Son Tra Peninsula, a lush, mountainous nature reserve just northeast of Da Nang, serves as the city’s natural “green lung” and a premier eco-tourism destination. Famed for its winding scenic roads, pristine hidden beaches, and the iconic Linh Ung Pagoda, it offers a diverse range of activities for nature lovers, cultural explorers, and adventure seekers. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the peninsula’s key attractions, practical tips for navigating its terrain, and advice for a memorable visit.
We also have a lovely nickname for it: Monkey Mountain. It is a place of breathtaking views, ancient trees, hidden beaches, and a very special sense of peace. So, let’s go on an adventure and explore this incredible natural paradise together!
Where is Son Tra Peninsula?
Son Tra Peninsula is the city’s ‘green jewel’ that you can see from almost anywhere in Da Nang. It’s a beautiful, mountainous nature reserve located just a short 10-kilometer drive from the city center. This isn’t just a park, it’s a real primeval forest, a huge, lush paradise filled with stunning landscapes and an incredibly diverse ecosystem.
When you journey to the top, you’ll be rewarded with the most breathtaking, bird’s-eye view of our entire Da Nang city, the long, curving coastline, and the vast blue sea. But the real magic of Son Tra is in its wildlife. It’s a sanctuary for so many beautiful creatures, especially the rare and beautiful red-shanked douc langur, which we call the ‘queen of the primates’ because of her vibrant colours. As you explore, you will feel the fresh, cool sea breezes, be surrounded by the vast space of the ancient forest, and truly connect with the wild heart of our city.
How to explore Son Tra Peninsula?
The best way to experience Son Tra is by road. The peninsula is crisscrossed by a stunningly scenic road that winds its way up and around the mountain.
- Renting a motorbike/scooter: For adventurous couples or solo travelers, this is the absolute best way to explore. It gives you the freedom to stop wherever you want, take photos, and discover hidden corners at your own pace. My important safety tip: Please be a confident and experienced rider. Some of the roads can be steep and winding.
- Private car or taxi/grab: For families or those who prefer a more comfortable and relaxed journey, hiring a car with a driver is the perfect choice. Your driver will know all the best spots and you can just sit back and enjoy the incredible views.
- Joining a tour: Many local tours offer half-day or full-day trips to Son Tra, often combining the key highlights into one easy, hassle-free itinerary.
READ MORE: All you need to know about Ba Na Hills in Da Nang
Best time to visit Son Tra Peninsula
The wonderful thing about Son Tra Peninsula is that its mountain climate is mild and pleasant, so you can truly visit at any time of the year. However, for the absolute best experience with the clearest views, Vietnamstory.in always recommends planning your visit during our dry season, from March to September. During these months, you’ll have beautiful, sunny skies, which means the panoramic views from the peaks will be absolutely spectacular. And if you want to see the peninsula at its most colourful, my little secret tip is to come between April and June, when many of the forest trees are in full bloom!
Now, you can still visit during our winter months (around November to January), but we must give you some honest advice as your friend. It can be quite foggy and misty on top of the mountain, which can make the winding roads a bit difficult to drive and may hide those beautiful views. So, if you do visit then, please be extra careful when you are driving.
READ MORE: The ultimate guide to Da Nang’s Han river bridge for Indian tourists
What to see and do on Son Tra Peninsula?
Linh Ung Pagoda: The Spiritual Heart
- What it is: This is the most famous and most visited spot on the peninsula. It is a large, beautiful Buddhist temple, but its main feature is the magnificent Lady Buddha statue. At 67 meters tall, she is the tallest statue of the Goddess of Mercy in Vietnam. She stands on a lotus blossom, looking out over the sea with a gentle expression, as if she is protecting our city and all the fishermen.
- The vibe: Incredibly peaceful and serene. The views of the ocean and the city from the temple courtyard are absolutely breathtaking.
- Tip: Please remember to dress respectfully here, with your shoulders and knees covered, as it is an active place of worship.
The Thousand-Year-Old Banyan Tree
- What it is: Tucked away in the jungle is a magnificent, ancient banyan tree that is said to be over 1,000 years old. Its massive, sprawling branches create a huge, beautiful canopy.
- The vibe: It is a place of deep peace and ancient energy. Standing under this giant of the forest is a truly humbling and awe-inspiring experience.
Ban Co Peak (The Chessboard Peak)
- What it is: This is the highest point on the peninsula that you can drive to. At the top, there is a large statue of a wise old man sitting and playing a game of chess.
- The experience: The journey to get here is a steep and winding adventure, but the reward is a truly spectacular, 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city of Da Nang, the long curve of the coastline, and the vast blue sea. On a clear day, it feels like you are on top of the world.
Go monkey spotting!
- The experience: Remember our nickname, Monkey Mountain? It is for a very good reason! The peninsula is home to a large population of monkeys, and you have a very good chance of seeing them along the roadside, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
- The Rare Red-Shanked Douc Langur: Son Tra is also the home of a very rare and beautiful primate, the red-shanked douc langur. They are shy, but if you are very quiet and very lucky, you might spot one in the trees. They are called the “queens of the primates” because they are so colourful and beautiful.
Cape Nghe (Mui Nghe)
- What it is: Located at the very tip of the southeastern part of the peninsula, Cape Nghe is a wild and ruggedly beautiful spot. It’s not an easy place to get to; the journey involves a scenic drive followed by a challenging trek through the forest.
- The reward: The reward for your effort is a breathtaking view of the sea and, most wonderfully, a natural “swimming pool” formed by the rocks. The ocean waves crash over the outer rocks, filling this protected pool with clear, blue water. It’s a fantastic, secluded spot for a refreshing swim after your hike.
- Who it’s for: This is for adventurous travelers only. The hike can be difficult, so you need to be physically fit and wear good shoes.
Son Tra Lighthouse (Tien Sa Lighthouse)
- What it is: Built by the French in the 1950s, the Son Tra Lighthouse is one of the most beautiful and oldest lighthouses in Vietnam. It’s a charming, white building that stands proudly on the mountainside.
- The experience: You can climb the winding staircase to the top for a stunning, panoramic view of the ocean, the clouds, and the green canopy of the forest below. It feels like stepping back in time and offers a different, more historic perspective of the peninsula.
Radar Station 29: The “Indochina Eye”
- What it is: As you travel towards Ban Co Peak, you will see three giant, white spheres on the mountainside. This is a military radar station that has been in operation since the Vietnam War. It is nicknamed the “Indochina Eye” because it has a view over the entire Gulf of Tonkin.
- Tip: Because this is an active military site, you cannot go inside. However, you can stop on the road nearby to admire these unique, giant “golf balls” and take some very cool and interesting photos with the stunning mountain and sea backdrop. It’s a fascinating piece of modern history amidst the ancient nature.
Discover hidden beaches
While My Khe is our big, famous city beach, the Son Tra Peninsula hides its own beautiful, secret beaches that feel like a world away!
- The most well-known is Bai But, a wonderfully tranquil beach with clear blue water and white sand. It’s a great spot for swimming and relaxing, and you can even try some more exciting activities there like windsurfing.
- Then there is the pristine Tien Sa Beach, another beautiful spot where you can immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the simple pleasures of the blue sea and golden sun.
- For Indian travellers who love dramatic and unique landscapes, you must see Bai Da Den (Black Stone Beach). It’s a stunning, wild beach with many large, black rocks that create beautiful photo opportunities and calm, clear rock pools that are perfect for a gentle swim.
- And on the southern and northern tips, you’ll find Bai Nam and Bai Bac. These are more rugged, natural beaches. Bai Nam is another good spot to find some coral for diving, while Bai Bac is famous for the beautiful green seaweed that clings to its rocks during the winter months, creating a very unique and charming scene.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about My Khe beach Da Nang
What to eat on Son Tra Peninsula?
An adventure around the beautiful Son Tra Peninsula will surely make you hungry, and Vietnamstory.in has some delicious local secrets to share with you!
Fresh seafood by the sea
As you are surrounded by the ocean, you absolutely must enjoy the fresh seafood. You will find wonderful local restaurants along the coast at the base of the peninsula. Here, you can enjoy the fresh catch of the day, from delicious lobster and prawns to flavourful grouper. The best part is that it is always cooked fresh, capturing the true taste of our Da Nang sea.
Wild vegetables from the mountain
Now for a real local specialty! The forests of Son Tra are full of unique, edible wild vegetables and herbs. Many local restaurants will serve them simply boiled, with a side of our flavourful Vietnamese fish sauce for dipping. It’s a very simple dish, but the taste is so fresh, natural, and surprisingly delicious. It’s a true taste of the mountain.
Coconut wine
For Indian visitors who like to try something different, you should look for our special coconut wine. It is made from sticky rice that has been fermented right inside a whole, small coconut! This unique process gives the wine a wonderful, naturally sweet taste and a beautiful, gentle aroma of coconut. It’s a true specialty of the Son Tra area.
Tips for a perfect Son Tra adventure
- Give it time: Don’t try to rush Son Tra. To see the main highlights comfortably, you need at least half a day (3-4 hours).
- Check the weather: The weather on the mountain can change quickly. It can be sunny in the city but cloudy or foggy at the peak.
- Fuel up: If you are on a scooter, make sure you have a full tank of petrol before you start your journey up the mountain!
- Bring water and snacks: There are very few shops once you are on the mountain roads, so it’s a good idea to bring your own refreshments.
Conclusion
Son Tra Peninsula is more than just a mountain; it is the natural sanctuary and spiritual guardian of Da Nang. It offers a perfect and essential escape from the energy of the city into a world of breathtaking views, serene temples, and wild, untouched nature. A journey around its winding roads is a journey into the green heart of our region, and it will leave you with a sense of peace, wonder, and a deep appreciation for the beautiful harmony of our city by the sea.