Golden Bridge, Da Nang: the Most Incredible Pedestrian Bridge in Vietnam

Golden Bridge, also known as the Giant Hand Bridge is located on the top of Nui Chua Mountain, Ba Na Hills, Da Nang. Ba Na is often referred to as a fairyland which attracts flocks of visitors everyday. Since the appearance of this amazing bridge, it has become more and more magnetic.

The Golden Bridge has come into operation since June 2018, and it quickly went viral on Facebook and Instagram. This Vietnamese architecture has hit the headlines on major news agencies in the world such as Independent, The Guardian, Reuters, AFP, NBC and the prestigious architectural website of Archdaily. It was also ranked top 10 bridges with the most unique architecture in the world.

I. Overview of Golden Bridge

Despite being called a bridge, the Golden Bridge does not cross any lakes or rivers, but stretches across the middle of the mountain, with two heads placed at Marseille Station and Bordeaux Station in Thien Thai Garden. Situated at a height of 1414 meters, the Golden Bridge has a curved shape like a rainbow in the air. 

Due to its majestic shape, the Golden Bridge has remarkably contributed to the dreamlike landscapes of Ba Na Hills, making it a “stairway to heaven”. In order to reach this stunning bridge, you will have to board on a cable car. Standing on the bridge, you can get a panoramic view of clouds, mountains and the faraway Da Nang City.

II. What is the Best Time to Visit Golden Bridge?

To take memorable pictures of the Golden Bridge, you had better visit it in the morning or cool afternoon. In the morning, when the surroundings are covered with fog, you will have mysterious pictures. After a while, when the sun rises, you can take fanciful selfie photos under the shimmering lights. 

At sunset, the scenery looks extremely romantic and spectacular, it’s an appropriate time for you to be in deep thoughts and go for a loose-limbered walk around the bridge.

III. Architecture and Structure of Golden Bridge

The Golden Bridge is designed by TA Landscape Architecture – a Ho Chi Minh City-based architectural unit. This is purely a “made-in-Vietnam” architecture. The idea of a giant hand is inspired by the feeling of standing on the mountain top, as if standing inside God’s palm. Just one year later, the Golden Bridge was completed, being the embodiment of Ba Na’s beauty.

The bridge consists of 8 spans, the largest among them is 21.2m with 7 piers and 2 abutments. The Golden Bridge is of 150m length and 5m wide in total, encompassing a 3m wide deck for pedestrians and 1m flower bet placed on two sides.

This one-of-a-kind bridge is built from reinforced concrete while the piers are made of steel pipes. The bridge shell is made of gold-plated steel sheet with shiny titanium plating. When exposed to sunlight, the bridge becomes sparkling and conspicuous in the vast space.

Especially, the giant hands that make this design extraordinary are covered with steel meshes. At the first glance, the hand looks as if it is carved out of natural stones with traces of moss. Yet, it turns out to be an artificial work of art, showing the great creativity and workmanship of people.

IV. What to See and Do when Visiting Golden Bridge?

This bridge is truly an Instagrammable spot for travellers. Therefore, as you get to The Golden Bridge, you should not miss out on taking tons of amazing pictures. You can walk from Marseille station to Thien Thai Garden, then wander around the two sides of the bridge which is grown with rows of Fountain Blue Lobelia. 

The Golden Bridge offers visitors a wide range of beautiful camera angles. Even if you are not a professional photographer, you can take wonderful pictures without challenge. These are several suggested shooting ideas for you:

• Take pictures with the flycam. By this means, you will be able to grasp the whole appeal of the Golden Bridge.
• Take photos in the area in the midst of the giant hand. This is also the most-chosen view when paying a visit to this bridge.
• Taking photos with the right side of the Golden Bridge.
• Snipe at a corner of the bridge to get unique photos.
• Shoot the bridge upwards for impressive moments.

V. Where to Eat when Visiting Golden Bridge?

If you would like to have a convenient meal without having to think too much, it is recommended to try buffet ideas. Just buy coupons and you can select which dishes you wish to consume. Buffet sets are available at:

► Morin Restaurant 

• Address: An Son, Hoa Vang, Da Nang
• Tel: 0905 766 777
• Opening hour: 6:30 AM – 22:00 PM
• Price: 180,000 VND/meal

► La Lavande Restaurant 

• Address: Hoa Phu, Hoa Vang, Da Nang 
• Tel: 0236 3791 999
• Opening hour: 11:00 AM – 14:00 PM
• Price: 250,000 VND/meal

► Le Jardin

• Address: Hoa Phu, Hoa Vang, Da Nang
• Opening hour: 11:00 AM – 15:00 PM
• Price: 225,000 – 275,000 VND/meal

But the downside of buffet restaurants is that the space may be quite cluttered and crowded during peak seasons. Also, the temperature at Ba Na Hills is very low, which makes the displayed food quickly cool off and lose its taste. In this situation, ordering food from the menu at restaurants would be an alternative. A suggestion for you:

► Brasserie

• Address: Hoa Phu, Hoa Vang, Da Nang
• Tel: 0236 3791 999
• Opening hour: 9:00 AM – 19:00 PM

VI. How to Get to Golden Bridge?

To get to The Golden Bridge, you first need to reach Da Nang and then transfer to Ba Na Hills. These are several transportation options if you depart from Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Noi.

1. Get to Da Nang from Ho Chi Minh City

► By car

With a distance of about 858 km, Ho Chi Minh City – Da Nang route may take you around 17 hours and 35 minutes. The car will go on national highway 14 to get to Da nang.

► By plane

The plane will depart at Tan Son Nhat Airport, then travel through a part of Cambodia and Laos before dropping off at Da Nang International Airport. By this means, you just need 1 hour and 20 minutes to come to Da Nang.

2. Get to Da Nang from Hanoi

► By car

The shortest route from Hanoi to Da Nang is 766 km long, passing through National Highway 1A. The total driving time will be around 14 hours.

► By plane

The plane will depart at Noi Bai Airport, go through the East Sea and drop off at Da Nang International Airport. It will take you about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

3. Get to Ba Na Hills from Da Nang

► By motorbike

If you choose to go by motorbike, you can experience an interesting scenic drive. However, it is rather time-consuming and tiring as you have to complete a 30 km route.

► Book a joining or private tour

By this means, you will be picked up from your hotel in Da Nang to Ba Na Hills foot. Under the guidance of a tour guide, you can easily explore the Golden Bridge as well as sought-after spots at Ba Na.

VII. Extra Tips

• When visiting the Golden Bridge, it is recommended to bring cardigans or lightweight coats along to keep you warm.
• Don’t litter during your trip on the Golden Bridge as well as Ba Na Hills.
• To avoid danger, you must not climb over the bridge’s railings.
• The first cable car ride will be available at 7:00 AM and the final one is 21:00 PM, you should remember to have a well-arranged itinerary.

Golden Bridge has become a new symbol of the tourism industry in Da Nang in particular and Vietnam in general. Pay a visit to this well-known destination to understand why it is a global stunner.