Sun World Ba Na Hills Named Asia’s Leading Cable Car 2026 | Asia Travel Mates
Vietnam · World Travel Awards 2026

Sun World Ba Na Hills Named Asia’s Leading Cable Car 2026

A record-breaking ride through the clouds. An engineering wonder. Asia’s best cable car.

At the World Travel Awards 2026 ceremony at CROSSROADS Maldives, Sun World Ba Na Hills was honoured as Asia’s Leading Cable Car — a title that celebrates one of the most remarkable cable car systems ever built.

Read the Story → Cable Car Travel Guide

Cable Car · Golden Bridge · Ba Na Hills · Truong Son Mountains

AN
Andy Nguyen Vietnam Travel Expert at Asia Travel Mates
September 2026 · 10 min read

Sun World Ba Na Hills has been named Asia’s Leading Cable Car at the World Travel Awards 2026 — one of two major continental titles the mountain resort collected this year.

The award was announced at the gala ceremony held at CROSSROADS Maldives on September 27, 2026 — the same evening Vietnam claimed its sixth consecutive Asia’s Leading Destination title, and Ba Na Hills also took home Asia’s Leading Theme Park. Together, the two awards recognise the resort’s dual achievement: extraordinary engineering, and extraordinary visitor experience.

Ba Na Hills’ cable car system is one of the most remarkable in the world. It holds multiple records, including the longest single-track cable car and the highest elevation difference between a lower and upper station. The journey takes travelers from the base of the Truong Son Mountains up to a mountain resort at around 1,500 meters above sea level — passing over forests, waterfalls, and valleys along the way.

For many travelers, the cable car ride is as memorable as the destination itself. Rising through the clouds, watching the landscape fall away beneath you, and stepping off into a mountain-top village at the end — it is a singular experience, and one that now carries Asia’s most prestigious cable car award.

Sun World Ba Na Hills cable car rising through the Truong Son Mountains — Asia's Leading Cable Car 2026
Sun World Ba Na Hills — the record-breaking cable car system, named Asia’s Leading Cable Car 2026.
Breaking News · September 27, 2026

Two Asian Titles for Sun World Ba Na Hills

Ba Na Hills’ double recognition reflects the rare combination of engineering, design, and visitor experience that makes the mountain resort unique in Asia.

Sun World Ba Na Hills’ 2026 World Travel Awards

  • Asia’s Leading Cable Car 2026
  • Asia’s Leading Theme Park 2026

The World Travel Awards, established in 1993, are widely regarded as the most prestigious recognition programme in the global travel industry. Winners are determined through online voting by tourism professionals and travelers worldwide. The 2026 Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean ceremony was held at CROSSROADS Maldives.

Why the Cable Car Wins

The Ba Na Hills cable car is not only an engineering achievement — it is the experience that defines a visit to the mountain resort. Rising 1,368 meters through the forest, it is the moment the journey begins.

Record-Breaking in Every Sense

The system holds multiple world records for length, elevation difference, and cable tension, and is widely regarded as one of the most advanced cable car systems ever built.

Why the Cable Car Wins

An Engineering Wonder in the Clouds

The Ba Na Hills cable car was built to carry travelers from the foot of the Truong Son Mountains up to a mountain resort perched at approximately 1,500 meters above sea level. From the moment it opened, the system was recognised as one of the most ambitious cable car projects ever undertaken in Asia.

The system holds several world records, most notably:

Longest single-track cable car: approximately 5,771 meters.
Highest elevation difference: approximately 1,368 meters between the lower and upper stations.
Highest cable tension: among the highest in the world for a passenger cable car.

Riding the cable car is itself an experience. The cabins glide silently above the forest, passing waterfalls and valleys. On clear days, the views extend as far as Da Nang and the East Sea. On misty mornings, the cabins pass through the clouds — a moment that travelers describe as unforgettable.

At the top, the cable car arrives directly at the heart of Sun World Ba Na Hills — a mountain resort that includes the Golden Bridge, the French Village, gardens, pagodas, restaurants, and the Fantasy Park indoor amusement area.

Ba Na Hills cable car journey through the Truong Son Mountains
The Golden Bridge at Sun World Ba Na Hills — reached by Asia's Leading Cable Car 2026
The Golden Bridge — the iconic landmark reached by the Ba Na Hills cable car.
The Cable Car Experience

What You See on the Ride

The Ba Na Hills cable car is more than transportation — it is the beginning of the visit. Here’s what to look for as you rise through the mountains.

Highlights Along the Cable Car Route

  • Dense Forest — The cable car passes over some of the most pristine forest in central Vietnam, home to many native species of plants and animals.
  • Truong Son Mountains — The dramatic mountain range that separates Vietnam from Laos. The views are particularly beautiful in the early morning.
  • Waterfalls — Seasonal waterfalls cascade down the mountainsides beneath the cable car, especially during the rainy months.
  • The Sea of Clouds — On misty mornings, the cable car rises through low cloud, emerging into clear skies above the cloud line.
  • Da Nang and the East Sea — On clear days, the views extend all the way to Da Nang city and the East Sea beyond.
  • Mountain Villages — Small highland communities visible in the valleys below, offering a glimpse of rural Vietnamese life.
  • Multiple Cable Car Lines — The system includes several separate lines and station types, each offering a distinct perspective on the landscape.
  • The Golden Bridge Arrival — Arriving at the top, travelers step off the cable car and walk directly onto the Golden Bridge — the perfect beginning to the Ba Na Hills visit.
Ba Na Hills cable car rising through the Truong Son Mountains in Vietnam

The Cable Car Ride

A record-breaking journey through the Truong Son Mountains — the highlight of any Ba Na Hills visit.

 The Golden Bridge at Sun World Ba Na Hills — the most iconic landmark in central Vietnam

The Golden Bridge

The world-famous 150-meter pedestrian bridge, supported by two giant stone hands and reached by cable car.

 French Village at Ba Na Hills — a European-inspired mountain resort in Vietnam

French Village at the Top

A European-inspired village of architecture, gardens, cafés, and views across the Truong Son Mountains.

 Ba Na Hills mountain views — the arrival point of Asia's Leading Cable Car

Views from the Top

Panoramic views of the Truong Son Mountains, the sea of clouds, and — on clear days — the East Sea beyond.

Cable Car Travel Guide

How to Ride Asia’s Leading Cable Car

Best Time to Ride

February – April

Best: Cool, dry weather in central Vietnam. Clear views and moderate crowds. Ideal for the cable car and the Golden Bridge.

May – August

High Season: Hot in Da Nang but comfortable on the mountain. Busier — arrive early in the morning to avoid queues.

September – January

Rainy Season: Cooler and mistier. The cable car can be dramatic in the mist, but visibility is unpredictable.

Weekday Mornings

The best times to ride are weekday mornings, ideally before 8:00 AM. Weekends and Vietnamese public holidays are significantly busier.

How to Get to the Cable Car

From Da Nang

About 25 kilometers southwest of Da Nang. The drive to the cable car base station takes 45 minutes to an hour by private car or taxi.

From Hoi An

About 65 kilometers from Hoi An — approximately 1.5 hours by car. Most travelers visit Ba Na Hills as a day trip from Da Nang or Hoi An.

By Shuttle Bus

Most hotels in Da Nang and Hoi An offer shuttle bus packages to Ba Na Hills. Convenient and economical.

By Private Transfer

Private car with a driver is the most comfortable option. Can be arranged through hotels or travel agencies.

How Long Do You Need?

DurationCoverageBest For
Cable car round trip onlyCable car + Golden BridgeTravelers short on time
Half dayCable car, Golden Bridge, French VillageA focused visit
Full dayAll of Ba Na Hills — cable car, bridge, gardens, Fantasy ParkThe ideal visit
OvernightFull day + evening entertainment + sunrise viewsTravelers wanting a slower pace

The cable car runs throughout the day, with operating hours varying by season. The last descent is usually before 6:00 PM. Check the official Sun World website for current hours.

Ba Na Hills cable car at sunrise — the best time to ride
The Ba Na Hills cable car at sunrise — the best time to ride, before the crowds arrive.
Tickets & Access

What You Need to Know

The standard Ba Na Hills ticket includes round-trip cable car access and entry to most attractions within Sun World Ba Na Hills, including the Golden Bridge, French Village, gardens, and Fantasy Park.

Tickets can be purchased at the base station or in advance online through the official Sun World website or through travel agencies. Booking online is recommended during peak season (May to August and Vietnamese school holidays).

Prices vary by season, ticket type, and booking method. As of 2026:

  • Standard adult ticket: from around 900,000 VND (~$36 USD)
  • Children (1m – 1.4m): discounted rate
  • Children under 1m: free
  • Combo tickets (including meal): additional cost

Travelers with limited mobility should note that the cable car itself is fully accessible, but there are many stairs and sloped walkways across the Ba Na Hills resort.

Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills — the main attraction reached by the cable car
Practical Information

What to Know Before You Ride

Before You Go — Ba Na Hills Cable Car Checklist

The cable car is safe, comfortable, and easy for travelers of all ages. A few essentials make the experience smoother:

  • Book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues at the base station.
  • Arrive as early as possible — ideally before 8:00 AM — to experience the Golden Bridge with fewer crowds.
  • Pack layers — the mountain is 10 to 15 degrees cooler than Da Nang, and the cable car itself can be cool in early morning.
  • Bring a light rain jacket — the mountain can be misty or drizzly even when Da Nang is sunny.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes — the cable car itself is easy, but there is a lot of walking at the top.
  • Check the cable car operating hours before you visit — they vary by season.
  • Consider visiting on a weekday — weekends and Vietnamese public holidays are significantly busier.
  • Bring a camera — the views from the cable car are some of the most beautiful in central Vietnam.
Andy’s Perspective

Why Ba Na Hills’ Cable Car Deserves the Award

I have ridden many cable cars across Asia, and Ba Na Hills’ is genuinely one of the best. Not only because of its records — but because of what it delivers to travelers. It is not just a way to get from point A to point B. It is the moment when the experience of Ba Na Hills truly begins.

“The ride up the mountain is one of the most memorable experiences in Vietnam. You rise through forest and cloud, the temperature drops, and suddenly you’re stepping out onto a bridge in the sky. There is nothing else quite like it in Asia.”

— Andy Nguyen, Vietnam Travel Expert at Asia Travel Mates

For travelers planning a first visit to Ba Na Hills, my advice is simple: go early, ride up in the morning, and take your time. The cable car is not a commute — it is a part of the journey, and one of the best reasons to visit Ba Na Hills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ba Na Hills Cable Car FAQs

What did Sun World Ba Na Hills win at the World Travel Awards 2026?

Sun World Ba Na Hills was named Asia’s Leading Cable Car at the World Travel Awards 2026, held at CROSSROADS Maldives on September 27, 2026. The complex also won Asia’s Leading Theme Park.

How long is the Ba Na Hills cable car?

The Ba Na Hills cable car system holds multiple world records, including the longest single-track cable car at approximately 5,771 meters, and the highest elevation difference between its lower and upper stations at about 1,368 meters.

Where is the Ba Na Hills cable car?

The Ba Na Hills cable car runs from the base station in the Truong Son Mountains, about 25 kilometers southwest of Da Nang in central Vietnam, up to the Ba Na Hills resort at approximately 1,500 meters above sea level.

How long does the Ba Na Hills cable car ride take?

The main cable car route from the base station to the top takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, passing over forests, waterfalls, and mountain valleys.

What is the best time to ride the Ba Na Hills cable car?

The best time to ride is early morning, ideally before 8:00 AM, to avoid the busiest hours. Weekdays are quieter than weekends and Vietnamese public holidays.

Is the Ba Na Hills cable car suitable for children?

Yes. The cable car is safe and comfortable for all ages, including young children and elderly travelers. It is fully enclosed and operates in a wide range of weather conditions.

Does the Ba Na Hills ticket include the cable car?

Yes. The standard Ba Na Hills ticket includes round-trip cable car access and entry to most attractions within Sun World Ba Na Hills. Prices vary by season and ticket type.

What can you see from the Ba Na Hills cable car?

The cable car passes over dense forest, waterfalls, mountain valleys, and the surrounding Truong Son Mountains. On clear days, the views extend as far as Da Nang city and the East Sea.

Plan Your Ba Na Hills Journey

Ride Asia’s Leading Cable Car For Yourself

From day trips and overnight stays at Ba Na Hills to extended central Vietnam journeys through Da Nang and Hoi An, we can design an itinerary tailored to your interests, pace, and travel style.

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