From Beachside to Mountaintop

A French-style village frozen in time

Very much a holiday destination, Da Nang has come up in the world over the years, with the city developing at a very rapid pace. Fast forward years later, Da Nang is now one of the most popular seaside destinations in Vietnam. What’s more, it is strategically located near popular travel sites such as the quiet seaside town of Hoi An and the Hue – the country’s former royal capital.

Having been here once before, I decided to move away from the beaches and embrace the cold. For that, my travels took me to Ba Na Hills, or better known as the “Climate Pearl” of Vietnam.

Architectural Genius

The journey from my lodgings in Da Nang city to the hills took me roughly under an hour. Atop this majestic mountain at 1,487 meters above sea level, sits a beautifully built French colonial village and the Ba Na Hills Mountain Resort. Designed and constructed by the French in 1919, the Mountain Resort also serves as a Hill Station that operates an impressive cable car system, which is also the only way to get to the top.

The mountain resort saw a boom in popularity after 2000, and in March 2009, the cable car system enabled ease of access up the mountain which cemented its position as a tourist destination. Breaking not one, but two Guinness World Records, the cable car system was the longest and highest non-stop cable car system in the world for several years.

When you arrive at the foothill, you will see several gardens adorned with flowers. The warm weather is a stark contrast to what I was to experience at the top. Boarding the gondola, I immersed myself in taking in the scenic views of the picturesque forest spread all around.

With all four sides of the gondola designed primarily from glass, it is clear to even see birds and primates moving about in the jungle below. Selfie sticks are seen making an appearance in each gondola, with tourists capitalising on the backdrop for some Insta-worthy pictures. A drop in temperature and the blanket of mist surrounding the gondola is a sign that your drop-off zone is fast approaching.

The flower arrangements in the gardens were a hit amongst couples seeking a romantic evening

Window To France

If you are in the mood for love, then the Le Jardin D’Amour should be your first pitstop. Nine unique gardens rolled into a stunning expanse, each offering different vibes. My favourite, in particular, was the Love Garden which had an array of flowers in various arrangements which together formed a kaleidoscope of colours. A sweet scent hung in the air, which coupled with the cool, crisp air, was very refreshing. From the gardens, you can easily catch a glimpse of the towering white Buddha statue in the distance.

Moving on to the highlight of my trip (apart from the cable cars), I made my way to the French Village. Looking somewhat out of place, yet exuding a charming and mysterious atmosphere which was brought on by the mist, it felt like I was at the very heart of Europe. Fascinating architecture, street designs and pathways were a replica of a time long gone.

Standing as the centrepiece of the town is a grand cathedral which overlooks a paved courtyard. The silence is gripping, and a little eerie but it gives more character to the place. In the yonder, a castle-like structure, a throwback to medieval times, is another major attraction - the Fantasy Park.

The park’s construction was influenced by two iconic books, Journey to the Centre of the Earth and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, and was built as an entertainment hub of Ba Na Hills. For those with an adventurous bone, the 21-meter climbing wall dares you to take it on. Up for the challenge, it was physically demanding but also quite the experience, given the fact that I was doing it atop a mountain.

Unleashing my inner child, I enjoyed the bumper cars and even found myself mesmerised by the dinosaur display at Back to the Jura. Thrillseekers could opt for the tower drop which allows for fantastic views and gets your blood pumping. Small funfair booths are also set up around the area, and the nearby mirror maze is sure to mind boggle visitors, just as I was.

A day trip worth taking, Ba Na Hills offers a little something for everyone. I discovered one surprise after another at the top of the hill, but don't just take my word for it, discover it for yourself!