My Detailed Guide to the Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang

Road Trip to Da Nang

Today, I’m taking you along on my journey to explore one of the most popular road trips in Da Nang, featuring the Cloud Pass, Son Tra Peninsula, and Monkey Mountain.

Since living in Vietnam, I have had the chance to visit the Son Tra Peninsula several times.

If you want to discover more about this city, I recommend reading my article on the best things to do in Da Nang.

What is the Son Tra Peninsula?

Rising over 700 meters above sea level, the Son Tra Peninsula can be seen from anywhere in downtown Da Nang and even from Hoi An. Its coastline stretches 32 km, featuring rocky shores and white sandy beaches, some of which are lined with resort stations.

On the southern waterfront, you can admire the Lady Buddha statue facing the city. This monument is a major attraction for tourists on the peninsula and holds significant spiritual importance for the locals. Around the higher areas, beyond the rich forests where the red-shanked douc lives, there are panoramic views and remnants of military installations from the Vietnam War.

Son Tra Nature Reserve

The Son Tra Nature Reserve encompasses intact ecosystems from the shallow waters near the coast up to an altitude of 700 meters. Across 4,500 hectares, the old forests are home to over 1,000 species of flora and 120 species of fauna.

Among these, 21 are listed in the Vietnamese and international red books, some newly discovered by science. This biodiversity hotspot is famous for housing the largest population of red-shanked doucs, one of the rarest primates in the world. The latest survey indicated that 1,300 individuals are living healthily. This primate is nicknamed “the queen of primates” due to its five colorful hairs. At a recent Asia-Pacific conference, the langur was chosen as the symbol.

Son Tra Peninsula or Monkey Mountain?

Monkey Mountain

During the Vietnam War, the Son Tra Peninsula was nicknamed “Monkey Mountain” by the Americans. Veterans reported seeing many monkeys in the area upon their first arrival. Today, visitors can see the primates on the coastal road leading to Lady Buddha, Linh Ung Pagoda, or the InterContinental Resort.

Son Tra Peninsula

Son Tra was an island with three peaks over the sea before the 15th century. Later, due to the formation of the Han River delta and coastal sedimentation, it connected to the mainland via a sandy isthmus. The north, east, and west sides of the mountain are still bordered by water.

It is for this reason that geographers call the island (mountain) “Son Tra Peninsula.” At that time, the name became popular among domestic tourists.

How to Get to Son Tra Peninsula?

By Motorbike

In recent years, automatic scooters have been banned on part of Monkey Mountain. From the foot of the Peninsula to the Intercontinental Hotel in Da Nang, you will need to choose a manual scooter/motorbike.

By Car

If you are not comfortable driving a motorbike on the Peninsula, the second option is a private car.

Several companies offer the trip by Jeep, which can be a good alternative to the motorbike if you are traveling with family.

By Electric Car

The last option is the electric car. This is the choice I would exclude because you are traveling in a group and it’s not the experience I would choose first.

There are three different routes, and if you want to see the entirety of the Son Tra Peninsula, you will need to complete all three.

Places to See on the Son Tra Peninsula

Lady Buddha / Linh Ung Pagoda

This is a must-see on the Son Tra Peninsula.

Perched on top of a lush hill along the picturesque southern coast, the Linh Ung Pagoda and its imposing statue of Lady Buddha form an essential cultural and spiritual complex in Da Nang. Built simultaneously between 2004 and 2010, these two jewels attract faithful and travelers seeking serenity and architectural splendor. It is the largest pagoda in Da Nang.

Dominating the landscape at 67 meters in height, the statue of Lady Buddha (also known as the Goddess of Mercy) stands as the largest of its kind in Vietnam, visible from afar as a symbol of peace and spirituality.

It is a daily pilgrimage site, where the essence of Vietnamese devotion is felt with every prayer.

Directly at the foot of the grand statue, the Linh Ung Pagoda, the third of its name in Da Nang (the other two are located at the Marble Mountains and Bana Hills), stands out with its traditional architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Its monumental sanctuary is a masterpiece of Buddhist art, nestled in the heart of zen gardens adorned with meticulously maintained bonsai, fig trees providing beneficial shade, and arhat statues that tell stories of wisdom through the ages.

You will also be rewarded with exceptional panoramic views of the Da Nang waterfront, offering unforgettable photographic opportunities.

Banyan Tree

Nestled at the end of the southeastern coastal road of the Son Tra Peninsula, this majestic tree stands 20 meters tall, a natural spectacle that inspires awe and respect.

Boasting 27 roots that extend deeply into the fertile soil, this tree is a true living monument. Its main root, impressively, measures no less than 10 meters in diameter, a testament to the strength and permanence of nature.

Recognized by the Vietnamese Association for Nature Conservation in 2014, this tree has been honored as a heritage tree, a status that highlights its ecological and cultural importance.

As a heritage tree, it not only represents a key element of the local ecosystem but also symbolizes Vietnam’s conservation efforts.

Ban Co Peak

This is the most unusual place in Monkey Mountain.

Perched at an altitude of 630 meters, Ban Co Peak, locally known as “Bàn Cờ,” offers a pleasant and accessible climb from the famous Monkey Pass. This peak is unlike any other, named after a unique feature: a chessboard carved into the stone, embedded in local folklore.

Legend has it that every day, fairies descend from the heavens to engage in a game of Chinese chess. This mystical chessboard is not just a captivating element of local culture but also a fascinating point of interest for hikers and mythology enthusiasts.

Visiting Ban Co Peak, you will have the opportunity to embrace a spectacular view, explore a living legend, and appreciate the ancient art of marble carving. It is a must-visit destination that harmoniously blends outdoor adventure with cultural enrichment.

The Beaches of Son Tra

The picturesque coastline of Son Tra stretches over 30 km, offering a fascinating assortment of sandy and rocky beaches. Each beach has its own character and promises a unique seaside experience.

Tien Sa, located near the port, is the busiest beach on the peninsula. Its friendly atmosphere attracts both locals and vacationers from nearby resorts. The beach is a favorite spot for daily swimming, offering a lively and welcoming environment.

Bai Bac, or North Beach, is situated at the foot of two mountains and is part of the InterContinental Resort domain. Recognized as one of the most beautiful beaches in Da Nang, it combines luxury with natural beauty.

On the southern side of the peninsula, Bai Rang (Coral Beach) attracts diving enthusiasts. The abundant marine life is an invitation to explore the hidden treasures beyond the coast.

Fauna & Flora

Another unique feature of the Son Tra Nature Reserve is the existence of about 12 troops of Douc monkeys, scientifically known as Pygathrix nemaeus. This is an extremely rare species with only 200 individuals living in Vietnam and in the forests of Son Tra.

Additionally, there are other rare species such as the yellow monkey, red-faced monkey, muntjac, 106 species of birds including the Germain’s peacock-pheasant (scientific name Polyplectron germaini), 23 species of reptiles, and countless species of insects.

The Best Activities at Son Tra Peninsula

Hiking at Monkey Mountain

Son Tra Mountain, a natural treasure on the outskirts of Da Nang, invites hiking enthusiasts to immerse themselves in its striking panoramas and pristine ecosystems. With two main routes available, adventurers can choose their path based on their exploration preferences.

The first, and longer, route winds along the spectacular coastline of the Son Tra Peninsula. Walking this path is an experience in itself, offering a communion with the ocean and the opportunity to observe the endemic wildlife and flora of the region.

The other path, leading to the heights of the mountain, promises unmatched visual rewards. The peaks of Son Tra reveal breathtaking panoramic views where the sea blends with the sky, providing countless opportunities for photographers in search of the perfect shot.

Whether you choose the coastal trail or the ascent to higher elevations, an average of 30 km of trails awaits you. Crossing through primary forests, you will delve into a world where nature reigns supreme, far from urban hustle, in a silence only broken by the song of birds and the whisper of leaves.

Paragliding at Son Tra

Taking off from the dizzying heights of Son Tra Mountain has become a must-do activity for extreme adventure enthusiasts. The thrill of paragliding in this spectacular setting promises an adrenaline rush like no other and breathtaking views.

As they soar through the skies, paragliders enjoy a stunning panorama over the lush greenery and crystal-clear waters. This unique perspective allows one to marvel at the beauty of the Da Nang region in a completely new way.

To ensure the safety and quality of the experience, the Da Nang Paragliding Club (email: paraglidingdn@gmail.com) is the sole entity authorized to orchestrate these moments of pure aerial bliss.

All flights are conducted in tandem, accompanied by an experienced instructor, ensuring a safe and exhilarating adventure for all travelers.

Motorcycle Road Trip

Son Tra Mountain, with its breathtaking landscapes and winding roads, is ideally suited for motorcycle exploration.

Following new municipal regulations due to several accidents, access to Son Tra Mountain by automatic motorbike has been restricted on a significant part of the Son Tra Peninsula, and manual motorcycles are required.

If you are short on time, Hoang Sa Rd (the southeast road) offers a quick alternative. This route leads you directly to the key attractions without sacrificing the beauty of the coastal landscape.

For the more courageous, cycling is a good alternative. Opting for cycling is both economical and in line with new guidelines. Additionally, this option allows for a pace of discovery that is more suited to the majestic environment of Son Tra.

Snorkeling at Son Tra

Son Tra is a gem for snorkeling enthusiasts. With its 179 species of shimmering corals and 162 varieties of tropical fish, the southern coast offers an unmatched visual experience, under the benevolent gaze of Lady Buddha.

Bai Rang is the favorite spot for divers seeking aquatic adventures and local flavors thanks to its seaside restaurants offering fresh seafood.