Golden Hand Bridge: Vietnam’s Most Stunning New Tourist Attraction

Have you ever dreamed of walking on a bridge that seems to be held up by giant stone hands? If so, you might want to add Vietnam to your bucket list. The Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills, Da Nang, is a unique bridge that resembles a beautiful silk ribbon on top of a mountain. If you’re up for it, why not join me and explore the mesmerizing charm of the Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills, Da Nang? It’s definitely a destination worth checking out!

Overview of the Golden Hand Bridge in Da Nang

Golden Hand Bridge: Vietnam's Most Stunning New Tourist Attraction

The Golden Hand Bridge was built in June 2018 and is the brainchild of a company called TA Landscape Architecture, based in Ho Chi Minh City. These architects didn’t stop at just designing the bridge though. They also worked on other awesome attractions within Ba Na Hills, like the fantastic French Village and the thrilling Alpine Coaster.

So why did they build this bridge? Well, apart from connecting two cable car stations, they wanted it to be a spot where people could enjoy breathtaking views and have a truly unforgettable experience. The bridge stretches an impressive 150 meters (490 feet) across a mountain slope, and it’s held up by two massive hands made of a special combination of fiberglass and wire mesh. You’d think they were actually covered in gold-colored steel, and they’ve decorated it with striking purple lobelia flowers that really stand out against the lush green forest and beautiful blue sky.

This bridge is truly one-of-a-kind, and people have been blown away by its originality and the way it blends with the natural surroundings. It’s even gained international recognition and made headlines on big-shot websites and publications like CNN, BBC, Forbes, The Guardian, and ArchDaily. It’s so special that it was even ranked among the top 10 bridges with the most unique architecture in the world by Architectural Digest.

How to Visit the Golden Hand Bridge

The Golden Hand Bridge is located in Ba Na Hills, a hill station that was established by French colonists in 1919 as a summer retreat.

Ba Na Hills itself is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Da Nang city, which is a bustling urban center in Vietnam. It’s a great starting point for exploring other fascinating attractions in central Vietnam, such as Hoi An, Hue, and My Son.

To get to Ba Na Hills, there are a few different ways you can choose from:

Taxi:

If you value convenience and flexibility, taking a taxi is a solid choice. However, keep in mind that it is the most expensive option. The journey from Da Nang city center to Ba Na Hills will take roughly an hour and cost approximately 600,000 VND (equivalent to 26 USD). Taxis are readily available at the airport, train station, or you can use ride-hailing apps such as Grab.

Private Car or Shuttle Bus Service:

If you’re traveling with a group of friends or family, this can be a more cost-effective option. You can book a private car or shuttle bus service online, through your hotel, or a travel agency. It will cost around 300,000 VND (approximately 13 USD) per person for a one-way trip from Da Nang city center to Ba Na Hills, and the journey usually takes about an hour. Some services may even include the entrance fee to Ba Na Hills, which is 750,000 VND (equivalent to 32 USD) for adults and 650,000 VND (about 28 USD) for children under 1.4 meters (4 feet 7 inches).

Group Tour:

For a hassle-free experience where transportation, tickets, and itinerary are all taken care of, consider joining a group tour. These tours typically include a visit to the Golden Hand Bridge and other attractions in Ba Na Hills, along with lunch and a guide. The cost is approximately 1,000,000 VND (equivalent to 43 USD) per person, and the duration is approximately 8 hours. You can easily book a group tour online, through your hotel, or a travel agency.

Exploring Ba Na Hills

Exploring Ba Na Hills was an unforgettable adventure for me. When I first arrived at this stunning destination, I was immediately captivated by the prospect of riding the cable car, which is renowned as one of the longest and highest in the world. With a remarkable 5.8 kilometers (3.6 miles) of cable stretching through the air and reaching a height of 1,487 meters (4,879 feet), the cable car promised to be an experience like no other, and it certainly lived up to the hype.

The main highlight, of course, was the Golden Hand Bridge. This architectural wonder is situated between the Marseille Station and the Bordeaux Station of the cable car system, nestled within the enchanting Thien Thai Garden. You have the option to start your journey from either station, but I opted for Marseille as it’s conveniently located near the entrance of Ba Na Hills. The bridge opens its gates to visitors from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM daily.

Beyond the bridge, there was so much more to explore in Ba Na Hills:

The French Village transported me to a medieval European town, complete with Gothic architecture, cobblestone streets, and a magnificent cathedral. The village was also home to hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it a delightful place to stroll around.
The Fantasy Park offered a world of indoor amusement, featuring an array of games and rides suitable for all ages. From thrilling roller coasters to classic arcade machines and even a 4D cinema, there was no shortage of entertainment. The dinosaur park was a personal favorite!
The Flower Garden was a paradise for nature lovers, showcasing an array of flowers from different regions and seasons. Walking through fields of tulips, orchids, roses, and cherry blossoms was a sensory delight.
Last but not least, we have the Wine Cellar—a true treasure for wine enthusiasts. This cellar was actually constructed by French colonists back in 1923 and still maintains some of the original wine barrels. You can even treat yourself to a delightful tasting experience of local wines while you’re here. Cheers to that!

Tips for Visiting the Golden Hand Bridge

Best Time To Visit

When deciding the best time to visit the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills, you should consider two things: the months and the actual time of day:

The Months: The ideal time to go to the Golden Hand Bridge is during the dry season, which occurs from April to August. This period offers sunny and clear weather, providing better views and photo opportunities. However, it is also the peak tourist season in Vietnam, resulting in larger crowds and higher prices.
The Days: According to my trip to Golden Hand Bridge last April, early morning is the best time to visit and take good photos without other people in them. During these times, the sun is not too harsh and the light is softer, which makes for a better experience.

What to Bring

The Golden Hand Bridge is situated at a high elevation of 1,414 meters (4,639 feet). As a result, the temperature there is cooler compared to sea level. The weather in Ba Na Hills typically ranges from 17°C (63°F) to 25°C (77°F), depending on the season. So, it’s important to dress appropriately for the weather and consider wearing layered clothing.
Snacks: Packing snacks like nuts, fruits, or energy bars is indeed a great idea. The options for food on the bridge or in Ba Na Hills might be limited, and you’ll want to keep your energy levels up during your exploration. Having these handy snacks can keep hunger at bay and ensure you have the stamina to fully enjoy your visit.
Cash: Carrying cash is an important practical tip for traveling in many places, including Ba Na Hills. While larger tourist attractions and businesses may accept credit cards or electronic payments, some smaller vendors, local eateries, or services in Ba Na Hills might prefer cash.

I hope this article has given you some useful information and tips for visiting the Golden Hand Bridge. And if you have visited the bridge yourself, please share your experience and photos with me. I would love to hear from you!

Thank you for reading and happy travels!