Mercure Hotel Experience: An Overnight Stay on Ba Na Hills
Alright, so much has been written about Da Nang, so I'm diving straight into my Mercure Ba Na Hills review. This is based on my June 1st trip, so everything is fresh and accurate!
Who Should Stay Overnight on Ba Na Hills?
- Families with young children.
- Those looking for a relaxing holiday.
- Anyone who finds Vinpearl exhausting due to the sun and queues! Seriously, if half an hour or an hour in Vinpearl leaves you dizzy, you need this.
The hotel's central location within the entertainment area means you can pop out for some fun, then retreat to recharge. No need for those long electric car journeys like at Vinpearl!
Who Should Skip the Overnight Stay?
This is crucial! During the low season, most tourists leave by 5 PM, and the streetlights are off by 8 PM. If you're afraid of the dark or believe in ghosts, you might end up like me: eating and retreating to your room instead of exploring. Honestly, I regretted it that evening. It felt unsettling and a waste of money. (I even have a video of how dark it was!). But trust me, when morning comes, everything changes, and you'll see how amazing the overnight stay truly is! 🤣
My Ba Na Hills Itinerary
The hotel offers early check-in (9 AM) and late check-out (3 PM).
- I arrived at Ba Na around 4 PM because I wanted to enjoy Da Nang a bit longer. Keep in mind that the cable car service starts to shut down around 5 PM, so aim to arrive a bit earlier.
- The hotel staff will escort you through a private cable car lane – super fast! – directly to the French Village.
- Check-in & Room: The room was perfectly fine. Nothing to rave about, but definitely adequate. Maybe slightly underwhelming for the price, but it had all the essentials. Open the window, and you're practically in the French Village!
The Evening on Ba Na
The evenings are eerily quiet. No people, no lights after 8 PM. It was super unsettling! Luckily, I found Ho Vy, who rented me a super cheap motorbike and offered amazing advice and late-night chats to keep the "ghosts" away. Thanks to him, the evening passed quickly!
Morning in the Hills
- 7 AM: Early sunlight bathes the castles in a soft glow. The air is crisp, requiring a jacket. This is the perfect time to explore the French Village. Cool, uncrowded, and perfect for those Instagrammable moments!
- Breakfast is decent, nothing spectacular. Remember to bring snacks, fruit, and pastries. Options are limited up there, and fresh air always makes food taste better!
- 9 AM: Tourists start arriving. Head to Fantasy Park and enjoy the rides. No queues, and the staff are enthusiastic! Plus, all the arcade games are free, which the kids will love.
Afternoon Relaxation
- 10:30-11 AM: With the sun getting stronger, we returned to our room for a nap. After a recharge, we were ready for more fun! If you don't stay overnight, you'll likely be exhausted by this point with no place to rest, making it hard to continue. If you have kids and can afford it, book a hotel. Being rested is essential for a fulfilling experience.
- Lunch at Lotteria – tasty and affordable! Then, visit the spiritual zone with the Pagoda. Check-out is at 3 PM.
- On the way down, take photos at the Golden Bridge, Garden of Love, and the Mountain Train.
The Verdict
That's how you experience a full day on Ba Na Hills without getting tired. This is a great time to visit, as it's less crowded. If you're traveling with children, consider an overnight stay for a more enjoyable trip.
A Shoutout to the Amazing Locals
The people of Da Nang are genuinely friendly. From Ho Vy (@Hồ Vỹ), who rented a motorbike and went out of his way to switch bikes, get gas, buy luggage straps, give directions, and offer late-night chats, to the Grab driver who drove around to find a specific dried snack without charging extra, and even the vendors at the market who gave a discount without haggling.
If you are looking to book at Mercure Bà Nà , you can check the link below:
Book Mercure Ba Na Here ```