine Coaster – A thrilling mountain ride that lets you control your own speed while enjoying panoramic views.
- 🙏 Linh Ung Pagoda & Spiritual Sites – Elegant pagodas, giant Buddha statues, and tranquil gardens provide peaceful escapes from the bustle.
- 🎉 Seasonal Festivals – From spring flower festivals to Oktoberfest-inspired beer celebrations, wine tastings, and winter wonderlands, there’s always something happening.
Tips for a Perfect Visit
- Book tickets online in advance to skip long queues at the entrance.
- Protect yourself from the sun with hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses, especially in summer.
- Wear comfortable shoes—the resort is vast, and you’ll be walking a lot.
- Bring a light jacket if visiting in the evening or cooler months (Nov–Jan).
- Be cautious with photography near the edges of the bridge, as the area can get slippery with mist.
Conclusion
The Golden Bridge Da Nang is more than just a tourist attraction — it’s a masterpiece blending architecture, nature, and imagination. Walking across this dazzling bridge feels like stepping into a dream, with breathtaking mountain vistas all around. Whether you’re a photographer, a culture lover, or simply seeking unforgettable moments, the Golden Bridge is a must-see highlight on any Vietnam itinerary.
