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

Sun World Ba Na Hills Named Asia’s Leading Theme Park 2026

Two continental titles. One mountain resort. The Golden Bridge that captured the world.

At the World Travel Awards 2026 ceremony at CROSSROADS Maldives, Sun World Ba Na Hills was honoured with two Asian titles — Asia’s Leading Theme Park and Asia’s Leading Cable Car.

Read the Story → Ba Na Hills Travel Guide

Golden Bridge · Cable Car · French Village · Fantasy Park

AN
Andy Nguyen Vietnam Travel Expert at Asia Travel Mates
September 2026 · 11 min read

Sun World Ba Na Hills has been named Asia’s Leading Theme Park 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 Ho Chi Minh City, Phong Nha – Ke Bang, Hanoi, Ta Xua, and Moc Chau all collected their own honours. Sun World Ba Na Hills also won Asia’s Leading Cable Car.

Ba Na Hills sits in the Truong Son Mountains, about 25 kilometers southwest of Da Nang, at an elevation of roughly 1,500 meters. The complex is reached by one of the world’s longest and highest cable car systems, and is famous around the world for its Golden Bridge — a 150-meter pedestrian bridge held aloft by two giant stone hands emerging from the hillside.

Beyond the bridge, Ba Na Hills is a full mountain resort — with a French-inspired village, gardens, pagodas, restaurants, and a large indoor amusement park, Fantasy Park. Together they make Ba Na Hills one of Vietnam’s most-visited attractions, and one of Asia’s most complete family destinations.

The Golden Bridge at Sun World Ba Na Hills — Asia's Leading Theme Park 2026
The Golden Bridge — Sun World Ba Na Hills’ most iconic landmark, and one of the most photographed structures in Vietnam.
Breaking News · September 27, 2026

Two Asian Titles for Sun World Ba Na Hills

Ba Na Hills’ double recognition reflects its remarkable combination of engineering, design, and entertainment.

Sun World Ba Na Hills’ 2026 World Travel Awards

  • Asia’s Leading Theme Park 2026
  • Asia’s Leading Cable Car 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 Ba Na Hills Wins

Ba Na Hills combines world-class engineering (the cable car), iconic architecture (the Golden Bridge), cultural depth (the Linh Ung Pagoda), and family entertainment (Fantasy Park) — all at 1,500 meters above sea level.

A True Mountain Resort

Ba Na Hills is not just a theme park — it is a complete mountain destination, with hotels, restaurants, gardens, and multiple entertainment zones spread across nearly 2,000 hectares of protected forest.

Why Ba Na Hills Wins

A Theme Park Above the Clouds

What sets Sun World Ba Na Hills apart from other theme parks in Asia is its location. Rather than sitting at ground level, the entire complex is built high in the Truong Son Mountains, where temperatures are cool and the surrounding valleys are often covered in mist.

The cable car journey to the top is itself a highlight — one of the longest single-track cable car systems in the world, rising through forests and over waterfalls to reach the mountain resort. It is the reason Ba Na Hills also won Asia’s Leading Cable Car in 2026.

Once at the top, visitors step into the Golden Bridge — a 150-meter pedestrian bridge supported by two giant stone hands, designed by TA Landscape Architecture and opened in 2018. The bridge has become a global icon, featured in international media and photographed by millions of travelers.

Beyond the bridge, the resort includes the French Village, the Linh Ung Pagoda, multiple gardens, the Fantasy Park indoor amusement area, and a wide range of restaurants and cafés — all designed to be explored over a full day.

Golden Bridge at Sun World Ba Na Hills — Vietnam's most iconic tourist landmark
Ba Na Hills — the French Village and mountain resort in the Truong Son Mountains
Ba Na Hills — the French-inspired mountain village at 1,500 meters above sea level.
What to See & Do

Experiences at Sun World Ba Na Hills

Ba Na Hills is designed to be explored over a full day. From the cable car to the Golden Bridge, from the gardens to Fantasy Park, there is something for every type of traveler.

Ba Na Hills’ Signature Experiences

  • The Golden Bridge (Cau Vang) — Ba Na Hills’ most iconic landmark. A 150-meter pedestrian bridge supported by two giant stone hands, offering spectacular views over the mountains.
  • The Cable Car — Asia’s Leading Cable Car 2026. One of the longest single-track cable car systems in the world, rising through forests to the top of the mountain.
  • French Village — A European-inspired village with architecture, cafés, and gardens overlooking the valleys below.
  • Linh Ung Pagoda — A beautifully designed Buddhist temple at the top of the mountain, offering peace, views, and cultural depth.
  • Le Jardin D’Amour Gardens — Nine themed gardens spread across the mountain, featuring flowers, sculptures, and quiet walking paths.
  • Fantasy Park — A large indoor amusement park with rides, games, and entertainment suited to families and children.
  • Moon Kingdom — A newer themed area with architecture, live entertainment, and family activities.
  • Dining & Cafés — Multiple restaurants and cafés across the resort, from Vietnamese cuisine to European-style buffets.
The Golden Bridge at Sun World Ba Na Hills — Vietnam's most photographed landmark

The Golden Bridge

Ba Na Hills’ most photographed landmark, held aloft by two giant stone hands emerging from the mountain.

 Cable car journey to Ba Na Hills — Asia's Leading Cable Car 2026

The Ba Na Cable Car

Asia’s Leading Cable Car 2026 — one of the longest single-track cable systems in the world.

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

The French Village

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

 Ba Na Hills cable car and mountain views — one of Vietnam's most popular attractions

Fantasy Park

A large indoor amusement area with rides, games, and entertainment suited to families with children.

Ba Na Hills Travel Guide

How to Plan a Visit to Asia’s Leading Theme Park

Best Time to Visit Ba Na Hills

February – April

Best: Cool, dry weather in central Vietnam. Clear views from the Golden Bridge. Moderate crowds.

May – August

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

September – January

Rainy Season: Cooler, misty, and less crowded. The Golden Bridge can be dramatic in the mist, but visibility is unpredictable.

Weekdays

Always better than weekends. Ba Na Hills is very popular with domestic travelers on Saturdays and Sundays, especially during Vietnamese school holidays.

How to Get to Ba Na Hills

From Da Nang

About 25 kilometers southwest of Da Nang. The drive 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 base themselves in Da Nang or Hoi An and visit Ba Na Hills as a day trip.

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
Half dayGolden Bridge, cable car, French VillageTravelers short on time
Full dayAdd Fantasy Park, gardens, Linh Ung PagodaThe ideal visit
OvernightFull day + evening entertainment + sunrise viewsTravelers wanting a slower pace

A full-day visit is the most common choice. Arrive as early as possible to avoid the busiest hours at the Golden Bridge.

Golden Bridge at sunrise — the best time to visit Ba Na Hills
The Golden Bridge at sunrise — the best time to visit, before the crowds arrive.
Where to Stay

On the Mountain or in Da Nang

Ba Na Hills offers two main accommodation choices: on the mountain, at the Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills, or at lower elevation, in the city of Da Nang.

Staying on the mountain lets you experience Ba Na Hills at its quietest — early mornings before the cable cars start, and evenings after the day-trippers have left. The Mercure is a large four-star hotel designed in the French Village style.

Staying in Da Nang offers far more choice — from beachfront resorts to boutique hotels in the city centre. The drive from Da Nang to Ba Na Hills takes under an hour, making it easy to visit as a day trip.

Most travelers base themselves in Da Nang or Hoi An, and visit Ba Na Hills as a day trip. Families, couples, and honeymooners often choose Da Nang for its beaches and dining.

Ba Na Hills and Da Nang — the mountain resort and central Vietnam's biggest city

Mercure Danang French Village

On-mountain accommodation in the heart of the French Village. Ideal for travelers who want to experience Ba Na Hills before and after the crowds.

InterContinental Danang

Bill Bensley’s cliffside masterpiece on the Son Tra Peninsula — one of Asia’s most celebrated resorts, about an hour from Ba Na Hills.

Da Nang Beach Resorts

A wide range of beachfront resorts along My Khe Beach, from five-star international brands to smaller boutique properties.

Practical Information

What to Know Before You Go

Before You Go — Ba Na Hills Travel Checklist

Ba Na Hills is one of Vietnam’s most-visited attractions, and a few essentials make any visit smoother:

  • Book tickets in advance online to avoid queues at the cable car station.
  • Arrive as early as possible — ideally before 8:00 AM — to experience the Golden Bridge with fewer crowds.
  • Pack layers — Ba Na Hills sits at 1,500 meters, and temperatures can be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than Da Nang.
  • Bring a light rain jacket — the mountain can be misty or drizzly even on clear days in Da Nang.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes — there is a lot of walking across the resort.
  • Check the cable car operating hours — they vary by season, and the last descent is usually before 6:00 PM.
  • Consider visiting on a weekday — weekends and Vietnamese public holidays are significantly busier.
  • Bring cash (VND) for snacks, souvenirs, and small purchases across the resort.
Andy’s Perspective

Why Ba Na Hills Deserves Its Recognition

I have been arranging trips to Ba Na Hills for over a decade, and I have watched it transform from a relatively unknown mountain retreat into one of Asia’s most celebrated theme parks. The Golden Bridge was the turning point — but it is the whole experience that keeps travelers coming back.

“Ba Na Hills is one of the few places in Asia where a theme park, a UNESCO-level landscape, a mountain resort, and a cultural experience all come together in a single day. That combination is what makes it Asia’s Leading Theme Park.”

— 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, stay for the full day, and be prepared for the mountain’s own weather. The Golden Bridge is unforgettable, but so is the cable car ride, the French Village, and the quiet moments on the mountain before the crowds arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ba Na Hills Travel 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 Theme Park and Asia’s Leading Cable Car at the World Travel Awards 2026, held at CROSSROADS Maldives on September 27, 2026.

Where is Sun World Ba Na Hills?

Sun World Ba Na Hills is located in the Truong Son Mountains, about 25 kilometers southwest of Da Nang in central Vietnam. The complex sits at an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters.

What is the Golden Bridge?

The Golden Bridge (Cau Vang) is a 150-meter pedestrian bridge at Ba Na Hills, supported by two giant stone hands emerging from the hillside. It has become one of Vietnam’s most photographed landmarks since opening in 2018.

How do I get to Ba Na Hills?

Ba Na Hills can be reached from Da Nang in about 45 minutes by private car, taxi, or shuttle bus. The journey passes through the Truong Son Mountains, and most visitors arrive by cable car from the base station.

What is the best time to visit Ba Na Hills?

The best time to visit Ba Na Hills is from February to August, during central Vietnam’s dry season. Weekday mornings are quieter than weekends and holidays.

How much does it cost to visit Ba Na Hills?

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. Check the official Sun World website for current rates.

What is there to do at Ba Na Hills?

Ba Na Hills offers the Golden Bridge, the cable car, the French Village, gardens, the Fantasy Park indoor amusement area, the Linh Ung Pagoda, and multiple dining and entertainment venues.

Is Ba Na Hills suitable for families?

Yes. Ba Na Hills is one of Vietnam’s most family-friendly attractions, with gentle rides, indoor entertainment, gardens, and multiple dining options suited to visitors of all ages.

Plan Your Ba Na Hills Journey

Experience Asia’s Leading Theme Park 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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