The Ba Na Hills Eclipse Plaza stands as a breathtaking architectural masterpiece nestled high in the mountains of Da Nang. This grand construction, often referred to as Quang Truong Nhat Thuc, serves as the essential bridge between the vibrant Kingdom of the Sun and the mystical Kingdom of the Moon.
Visitors are immediately drawn to the blue conical glass-and-metal tower, a structure that mirrors the world-famous Louvre Museum while honoring the traditional Vietnamese non la hat. With its towering stone columns and mythical Greek mythological sculptures, the plaza has quickly become one of the most Instagrammable check-in spots within the entire Sun World complex.
Exploring Eclipse Plaza: The Gateway Between the Sun and Moon Kingdoms
If you have ever visited Sun World, you know that the layout can be quite massive. I personally love how the Eclipse Plaza acts as a literal bridge. On one side, you have the Kingdom of the Sun, which is full of energy, the French Village, and the Helios Waterfall. On the other side, the Kingdom of the Moon waits with its quiet, mysterious Lunar Castle.
This area covers a huge area of 60,000 m², so there is plenty of room to walk around. It was built specifically to celebrate the Summer Festival 2022, and since then, it has become the most iconic spot for a “check-in” photo. I think it is quite neutral in terms of difficulty to find; once you are near the top, all paths seem to lead here. It is more than just a square; it is a mythical construction that makes you feel like you are stepping into a different world entirely.
Architectural Highlights: From the Glass Pyramid to Greek Mythology
The architecture here is where things get really exciting. The most famous feature is the blue conical glass-and-metal tower. To me, it looks just like the Louvre Pyramid in Paris, but it also has a local twist. The glass pyramid resembles a Non La hat, which is the traditional Vietnamese conical leaf hat. It is a beautiful example of how global styles can meet local culture.
Inside and around the plaza, you will see:
- Renaissance Colonnades: There are exactly 60 stone columns here. These columns have a height of 4 to 7.5 meters.
- Celestial Frescoes: If you look up at the ceiling, you will see paintings of the universe, stars, and clouds. It feels like you are looking directly into the heavens.
- The Goddess Walkway: Along the path, there are 20 stone statues of the most important Greek mythical goddesses.
I find that the statues of Hestia, Hebe, and Artemis add a very elegant touch to the walk. The artisans carved stone columns with such detail that they remind me of St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. The materials used are also top-notch, featuring marble that was brought in from Egypt and India to ensure every inch of the plaza looks premium.
Visitor Guide: How to Navigate and Experience Eclipse Plaza
Getting to the Eclipse Square is part of the adventure. I usually recommend taking the cable car. The Louvre Station provides access to the Eclipse Plaza directly. If you are coming from the lower parts of the mountain, the cable car ride from Bordeaux Station is your best bet.
Sample route: Start at the Hoi An Station, stop at the Golden Bridge, then head up to the French Village before taking the final short lift to the Louvre Station.
For a different experience, you should try the Ba Na Hills mountain train. This funicular transports visitors to the Lunar Castle, and the plaza sits right at the exit. While you are there, don’t miss the Lava Road. This is a zigzag walkway designed to look like flowing lava from a volcano. It leads you toward the Lunar Castle and past some very cool sculptures of faces kissing.
If you want to see everything else the mountain offers, you should check out this helpful list of activities for newcomers to plan your day perfectly.
Ticket Prices and How to Buy in Advance
For 2026, the admission fee has updated rates. For International Tourists, the adult price is 1,000,000 VND, while children (1m–1.4m) are 800,000 VND. If you want a full day of fun, I highly suggest the Combo Cable Car + Lunch Buffet, which is 1,300,000 VND for adults.
If you don’t like waiting in long lines at the ticket counter, I recommend you buy in advance through https://banahillsticket.com/. It is much faster and you get a QR code sent straight to your phone.
| Ticket Type | Visitor Type | Value (VND) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Admission | Adult (>1.4m) | 1,000,000 |
| Standard Admission | Child (1m–1.4m) | 800,000 |
| Combo (Lunch Buffet) | Adult (>1.4m) | 1,300,000 |
| Ba Na by Night | Adult | 1,050,000 |
One sample of a great deal is the Night Combo, which includes dinner and starts after 3 PM. You can secure these tickets and see the latest deals before you even leave your hotel.
Best Times for Photography and Live Performances
I like visiting the plaza around noon or late in the afternoon. At noon, the sun hits the glass tower, making the blue metal shine. This is also when French artists perform at the Eclipse Plaza. You can sit down with a snack and watch violinists or dancers put on a show right in the middle of the square.
During the Summer Festival, the energy is high. However, if you prefer a quiet demo of the architecture, I suggest going early at 8 AM when the park first opens. The “Golden Hour” just before the park closes at 6 PM is also fantastic for photos because the lighting on the stone columns becomes very soft and warm. It is truly the most Instagrammable place in the region.
Planning Your Visit: Tips, Weather, and Nearby Attractions
Because the plaza is high up on the mountain, the weather changes fast. I always tell my friends that Ba Na Hills has four seasons in one day. Also check out the best time to explore Ba Na Hills.
- Dry Season (Feb-Aug): It is very sunny. Bring a hat!
- Rainy Season (Sept-Jan): It gets misty and cold. A light jacket is a must.
There are many places to visit near Eclipse Square. You are just a short walk away from the Helios Waterfall and the Atlas Statue. If you are hungry, the Four Seasons Restaurant is right there, offering great buffet options. The Eclipse Plaza bridges two kingdoms, so you are never far from the action. Whether you want to see the 27-meter-tall Big Buddha Statue or head back down to the Golden Bridge, the plaza is your best starting point.
I hope this guide helps you enjoy your next trip to the Eclipse Square! It is a stunning place that Rento Travel highly recommends for anyone visiting Da Nang.
