Golden Bridge Vietnam: Instagram Gold With A Touch Of The Macabre

Sometimes, hands can scare us. We’ve already written about horror movies featuring hands, such as “Talk to Me” and “Idle Hands,“ among others. But hands also accompany us beyond the big and small screens into the world of tourism. If you wander around Instagram, you might also find the next super-photographed attraction, which manages to be breathtaking – and scary. The Golden Bridge in Vietnam, known to many as the Hand Bridge, offers precisely that.

Imagine standing at an altitude of almost 1,500 meters above sea level, walking on a shiny golden bridge, with green mountains and valleys spreading out below you. So far, everything sounds good and beautiful. But now add one small detail to the picture: the entire bridge is held up (at least seemingly) by two giant hands that look like they belong to an ancient mountain god who bursts from the ground to lift the structure into the sky.

In the following article, we will present everything you need to know about the Da Nang Hand Bridges. This unique architectural creation has become a viral phenomenon, but may also provoke criticism or even fear. We will show you how to visit it and offer some tips to help you realize the area’s tourist potential.

What Is The Golden Bridge In Vietnam?

The Golden Bridge (in Vietnamese: Cầu Vàng, and in English simply Golden Bridge) is a pedestrian bridge located near Da Nang, in eastern Vietnam, the sixth-largest city in the country. From a practical point of view, it is part of the Sun World Ba Na Hills resort and complex west of Da Nang, which offers various attractions that we will present to you later.

The Golden Bridge Vietnam is part of a massive $2 billion investment in the area by one of Vietnam’s top tourism and real estate companies, aimed at turning the area into a tourist gem. It is important to remember that the area itself was first developed in 1919 by French colonialists as a transit station between the Truong Son Mountains. It was only about a century later that they realized its enormous tourist potential.

There is no doubt that the most impressive element of the bridge, which has made it so touristy and photographed, is the two giant hands that supposedly hold it. The bridge itself is made of steel, but two enormous hands, made of fiberglass and wire, were built around it.

When Was The Golden Bridge In Vietnam Built?

Although there are countless ancient bridges around the world, this is a new attraction that has emerged in recent years: a bit like the Diamond Bridge in Georgia, which we reviewed on the site not long ago. The bridge, designed by architects from Ho Chi Minh City University’s Department of Architecture, began construction in July 2017. Construction was completed in April 2018, and the bridge was open to the public two months later.

It was designed in advance for a practical purpose – to offer a connection between the nearby cable car station and the green gardens that surround the area – but quickly became a prominent tourist attraction.

So…how long is The Golden Bridge in Vietnam? Well, the Golden Hands Bridge is about 150 meters long and 5 meters wide, with a somewhat curved path, but what’s interesting is what’s around it. The bridge is about 1,400 meters above sea level and offers spectacular views of a mountain range, green forests, the sea, and, of course, the city of Da Nang. But the highlight is actually the hands that hold the bridge.

Gods In The Skies Of Vietnam

The goal was to create the impression that the hands are holding the bridge, or, according to the project’s lead designer, “to evoke the feeling of walking on a golden thread, stretched through the hands of God.” If you suffer from a fear of heights, note that the hands are not actually holding the bridge, which has enough supporting columns to make you feel more or less calm.

The hands meant to look like ancient stone, with the imaginative horror movie fans among them (oops!) also claiming a cursed hand in the style of “Talk to Me”. The stones were covered in moss and bryophytes, a Mediterranean plant from the labiate family, to create the feeling that these are other elements; this is one of the creepiest signs of neglect. The “abandoned“ stone hands create an interesting contrast with the bridge itself, in modern gold tones, and the result is breathtaking. This contrast – between the ancient and the contemporary, as well as between the natural and the artificial – helps create a dramatic, strange visual effect.

And by the way, this may not be the end. The designer noted that the next stage of the project is already in the planning phase: a silver bridge connecting to the existing structure. The inspiration this time is a view that resembles God’s hair, no less.

More Than An Instagramic Material

Visiting the bridge itself is a relatively short experience, but certainly satisfying (assuming you come away with enough impressive photos). The bridge is only about 150 meters long, so walking across it takes only a few minutes. In reality, the amount of time you spend here will be longer, due to the tourist rush and the fact that you may also find yourself taking dozens of photos at different locations along the bridge.

You probably know how it is with touristy and “Instagrammable“ places. Visitors stop at every corner, looking for the perfect angle, waiting in line for popular photo spots, or trying to capture the ideal photo: When the fog dissipates or when the sun creates a play of light on the golden railing, or at least when there are not too many strangers in the frame. The most popular photo spots are where you can take a picture of the entire bridge with the hands, or stand inside the “hand“ and look as if that imaginary mountain god is holding you.

Trying to take the “perfect picture“ is an integral part of the experience, but it is essential to remember that during peak tourist season and on weekends, the place can be very crowded. Sometimes you have to wait patiently for your turn to stand in the right place for the photo, with long lines forming near the most popular photo spots. This is part of the experience, but also something to take into account when planning your visit.

What To Do In Ba Na Hills: Attractions Around The Golden Bridge Vietnam

The Golden Hand Bridge is the main reason many tourists visit the area, but the truth is, there is plenty to do and see here. The bridge, as mentioned, is part of a vast and impressive tourist complex called Sun World Ba Na Hills, located in the heart of gardens established during the French colonial period.

The history of Ba Na Hills is fascinating in its own right. Back in 1919, the French colonialists chose this area as a refuge from the heavy heat of Da Nang. They built a luxurious mountain resort here that included about 200 vacation villas, sports fields, restaurants, and hotels. The goal was to create a “little corner of France“ in the mountains of Vietnam, a place where they could escape the humidity and heat of the lower regions.

Over the years, especially during the Vietnam War, the area was abandoned and collapsed. It was only in recent decades that Sun Group decided to invest in the area, reviving the Ba Na Hills complex. This time, it was a modern entertainment and tourism complex that combined the area’s ancient charm and natural beauty with contemporary attractions.

The main Ba Na Hills Attractions are:

The Cable Car

The only way to reach Ba Na Hills is via the famous cable car system. CNN ranked this cable car system among the 10 most impressive in the world, and it has set several Guinness World Records.

The Ba Na Hills cable car system is not only a means of transportation but also one of the site’s primary and most impressive attractions, which has gained worldwide recognition. In 2013, the system entered the Guinness Book of Records with several extraordinary records: the world’s longest cable car in one continuous section (non-stop single track), with a length of 5,801 meters; the cable car with the most tremendous height difference between the starting station and the summit (1,368 meters); the longest journey time on a system of this type; and the heaviest cable car system in terms of total cable weight.

These achievements have made the cable car a symbol of modern engineering in the heart of the Vietnamese landscape. Beyond the technical achievements, the ride itself is an extraordinary experience: visitors rise from sea level through tropical rainforests, cross clouds and chasms, and on clear days, you can also see the city of Da Nang and the sea. The ride lasts about 20 minutes, and at the end, you reach a cooler, mountainous area.

Ba Na Hills French Village

One of the main attractions in the Ba Na Hills complex is the French Village, an entire neighborhood inspired by French architecture from the Middle Ages and the 19th century. Here you will find cobblestone streets, impressive Gothic buildings, a square with a fountain, a cathedral, cafes, and restaurants with an authentic European atmosphere.

The village is a perfect place for a relaxing trip, romantic photo shoots, and a “little Europe“ experience in the heart of Asia. It is a particularly popular place for wedding photography and fashion events, and, among other things, a prestigious fashion show called “Fashion Voyage“ was held here, attracting global attention.

Ba Na Hills Wax Museum

The Ba Na Hills Wax Museum is the first of its kind in Vietnam. It features over 40 hyper-realistic wax figures of celebrities, historical figures, and cultural icons from around the world. Italian artists created the figures, and the result is pretty nice.

Among the figures you can find the kings and princesses of England, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, and others. Don’t expect a museum on the level of Madame Tussauds here, in terms of either quantity or quality of exhibits, but it can be an enjoyable and photo-worthy experience.

The museum is inside Fantasy Park, an indoor theme park. It requires a separate ticket (the ticket price is around 100,000 VND per person), in addition to the general entrance ticket to the Ba Na Hills complex.

Ba Na Hills Flower Garden

The Ba Na Hills flower garden, “The Garden of Love” (Le Jardin D’Amour), is a spectacular romantic flower garden in the heart of the mountain, near the Golden Bridge. The garden contains nine thematic areas, each inspired by a different love story or romantic fairy tale, featuring a combination of plants, sculptures, fountains, and design elements. Each region also represents a different aspect of love: innocence, passion, longing, hope, and more.

Countless colorful flowers bloom in the garden area – roses, lavender, hydrangeas, petunias, sunflowers, and other species – which change according to the seasons. It is an ideal place for a stroll, spectacular photos, and rest among the adventurous attractions around. It is no wonder that the garden has become a popular photo spot for couples, brides, professional photographers, and, of course, social media influencers.

Ba Na Hills Fantasy Park

The Fantasy Park is a huge indoor amusement park spanning three floors and offering over 100 rides, games, and attractions, all under one roof, making it a great attraction even on rainy or cloudy days.

The park was inspired by the fantasy worlds of Jules Verne, especially from the books “Journey to the Center of the Earth“ and “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas”. Accordingly, you will find a surreal setting, underwater-themed halls, simulated caves, and adventurous facilities.

The Ba Na Hills Fantasy Park rides list includes small roller coasters, bumper cars, go-kart tracks, 4D and 360-degree cinemas, arcade games, a climbing area, escape rooms, and more. Most attractions are included in the general admission price to the complex, except for a few dedicated facilities, such as the wax museum or video games, which charge an additional fee.

Ba Na Hills Alpine Coaster

The Alpine roller coaster at Ba Nà Hills is one of the most popular and unique attractions at the site. It is an outdoor roller coaster, where each visitor controls their own speed and pace of travel using manual levers. The route winds through forests, steep slopes, bridges, and viewpoints, with the panoramic mountain landscape of the entire area as a backdrop.

The Ba Na Hills Alpine Coaster is not particularly fast or extreme, making it suitable for almost any age. The feeling of floating among the trees and the sharp turns on the edge of cliffs add an element of safe, fun excitement.

Spiritual Attractions

The Bà Nà Hills complex includes several spiritual and historical sites that add a layer of cultural depth and a connection to Vietnamese tradition. The most prominent of these is the Linh Úng Pagoda, an impressive Buddhist temple located at an altitude of about 1,500 meters above sea level. The pagoda boasts a giant white Buddha statue, 27 meters high, sitting on a circular base with a diameter of about five meters. The statue is visible from afar and symbolizes spirituality and tranquility. The entire place radiates a quiet atmosphere, with manicured gardens and panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

Near the pagoda, you can also visit Linh Phong Zen Monastery, also known as The Northern Pagoda. This is a quiet Zen center designed for meditation and introspection, offering a pastoral spiritual atmosphere. Another interesting structure is the Temple of the Holy Mother, a small but symbolic place of worship for Buddhist believers.

Alongside the spiritual sites is the Debay Wine Cellar, an ancient stone structure built by the French in the early 20th century, when the area was used as a colonial resort. This is the only original relic left from the period. It has been well preserved over the years, thanks in part to its thick stone walls, which keep the interior at a constant temperature. Today, you can visit the place, tour the storage rooms, and taste local and international wines.

Here is a video that summarizes the main attractions of the complex:

Other Attractions In The Da Nang Area

Your visit to the area doesn’t have to end with the Ba Na Hills complex and its various attractions. Among other things, you can find in the area:

Dragon Bridge: Speaking of bridges, a reasonable distance away, you will find the Dragon Bridge, which is located over the Han River and is considered the longest steel bridge in the world in the shape of a dragon. On weekends, this dragon – which looks more friendly than scary – puts on a nice fire and water show.

The White Buddha Statue (Linh Ung Pagoda) – An impressive statue of the White Buddha, which rises to a height of about 67 meters

The Marble Mountains – A range of five mountains, made of stone and limestone. The principle here is that each mountain is named after a different element of nature (fire, earth, wood, metal, and water). Around the hills, you will find caves, temples, scenic spots, and other surprises.

Da Nang Beaches – Da Nang’s coastline is spectacular in its beauty, and you can find a variety of beaches: some are more touristy and crowded with restaurants, marine attractions, and vacationers (like My Ca Beach), and others are more relaxed and peaceful (like Son Tra Beach).

Despite these attractions, some believe that Da Nang is less suitable to be the focus of your stay in Vietnam, and even in the eastern part of the country. You can stay in Hoi An, which is considered more touristy, and from there travel to the Da Nang area and the Ba Na Hills complex.

How Can You Visit Vietnam’s Golden Bridge?

Visiting the bridge itself does not require a separate ticket, but you will have to pay for entry to the Ba Na Hills complex, with which you can freely explore the area. Access to the bridge is part of the general ticket, and there is no need to book in advance or take a guided tour.

There are several options for getting there:

Organized Tours And Day Trips

Countless tourists choose to join organized tours from Da Nang or Hoi An, which include transportation, a guide, and sometimes meals, which makes life much easier for them. Many tour companies in Da Nang offer day trips to Ba Na Hills, which include round-trip transportation, an English-speaking guide, and an entrance ticket to the complex, sometimes with additional attractions. The day trips are a convenient option for those who don’t want to deal with logistics, especially since the prices are definitely reasonable.

The Golden Bridge is one of the most visited sites in Da Nang, so we recommend booking tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons or on weekends. Most tours also include a ride on the famous cable car to the Bà Nà Hills complex, and booking in advance guarantees a place, saves time, and, in many cases, allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

To ensure the experience that suits your style, here are three reliable platforms for booking tours and entrances to the Golden Bridge:

🎟️ GetYourGuide  

On this site, you will find an extensive selection of tours and activities in Da Nang and the Ba Nà Hills area. GetYourGuide’s significant advantage is its convenient interface, up-to-date photos, and genuine traveler reviews, so you know exactly what to expect. Many tours include free cancellation and fast entry.

🎟️ Klook

Klook is considered one of the most affordable platforms for the East, especially for independent travelers. Prices are usually lower, the process is straightforward through the app, and you can book cable car tickets individually or as part of a package.

🎟️ Viator

If it is important to you to book through a reliable global brand, Viator is an excellent choice. The platform, owned by Tripadvisor, offers high-quality tours with experienced guides, exceptional customer service, and the option to upgrade to private transportation.

Independent travel

You can rent a car in Da Nang or Hoi An and drive to the cable car station yourself. The roads are well signed, and the trip is relatively simple. There is parking available on site.

Taxi or Grab

Taxi and Grab (the popular ride-hailing app in Southeast Asia) are widely available in Da Nang. The cost will be reasonable, and the driver will pick you up at the end of the day.

Bus

There are public buses that go to Ba Na Hills. The buses usually leave in the morning and return in the afternoon.

You can find detailed information on how to get there on the Ba Na Hills official website.

Tips For A Successful Visit

How Much Time Should You Spend At The Golden Bridge In Vietnam?

To really enjoy the entire complex, and not just take pictures on the Hand Bridge Vietnam, you should consider a full day or at least half a day. Your time can be divided between a cable car ride (about 40 minutes round-trip), a visit to the Golden Bridge, a tour of the French Village, a visit to the gardens, a ride on the attractions in Fantasy Park, and, of course, time for meals, coffee, and rest.

The Golden Bridge Opening Hours

The Ba Na Hills complex is open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, but most attractions close at 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM, depending on the season. Good advice is to arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and catch the best light for photos.

What’s The Best Time To Visit The Golden Bridge?

The ideal time to visit Ba Na Hills is between February and August. During these months, the weather tends to be sunny, warm, and mostly stable, with minimal rainfall, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures. This is the best time to take photos, when visibility is excellent and the views are awe-inspiring. Even when the weather is warm, it can still be cold or even freezing on the bridge, so it is essential to dress accordingly.

It is mostly less recommended to visit the area from September to December, during Vietnam’s monsoon season, as you may encounter rain or even typhoons. In January and February, the weather can be suitable for hiking, but less so for visiting Vietnam’s beaches and water attractions.

What’s The Best Hour To Visit?

If you have the opportunity, visit the Ba Nha Hills complex in general, and the Golden Bridge in particular, during the middle of the week, not on weekends or Vietnamese national holidays. On weekends, the place becomes very crowded, the queues for attractions are long, and it’s hard to find a quiet spot to take photos. During the week, the experience is much more pleasant and relaxed.

Like most tourist attractions, the general recommendation (but the least applicable for a large part of travelers) is to arrive at the bridge as early as possible in the day, even around 7:00-8:00. In the early hours, the complex is less crowded, the light is better for photos, and the morning mist creates a mystical and amazing atmosphere around the bridge.

For those interested in sunset photos, afternoon hours are also great. At these times, the Hand Bridge in Vietnam sparkles especially in the sunset light, and the place is less crowded than in the late morning or afternoon. Visiting the Golden Bridge at night may also be an interesting choice, when the bridge is illuminated, but you may find it hard to see the overall panoramic scenes.

Don’t Forget To Check The Weather

Like many other bridges and scenic spots, especially those located hundreds and thousands of meters above ground level, the experience also depends on the weather. One of the most important tips is to check the weather before visiting, especially the forecast for clouds and fog. The bridge is at a high altitude, so your visibility from it is likely to be affected by conditions on any given day. On a clear and sunny day, you will see more, and your photos may very well be many times more impressive.

On the other hand – and this is where the “horror world” element comes in – thick fog can create a scary and mystical atmosphere, which we actually really like. Imagine standing on the Golden Bridge, and the fog is so dense that you can barely see the giant hands or the other end of the bridge, so you can imagine that in a moment monsters will emerge from the fog and grab you “The Fog” style. Suddenly, the bridge seems to be floating in another dimension and connected to almost nothing, like you’re standing on a narrow golden bridge leading into the unknown. It can be both spectacular and intimidating at the same time. But beware: if the fog is too thick or the weather is stormy, the park managers may close the bridge temporarily for safety reasons.