70% of international tourists to Da Nang visit Ba Na Hills

Many tourist cities around the world have distinctive areas on the check-list for foreign visitors.

While Malaysia has Genting Highlands, Shanghai (China) has Disneyland, and Singapore has Sentosa Island, Da Nang has Sun World Ba Na Hills.

According to the Da Nang Statistical Office, there has been a steady rise in the number of international visitors in the first seven months this year, reaching 2.5 million, a 34.7% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

The number of international visitors is projected to reach 3.5 million in 2024, which is equivalent to pre-pandemic levels.

The Da Nang Statistical Office states that a series of events has helped to attract both domestic and international visitors, notably the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival 2024 (DIFF), which took place from June 8-13.

Sun World Ba Na Hills has also sustainably attracted international tourists to the city.

Sun World Ba Na Hills is a one of the tourist attractions in Da Nang. Photo courtesy of Sun Group

Da Nang's magnet

There are many reasons why international tourists are captivated by Sun World Ba Na Hills.

For tourists from year-round hot countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and India, Ba Na Hills is known as a temperate paradise in the tropical region, where visitors can enjoy cool weather throughout the four seasons.

The number of Indian tourists to Sun World Ba Na Hills reached 132,000 by the end of July, accounting for nearly 50% of the total number of Indian tourists to Vietnam in the first 7 months of the year.

"Ba Na is like a fairyland to my family. The Golden Bridge, the stunning, beautiful, and vibrant castles... The atmosphere is cool and comfortable, allowing us to spend all day here without getting tired," said Muskan Tiwari from New Delhi.

Indian visitors also have chances to enjoy authentic Indian cuisine when coming here, as Ba Na Hills has a buffet restaurant that serves Halal food.

Indian tourists enjoy food at a restaurant in Ba Na Hills, Da Nang. Photo courtesy of Sun Group

Korean tourists, who account for the majority of international tourists to Vietnam, enjoy the atmosphere of an ancient European town of Ba Na Hills and pay attention to highly rated destinations on Instagram.

Yong Sung Ok, the Southeast Asia regional manager of one of the top travel companies in South Korea, Hanatour, pointed out that Koreans enjoy mountains and cable cars.

"Personally, I enjoy taking cable cars. I think the most appealing aspect is being able to take a sightseeing of the beautiful scenery from above," he said.

Korean tourists pose with international artists at Sun World Ba Na Hills. Photo courtesy of Sun Group

And for many tourists around the world, the Golden Bridge at Sun World Ba Na Hills is a big attraction.

Many tourists from Europe and America have flown for 8-9 hours to take photos at the Golden Bridge, a structure selected as one of the 100 greatest places in the world by the U.S.’s Time magazine, while the Bored Panda praises it as a Vietnam man-made wonder, renowned as the second most popular destination only after Ha Long Bay.

After 6 years since its debut, the Golden Bridge continues to maintain its popularity, as it has just been introduced by Travel+Leisure as a must-visit spot for photography when traveling to Da Nang.

On Instagram, the world's largest photo-sharing social network, the number of tourists around the world posting photos at the Golden Bridge has reached nearly 30,000 posts.

The hashtag "goldenbridge" has reached 159,000 posts, demonstrating the global love for this iconic bridge.

Many international tourists who visit Sun World Ba Na Hills multiple times have praised it as a constantly renewed destination.

"What I love about Ba Na Hills is that every time I come back, I have a chance to experience something different. That's why every time I go to Da Nang, I always choose to visit Ba Na and never get bored," said Lee Seo Joon, a Korean tourist.

A highlight show in Ba Na this year, "Fairy Blossom" with a magical theme. Photo courtesy of Sun Group

One of the most distinctive features of Ba Na Hills is not only its iconic tourist attractions, such as the Golden Bridge, French Village, or Helios Waterfall, but also the festive atmosphere from world-class shows.

Visitors can enjoy international standard performances the whole day with just a cable car ticket.

This summer, in Ba Na Hills, tourists can expect a series of minishows by international artists, such as skating performances at the central church square, Beer King games, and participation in the B'estival festival.

One of them, "Fairy Blossom," is a special show combining 12 types of art, featuring the participation of hundreds of international artists, which takes place at Noel Plaza Square at 11 a.m. daily (except Tuesdays).

This summer, for the first time, Sun World Ba Na Hills has introduced the highest craft beer brewery in Vietnam, at 1,487 m, a project that has been in process for 10 years.

The formula and brewing team came directly from Camba-Bavaria brewery; the raw materials for beer production are carefully selected by Camba among the best types of Germany, New Zealand, and the United States.

At night, visitors can immerse themselves in the fire dance show and campfire activation performed by South American artists or dance with Thai transgender beauty queens at the Cabaret Plus costume show.

Alternatively, one can simply stay a peaceful night at Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills, leisurely take a walk along streets under the night sky.