Da Nang City: The Golden Bridge, a Global Architectural Marvel

Da Nang City, a vibrant coastal hub on Vietnam’s South Central Coast, is home to the Golden Bridge, an architectural masterpiece that has captivated the world since its debut at Sun World Ba Na Hills. Suspended 1,400 m above sea level, this 150-meter pedestrian bridge, cradled by two giant stone-like hands, is a surreal spectacle that draws millions to Da Nang’s 125 km South China Sea coastline. Hailed as one of the world’s most iconic structures, it has been featured in global media like Time, The Guardian, and The Independent for its mythical design resembling a golden thread lifted from the mountains. The Golden Bridge’s worldwide acclaim, combined with Ba Na Hills’ diverse attractions, makes it a must-visit landmark. Legend Travel Group, a premier local tour operator, offers eco-friendly tours to experience this phenomenon sustainably. Start your adventure—book a tour via the links throughout this guide

Legend Travel Group delivers authentic Southeast Asia experiences, prioritizing sustainability and cultural immersion. Our Golden Bridge tours use low-impact transport—electric shuttles and eco-taxis—guided by local experts who share the bridge’s global significance. Supporting communities in Hoa Vang Ward, we align with Da Nang’s “Green Heritage” initiative to preserve its natural and cultural treasures. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless journey. Our personalized approach has earned us high praise on platforms like Tripadvisor for creating memorable trips. Book our eco-conscious tours via the links on this page and travel responsibly

Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has merged Quang Nam Province into Da Nang City, expanding its footprint to include wards like Minh An (formerly Hoi An). The district level has been eliminated, making Da Nang the nation’s largest city by landmass. Enhanced by sustainable infrastructure—cycling paths, electric buses, and a VND600 billion flood mitigation project (2024)—the city ensures seamless access to Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge.

Located 764 km south of Hanoi and 964 km north of Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang City is bordered by Thua Thien Hue, Quang Ngai, Kon Tum, Laos, and the South China Sea. Covering 1,283.42 km² (241.51 km² urban, 1,041.91 km² rural), it features a tropical monsoon climate with a dry season (February–August, 24–35°C or 75.2–95°F) and a rainy season (September–January, 18–30°C or 64.4–86°F), with peak rainfall in October–November (150–500 mm).

The city’s terrain, from the Truong Son Mountains (Ba Na peak at 1,487 m) to coastal plains, creates a dramatic setting for the Golden Bridge. The Han and Vu Gia rivers fuel its tourism hub status, while over 50% of the area is forested, enhancing Ba Na Hills’ natural allure.

Global Recognition and Media Acclaim

Since its opening in June 2018, the Golden Bridge has become a global sensation, earning accolades as one of the “100 most wonderful destinations” in 2018 and the “World’s Leading Iconic Bridge 2023” by the World Travel Awards. Media outlets have showered it with praise: The Huffington Post called it the “most interesting bridge ever seen,” The Independent ranked it among the “10 most astonishing bridges,” and Bored Panda likened its scenery to “Lord of the Rings.” The Guardian even noted that a proposed £130 million bridge in Wales drew inspiration from its design. With over 20,000 Instagram posts under #goldenbridgevietnam, it’s a viral favorite for travelers and photographers.

Unique Design and Symbolism

Designed by TA Landscape Architecture, the Golden Bridge spans 150 meters at Ba Na Hills, connecting the Marseille cable car station to the Thien Thai Garden and Le Jardin d’Amour flower garden. Unlike traditional bridges, it crosses no river or valley, instead resembling a golden silk thread lifted by two giant fiberglass hands styled as weathered stone. Its gold-painted steel deck and titanium handrails glow under sunlight, while purple Lobelia Chrysanthemums line its edges, enhancing its fairy-tale aesthetic. The hands symbolize a connection between humans and nature, evoking a mythical narrative of “gods pulling a golden thread from the mountain.”

Cultural and Tourism Impact

The Golden Bridge has redefined Da Nang’s tourism, hosting events like the “A Walk on a Cloud” fashion show and serving as a backdrop for wedding photoshoots. Its cloud-kissed setting at 1,400 m elevation has made it a cultural phenomenon, attracting visitors from Korea, Europe, and beyond. It has also boosted Ba Na Hills’ status as a premier resort, welcoming millions annually. The bridge’s sustainable construction, preserving Ba Na’s greenery, aligns with Da Nang’s eco-tourism goals.

• Cost: Cable car + Ba Na Hills entry $38–$45 (950,000–1,125,000 VND, adults); $25–$30 (625,000–750,000 VND, children under 1.4 m); free for children under 1 m. Combo tickets with lunch buffet: $50–$55 (1,250,000–1,375,000 VND, adults); $38–$42 (950,000–1,050,000 VND, children).

• Hours: 7:00 AM–10:00 PM daily.

• Sustainable Tip: Use shared shuttles or group tours to reduce emissions; support local artisans at Ba Na’s markets.

• Highlights: “A surreal masterpiece above the clouds” (Tripadvisor, 4.8/5 stars).

• Tip: Visit at dawn (7:00–9:00 AM) for foggy, mystical photos or sunset (5:00–6:00 PM) for golden hues. Book tickets online to skip cable car queues.

The Golden Bridge is at Sun World Ba Na Hills in Hoa Vang Ward, 25 km southwest of Da Nang city center, a 40–50 minute drive. It’s accessible only via cable car from the resort’s base.

• Private Car/Taxi: Most convenient, costing $24–$30 (600,000–750,000 VND) round-trip via Grab or private hires.

• Shuttle Bus: Budget-friendly at $6–$10 (150,000–250,000 VND) per person round-trip, offered by travel agencies. Departs 7:30–8:30 AM, returns 2:30–3:30 PM.

• Motorbike Rental: For adventurers, rentals cost $6–$12/day (150,000–300,000 VND). The scenic ride requires cautious driving on mountain roads.

• Cable Car Access: Included in entry, the world’s longest non-stop cable car (5,801 m) takes 20–30 minutes from Hoi An or Suoi Mo station to Marseille station near the Golden Bridge.

Tip: Shuttles or taxis are easiest; book cable car tickets online to avoid queues, especially on weekends.

Entrance Fees

• Ba Na Hills (includes Golden Bridge, cable car, most attractions): $38–$45 (950,000–1,125,000 VND, adults); $25–$30 (625,000–750,000 VND, children under 1.4 m); free for children under 1 m.

• Combo ticket (entry + lunch buffet): $50–$55 (1,250,000–1,375,000 VND, adults); $38–$42 (950,000–1,050,000 VND, children).

• Fantasy Park additional rides: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).

Activities

• Guided tours: $12–$50 (300,000–1,250,000 VND); private tours: $85–$130 (2,125,000–3,250,000 VND).

• Dining at Ba Na (e.g., La Lavande, Brasserie): $3.50–$16 (85,000–400,000 VND).

Transport

• Within Da Nang (1–5 km): Bicycle $1–$2/day (25,000–50,000 VND); motorbike $6–$12/day (150,000–300,000 VND); taxi/Grab $3.50–$6.50/trip (85,000–160,000 VND).

• Ba Na Hills (25 km): Private car/taxi round-trip $24–$30 (600,000–750,000 VND); shuttle $6–$10 (150,000–250,000 VND).

• Hanoi to Da Nang (750 km, round-trip): Flight $80–$150; train $40–$65 + $6–$13 taxi; bus $25–$40 + $6–$13 taxi.

• Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang (900 km, round-trip): Flight $90–$170; bus $35–$50 + $6–$13 taxi.

Total Daily Cost for Golden Bridge Visit

• Budget: $45–$60 (includes entry, shuttle, snacks).

• Mid-range: $60–$90 (includes guided tour, dining).

• Luxury: $90–$130 (includes private tour, upscale dining).

Tip: Carry VND for small vendors at Ba Na; ATMs are in Hai Chau. Rainy season (September–January) offers 15–25% tour discounts.

• Plan Ahead: Book tickets and tours 2–4 weeks in advance via Legend Travel Group (+84 938 987 654) or Klook, especially for March–August or holidays. Online tickets skip cable car queues.

• Weather Prep:

  • Dry Season (February–August): Sunscreen, hats, light clothing for 24–35°C (75.2–95°F). Ba Na’s altitude is cooler (20–25°C).

  • Rainy Season (September–January): Raincoats, waterproof shoes; November fog adds mystique but may reduce visibility. Check forecasts via AccuWeather.

• Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for Da Nang; Ba Na Hills shuttles are well-marked. Cable cars may pause in afternoon mist, so arrive early.

• Budget Wisely: Carry 50,000–500,000 VND notes; combo tickets (entry + lunch) save money.

• Stay Safe: Hold railings on the bridge during windy conditions; secure belongings in crowded areas.

• Sustainability: Opt for electric shuttles or group tours; support eco-vendors; use reusable bottles to reduce plastic waste.

• Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you); tip guides/vendors ($1–$2); respect Ba Na’s natural surroundings.

Our sustainable tours showcase the Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills:

• Ba Na Hills Golden Bridge Tour ($90–$120/person): Explore the Golden Bridge, French Village, Fantasy Park, and Le Jardin d’Amour. Includes cable car ($38–$45), eco-transfers, English-speaking guide, and lunch.

• Golden Bridge Express Tour ($70–$90/person): Focused Golden Bridge visit with insights into its global fame. Includes entry, eco-transfers, and snacks.

• Da Nang Explorer ($300–$450/person, 2–3 days): Golden Bridge, Ba Na Hills, and other Da Nang highlights, with homestays ($12–$30/night). Includes all activities, meals, eco-transfers.

Prices include entrance fees, eco-transfers, and meals/snacks. Enjoy 10% off for groups of 10+ or seasonal promotions. Book now via links around this page

The Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills is Da Nang City’s global icon, captivating travelers with its mythical giant hands and cloud-kissed vistas. Its worldwide acclaim, from topping “most wonderful destinations” lists to inspiring international architecture, makes it a must-visit. Backed by sustainable tourism initiatives, Legend Travel Group’s Golden Bridge Tours guide you through this architectural marvel, ensuring a sustainable Golden Bridge Travel experience that supports local communities. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Golden Bridge adventure today!
Ready to witness the Golden Bridge’s global phenomenon? Reserve your eco-friendly tour with Legend Travel Group and explore this iconic masterpiece!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights and guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Source: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group.