Day 5 was an all-day group tour at Sun World in Ba Na Hills. I can honestly say I’ve never seen anything quite like it. I’m not big on group tours, but for a first-time experience, it worked out okay. I’d love to go back someday and visit at night. Yesterday was packed with tourists, and that diminished the enjoyment level considerably.
The only way to the top is by cable car (there is a service road for workers). It is the longest and highest cable car system in the world. At the top is an amusement park-like setting, the resort calls a Fairy Kingdom. I understand the old buildings in the French village section are relics from the colonial days.
Here’s a drone video to give you the flavor of the place:
And here is some of the shitload of photos I took throughout my day long visit. For the first time ever, I totally depleted my phone battery. I’ve got another adventure in store for tonight, so I’m going to have to rush this and let the photos speak for themselves for the most part.
Getting there from Da Nang took about an hour. Once out of the city traffic, it was a scenic and pleasant ride.The entrance at the foot of the mountain.The cable car takeoff was a jolt.I have a bit of an aversion to heights, but it was still a fun ride to the top of the mountain (almost 5000 feet).Looking back from where we started.Approaching the Golden BridgeOn solid ground again at the top.Statues everywhere. She was the breastA Golden GirlSwan made a new friendFeeling festiveOMG! Is this heaven?
Part of the the entrance fee included a coupon for free beer.
I gave the barkeep my two coupons……and he gave me FOUR draft beers. Swan had one, and I had three. They were small glasses, mind you.The beer pavilionBut only if you are alone or with someone.Swan horsing around.A windmill is good to have.A time travel vibeA garden of Goddesses.Our tour package included a free buffet (one t) lunch.My plate.I paid for that beer and got a full pint.A rare appearance of Old Glory.The Golden Bridge awaits our crossing.It was insanely crowded.But we made it.What a pisser.I guess that’s a sun skirt.I’m not sure what to think.I forgot what I was going to say about this.The back of Buddha’s head. I understand there is a temple here, but we didn’t see it. Not part of the resort, and not sure how you would access it.The view from our mountaintop vantage point.What are you pointing at?Never mind, she has a heart of stone.This is definitely a hands-on resort.And it is huge.And apparently, they aren’t done yet.As we prepared to depart, I caught a glimpse of Gandalf. Is he grey or white?Down we go.I would enjoy a return visit someday.Rush hour traffic in Da Nang was no picnic.
Left the hotel before 8 a.m. and got back a little after six. But we weren’t done yet. We walked the 2K to Dirty Fingers so we could partake in the steak Thursday promo.
Owner Scott said the beef was from Argentina. It was definitely tender.And dinner for two was just a tad over a million dong.
Another fun convo with Scott and one of his buddies. I’ll definitely look forward to seeing him again should I come back this way in the future.
We walked back to the hotel and bypassed the various nightcap opportunities. We were both whipped.
We did a lot of walking on that mountaintop.
And that was Day 5. Our last night is upon us, and we have a river cruise dinner and fireworks show on the horizon. Then we fly out to Hong Kong in the morning. I’ll update when I can.
Peace out!
4 thoughts on “Almost paradise”
That Argentinian steak looked good.
You’re living in the past, man! You’re hung up on some Viet Cong from the 60’s, man!
That Argentinian steak looked good.
You’re living in the past, man! You’re hung up on some Viet Cong from the 60’s, man!
More like the 70s, Roger.
Kev, it were indeed!