Assalamualaikum and may peace be upon you.
🌻 Sunflowers in the Square
We arrived at a bustling town square, where a giant sunflower sculpture stood radiant among conical rooftops and castle-like façades. The crowd moved with cheerful energy - families, couples, and tour groups weaving through the cobblestone paths. It was a scene of joy framed by fantasy.
🏰 Cathedral Gathering
Just beyond the square, the Gothic-style cathedral rose with its pointed arches and rose window glowing in the sun. Tourists gathered at its base, some in awe, others capturing the moment. The church stood as a spiritual and architectural anchor, its presence both solemn and celebratory.
🚶 Streets of Stone and Glass
We wandered down a street lined with red-framed glass storefronts and Gothic façades, where every corner invited exploration. The blend of medieval textures and modern touches gave the village a theatrical feel - like walking through a living storybook.
👨🍳 The Chef and the Alley
In a narrow alley, we met a costumed character resembling a chef, holding a tray and posing for photos. The buildings leaned close, their stone walls and flower boxes creating a cozy intimacy. It was a playful moment, where fantasy met hospitality.
🗿 Archway of Legends
We passed by a stone archway adorned with carvings and statues, its grandeur hinting at tales of knights and kings. Tourists entered with curiosity, the threshold marking a shift from plaza to palace. It was a portal into imagination.
🍜 “Mì Xào Cay” and Xin Chào
At the edge of the square, a storefront welcomed us with signs reading “Mì Xào Cay – Enjoy Viet Noodle” and “Xin Chào.” A small yellow kiosk offered fresh cocnut and coconut ice cream, while the scent of stir-fried noodles drifted through the air. It was a gentle reminder that beneath the European styling, Vietnamese warmth and flavor remained at the heart of the village.
The vibrant pulse of the French Village - a place where architecture, performance, cuisine, and culture danced together. From sunflowers and cathedrals to chefs and noodles, every moment was a celebration of diversity, imagination, and shared joy.
🍺 Beer Plaza and the Gateway to Myth
We entered the square in front of Beer Plaza, where flowers and greenery framed the entrance. The sign “Côte d’Azur” hinted at European flair, but the real centerpiece awaited just beyond - the Helios Waterfall, a sculptural marvel that transformed the plaza into a stage of myth and grandeur.
🌿 Strolling the Alleyways
From the lively square, we wandered into stone‑lined alleys with hanging plants and outdoor seating. The charm of these corners contrasted beautifully with the monumental sculptures nearby, offering quiet pauses between bursts of spectacle.
🚗 Dome of Color and Vintage Charm
A modern dome with a colorful glass exterior rose beside the square, its vibrant design catching the sunlight. A yellow vintage car parked outside added a playful touch, while crowds gathered at the entrance, drawn by the promise of entertainment and artistry.
🐎 The Golden Staircase
At the heart of the square, the grand staircase of the Helios Waterfall unfolded, adorned with golden statues and fountains. Over 40 bronze figures, crafted by Florence’s Frilli Gallery using the lost‑wax technique, depicted gods and heroes of Greek and Roman mythology. In sunlight, they gleamed like living fire, embodying the Sun God Helios presiding over his mountain.
The Helios Waterfall is also known as the "Feast of the Gods on the Mountain of the Lord" or "Sun God Waterfall".
✨ Horses of the Sun
Closer still, the golden horse statues reared proudly in the fountain, symbols of Helios’ chariot racing across the sky. Their power and motion seemed frozen mid‑stride, yet alive in imagination. Visitors paused here, captivated by the drama of myth rendered in bronze.
🎶 Music and Celebration
As evening approached, the square transformed into a stage. Live performances unfolded before the dome, colorful flags fluttering above the crowd. The statues glowed under lights, and the plaza pulsed with rhythm and laughter. It was more than a fountain - it was a “Feast of the Gods on the Mountain of the Lord”, where myth, art, and celebration converged.
🍺 Beer Plaza Festivities
The square in front of Beer Plaza was alive with color and sound. Cobblestone pavement, bright umbrellas, and the festive décor set the stage for something special. Visitors gathered eagerly, sensing that the plaza was about to transform into a theater of celebration.
💃 Dancers in Motion
Soon, performers in traditional European‑style costumes - brown skirts, white blouses, suspenders, and hats - took the stage. Their movements were crisp and choreographed, pairs and groups weaving together in rhythm. The energy was infectious, drawing smiles and applause from the crowd.
🎶 Folk Rhythms and Festive Spirit
The music carried across the square, lively and spirited, echoing the traditions of folk festivals. The dancers embodied joy and camaraderie, their routines a tribute to heritage and community. It felt as though the French Village had become a mountaintop carnival.
👥 Audience in Delight
Spectators crowded around, phones raised to capture the spectacle. Some clapped along, others simply watched in awe. The plaza became a shared space of wonder - tourists from around the world united by rhythm, dance, and laughter.
🗿 Statues and Storytelling
The presence of statues and barrels around the plaza added to the atmosphere, blending mythological décor with the festival’s energy. It was as if the gods of the Helios Waterfall nearby were watching, blessing the revelry with golden light.
🌟 A Festival of Joy
Together, the performance and setting embodied the spirit of the Sun Kraft Beer Festival - a celebration of culture, artistry, and hospitality. It was more than entertainment; it was a living tableau of tradition transplanted to the mountains of Vietnam, where every dance step became part of the story of the French Village.
✨ Reflection
This festival highlighted how Bà Nà Hills continues to evolve into an international hub of art and celebration. With beer, music, dance, and myth woven together, the French Village offered not just architecture and scenery, but a stage for joy that visitors carried home in memory.
🍺 Festivals Beyond the Beverage
At the Sun Kraft Beer Festival in the French Village, we found ourselves witnessing a celebration we had only ever glimpsed on television. As Muslims who do not drink alcohol, it was a rare chance to witness firsthand how such festivals unfold. What surprised us was that the event was not solely about beer - it was about so much more.
The plaza came alive with music and dance performances, choreographed with energy and joy. Costumed dancers twirled to lively rhythms, their movements echoing traditions of European folk festivals. Around them, the air was filled with laughter, applause, and the hum of camaraderie.
Food stalls offered culinary delights, and the square itself became a stage for community. Families, couples, and groups of friends gathered together, united not by the beverage but by the festive spirit. The atmosphere was vibrant, inclusive, and celebratory.
For us, the experience was eye‑opening. It showed that festivals connected to beer or wine can be appreciated for their cultural richness, artistry, and atmosphere, even when one chooses not to partake in the drink itself. What mattered most was the chance to share in the joy, to witness traditions expressed through dance, music, and food, and to feel part of a global celebration of life.
🍔 Lunch at Lotteria
Our wanderings led us to Lotteria, its stone façade and arched windows blending seamlessly into the European‑style streets of the French Village. Inside, the atmosphere was lively, families and groups filling the tables under modern lights. We ordered a simple yet satisfying meal: shrimp burgers, golden fries, and chilled orange juice. Sitting together, we savored the flavors - comfort food enjoyed in a setting that felt both familiar and fantastical.
🕌 Prayer at Arapang Restaurant
After lunch, we made our way to the Arapang Restaurant building, where on its fifth level we found separate prayer halls for men and women.
🌟 A Welcomed Gesture
We felt a profound sense of gratitude. To have a proper place for Muslims to pray in such a popular tourist destination was more than convenience - it was a gesture of respect and inclusivity. This thoughtful provision marked a positive step toward Muslim‑friendly tourism, ensuring that visitors could balance leisure with faith.
✨ Reflection
That afternoon became more than just sightseeing. It was a reminder that travel is not only about castles, plazas, and performances, but also about the small details that honor diversity and care for every visitor. At Bà Nà Hills, we found joy in food, beauty in architecture, and comfort in knowing our spiritual needs were embraced.
🏰 Stairway to Fantasy
We climbed a stone staircase leading to conical towers, where the architecture whispered of medieval castles and fairy tales. Visitors moved in both directions - some ascending with anticipation, others pausing to admire the view. It felt like entering a storybook realm where every turret held a secret.
🎯 Carnival Whimsy
At the plaza below, a row of carnival game booths burst with color, their plush toys dangling like promises of joy. Laughter echoed as people tried their luck, adding a playful rhythm to the village’s elegance. It was a reminder that fantasy here wasn’t just visual - it was interactive and alive.
🚪 Castle Gateways
We approached a grand castle entrance with red turrets and stone walls, banners fluttering on either side. The gate felt ceremonial, as if we were being welcomed into a realm of celebration. People passed through with wide eyes, drawn by the promise of discovery beyond the arch.
🌬️ Windmill Archways
A building topped with a windmill and red awnings offered another layer of charm. Its archway framed the movement of visitors, while the windmill spun gently above. It was a whimsical touch - Europe reimagined with Vietnamese warmth and theatrical flair.
🪟 French Village Facade
The sign “FRENCH VILLAGE” stood proudly on an ornate facade, its railings and windows echoing the elegance of old-world towns. It was more than a label - it was a declaration of theme, a promise that every corner would carry the spirit of France, filtered through imagination.
🏃 The Race Through the Village
One of the most surprising highlights of the Sun Kraft Beer Festival was not the beer itself, but the games that animated the streets. At one point, the cobblestone road was cleared, rope barriers set up, and visitors became participants in a lively footrace. Starting from Noel Square, runners sprinted toward Square Du Dôme before looping back to Noel Square, cheered on by crowds lining both sides.
The atmosphere was electric - spectators clapped, shouted encouragement, and even reached out to cheer the runners as they dashed past. The race was playful, spirited, and inclusive, turning the village into a stage of camaraderie. Perhaps it was part of the “Who is the Beer King?” challenge, but for us, the name mattered less than the joy it created.
To be continued.
Till the next coming entry, inshaAllah. Meanwhile do take care.
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