Better to Know about Boom Boom Rock (Da Nang)

The Boom Boom Rock is a place associated with the Vietnam War (American side) which occurred in Da Nang during 1960s and 1970s. It’s within an important military base of the United States in the South of Vietnam (called Monkey Mountain Facility). Lying on the side of the road leading up to the observatory, helicopter landing place and other high spots, this rock is visited by many American solders. Here, the views are spectacular. Visitors can see the whole Da Nang city from above. This city has a river running through it with bridges. From here, the easiest bridge to see is Thuan Phuoc Bridge, an imposing suspension bridge at the river estuary. Near it, there are plenty of fishing boats that belong to the largest fishing harbour of the region (Tho Quang Fish Harbour). It’s more difficult to see Dragon Bridge, Han River Bridge, and Tran Thi Ly Bridge. To the left of Thuan Phuoc Bridge, there is a blue and calm bay.

To the left hand side, visitors can see one of the most beautiful coasts in Vietnam. It’s curving, featuring a non-stop strip of white sand between the blue sea (sometimes with fishing boats) and coconut trees and high-rise buildings. This is the main beachfront of Da Nang. During the Vietnam war, it’s called ‘China Beach’ because it lies beside the ‘South China Sea’.

Around the horizon, there is a chain of wooded mountains and hills that belong to the greater Annamite Range (or Truong Son Range), the major corridella of Vietnam. In another direction, it’s possible to see eight islands of the Cham Archipelago which have gorgeous coral reefs and rich underwater life. In the summer, snorkeling and diving tours here are busy.

The sea’s name is Bien Dong in Vietnamese. It means ‘east sea’ in English because it lies to the east of the country. Its international name is ‘South China Sea’ due to the geography, and this name isn’t legally used in Vietnam as it’s not fully belong to China.

Ban Co Peak is a perfect spot to watch sunrise or sunset. Don’t miss it if you have a chance!

Nowadays, the Boom Boom Rock is one of spots on the hiking trail from the base of the Monkey Mountain to its peak (Ban Co Peak at elevation of 715 meters). The view is also breath-taking from there.