Golden Bridge: Vietnam’s must-see wonder

2025-03-10
Blog, Da Nang, Must Read, Travel Insight

Discover everything you need to know about the iconic Golden Bridge in Vietnam, from its breathtaking design to practical tips for visiting.

The Golden Bridge Vietnam is a breathtaking spectacle of engineering and architecture, this iconic monument has quickly become indistinguishable from Vietnam’s rising prominence. And it’s no surprise why, as the bridge, perched at the heights of the Ba Na Hills, offers an experience unlike any other. So, it’s a definite must-see for anyone traveling to Vietnam. But why was it built, and how can you best see the magic for yourself? In this article, we will take a look at the history of the Golden Bridge Vietnam history, its architectural design, as well as how accessible it is to visit so that you can plan your trip to see something out of the ordinary.

Introduction to the Golden Bridge in Vietnam

Where is the Golden Bridge? It is located exactly in Da Nang city, a beautiful city in Vietnam. Da Nang has been famous for its popular bridges since long ago, such as the fire-spewing, water-spewing Dragon Bridge, and Vietnam’s only revolving bridge. Recently, yet another architectural marvel captured the hearts of tourists – the Golden Bridge, which is now a signature picture of Da Nang tourism.

Standing on Da Nang’s only bridge that does not cross a river, visitors are treated to a stunning vista of green hills, vast tracts of ancient forest, and the breathtaking Da Nang cityscape in the distance. On clear days, with mist rolling over the hills, the scene is like a fairyland paradise.

Due to its outstanding design and enchanting beauty, the Golden Bridge has gained international recognition and high-profile awards, including:

“World’s Leading Iconic Tourist Bridge 2020” – Hosted by the World Travel Awards.
Featured in The Guardian’s “Top 10 Most Stunningly Designed Bridges in the World”.
Featured in The Independent’s “Top 10 Bridges That Look Too Beautiful to Be Real”.
Featured in Insider (USA) as one of the “28 Most Impressive Bridges in the World”.

Many visitors are interested in finding out who came up with this internationally acclaimed beauty. TA Landscape Architecture chief designer Vu Viet Anh and architect Pham Thi Ai Ngoc conceived the Golden Bridge. Sun Group funded and developed the project, and the construction continued from July 2017 to April 2018.

Now, the Golden Bridge remains one of Vietnam’s top tourist attractions, with visitors from all over the world coming to marvel at its architectural beauty and the breathtaking natural scenery that lies around it.

The architectural marvel of the Golden Bridge

Golden Bridge is part of Sun World Ba Na Hills resort complex, standing at a height of over 1,400 meters above sea level. Its breathtaking design and strange location made the bridge receive worldwide fame.

How long is the Golden Bridge? Stretching 150 meters across eight spans, seven piers, and two abutments, the bridge connects the Marseille Station to the Thien Thai Garden. The bridge curves gracefully like a golden silk ribbon hanging in midair, supported daintily by a pair of giant stone hands, popularly referred to as the “Hands of God.”

The bridge is 5 meters wide, and a 3-meter-wide pedestrian walkway runs across it, while the remaining area is filled with colorful flower beds. The top is clad with golden-plated steel plates, and the railings are titanium-coated stainless steel, which gives it a sparkling look in sunlight. The bridge deck is made of resilient ironwood, which is resistant to the weather conditions of the region.

The best time to visit the Golden Bridge

The most suitable time to travel to Da Nang is from February to August annually. The weather is pleasant during this period, which is perfect for sightseeing, relaxation, and capturing stunning photos at the Golden Bridge Vietnam. For those interested in visiting the Golden Bridge, it can be accessed at any time of day because every moment has a unique and interesting charm.

As recommended by Lily’s travel specialists, the best time for taking beautiful photos is early morning during sunrise or late evening during sunset. Visiting the Danang Golden Bridge during these hours not only provides perfect lighting conditions for photography but also stays away from huge crowds, so the experience is relaxed. But mind you, the Ba Na Hills cable car operates daily from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM. If you are planning to go to other areas of interest in Ba Na Hills, be sure to arrange your itinerary properly so that you can optimize your visit.

How to get to the Golden Bridge

In order to reach Golden Bridge Vietnam, travelers first need to reach Da Nang City, for which all private cars, buses, trains, and flights can be used. On reaching Da Nang, you can head to Sun World Ba Na Hills, an international-standard entertainment and resort complex also well-known as the European paradise of Vietnam. Golden Bridge is among the must-watch things at this location.

When you travel by air, there is also a private airport shuttle service available from Da Nang International Airport to Ba Na Hills. Alternatively, there are a couple of other options to reach Ba Na Hills:

Shuttle buses: A number of bus operators offer Da Nang to Ba Na Hills routes, such as Da Nang Xanh Bus, City Tour Bus, and free bus of Ba Na Hills (for customers purchasing the Ba Na Hills Night Combo Package). Prices typically range from 100,000 to 150,000 VND per person for a round trip and this means of transportation is best suited for budget-conscious travelers.
Motorbike rental: For adventurous tourists, a motorbike rental is around 100,000 – 150,000 VND daily. However, it’s crucial to be a confident rider and aware of local traffic conditions.
Taxis: For families or small groups seeking convenience, taxis offer a comfortable ride, with round-trip fares varying depending on the taxi company and negotiation. You can expect to pay 11,000 VND/km for a 4-seat car and 13,000 VND/km for a 7-seat car.
Private car rental: Private car rentals are ideal for larger groups or those desiring maximum comfort and flexibility. This is the most expensive method of transportation, but it provides the most amount of control. The price for a private car rental service is 1,000,000 – 1,200,000 VND/day for a 7-seat car.
Ba Na Hills day tour: Booking a one-day tour ahead may come with round-trip pick-up free. In addition to seeing the Danang Golden Bridge, guests have the world’s longest and highest cable car, walk through French Village, and experience loads of fun in Fantasy Park. The tour price is highly varied from 650,000 to 1,500,000 VND/pax depending on the service you choose.

Practical tips for visiting the Golden Bridge

Visiting the Golden Bridge requires a bit of planning to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some practical tips to keep in mind:

Planning & timing

Go early: The Golden Bridge is very crowded. Get there early (preferably when the Ba Na Hills complex opens) to avoid the throngs and have a less chaotic experience. Early mornings also provide better lighting for photos.
Weekday vs. weekend: Weekdays are not as crowded as weekends. Try to go there on a weekday.
Check the weather: The Ba Na Hills are at a very high altitude, and the weather can turn quickly. Your view can be ruined by low cloud cover, fog, or rain. Check the weather forecast before you leave and look out for potential changes. It will also likely be colder than in Da Nang City, so a light jacket is definitely worth packing.
Book tickets in advance: Booking your Ba Na Hills ticket and cable car tickets online or through a reliable tour agency can save you waiting time in line at the ticket booths, especially during peak season.
Take a tour: There are a number of tour operators that offer day trips to Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge from Da Nang. This can be a convenient option, as it will likely cover transport, admission fees, and in some instances, a guide.

Getting there & around

A cable car is unavoidable: The only way to access the Golden Bridge Vietnam is via Ba Na Hills’ cable car system. The journey in the cable car is scenic, make sure to take some photos with this rare chance. The cable car price is pretty high (950,000VND/adult and 750,000 VND/children from 1m-1m4 and old people)
Transfer to Ba Na Hills: Taxi, private car, motorbike, or pre-booked transfer from Da Nang are all viable means to get to the Ba Na Hills station. Private cars and taxis are the most convenient means to get there. Motorbikes are cheaper but perhaps less secure during bad weather.
Ba Na Hills complex: The Danang Golden Bridge is just one of the attractions in the Sun World Ba Na Hills complex. Allow ample time to explore the other attractions, including the French Village, Fantasy Park, and Linh Ung Pagoda.

On the bridge & beyond

Wear comfortable shoes: A lot of walking, both across the bridge and within the Ba Na Hills complex, is required. Comfort shoes are a must.
Bring sun protection: Even though it may be cloudy, the sun at high altitudes is strong. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Stay hydrated: Bring a water bottle, as staying hydrated is crucial, especially in hot weather.
Be respectful of the crowds: The bridge is very crowded, especially during rush hour. Be respectful and considerate of other travelers.
Photography tips: Early morning or late afternoon light is perfect for photography. Crowds in your shots are to be expected. A wide-angle lens may be helpful to capture the scale of the bridge and surroundings.
Respect the site: Don’t climb up on the railings or any off-limits areas. Throw away your trash responsibly.
Food and drink: There are dining places and cafes inside the Ba Na Hills complex, but they might be pricier than in Da Nang. It’s a good idea to bring some snacks and beverages with you.
Cash vs. card: While some of the businesses in the complex accept cards, it’s advisable to have some Vietnamese Dong handy for small transactions and incidentals.

Let Lily’s Travel turn your travel dreams into reality! With over 2,000 glowing 5-star TripAdvisor reviews, we’re proud to be one of the top-rated tour operators in Hanoi and Northern Vietnam since 2007. Thinking about exploring Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia? We’ve got the perfect tour for you! Our team is passionate about showcasing the region’s beauty – from its stunning landscapes to its rich cultural heritage.

Why Choose Lily’s Travel?

Expertly curated experiences: We focus on creating meaningful, immersive trips with top-tier service and insider cultural insights.
Cutting-edge travel tech: You can get a 3D preview of your tour before booking with our innovative 4.0 technology.
Sustainable & community-based tourism: Our whole team is committed to traveling responsibly while supporting local communities.
Energetic & dedicated team: We’re here to make your journey seamless, exciting, and unforgettable.

The Golden Bridge is not just a piece of architecture; it has become a symbolic landmark for Da Nang tourism, attracting visitors from all over the world. With its beautiful design, breathtaking mountain landscapes, and unique cultural significance, the bridge offers an unforgettable experience for visitors to Ba Na Hills. Whether you are viewing the sunrise, capturing wonderful photos, or simply basking in the natural beauty, a visit to this destination is an absolute must when traveling to Da Nang. Book your tour today and witness the magic of the Golden Bridge Vietnam yourself!