Son Tra Peninsula is a protected forest of about 4,400 ha in Son Tra Ward, about 10 kilometres (6 miles) north-east of Da Nang city centre. Also known as Monkey Mountain, the peninsula combines primeval forest, quiet beaches and rare wildlife, including the red-shanked douc langur found across its hillsides. Son Tra Peninsula has no entrance fee, and its timings are 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM from March to September and 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM from October to February.
The table below sums up Son Tra Peninsula’s timings, entrance fee and the key facts for a visit in 2026.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Timings | 7:30 AM–6:30 PM (March–September); 7:30 AM–5:30 PM (October–February) |
| Entrance fee | Free; beach huts and snorkelling are paid services |
| Location | Son Tra Ward, about 10 km north-east of Da Nang city centre |
| Size and height | About 4,400 ha; Son Tra Mountain rises to nearly 700 m |
| From Da Nang hotels | About 20–25 minutes by car or Grab |
| Vehicle rules | No automatic scooters and no vehicles over 24 seats on the mountain routes |
| Time needed | 3–4 hours, or half a day with a beach stop |
| Best for | Lady Buddha at Linh Ung Pagoda, langurs, viewpoints, quiet beaches |
Son Tra holds the attractions most travellers come to see, from Linh Ung Pagoda and its 67-metre Lady Buddha statue to Ban Co Peak, Tien Sa Lighthouse and the heritage banyan tree. This guide covers the location, best time to visit, transport and vehicle rules, timings and entrance fees, every major sight, things to do, food for vegetarian travellers, and frequently asked questions.
What Makes Son Tra Peninsula Special?
Son Tra Peninsula is a protected nature reserve of about 4,400 ha inside Da Nang city, with tropical evergreen forest, more than 1,000 plant species and the endangered red-shanked douc langur as its best-known resident. Son Tra Mountain rises to nearly 700 m, with an average height of about 350 m, and its forest is often called the green lung of Da Nang.
From the upper slopes of Son Tra Mountain, the views stretch across Da Nang Bay, the city and the East Sea, ideal for photography. American soldiers stationed in Da Nang named it Monkey Mountain because of the many primates they saw on its slopes, and the name is still used by many travellers today.
Location
Son Tra Peninsula sits in Son Tra Ward on the north-east edge of Da Nang, about 10 kilometres from the city centre, with the East Sea on three sides. Since 1 July 2025, the former Tho Quang Ward has been part of Son Tra Ward, so older maps and addresses still show Tho Quang Ward, Son Tra District.
Travellers reach the peninsula along Hoang Sa Street on the southern coast, towards Linh Ung Pagoda, or along Yet Kieu Street towards Tien Sa Port. Along the way, the road passes a range of famous beaches in Da Nang, where the bustling life of locals is easy to see.
Best Time to Visit Son Tra Peninsula
The best time to visit Son Tra Peninsula is from March to September, when the weather stays dry and sunny and the visiting hours run until 6:30 PM. These months offer the clearest conditions for outdoor activities, panoramic photos and beach visits. From October to February, Son Tra closes earlier, at 5:30 PM, and heavy rain between October and December can pause visits for days at a time.
The first hours after the gates open at 7:30 AM are the best time of day for langurs and clear views on Son Tra Mountain. Late afternoon gives soft light for photos at Linh Ung Pagoda and the southern coast. Midday in summer is hot, with little shade on the beaches.
A rainy day that closes the peninsula does not have to waste a day in Da Nang. For an indoor backup, Fantasy Park Bana Hills sits under cover at the summit of Ba Na Hills and is included in the Ba Na Hills cable car ticket.
How to Get There
Son Tra Peninsula sits about 10 kilometres (6 miles) from Da Nang city centre, a 20–25 minute drive by car or Grab, and a car with a driver is the easiest way to combine the pagoda, the viewpoints and the beaches.
| Option | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Car with a driver | Included in Vietnamtour.in Da Nang tours | Families, the full loop with stops |
| Grab or taxi to Linh Ung Pagoda | About 100,000–150,000 VND (₹365–₹550) one way | A short visit to the Lady Buddha only |
| Manual motorbike | Rental from about 100,000–150,000 VND (₹365–₹550) a day | Experienced riders with a licence |
- From Da Nang city: A Grab car suits a short trip to Linh Ung Pagoda on the coastal road, while a car with a driver makes it easier to combine the pagoda, the viewpoints and the beaches in one loop.
- From Hanoi: Travellers first take a flight or train to Da Nang, then continue by car or taxi, which handles luggage most easily.
Visitors can only use 3 approved routes on the mountain, reopened on 16 September 2025 after a long closure caused by landslides, and each route has its own vehicle rules.
| Route | Allowed | Not allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Yet Kieu – Ban Co Peak – Bai Bac (one way, downhill from Ban Co Peak to Bai Bac) | Cars up to 24 seats, manual motorbikes | Automatic scooters, bicycles, vehicles over 24 seats |
| Tien Sa – Suoi Om – Ban Co Peak | Sports and mountain bicycles, manual motorbikes, walking | Automatic scooters |
| Bai Bac junction – Heritage Banyan Tree | Walking only | All vehicles |
Most rental scooters in Da Nang are automatic, so riders heading up to Ban Co Peak need a manual motorbike. The coastal road to Linh Ung Pagoda is not one of these mountain routes, so cars and scooters can still reach the Lady Buddha. Visitors receive a card at the checkpoint for the mountain routes, which is returned on the way out the same day. The Tien Sa – Suoi Om route has been paused for storm repairs before, so its status is worth checking on the day.
Son Tra Peninsula is one stop on a wider city trip, and the travel guide to Da Nang Vietnam helps choose a hotel area with an easy ride to the peninsula.
Ticket Fees
Son Tra Peninsula has no entrance fee, and Linh Ung Pagoda, Ban Co Peak and the viewpoints are free to visit; only beach huts, parking and snorkelling at the southern beaches are paid. Visiting hours are 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM from March to September and 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM from October to February.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Peninsula, Linh Ung Pagoda, Ban Co Peak, viewpoints | Free |
| Bai But beach hut | About 250,000–350,000 VND (₹915–₹1,280) |
| Bai Rang parking / beach hut | About 10,000 VND (₹35) / about 300,000 VND (₹1,100) |
| Snorkelling at Bai But | About 350,000 VND (₹1,280) per person |
Beach service prices are set by private operators and change by season. Visits to the peninsula are paused when severe weather warnings are issued, and in 2026 the peninsula reopened on 14 October after a weather closure.
What to expect during the journey to Son Tra Peninsula
A journey around Son Tra takes in quiet beaches, Linh Ung Pagoda and the Lady Buddha, Ban Co Peak, the red-shanked douc langurs, the heritage banyan tree, the radar viewpoints, Tien Sa Lighthouse and Vong Canh Hill. Most visitors cover these stops in 3–4 hours by car.
Unique Beauty of Beaches
The Son Tra coast is ringed by quiet beaches, quieter than My Khe, with snorkelling over coral reefs at Bai But and Bai Rang. These shores are ideal for a calm swim, photography and seafood dining.
- But Beach (Bai But): The best-known beach on the peninsula, close to Linh Ung Pagoda, with beach huts and snorkelling over coral reefs.
- Tien Sa Beach: A long stretch of white sand with calm, peaceful views, suited to sunbathing and photos.
- Bai Nam (South Beach): Also called Bai Nom, known for some of the best coral reefs on the peninsula, with a resort nearby for an overnight stay.
- Bai Bac (North Beach): From October to November, dark green seaweed covers the rocks, making it look different from the other beaches.
- Da Den Beach (Black Stone Beach): Known for large black rocks stacked together on the remote north shore. Da Den Beach is not on the approved visiting routes, so visitors should not try to reach it on foot.
Linh Ung Pagoda
Linh Ung Pagoda is the largest Buddhist temple complex in Da Nang, built between 2004 and 2010 on the southern slope of Son Tra, and entry is free. The grounds include the main hall, ancestral house, lecture hall, Arhat statue garden and dining hall. Visiting these spaces shows traditional Vietnamese temple architecture and active Buddhist worship up close. Visitors should wear clothes that cover their shoulders and knees.
Statue of Lady Buddha
The Lady Buddha at Linh Ung Pagoda stands 67 metres (220 feet) tall, the tallest statue of the Bodhisattva Quan Am in Vietnam, and faces the sea from the southern slope of Son Tra. The statue has 17 floors, each housing 21 Buddha images, and its lotus base gives wide views over Da Nang Bay. The Lady Buddha is the most visited stop on the peninsula and the easiest to reach by car, Grab or scooter on the coastal road.
Ban Co Peak
Ban Co Peak, near the top of Son Tra Mountain, is known for its bronze statue of an old immortal playing chess, based on a legend of immortals who came down to play chess here. The road up is narrow and winding, and only cars up to 24 seats and manual motorbikes can use it. On a clear day, Ban Co Peak looks over Da Nang Bay, the city and the coastline, surrounded by sky, mountains and rocks.
Red-shanked Douc in Son Tra National Park
The red-shanked douc langur is the rarest and best-known animal on Son Tra, and it is often seen from the road on the upper slopes, though sightings are never guaranteed. The red-shanked douc is an endangered primate with grey fur, a white face ringed with orange and reddish legs. Son Tra holds one of the largest populations of this species, which is why locals and travellers alike know the area as Monkey Mountain.
The quietest stretches of road in the early morning give the best chance of a sighting. Visitors should keep a distance, stay quiet and never feed the langurs.
Nearly-800-Year-Old Banyan Tree
The Son Tra banyan tree is about 800 years old, recognised as a Vietnamese Heritage Tree, and can only be reached on foot from the Bai Bac junction. Its massive trunk spreads into dozens of aerial roots and branches radiating from the centre, creating a natural canopy. The walking path to the tree is the main approved walk on the peninsula, and the cool shade makes it a popular rest stop in the hot summer months.
Sea View from the Military Radar Station
The radar station near the top of Son Tra Mountain, nicknamed “Mat Than Dong Duong” or the Eye of Indochina, is an active military site closed to visitors, but the roadside viewpoints just below it give some of the widest views on the peninsula. From these viewpoints, the landscapes of the forested slopes and the East Sea open up in every direction.
Son Tra Lighthouse
Son Tra Lighthouse, also called Tien Sa Lighthouse, was built by the French in 1902 and stands 223 metres (732 feet) above sea level near the end of the coastal road. The lighthouse looks out over the open sea and the northern tip of the peninsula. It has become a popular photo stop, especially with young travellers, and the viewpoint gives clear panoramas of the surrounding sights.
Vong Canh Hill
Vong Canh Hill is a roadside viewpoint on Son Tra with a panoramic view of Ngoc Island and the Hai Van Pass in the distance, best on dry, sunny days. An additional treasure of this hill is its fresh and comfortable air. The mountain road seen across the bay makes a natural next trip, and the guide to the Hai Van Pass sets out the drive and its viewpoints between Da Nang and Hue.
Things to do in Son Tra Peninsula
The best things to do on Son Tra Peninsula are spotting red-shanked douc langurs from the road, taking in the viewpoints, snorkelling off the southern beaches and walking the forest path to the heritage banyan tree.
- Walking: The walking-only path from Bai Bac to the heritage banyan tree is the main approved walk. Self-guided treks into the forest and down to closed beaches are not permitted.
- Langur spotting: Langurs are most often seen from the road on the upper slopes, soon after the gates open at 7:30 AM or in the late afternoon.
- Snorkelling: Snorkelling at Bai But costs about 350,000 VND (₹1,280) per person, with instructors supervising each session.
- Paragliding: Paragliding over Son Tra has been suspended since a fatal accident in July 2025, and Da Nang had not allowed it to restart as of July 2026, so it is worth checking before planning a flight.
- Local cuisine: Seafood restaurants line the foot of the peninsula, serving fresh fish, shellfish and local vegetables.
Travel Tips
Son Tra is easiest to visit with good shoes, water, a manual motorbike or a car, and an eye on closing time.
- Hiking shoes with grip suit the viewpoints and the banyan path.
- Mobile signals stay weak across the peninsula, so an offline map downloaded before arriving helps.
- Umbrellas, sunscreen, hats and water are worth packing, as the mountain roads have no shops.
- Shoulders and knees should be covered inside Linh Ung Pagoda, and religious values should always be respected.
- Visitors should not feed the monkeys, as it harms their natural behaviour.
- Travellers should leave the mountain roads before closing time, 6:30 PM from March to September and 5:30 PM from October to February.
- Travellers renting a motorbike should choose a manual bike, as automatic scooters cannot use the routes to Ban Co Peak.
- Flycams and filming are only allowed in permitted areas, and military zones are off-limits.
Vegetarian and Indian Food Near Son Tra Peninsula
Son Tra Peninsula has no Indian or vegetarian restaurants inside the nature reserve, so travellers should eat before going up or plan a meal in the My Khe and An Thuong area, about 20–25 minutes away.
| Where | What travellers find | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Linh Ung Pagoda gate | Drinks, sugarcane juice, boiled corn, snacks | A quick break, not a meal |
| Foot of the peninsula | Mostly seafood restaurants | Non-vegetarian travellers |
| My Khe and An Thuong area | Indian restaurants with vegetarian menus, plus Vietnamese vegetarian (chay) kitchens | Lunch or dinner after the visit |
Jain travellers can ask for no onion, no garlic and no root vegetables, which Indian kitchens handle more easily than Vietnamese ones. Finding a Jain meal on the way down from the mountain is often the hardest part of a Son Tra day, so the request works best when it reaches the kitchen in advance.
FAQs About Son Tra Peninsula
Is Son Tra Peninsula Worth Visiting?
Yes, Son Tra Peninsula is worth visiting because it combines the 67-metre Lady Buddha, rare langurs, mountain viewpoints and quiet beaches in one free half-day trip from Da Nang. It suits travellers who want nature and sea views close to the city.
How Far Is Son Tra Peninsula from Da Nang?
Son Tra Peninsula is about 10 kilometres (6 miles) from Da Nang city centre, a 20–25 minute drive. Linh Ung Pagoda is the closest major stop, on the coastal road along the southern side.
How Long to Spend on Son Tra Peninsula?
Son Tra Peninsula needs 3–4 hours for the main sights, or half a day with a beach or snorkelling stop. A morning start at 7:30 AM gives the best chance of seeing langurs.
Can You Ride an Automatic Scooter on Son Tra Peninsula?
No, automatic scooters are banned on the mountain routes to Ban Co Peak, Bai Bac and Suoi Om. They can still reach Linh Ung Pagoda on the coastal road.
Is Paragliding Available on Son Tra Peninsula?
No, paragliding on Son Tra has been suspended since July 2025, and Da Nang had not allowed it to restart as of July 2026.
Is Son Tra Peninsula the Same as Monkey Mountain?
Yes, Monkey Mountain is the name American soldiers gave Son Tra Peninsula during the Vietnam War, after the many primates living there.
Does Son Tra Peninsula Close in Bad Weather?
Yes, visits to Son Tra are paused when severe weather warnings are issued, most often between October and December. In 2026, the peninsula reopened on 14 October after a weather closure.
Plan Your Son Tra Peninsula Visit with Vietnamtour.in
A Son Tra visit fits best into a dry morning between March and September, on the approved routes by car or manual motorbike, with lunch planned in town. The scooter ban, the closing time and the lack of vegetarian food on the mountain are the parts that catch most visitors out. Vietnamtour.in has planned Vietnam trips for more than 428,000 Indian travellers since 2015, and its Da Nang itineraries include Son Tra Peninsula with a private car, a driver and vegetarian or Jain meals arranged in advance.
Son Tra fills about half a day, and the list of places to visit in Danang helps fill the rest of the stay, from Ba Na Hills to the Marble Mountains. Longer routes that combine Da Nang with Hanoi, Ha Long Bay or Hoi An are listed with each Vietnam tours package, which helps compare trip lengths before choosing dates.
To fit Son Tra into a Da Nang trip on your own dates, share the travel dates, group size and departure city in the form below. A Vietnamtour.in expert will place the visit in the right morning, with a private car on the approved routes and vegetarian or Jain meals booked after Son Tra Peninsula.
