Private Shore Excursion: Golden Bridge & Ba Na Hills from Port

Summary

Golden Bridge Tour with Cable Car & French Village Experience

You’ll get picked up right at your cruise port and whisked away to Ba Na Hills for a full day exploring Vietnam’s famous Golden Bridge, lush gardens, French Village vibes, and more—all before your ship leaves.

What’s the experience like?

Our day started right at the cruise terminal—Tien Sa port in our case. There was a little crowd, but our guide, Huy, held up our name on a board so we found him fast. The drive out to Ba Na Hills took about an hour; I remember passing small roadside stalls selling jackfruit and dragonfruit. The air got cooler as we climbed higher—honestly, I had to dig out my light jacket.

The cable car ride is something else. It’s long—about 20 minutes—and you’re just gliding above thick green pine forests. Sometimes you catch a whiff of wood smoke from villages below. Up top, the weather changes quick: it felt like spring when we arrived, but by noon it was warm enough for just a t-shirt. Our first stop was the Golden Bridge. Seeing those giant stone hands holding up the walkway is surreal; photos don’t do it justice. We walked slow, taking in views over Da Nang city and the East Sea. Huy pointed out how clouds sometimes hang halfway up the mountain, so you get this odd feeling of walking above them.

We wandered through the Love Flower Garden next—lots of bright colors and butterflies everywhere. The old French wine cellar still smells faintly musty; apparently it’s been here since the 1920s when this was a French retreat spot. Linh Ung Pagoda sits nearby, peaceful and quiet except for the occasional bell ringing.

The funicular (it’s like a mini train) took us up to the French Village area—think cobblestone streets and pastel buildings that look straight out of Europe. There was live classical music in one square; they handed us each a glass of German beer while we listened. If you’re into rides, there’s a rolling coaster that zips over treetops (we waited about half an hour for our turn). Lunch was buffet-style at one of the big restaurants—lots of Vietnamese dishes plus some Western options and fresh fruit for dessert.

After eating, we checked out Fantasy Park—a huge indoor games zone with everything from arcade games to mini rides. Kids were loving it; honestly, I played air hockey with my partner for way too long. We made sure to head back down early so there was no stress about missing our ship—the guide kept track of time for us.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge Tour

• Cable car to Golden Bridge
• Visit Golden Bridge
• Explore Ba Na Hills

Top questions

How long does the tour take?

The whole experience lasts around 7 hours including travel time from your port and return before your ship departs.

Is lunch included?

Yes! A buffet lunch with both Vietnamese and international dishes is included at Ba Na Hills.

Can kids join this tour?

Absolutely—kids can ride in strollers or prams if needed, and there are plenty of family-friendly activities at Fantasy Park.

Will I make it back to my cruise on time?

Your guide keeps track of timing carefully so you’ll be back at least an hour before your ship leaves.

What’s included

Your private transport from Tien Sa or Chan May Port is covered, along with bottled water, all entrance fees (including cable car), English-speaking guide service, buffet lunch, and port fees.