Son Tra Peninsula is a beautiful nature reserve and a must see attraction in Da Nang, Vietnam. It’s in the northwest of the city centre, and its peak can be seen from everywhere. Here, over 1,000 plant species and 360 fauna species are living, including ‘queen of all monkeys’ – red shanked douc langur. Undeniably, it’s a hotspot for biodiversity protection in Vietnam. Around this peninsula, there are many tourist places, such as Lady Buddha Statue, Linh Ung Pagoda, Giant Banyan Tree, beaches, reefs, streams, museums, and historical sites. Now, let’s HoiAn Day Trip Company provide all information about Son Tra Peninsula (or Son Tra Mountain, Monkey Mountain).
You may also like: The Marble Mountains, Cham Islands, Ba Na Hills
• Content by Tam Le, founder of HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD
• Designed by Giang Cong Minh, co-founder of LS E&C LTD and his team
• Photo by Dang Cong Loi, Dao Xuan Son, Tam Le & others
Must Knows about Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang
– Location/address: Tho Quang ward, Son Tra district, Da Nang city, Vietnam
– Name’s meaning: ‘Son Tra’ means ‘camellia (flower) mountain’
– How to pronounce:
– Other name(s): Son Tra Mountain, Monkey Mountain (by American), Son Cha Mountain, Monkey Island, the Clam Mountain (by Chinese)
– Opening hour(s): sunrise to sunset
– Ticket price: free
– Area: 43,7 km2
– Height/elevation: 715 meters (2,198 ft)
– Reason(s) to visit: awe-inspiring sceneries from mountains to sea, untouched forests, red shanked douc (one of 25 world’s rarest primate species), 67-meters-tall Lady Buddha Statue, Linh Ung Pagoda, beautiful beaches, coral reefs, hiking trails
– Best time to visit: early morning, late afternoon, sunny days
– Time to spend: from 30 mins
– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.com/son-tra-peninsula-monkey-mountain
– Recognition(s): national nature reserve (1992)
– Emblem: red shanked douc (Son Tra langur)
– Food & drink: yes available
– Shopping: no
– Tour guide: contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo)
– Fact: Son Tra Night Market, the city’s biggest night market is not in Son Tra Peninsula/Mountain!
Son Tra Peninsula on Map
Best Time to Visit to Visit Son Tra Peninsula
Da Nang weather is characterized by two distinct seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The dry season lasts from February to the end of August, and the rainy season lasts from September to January.
The best time to visit Son Tra Peninsula in the year is the dry season. Reasons are that it’s always sunny with a blue sky, lowest chance of rain and no typhoon or flood. Definitely, great to enjoy picturesque sceneries and bird’s eye views around the peninsula and photograph them. Don’t forget beaches here also. All of them are gorgeous, and no doubt, amazing to go swimming or camping. For nature lovers, beautiful weather supports outdoor adventures such as riding motorbike/bike, hiking, trekking, running, snorkeling/diving, paragliding, or even watching red shanked douc monkeys or birds. Everyday, many people come to the peninsula to do exercise as well as see the sunrise and sunset. For leisure, the dry season provides more value for your stay (than wet and cold seasons).
The rainy season is not really perfect to visit Son Tra Peninsula. That would be nice to see the Lady Buddha and Linh Ung pagoda on its southern coast when it rains. The road leading to them is totally safe in this season. Visitors can wait until the rain stops and spend time there for around 30 mins. Remember to bring a rain poncho/jacket or umbrella once leave the hotel.
Between October and December, typhoons may hit the area. Potential of heavy rain, strong wind, flash flood and landslide is high in Son Tra Peninsula. Due to these dangers, it must be closed. Local police sure will fence all the paths leading into the park.
History of Son Tra Mountain
Millions and thousands of years ago, Son Tra Mountain was an offshore island, and now, a peninsula (connected with the mainland by sand dunes transported by Han river). Local fishermen built small temples here to worship patron saints, to pray for safety and good harvest of seafood. In the 19th century, on Bai But beach (southern coast), they found a Lady Buddha Statue and then constructed a little temple for it. Over time, this spot becomes holy and attracts many prayers. From 2004 to 2010, Linh Ung pagoda and a 67-meters-tall Lady Buddha Statue (tallest in the country at that time) were completed, to continue this belief. Nowadays, both are famous tourist attractions.
Hundreds of years ago, when Chinese merchants came to the area (Da Nang, Hoi An) for trading. From a far distance, they realized that Son Tra Mountain looks like a clam. So, they called it ‘the Clam mountain’ and Da Nang city ‘the Clam harbour’ (Xiangang).
From 1858 to 1860, French-Spanish joint military forces captured Da Nang. This was the first time Europeans attacked (conquered) the country. However, it’s not successful, against the resilient fighting of local government and people (led by Nguyen Tri Phuong general). Tombs of the dead soldiers after battles were built in a small hill, at the foot of Son Tra Mountain (near Tien Sa port today). To date, it still survives and is taken care of by citizens. Its name is Y Pha No cemetary and the hill is called ‘the Skull Hill’.
After the second World War 1945, Vietnam was divided into two: north Vietnam and south Vietnam, and the Vietnam war started then. Da Nang is in south Vietnam. Due to its very important strategic military location, Son Tra Mountain was intended to be a stronghold for the United States’s air force and marines. The Americans built a helicopter landing place, air control radar stations atop the mountain as well as roads to them. As a whole, it’s called ‘Monkey Mountain facility’. Today, the radar stations are still in use. In 1971, all operations were withdrawn and moved. Former navy’s harbour and camps are controlled by the Vietnam People’s navy.
In 1992, Son Tra Peninsula was designated to be a nature reserve. A plan to make it a national tourist area was launched in the 2010s but then cancelled (to prioritize biodiversity conservation purpose).
Things to See & Do in Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain)
Giant Lady Buddha Statue
Staue of Lady Buddha (or Guanyin, Goddess of Mercy) is the most famous tourist attraction in Son Tra Peninsula. It’s 67 meters tall, and built from 2004 to 2010, a part of Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda. From the city centre and especially, My Khe Beach, visitors can see it by naked eyes. No doubt, this is one of the new landmarks of Da Nang city.
She stands on a hilltop by the sea and overlooks the city, to shelter and protect citizens in local belief. Two highly experienced and skilled carvers from Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village worked hard for many years to shape her. Workers said that they saw the glory appear several times, making Lady Buddha even holier. See more information & details
Besides looking and taking photos at the statue, visitors also enjoy a breath-taking view, superb creative bonsai trees and watch monkeys running or jumping around. Don’t give the monkeys food!
Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda
Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda or Linh Ung Son Tra Pagoda is the largest Buddhist temple in Da Nang. It’s constructed from 2004 to 2010, and is younger than Linh Ung Pagoda at Marble Mountains and Linh Ung Pagoda at Ba Na Hills. One of the tallest buddha statues in Vietnam stands here.
What to expect? Firstly, visitors will admire enormous religious buildings. No other temples have a bigger size than them anyway in the area, all devoted to worship of Lord Buddha. Around them, there’re lots of white marble statues, well-maintained bonsai trees, and lush Buddhi trees and flower gardens. From Linh Ung Son Tra Pagoda, the bird’s eye views are just awe-inspiring (the city, high-rise buildings, the sea, beaches, fishing boats,…). See more information & details
Ban Co Peak – Top of Son Tra Mountain
Ban Co peak is not the highest point of Son Tra Mountain (the exact one is Oc peak). Its elevation is around 700 meters. From the main road, visitors need to climb stairs, not so much, to see a set of marble sculptures: 2 fairy men playing Chinese chess (mentioned in a local story). Peak’s name means ‘chess table’ by that.
From Ban Co peak, visitors can catch great natural landscapes, such as the lengthy white-sandy coast stretching for dozens of kilometers, the city, blue Da Nang bay, harbours, fishing villages, Cham islands and Hai Van mountain range in far distances.
Good to know: There is another viewpoint by the Son Tra radar station (Yet Kieu street). On the way to Son Tra Peninsula’s top, don’t miss it.
You also may like: King Peak in Ba Na Hills, Hai Van Gate
800-Years-Old Son Tra Banyan Tree
This giant and old banyan tree is located at the end of the hiking trail starting from the entrance of the InterContinental Resort or Ghenh Bang Reef. Its height is over 20 meters, making it the biggest in the mountain, and its age is around 800 years old. Its official name is ‘Son Tra Banyan Tree’ or ‘Thousands-Years-Old Banyan Tree’. See more information & details
Beaches in Son Tra Peninsula
Son Tra Peninsula is home to small to medium white sandy beaches (most in the area). Most of them are unknown by tourists or at least non-touristy because they are located within a protection area (Son Tra nature reserve). Definitely, it’s free of charge to go to them.
Along the southern coastline, between Linh Ung pagoda and Intercontinental resort, visitors should consider going to:
– Bai Thut beach: at foot of the Lady Buddha’s hill, spacious and accessible by the walking path leading down from Linh Ung pagoda
– Bai Nam (Bai Nom): spacious and clean, safe to go swimming, seafood restaurant (summertime only)
– Bai Rang: a mixed sandy and rocky beach, snorkeling/diving potential here in summertime, seafood restaurants
– Bai Da: a small rocky beach, seafood restaurant
Tien Sa Beach and Bai Bac Beach are private beaches of two resorts: Tien Sa Retreat and InterContinental Resort respectively. However, those who are not guests, can pay a fee to enter them. It’s cheap to visit Tien Sa beach (near Tien Sa port, Yet Kieu street) but maybe not for the others.
On the northwestern coastline, beaches are hidden, least known by people (even locals!). The reason is that they’re tiny and more difficult to get (sometimes must trek in the jungle). Therefore, more suitable for an outdoor adventure than a casual sightseeing, such as camping. Some experts say that it’s possible to see red shanked douc langurs in this area.
You also may like: My Khe beach, Non Nuoc beach, An Bang beach, Lang Co beach
Snorkeling & Diving in Son Tra Peninsula
During the driest months of the year, March to August, going snorkeling or scuba diving is possible at several places in Son Tra Peninsula. Its offshore water harbours coral reefs, seagrass and a large abundance of marine life (also protected by government).
The most popular dive site is Bai Rang (beach). It’s on the southern coast of the peninsula, between Lady Buddha and Intercontinental resort. All vehicles can get there.
You also may like: Cham islands (Hoi An)
Hiking & Trekking in Son Tra Peninsula
Son Tra Peninsula is the favourite for those who love trekking and hikking in and outside Da Nang. It’s a national nature reserve with untouched forests stretching from the peaks down to the sea, and a high level of diversity of plants and animals. This is home to 700 to 1,000 indiviuals of red shanked douc langur, one of the rarest primates on our planet. If get around by foot, the chance to see them is higher. Surrounded by the ocean in 3 sides and rising up to 700 meters high, Son Tra Mountain owns trails packed by beautiful views as well as extremely fresh air and cool breezes. Unquestionably, it’s a wonderful escape from hustle and bustle.
Good to know: The western side of Son Tra Mountain is steeper than its eastern side. Visitors should start going up from this side and going down on the other side, to have a little bit less adventurous outing.
Here are trails in Son Tra Peninsula:
– Southern coast only (12,5 km): from crossroad Hoang Sa street – Hoang Sa street to Thousands-years-old banyan tree (Cay da ngan nam), can continue walking through the forest to Mui Nghe (a point) after reaching the tree. Lady Buddha, Linh Ung pagoda, many beaches, and sunset-watching spots are along the way.
For a bit longer distance, visitors will go up to Hai dang Tien Sa (Tien Sa lighthouse) after the Intercontinental resort.
– Son Tra Mountain lower loop (26 km, along the seashore): giving the opportunity to explore the northwestern and northern side of the peninsula, least touristy parts.
– Son Tra Mountain upper loop (24km, up to Ban Co peak): the most challenging trail, giving opportunities to come to fantastic view points and watch langurs.
– Trails through forests: must go with a licensed and legal export or ranger
You also may like: Bach Ma national park
Paragliding from Top of Son Tra Mountain
From the old helicopter landing place, 500m above the sea level, visitors have the chance to ‘fly up’ and then land on the below beach. It’s needed to pay and accompany a professional paraglider who knows well things happening. If looking for an adventure in the sky, you need to experience this activity. For safety, sure, the best time is the dry season.
Dong Dinh Museum
Dong Dinh Art Museum is a privately-owned museum located in a hillside by the main road from the city centre to the giant Lady Buddha Statue It has some traditional brick and wooden houses in which collections of antiquities are exhibited These collections recall the memory about local fishing villages and local culture Here, visitors can find a coffee shop serving drinks with a view to the city Ticket is required to enter this museum See more information & details
Son Tra Tinh Vien (‘Bamboo Museum’)
At foot of the Son Tra Mountain, Son Tra Tinh Vien (meaning ‘the peaceful garden of Son Tra) is known as bamboo museum because it has more than 100 species of bamboo (about 30% of whole Vietnam) It’s free to visit, but no activities here, except walking across bamboo forests
Y Pha Nho Cemetery
Near Tien Sa Port and at the foot of Son Tra Mountain, Y Pha Nho Cemetery has 32 tombs of French and Spanish soldiers who died in the first battle between Europeans and Vietnamese people, from 1858 to 1860. A church was built here too, to commemorate the dead. Local people call this cemetery as ‘skull hill’ See more information & details
See also: An Bang Cemetary (City of Ghosts) in Hue
Ghenh Bang Reef
This is a beautiful cove and reef located at the foot of the Son Tra Mountain, with a view to the city and the Cham Islands. It lies at the end of a steep hiking trail starting from a café near the entrance of the InterContinental Resort (the south coast road). It’s still quite dangerous to access, requiring good fitness for visitors. On the weekend, local people come here to go camping, go fishing or take photos. See more information & details
Hon Sup (‘Collapsed Islet’)
This is a small rock rising above the sea, not too far away from Tho Quang Beach and Man Thai Beach Under the water in its surroundings, there are coral reefs and sea grasses with fishes. That’s why it’s a spot on snorkeling tours.
Places to Visit near Son Tra Peninsula
Near Son Tra Peninsula/Mountain, visitors can go to these places: Thuan Phuoc Bridge (distance: 4,5km), Tho Quang Fishing Port (distance: 3,5km), Tho Quang Beach (distance: 1,5km), Man Thai Beach (distance: 3km), East Sea Park & Pham Van Dong Beach (distance: 5,5km), My Khe Beach (distance: 6,5km), Han River Bridge (distance: 6,5km), Da Nang Fine Arts Museum (distance: 7km), Dragon Bridge (distance: 8km), Han Market (distance: 7,5km), Con Market (distance: 8km), Le Duan Night Market (distance: 8km), Da Nang Cathedral or Pink Church (distance: 7,5km), Da Nang Museum (distance: 8km), Dien Hai Citadel (distance: 8km), Museum of Cham Sculpture (distance: 8km), Love Lock Bridge (distance: 8km), Carp Statue Dragon (distance: 8km), Son Tra Night Market (distance: 8km).
Tips to Visit Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain)
– Visitors do not need to pay an entrance fee to enter Son Tra Mountain/Peninsula in Da Nang.
– In the dry season, visitors should bring sun cream, sun glasses, hat/cap/umbrella, and bottles of water to drink. Water is not sold at temples.
– In the wet season, visitors should bring rain poncho/jacket, hat/cap/umbrella, sandals or waterproof shoes. Rain ponchos are sold at shops at the foot of the mountain.
– Many monkeys are in Son Tra Peninsula, especially in the Lady Buddha and on the way from the city to get there. Visitors are advised to not give them food. Human food may not be good for their health and life, and if they see too much food, they’ll leave the forests – their original home.
– Do not throw trash on the Son Tra Peninsula. It’s a nature reserve!
– If go camping with a bonfire, visitors have to be permitted by the reserve’s management department or rangers. The fire may spread quickly, and burn forests and animals living in them. It’s very sad.
– Automatic scooters are banned going up to the peaks of Son Tra Mountain. If want to see the Lady Buddha, it’s okay.
– It’s still dangerous when ride the motorbike to the top of Son Tra Mountain during the rainy season.
– It’s better Son Tra Peninsula with a local guide. Contact us by +84968009827 to book.
How to Get to Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang
Da Nang to Son Tra Peninsula
Son Tra Peninsula is northeast of Da Nang city centre. If stay in My Khe beach or Tho Quang beach areas, the distance to its major sight – Lady Buddha is not really long, 10 km maximum. Visitors just need a random taxi, service car or xe om (motorbike taxi) to get there, no matter 1 or 2 ways. At the statue, there’re lots of taxi cars to catch and go back. From the city downtown, the average distance to the buddha is 12 km. By that, the drive is only 20 mins each way, and the fare won’t be much.
To discover the whole Son Tra Peninsula, a private transfer is required (by car or by motorbike). For the best price, visitors should book in advance (after knowing the total cost, inclusions and exclusions). If like visiting the Lady Buddha/Linh Ung Pagoda or the nearby coastline only, we recommend adding other must see attractions in the drive/package. You can consider the Marble Mountains, My Khe Beach, Cham Sculpture Museum, or even Hoi An Ancient Town. Contact us +84968009827 (whatsapp/line/zalo) if you’re looking for a reliable and professional service.
In case of getting there by yourself, there are two choices for you: an automatic scooter if just need to visit Lady Buddha/Linh Ung Pagoda, and non-automatic scooter/motorbike if want to explore everything. The reason is that automatic bikes are prohibited to go up to the top of the peninsula.
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD organizes guided tours and transfers everyday to Hoi An. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours & make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Hoi An to Son Tra Peninsula
Visitors need a private car or motorbike to get from Hoi An to Son Tra Peninsula because of no public transportation. The distance is some 34 km, so the drive is 45 mins and 1 hour respectively. On the way, Marble Mountains and My Khe Beach are the best places to stop. Except Lady Buddha/Linh Ung Pagoda, visitors can’t find or contact any cars or taxi cars while staying in Son Tra Peninsula. If have, the cost will be high. That’s why a roundtrip should be booked in advance. Contact us +84968009827 (whatsapp/line/zalo) for the best price.
When reach the Monkey Mountain by yourself (such as riding a scooter), the best way is the coastal road (Lac Long Quan street in Hoi An and Truong Sa street/Vo Nguyen Giap street in Da Nang). Firstly, it’s needed to come to the crossroad Hai Ba Trung St and Lac Long Quan St (a traffic light here). After that, keep riding along Lac Long Quan St, towards the north until see the Lady Buddha (it’s huge!). The part along My Khe Beach and Tho Quang Beach is really beautiful, breezy. If travel in a sunny day, you can consider going swimming here. Don’t forget swimsuit!
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD organizes guided tours and transfers everyday to Hoi An. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours & make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Son Tra Peninsula Accommodation
One of the best hotels in Da Nang, the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula resort, is in Son Tra Peninsula (northeast direction). In the middle of tropical forests, this remote and high-end accommodation offers about 200 rooms, suites and villas, all looking to an azure bay with a private white-sandy beach. Its style is lavish, elegant, and fusioned between Vietnamese traditions and contemporary arts (designed by Bill Bensley architect).
Hoian Day Trip company organizes private tours and transfers from InterContinental resort (Da Nang). Contact us by +84968009827 (whatsapp/line/zalo) to chat and make your trip memorable.
Guided Tours to Son Tra Peninsula
Photos, Videos about Son Tra Peninsula
Here are beautiful photos and videos about Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang:
