Located just 10 km northeast of Da Nang, Son Tra Peninsula (also called Monkey Mountain) is a lush, biodiverse haven with stunning coastal views, rare wildlife, and spiritual sites. Here’s what you need to know before visiting:
Linh Ung Pagoda
Home to Vietnam’s tallest Lady Buddha statue (67m) with panoramic ocean views.
Peaceful gardens and a great spot for sunrise/sunset.
Ban Co Peak (Chessboard Peak)
Highest viewpoint (700m) with a giant chessboard and sweeping views of Da Nang.
Monkey Spotting
The peninsula is a sanctuary for red-shanked douc langurs (endangered, colorful monkeys).
🚫 Do not feed or approach them—they’re wild and protected.
Black Rock Beach (Bai Da Den) & Tien Sa Beach
Secluded, rocky shores perfect for photography and quiet relaxation.
Jungle Hiking & Motorbike Routes
Scenic roads winding through rainforest (rent a motorbike for flexibility).
Early morning (5:30 AM – 9 AM): Cool temps, fewer crowds, ideal for sunrise.
Late afternoon (3 PM – 6 PM): Golden hour light, sunset at Linh Ung Pagoda.
Avoid midday heat and heavy rain (Sept-Dec).
Motorbike/Scooter (Best option!): Rent in Da Nang (~150,000 VND/day). Follow coastal road (Vo Nguyen Giap) toward Thuan Phuoc Bridge.
Taxi/Grab: ~200,000-300,000 VND round trip (ask driver to wait at stops).
Tour: Many Da Nang tours combine Son Tra with Marble Mountains or My Khe Beach.
✔ Entrance is free (no tickets, but some parking fees apply).
✔ Wear good shoes for hiking (some trails are steep/rocky).
✔ Bring water/snacks—few shops beyond the pagoda.
✔ Respect nature: No littering, and avoid loud noises to protect wildlife.
✔ Military zones: Parts of Son Tra are restricted—follow signage.
Intercontinental Son Tra Resort’s Sunset Bar: Stunning cliffside cocktails (non-guests welcome).
Helicopter Pad: Abandoned spot with epic 360° views (ask locals for directions).
Monkeys can be aggressive—keep distance and secure belongings.
Roads are winding—drive carefully, especially in rain.
Drones: Need permission due to nearby military areas.
My Khe Beach (on the way back to Da Nang).
Dragon Bridge (visit on weekend nights for the fire-breathing show).
Getting to Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain) from Da Nang is easy, and the journey offers stunning coastal views. Here’s how to reach this beautiful nature spot:
From Da Nang city center: ~10–15 km (20–30 mins by motorbike/car).
From My Khe Beach: ~7 km (~15 mins).
From Marble Mountains: ~20 km (~40 mins).
Rent a motorbike (~120,000–150,000 VND/day in Da Nang).
Route: Follow Vo Nguyen Giap Street along My Khe Beach → Turn onto Hoang Sa Street (scenic coastal road) → Continue toward Son Tra Mountain.
Tip: Google Maps works well; just search “Linh Ung Pagoda (Son Tra)” or “Ban Co Peak”.
Parking: Free at most viewpoints/pagodas.
Grab/Taxi cost: ~150,000–250,000 VND one way from Da Nang.
Ask the driver to wait (or book round-trip) since taxis are scarce on the mountain.
Recommended stops:
Linh Ung Pagoda (Lady Buddha statue).
Ban Co Peak (highest viewpoint).
Tien Sa Port area (monkey sightings).
Private driver: ~800,000–1,200,000 VND for 4–5 hours (negotiate).
Group tours: Many Da Nang/Hoi An tours include Son Tra (check Viator/Klook).
Bus No. 5 (from Da Nang to Son Tra) – drops near the base; not ideal for exploring the peninsula.
Not recommended due to infrequent schedules and lack of access to key spots.
Linh Ung Pagoda (Bai But) – Giant 67m Lady Buddha statue & ocean views.
Ban Co Peak – Highest viewpoint (panoramic Da Nang skyline).
Tien Sa Port & Monkey Area – Wild red-shanked douc langurs (rare monkeys).
Black Rock Beach (Bai Da Den) – Secluded rocky coastline.
Helio Night Market Area (at the base) – Food & drinks after exploring.
Fuel up: If riding a motorbike, fill your tank in Da Nang (few gas stations on Son Tra).
Monkeys: Keep distance, don’t feed them (they can be aggressive).
Military zones: Some areas are restricted; follow signs.
Sunset: Best views at Ban Co Peak or Linh Ung Pagoda.
Road conditions: Steep & winding; drive carefully (avoid rainy days).
Water & snacks (limited shops on the mountain).
Camera/phone (amazing photo ops!).
Jacket (can get windy at higher elevations).
Son Tra Peninsula (also called Monkey Mountain) is a lush, scenic area near Da Nang, known for its biodiversity, stunning views, and spiritual sites. Here’s what you can do there:
Giant Lady Buddha Statue (67m tall, the tallest in Vietnam) with panoramic ocean views.
Peaceful temple grounds with intricate architecture and a serene atmosphere.
Best time: Early morning for fewer crowds and cool breezes.
Spot wild monkeys (red-shanked douc langurs – endangered and colorful primates).
Birdwatching: Home to rare species like the Edwards’s pheasant.
Hiking trails through the forest (wear sturdy shoes and bring insect repellent).
Rent a motorbike (or take a taxi) to explore winding coastal roads with breathtaking views.
Stop at viewpoints:
Ban Co Peak (chessboard peak) – 360° views of Da Nang, the sea, and mountains.
Tien Sa Lighthouse – Historic French-built lighthouse with coastal vistas.
Tien Sa Beach: Quiet, clean, and less touristy.
Bai Bac (North Beach): Secluded with clear water, great for a peaceful swim.
Helicopter pads & bunkers from the Vietnam War era (off-the-beaten-path spots).
Radar Station 29 (abandoned military site with ocean views).
Sunrise/Sunset: Ban Co Peak and Lady Buddha offer magical lighting.
Drone shots: Stunning aerial views of the peninsula (check local regulations).
Try fresh seafood at small coastal eateries near Tien Sa Port.
Enjoy ocean-view coffee at cafes like Cong Caphe or Son Tra Retreat.
✔ Best time to go: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds.
✔ Transport: Rent a motorbike (~150,000 VND/day) or take a taxi (~300,000 VND round trip).
✔ Respect nature: Don’t feed monkeys, avoid littering, and stay on marked trails.
✔ Weather: Can be foggy in the rainy season (Oct-Dec); dry season (Feb-Aug) is clearer.
Bonus: Combine with a visit to Marble Mountains or My Khe Beach on the same day!
Visiting Son Tra Peninsula (also known as Monkey Mountain) in Da Nang is a fantastic experience, offering lush jungles, stunning coastal views, and rare wildlife. Here are some essential tips to make the most of your trip:
Early morning (5 AM – 8 AM): Cool weather, fewer crowds, and great sunrise views.
Late afternoon (3 PM – 6 PM): Ideal for sunset at Ban Co Peak or Linh Ung Pagoda.
Avoid midday heat (10 AM – 2 PM) as shade is limited.
Dry season (February – August) is best; rainy season (Sept-Jan) can make roads slippery.
Motorbike/Scooter (Best option! Rent in Da Nang for ~120,000-150,000 VND/day).
Taxi/Grab (~200,000-300,000 VND round trip from Da Nang center).
Private car tour (Convenient but pricier; good for groups).
Bicycle (Only recommended for very fit riders—steep hills!).
⚠️ Note: The road up is winding and steep—drive carefully!
Home to Vietnam’s tallest Lady Buddha statue (67m).
Stunning ocean views and peaceful gardens.
Panoramic views of Da Nang, the ocean, and mountains.
Named after a legendary chess game between a fairy and a fisherman.
A quiet, pristine beach with clear water.
The old French lighthouse offers great photo ops.
Red-shanked douc langurs (rare, colorful monkeys) live here.
Best seen early morning near the Jungle Trail (but keep distance!).
A hidden viewpoint with dramatic cliffs and waves crashing below.
The abandoned military radar station offers a cool, eerie vibe.
Comfortable shoes (for hiking/walking).
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses (sun exposure is strong).
Water & snacks (limited shops on the mountain).
Camera/phone (amazing views everywhere!).
Insect repellent (jungle areas have mosquitoes).
Respect wildlife: Do not feed or approach monkeys (they can be aggressive).
Drive safely: Roads are steep and winding—go slow!
Dress modestly at pagodas (cover shoulders/knees).
Avoid littering (keep the peninsula clean!).
Check weather before going—fog can ruin views.
My Khe Beach (on the way back to Da Nang).
Marble Mountains (30 mins south).
Dragon Bridge & Da Nang nightlife.
Few restaurants on Son Tra, but try:
Son Tra Night Market (seafood & local dishes).
Local cafes near Linh Ung Pagoda (great for coffee with a view).
The Son Tra Peninsula (also called Monkey Mountain) is a lush, scenic area near Da Nang, famous for its pristine nature, wild monkeys, and stunning coastal views. To make the most of your visit, here’s the best time to go and additional tips:
Early Morning (5:30 AM – 8 AM)
Cool temperatures, fewer crowds.
Best for sunrise views at Ban Co Peak or Linh Ung Pagoda.
Higher chance of spotting wild monkeys feeding.
Late Afternoon (3 PM – 6 PM)
Ideal for sunset over the ocean.
Pleasant breeze, great for photography.
Avoid Midday (11 AM – 2 PM)
Very hot & humid, monkeys are less active.
Dry Season (February – August)
Clear skies, best for views & photography.
Roads are dry and safe for motorbikes.
Rainy Season (September – January)
Lush greenery but higher chance of fog & slippery roads.
Some trails may be muddy.
Motorbike/Scooter (Best option, ~30 mins from Da Nang) – Rent one (~120,000–150,000 VND/day).
Taxi/Grab (~200,000–300,000 VND round trip).
Private Tour (If you want a guided experience).
Linh Ung Pagoda – Home to Vietnam’s tallest Lady Buddha statue (67m).
Ban Co Peak – Panoramic views of Da Nang & the coastline.
Black Rock Beach (Bai Da Den) – Secluded, rocky shoreline.
Tien Sa Lighthouse – Historic lighthouse with ocean views.
Monkey Spotting Areas – Near the pagoda & jungle paths (but keep distance).
✔ Wear good shoes – Some paths are steep/rocky.
✔ Bring water & sunscreen – Limited shade in open areas.
✔ Respect wildlife – Don’t feed monkeys (they can be aggressive).
✔ Check weather – Fog can ruin visibility at Ban Co Peak.
✔ Weekdays > Weekends – Fewer tourists.
Sunrise at Ban Co Peak
Lady Buddha statue with ocean backdrop
Coastal road curves (great for drone shots)