Just beyond the crashing waves of Da Nang, lies a small, unsuspecting amusement park. For a mere 150,000 Dongs ($6.50 USD), you can visit Sun World Da Nang Wonders; The Epcot of SE Asia. At the center of the park sits the main attraction – a massive ferris wheel which can be seen from all over Da Nang.
Today, the park is just a shell of its former glory. Still standing are a few coasters as well as a handful of other rides but the glitz and glamour has faded. On the evening of our visit we thought it might be closed due to the lack of attendance. It was, however, business as usual. This came as a pleasant surprise for us as it meant we were first in line for every ride.
If you arrive hungry, there are still a few stalls left just inside the main entrance and a large buffet with its own dedicated section inside the park. For just a little more than the price of admission, you can purchase a park/buffet combo ticket. We had already eaten before we arrived so sadly missed out on the buffet. From what we’ve read and seen, it is quite grand with a large and varied spread. You can dine between 5-8PM, 7 days a week.
In just a few short hours you can circle the park and ride everything that is open. Listed below are the attractions that we braved and our arbitrary rating of them.
The Love Lock
MAN was this thing fast! We could feel our brains being flattened against our skulls as the operator turned the dial higher and higher. Just when you think it’s over the attendant will flip it in reverse to help round out your brain again. With some rock-n-roll tunes blaring and moving at brain-squishing adrenaline pumping speeds, you are sure to let out a few squeals of unadulterated laughter.
Sun Wheel
While the views are amazing, the rate of speed is a snore fest. It will take you almost 20 minutes for a full rotation of the wheel. The Sun Wheel is also where we found the only queue in the park. The park no longer runs at full capacity so many empty cars will pass by making this queue feel quite long. Simply wait your turn then sit back and enjoy the views with your partner under your arm. See how many of the 7 bridges you can spot that connect downtown Da Nang to its beach town.
Paradise Fall
This unassuming little coaster surprised us in the best way possible. Don’t blink or you might miss it! This coaster takes off just as fast as it finishes. Because the duration is so short but thrilling nonetheless, you’ll definitely want to ride again. You may consider just staying on or exiting the car to the entrance side (after all there is no one in line) but don’t even think about it. The attendants will insist you walk your happy ass around to the front. Ride no less than 3 times in a row to really feel satisfied.
Queen Cobra
“This one is almost like a real roller coaster” we overheard a returning passenger shriek as we waited for people to unload. This coaster is the star of Sun World and is a draw for any thrill seeker with its twists, turns, and upside down loop-the-loops. It was the perfect first time shared coaster experience for my wife and me. This is probably the only coaster in the park where each seat will likely be filled.
Port of Sky Treasure
Tucked away behind the Singapore sling is an old-fashioned coaster giving you a chance to throw your hands up. If some rendition of “Throw your hands in the air” starts playing in your head as you begin to round the crest of the coaster, you’re in good company. Us too. Cameo’s “Word Up” was our theme song for this coaster. Don’t get too excited by the first drop. The anticipation is the best part as it fizzles very quickly. But no worries, there is one more unexpected drop waiting for you. An anti-climatic ride we wouldn’t bother waiting in line for. But that’s the beauty of it – there is none!
Final Thoughts on Sun World Danang Wonders
Not exactly a destination worth traveling for, but if you are staying in the area for a prolonged period of time, this is a fun way to spend a few hours. The inexpensive and all-inclusive ride tickets were enough to lure us in. And the lack of foot traffic had us circling the park a few times admiring the lit up attractions without the the nuisance of overcrowding.
Among the rides we listed, there were also the traditional likes of the carousel, the pirate ship, and the swings.
Our best advice? Arrive hungry and ready to embrace your inner child!
Cheers friends,
Matt + Megan
