Son Tra Peninsula Itinerary by Motorbike

Firstly, to go around Son Tra Peninsula, visitors need to hire a manual transmission motorbike because automatic motorbikes are prohibited to reach the top of the mountain. If just want to visit Lady Buddha and Linh Ung Pagoda alone, it’s possible. Additionally, the rider must have a driving license and experiences before. Roads in the peninsula are not for beginners! 

Visitors can not enter many parts of Son Tra Peninsula if go at night, therefore the best time of the day is the morning or midday. If it rains, we don’t recommend a tour by bike in this mountain because of slippery roads and dangers from landslide (that’s why trails in Son Tra Peninsula are closed if not safe).

The best motorbike route in Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain) is 25km long, and visitors may spend a couple of hours to complete. It includes three stretches:

+ from base of the mountain (West side) to Ban Co Peak [from Number 1 to Number 2 on the map]

+ Ban Co Peak down to the coastal road [from Number 2 to Number 3 on the map]

+ the coastal road (South coast) [from Number 3 to Number 4 on the map]

The starting point of the route is on Yet Kieu Road (the road from the city to Tien Sa Port/Da Nang Port). Its location on Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/f9TB1V7qykjyyhZ7A

On the way up to Ban Co Peak, the second highest point in the mountain, visitors can see Boom Boom Rock (a place related to the Vietnam War), the viewpoint near Son Tra Radar Station (stunning view to the sea, mountains, fishing port, and a portion of the city), and remains of an abandoned US airfield called Son Tra Airport. Due to high gradient, drive slowly and observe carefully.

After visiting Ban Co Peak, going downhill to the coastal road Hoang Sa. There is no car in this stretch of the route, making it most tranquil. Visitors can see natural forests of Son Tra Nature Reserve, Son Tra langur (red-shanked douc langur, one of world’s rarest primates), and of course, beautiful views to the sea.

When coming to entrance of Intercontinental resort, turn right and ride towards the city. This coastal road offers many points to see the fabulous natural landscapes, including the chance to watch sunset. On the way, there are many places to visit such as Linh Ung Pagoda (city’s biggest temple), Lady Buddha (67 meters tall statue, a must see), Dong Dinh Museum, Bai Nam Beach, Bai Thut Beach, Bai But Beach, Bai Rang Beach, Ghenh Bang Reef, Green Lake,… 

Near the end of the route, visitors can stop at a Santorini-inspired cafe to have a drink, relax and enjoy watching the view (from Lady Buddha, it lies on left hand). This cafe opens up to 8 pm.

Near entrance of Intercontinental resort, it’s possible to find the trail to the giant Son Tra Banyan Tree, Tien Sa Lighthouse,… However, it’s occasionally closed due to safety reason, so visitors should come and check on the day.

To complete a full day outing with motorbike, we suggest going to Hai Van Pass, which has the most spectacular coastal road in Vietnam.

From Hoi An, the best route to Son Tra Peninsula is the coastal coast. It’s called Lac Long Quan Street in Hoi An and Truong Sa Street/Vo Nguyen Giap Street/Hoang Sa Street in Da Nang then. Half way from Hoi An to the peninsula, Marble Mountains and My Khe Beach are must visit attractions.