Is Visiting the Golden Bridge in Vietnam Worth It – My Honest Review
Vietnam Golden Bridge Review • travel review post & photos by Jeanie A
In Da Nang and wondering if visiting the Golden Bridge is worth it? In this review, I go over my experience visiting Ba Na Hills and whether going to Golden Bridge is worth it when in central Vietnam.
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The Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills is one of Vietnam’s most photographed landmarks. It’s a curved pedestrian bridge held up by two GIANT stone hands floating above misty mountains. Other bridges have attempted to re-create this, but no one does it better than the Golden Bridge in Vietnam. But here’s the biggest thing you need to know… it gets BUSY!! like.. really busy. In this honest review, I’m going to break down whether visiting the Golden Bridge is actually worth it.
Recommended Golden Bridge & Ba Na Hills Tours
Book unforgettable experiences and check out the below recommended Golden Bridge & Ba Na Hills tours:
Golden Bridge is located inside the Ba Na Hills amusement park, so you do have to purchase a Ba Na Hills ticket to access the Bridge. Also note that you do have to take a really long cable car ride from the Ba Na Hills base station (I recommend boarding at “Hoi An Station” to the actual Ba Na Hills park:
First Impressions
When I first saw the Golden Bridge, it was definitely bigger and more impressive than I thought it’d be. Photos don’t quite do it justice, especially since you have to put your phone camera on 0.5x wide angle to even fit the whole bridge into frame. The stone hands are massive, a bit weathered down, and gets really dramatic when the clouds roll in. However the width of the bridge isn’t that huge, but the unique design really makes it feel cinematic.
If you love architecture, photography, or bucket list landmarks, then you’ll appreciate Golden Bridge.
The Biggest Downside: Crowds
This is where I’m going to get honest. Bu mid-morning to midday, the bridge was extremely crowded! Large tour groups arrive from Da Nang and Hoi An and it gets shoulder-to-shoulder and you might take tiny footsteps just to move forward. And forget about getting a photo with the bridge without strangers in them.
But I do have to say, if you’re patient, and wait a bit, there might be a lull where you can get a photo with less people in it.
Short Uncrowded Moments • photo by Jeanie A
The bridge is beautiful but the crowd kinda take the magic away from it..
Even just leaving the bridge area was chaotic. There is a huge line to hop back on a cable car to get to another area of Ba Na Hills. And you’re “fighting” tour groups all trying to stay together for a spot in the line. It’s really best to have some patience when visiting lol.
Best Time: Go Early or Stay Later
So if you’re going to visit Golden Bridge, I recommend either going RIGHT when it opens, OR stay at the park later. This way, all the tour groups have either not arrived yet, OR they have all left to go back to their origin city.
Being at the bridge at either of these time will give you fewer people in photos, softer lights and a more peaceful atmosphere.
Important Tip: Which Cable Car to Take
If you want to get as close as possible to the Golden Bridge upon arrival, take one of the far-left cable cars at “Hoi An Station” when boarding at the base station.
But here’s a tip, you’ll notice a sign that say Hoi An Station and where it seems like all the people are lining up at, but if you go to the left of this, there’s another cable car with no line going to the same place!! We just happened upon it and were confused why it was so empty even though it connects to the Golden Bridge!
Not all cable car routes drop you off at the same area and some will require some extra walking or taking a cute train to get to the Golden Bridge area.
But choosing the far-left cable car line helps position you closer to the bridge and saves you time, especially if you’re racing the crowds in the morning.
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Thank you!-Jeanie
Is the Rest of Ba Na Hills Worth It?
Ba Na Hills is a theme park with a European-inspired village and architecture, so it won’t really feel like you’re in Vietnam. The Golden Bridge however is undeniably the highlight (at least it was to me), but you can still explore and experience the park. There’s rides, shops, and shows.
But all this can feel a bit commercial, so if you’re going for Vietnamese culture and authenticity, Ba Na Hills might not be your favorite stop or a place you want to hang out at for too long.
If you’re going for unique visuals and a fun experience, then you’ll enjoy it so why not explore the whole park!
Is Golden Bridge Worth It?
👍Pros
⚠️Cons
One of Vietnam’s most iconic landmarks
Extremely crowded mid-day
Incredible mountain views
Expensive entrance ticket to Ba Na Hills
Unique architecture you won’t see anywhere else
Can feel commercial/touristy
Amazing photo opportunities
Weather dependent (fog can obscure views)
Tips to Make the Most of Your Adventure
1. Go Early or Stay Later
2. Take the Right Cable Car
3. Check the Weather
Where to Stay in Hoi An
I stayed in Hoi An and booked a transport to get to Ba Na Hills from there. In Hoi An, I stayed at the Bel Marina Hoi An Resort, which is located within walking distance Hoi An Ancient Town and tons of eating and shopping options right nearby. Book your stay by clicking here, or check availability for your dates below and click “Search”:
If you go early or stay later, take the far-left cable car at Hoi An Station, and mentally prepare for crowds…Then yes, it’s worth seeing at least once! The design is impressive. The setting is dramatic. And it feels surreal to experience in person. I hope this review encourages you to explore adding the Golden Bridge to your Vietnam itinerary!
Did you visit Golden Bridge? How were the crowds like for you – Let me know in the comments below!
Jeanie has traveled to over 50 countries and has a love for new experiences, visiting iconic attractions, and finding breathtaking views. Hoping to help plan unforgettable adventures, Jeanie aims to inspire others to visit new places through her travel stories and photography.
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