Hue to Hoi An with a Ba Na Hills Detour: Is It Worth It?
Making the trip from Hue to Hoi An is almost a must-do when visiting Vietnam, seeing that it’s a trip filled with culture and sights that will just absolutely stick with you. Most people go directly between these ancient cities, yet I thought, “Hey, why don’t I visit the famed Ba Na Hills?”, which are more or less known for the Golden Bridge and the strange European theme park. Here’s what happened, my thoughts, and perhaps some guidance if you are, in a way, pondering this detour.
Planning Your Trip: Options and Considerations
There are a few methods to tackle the Hue to Hoi An travel. You could grab a bus, rent a motorbike for what could be a thrilling experience, get a private car, or arrange a tour. Each option has its advantages, really. The bus is quite budget-friendly. Riding your own motorbike gives you all the freedom to stop wherever, and really, whenever you like. Private cars? Well, those are comfier, and a tour, too it’s almost sorted out and gives you details along the way. For me, seeing that I wished to stop at Ba Na Hills, getting a private car was arguably the winner, and yes, I got some bargaining in too.
One of the first things that people seem to ask is, “Is Ba Na Hills actually on the way from Hue to Hoi An?”. Well, not really, to be quite honest. It involves, in a way, what I might consider a slight detour near Da Nang. From Hue, you are most likely going to head south anyway on Highway 1, then it’s pretty easy to swing inland toward the hills. Just so you know, adding Ba Na Hills tacks on, like your, maybe 3-4 hours to your entire trip, not just in travel, but when you factor in seeing the area, too. I was really betting that the time spent was going to be worth it, seeing that so many people said to go, no matter what.
Hue to Da Nang: The Hai Van Pass
The drive from Hue to Da Nang is seriously beautiful, mainly when it takes you via the Hai Van Pass. That legendary road really gives you the best scenery. Expect winding roads that really hug the mountainside, all while there are breathtaking views looking over the water. Even in my comfy car, seeing that it wasn’t a motorcycle ride, the beauty all around really got me excited. In fact, the Pass can seriously get misty, adding a strange vibe that might just remind you of old movies.
Before going up the Pass, drivers often pause at Lang Co Beach. Its clear waters and extended white sand seem so very inviting. Loads of places provide really good seafood lunch options here, and it is a welcome spot to freshen up just before going up those mountain roads. I actually spent about an hour there. That gives you ample time to enjoy some fresh grilled shrimp, soak in the scenery, and get ready for the trip.
Ba Na Hills: Disneyland or Must-See?
Ba Na Hills is often called Vietnam’s Disneyland, and there are quite a few reasons, really. Once you reach the bottom, you might be taking one of the world’s really long cable cars all the way to the top. On arrival, it does seem like you’ve suddenly been transferred to what one might call a European village. I can see now that this, too, it’s almost set with French colonial architecture, gardens, and even costumed performers, something right out of a theme park. The highlight? Obviously, that would be the Golden Bridge, held up by big hands. So yes, it looks great for taking photographs.
There’s a bit more to Ba Na Hills than just the Bridge, yet, a lot of things cater mostly to tourist tastes. There’s actually a Fantasy Park with lots of rides, games, and sights, as well as food stalls everywhere serving up stuff from Vietnam and around the globe. To be fair, the whole location will come off kinda touristy, plus there are crowds, particularly at peak times. You know, I got there fairly early in the morning to attempt dodging the larger groups, seeing that the place can start getting busy by late morning. Is it genuine Vietnam? Perhaps not. Is it fun for just one visit? I would say so.
The Golden Bridge: Hype or Wonder?
That Golden Bridge, also called Cau Vang, that is absolutely the poster kid for Ba Na Hills, is basically exactly how you envision it. It is a pedestrian bridge held up by what people claim are two big stone hands, giving the idea of ethereal giants aiding the pass. That architectural detail is something else, especially when mixed in with the mountain backdrop.
Walking the Golden Bridge is like an unforgettable, you know. The views are just sprawling. One side shows the vast forests and slopes, while the other looks out over Da Nang. That mist, well that gives some spots real drama, just causing you to feel like you’re floating through the sky. Despite the hordes, the Bridge offers some room to enjoy it and take pics. My guidance is, get there when the park opens or wait for it when things wind down late to dodge crowds, to be honest.
Onward to Hoi An: Ancient Town Awaits
After spending like your three or four hours at Ba Na Hills, I went back on my travel towards Hoi An. That distance from Ba Na Hills to Hoi An is not that much, so the drive doesn’t really take long. Coming into Hoi An felt kinda different from Hue or perhaps the fantastical feel from Ba Na Hills, which may or may not suit certain tastes. That atmosphere changes from amusement park vibes to one filled with ages of history and architecture.
What gives Hoi An its appeal is perhaps the Ancient Town, which, incidentally, is on the roll of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Walking around, you’re probably going to see houses that look as if they just came out of a tale. You will note the influences from lots of spots, really. Chinese temples, really old tea stores, and homes which show design all from the Japanese, as well as these really old Vietnamese tube houses. By dusk, Hoi An truly comes alive when a zillion colorful lamps get turned on. Walking around just feels so amazing, soaking up those colors, getting some grub from the streets, and shopping.
Recommendations for Making the Most of Your Trip
If, for any reason, you’re pondering doing the trip from Hue to Hoi An and wish to add a stop at Ba Na Hills, here’s what I suggest based on what I now know:
- Consider Your Time: This really becomes an entire day thing. Starting really early from Hue and getting to Hoi An late. It may not be what you seek if you do not wish for that.
- Private Car for Flexibility: While tour options exist, a private car actually means you control stuff like time at Ba Na Hills.
- Early Start: Getting to Ba Na Hills once it opens allows you to enjoy a bit before the waves of folks are coming.
- Weather Check: Mountain temps can be so varied. Verify before going and prep for some things.
- Embrace the Tourist Vibe: It is really touristy. Go just preparing to have some amusement.
Traveling from Hue to Hoi An that stops at Ba Na Hills, basically? It gives you contrasts that can be fun and lets you take pictures you may cherish forever. This is something to keep in mind, even if Ba Na Hills isn’t totally “genuine,” and provides another face of modern-day Vietnam.