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Son Tra Peninsula, Việt Nam - Things to Do in Son Tra Peninsula

Son Tra Peninsula

experience Son Tra Peninsula, Việt Nam - Complete Travel Guide

experience Son Tra Peninsula, also known as Monkey Mountain, is a pristine natural sanctuary located just 10 kilometers northeast of Da Nang city center in central Vietnam. This 4,370-hectare peninsula juts dramatically into the South China Sea, offering a perfect blend of lush tropical forests, secluded beaches, ancient pagodas, and panoramic coastal views. The peninsula is home to the endangered red-shanked douc langur monkeys and serves as both a nature reserve and spiritual destination. Rising 693 meters above sea level, experience Son Tra Peninsula provides a refreshing escape from the bustling city below. Visitors can explore winding mountain roads that lead to hidden coves, visit the iconic travel to Linh Ung Pagoda with its towering travel to Lady Buddha Statue, and discover some of Vietnam's most beautiful untouched beaches. The peninsula's unique ecosystem, combined with its cultural significance and stunning vistas, makes it an essential destination for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking tranquility along Vietnam's central coast.

Top Son Tra Peninsula

Linh Ung Pagoda and Lady Buddha Statue

Explore the magnificent travel to Linh Ung Pagoda, home to the 67-meter tall travel to Lady Buddha Statue that overlooks the East Sea. The pagoda complex features beautiful architecture, serene gardens, and offers breathtaking panoramic views of Da Nang city and coastline. This spiritual site is considered one of Vietnam's most important Buddhist temples and provides insight into local religious culture.

Booking Tip: Entry is free, but consider hiring a local guide for $15-20 to learn about Buddhist traditions and history. Visit early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees.

Monkey Watching and Wildlife Spotting

Embark on a wildlife adventure to spot the rare red-shanked douc langurs, one of the world's most endangered primates found only in this region. The peninsula is home to over 370 animal species and 985 plant species. Early morning treks through the forest trails offer the best chances to observe these colorful monkeys and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Booking Tip: Join organized wildlife tours for $25-35 per person, including transportation and guide. Best viewing times are 6-8 AM when monkeys are most active. Bring binoculars, wear earth-toned clothing, and maintain silence during observations.

Bai Bac and Bai Nam Beaches

Discover pristine, secluded beaches with crystal-clear waters and soft white sand, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxation. These hidden gems offer a more intimate beach experience compared to Da Nang's busy shores. The beaches are surrounded by lush forest and provide excellent opportunities for photography and peaceful contemplation.

Booking Tip: Access is free, but bring your own food and water as facilities are limited. Rent a motorbike for $8-12 per day to reach remote beaches easily. Visit on weekdays for maximum solitude, and always inform someone of your plans when exploring isolated areas.

Scenic Motorbike Tour Around the Peninsula

Navigate the winding coastal roads that circle experience Son Tra Peninsula, offering spectacular viewpoints at every turn. The 30-kilometer route provides access to hidden beaches, mountain viewpoints, and local fishing villages. Stop at various scenic overlooks to capture stunning photos of the coastline, city skyline, and surrounding islands.

Booking Tip: Rent a semi-automatic motorbike for $10-15 per day from Da Nang. Guided motorbike tours cost $40-60 per person including bike, fuel, and guide. Start early to avoid afternoon heat and allow 4-6 hours for the complete circuit with stops.

Sunset Viewing at Radar Hill

Climb to the peninsula's highest accessible point for unforgettable sunset views over the South China Sea and Da Nang city lights. The former military radar station site offers 360-degree panoramic views and is considered one of the best sunset spots in central Vietnam. The golden hour provides magical lighting for photography and romantic moments.

Booking Tip: Access is free, but the road can be challenging - consider joining a sunset tour for $20-30 per person. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset for the best spots. Bring a flashlight for the descent and wear sturdy shoes as the path can be uneven.

Getting There

experience Son Tra Peninsula is easily accessible from Da Nang city center, located just 10 kilometers northeast. The most convenient way to reach the peninsula is by motorbike or scooter, which can be rented throughout Da Nang for $8-15 per day. Taxi rides from the city center cost approximately $8-12 one way, while Grab rides are slightly cheaper at $6-10. Many hotels and tour operators offer organized trips to the peninsula. For those staying in Hoi An, the peninsula is about 45 minutes away by motorbike or taxi, costing $15-25 depending on your chosen transport method.

Getting Around

The best way to explore experience Son Tra Peninsula is by motorbike or scooter, as it provides the flexibility to stop at viewpoints and reach secluded beaches along the winding coastal roads. The main road circles the peninsula and is generally well-maintained, though some side roads to beaches can be steep and require careful navigation. Bicycle rental is possible for fit travelers, but the hilly terrain makes it challenging. Walking is feasible for short distances around specific attractions like travel to Linh Ung Pagoda, but the peninsula is too large to explore entirely on foot. Private car hire with driver costs $40-60 per day and is ideal for families or those uncomfortable with motorbike riding.

Where to Stay

An Thuong Beach Area
experience My Khe Beach District
Da Nang City Center
Tho Quang Fishing Village
Bai Bac Beach vicinity
the city neighborhood

Food & Dining

Dining options on experience Son Tra Peninsula itself are limited, with a few local seafood restaurants near the fishing villages and simple food stalls around travel to Linh Ung Pagoda. The best strategy is to eat in Da Nang before your visit or pack a picnic lunch. Tho Quang fishing village at the peninsula's base offers fresh seafood restaurants with stunning harbor views, serving grilled fish, prawns, and local specialties for $8-15 per meal. For a wider variety of dining options, return to Da Nang city where you'll find everything from street food markets to upscale restaurants. Many visitors combine their peninsula exploration with lunch at beachfront restaurants in An Thuong or My Khe areas.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Danang

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Bếp Cuốn Đà Nẵng

4.9 /5
(13395 reviews) 2

Nhà Bếp Xưa Restaurant

4.8 /5
(7138 reviews) 1

Cô Ba Phở bò

4.8 /5
(6940 reviews) 2

Thìa Gỗ Restaurant Da Nang

4.7 /5
(6846 reviews) 1

Nhà hàng NHÀ BẾP CHỢ HÀN

4.8 /5
(5386 reviews) 2

Ăn Thôi Restaurant

4.7 /5
(4341 reviews) 2

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Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit experience Son Tra Peninsula is during Da Nang's dry season from February to August, with March to May offering the most pleasant weather conditions. During these months, expect sunny skies, calm seas, and comfortable temperatures ranging from 20-28°C (68-82°F). The rainy season from September to January brings heavy downpours and rough seas, making road conditions challenging and limiting outdoor activities. For wildlife watching, early morning visits year-round provide the best chances to spot the red-shanked douc langurs. Sunset viewing is spectacular throughout the year, but clear skies during dry season months offer the most reliable conditions.

Insider Tips

Bring cash as there are no ATMs on the peninsula, and most small vendors don't accept cards
Download offline maps before visiting as mobile signal can be weak in remote areas of the peninsula
Pack insect repellent and wear long sleeves during forest treks to protect against mosquitoes and leeches, especially in humid conditions

Activities in Son Tra Peninsula