The Sun Wheel: A Bird's-Eye View of Ha Long Bay
The Sun Wheel (Vòng Quay Mặt Trời) stands as a prominent, iconic landmark within the Sun World Halong Complex in Ha Long City, Quảng Ninh Province. Perched atop Ba Deo Mountain at an elevation of 215 meters above sea level, this giant Ferris wheel offers visitors an unparalleled aerial perspective of the magnificent Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is an essential stop for anyone wishing to capture the vastness and beauty of the bay and the surrounding city skyline.
Structure and Experience
The massive wheel measures 115 meters in diameter. It features 64 spacious cabins, each accommodating up to 6 passengers comfortably. The entire rotation takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Day and Night Views: During the day, you will clearly see the stunning limestone karst islands dotting the emerald waters. In contrast, the night ride presents a dazzling spectacle as the Ha Long city lights up below, while the wheel itself is illuminated by tens of thousands of colorful LED lights, creating a fantastic visual show.
Access via Queen Cable Car: Visitors access the Sun Wheel by riding the Queen Cable Car (Cáp Treo Nữ Hoàng), which connects the coastal amusement park (Dragon Park and Typhoon Water Park) with the Mystic Mountain area on Ba Deo Hill, where the wheel is located. This cable car ride offers a preliminary, breathtaking view of the bay.
Visitor Logistics and Pricing
The Sun Wheel is part of the Mystic Mountain (Đồi Mặt Trời) zone of the Sun World Halong Complex. Therefore, accessing the wheel generally requires a ticket that includes the Queen Cable Car ride.
| Item | Details and Access | Visitor Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Ba Deo Mountain, within the Mystic Mountain section of Sun World Halong Complex. | Go just before sunset to experience both the daytime view and the city lights turning on. |
| Address | Yết Kiêu, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hạ Long, Quảng Ninh, Vietnam (Base complex area) | Confirm the complex is located conveniently near the main tourist centers. |
| Operating Hours | Hours vary seasonally but generally operate in the afternoons and evenings on weekdays and all day on weekends. You should check the official Sun World Halong schedule before visiting. | Call or visit the official website for the most accurate daily operation times. |
| Ticket Price (Combined) | The ticket for the Queen Cable Car ride typically includes access to the Sun Wheel and the entire Mystic Mountain area (Zen Garden, Wax Museum, etc.). Prices fluctuate, but a Queen Cable Car & Mystic Mountain ticket is often around 350,000 VND for adults. | Consider buying a combo ticket if you also plan to visit the Dragon Park or Typhoon Water Park to save money. |
| Phone Number | You can contact the Sun World Halong Complex for current pricing or group bookings. (Contact details are typically found on the official Sun World website). | Look for online promotional tickets, which often offer discounts compared to the counter price. |
Culture and Local Context
While the Sun Wheel is a modern entertainment attraction, it has quickly become a recognizable symbol of the modern Ha Long City. Its height symbolizes the city’s growth as a major tourist hub, drawing global attention to this beautiful region beyond the bay’s natural scenery. Moreover, the adjacent attractions, such as the Zen Garden, provide a touch of cultural tranquility, contrasting with the thrill of the rides.
To truly appreciate the grandeur of Ha Long Bay, make sure you take a ride on the Sun Wheel. The breathtaking vistas will surely give you memorable photographs and a deep appreciation for the area.
