Son Tra Peninsula Da Nang 2026: Monkey Mountain Guide

The Son Tra Peninsula (Bán đảo Sơn Trà), nicknamed Monkey Mountain, is a forested headland about 10 km north-east of central Da Nang. It is famous for the 67 m Lady Buddha at Linh Ung Pagoda, the endangered red-shanked douc langur, Ban Co Peak and sweeping sea views. Entry is free; visiting hours on the forest roads are 7:30–17:30 from October to February.

Status (checked October 2026): partly open. According to Da Nang’s latest rules (August 2026), the Tien Sa – Suoi Om – Ban Co road is temporarily closed for storm-damage repairs, the Yet Kieu – Ban Co – Bai Bac road runs one way, and the path from Bai Bac junction to the Heritage Banyan Tree is for walkers only. Forest areas open 7:30–17:30 from October to February and may close in dangerous weather.

Why the Son Tra Peninsula is worth seeing:

Red-shanked douc langurs: one of the most important populations of this colourful, endangered primate lives here.
Lady Buddha: the 67 m statue at Linh Ung Pagoda overlooks Da Nang Bay.
Panoramic views: Ban Co Peak, close to 600 m high, looks over the city, the bay and the Hai Van Pass.
Nature on the city’s doorstep: protected forest, quiet bays and an ancient heritage banyan tree.
Free: no entrance fee, just 20–30 minutes from Da Nang city centre.

Son Tra Peninsula at a Glance

Vietnamese name	Bán đảo Sơn Trà (Son Tra Peninsula), Núi Sơn Trà; “Monkey Mountain”
Location	Son Tra ward, north-east Da Nang
Distance	About 10 km from the city centre (20–30 minutes)
Known for	Linh Ung Pagoda, douc langurs, Ban Co Peak, Heritage Banyan Tree, bays
Recognition	Protected forest since 1977; Son Tra Nature Reserve
Visiting hours	7:30–18:30 (March–September); 7:30–17:30 (October–February)
Entrance fee	Free
Time needed	Half a day
Best time	February–August; early morning for langurs
Nearby	Linh Ung Pagoda, My Khe Beach, Dragon Bridge
Find it	Google Maps · Tripadvisor · Wikipedia

Is the Son Tra Peninsula Worth Visiting?

Yes, it is Da Nang’s best escape into nature and costs nothing. Even with some roads restricted, you can combine the Lady Buddha, sea views and a chance of spotting langurs in a half-day trip.

Best for: nature lovers, photographers, wildlife watchers and confident riders or anyone with a driver.
Skip if: you only want an easy visit; see Linh Ung Pagoda on the coastal road and skip the mountain roads.
Short on time: go at 7:30 to Linh Ung Pagoda and a viewpoint, and be back in the city in under three hours.

History and Background of the Son Tra Peninsula

Son Tra shelters Da Nang Bay from the north-east and has always had strategic value. In 1858 French and Spanish forces landed at Da Nang (then Tourane), beginning the French conquest of Vietnam. During the Vietnam War the US military ran a communications facility on the mountain, and American personnel called it Monkey Mountain because of the many primates.

The forest was protected from 1977 and became a nature reserve in 1992. Today the peninsula balances conservation, a military presence on the summit and tourism, which is why access is regulated and certain zones are off-limits.

What to See on the Son Tra Peninsula

1. Linh Ung Pagoda and the Lady Buddha

On the southern coast at Bai But, the pagoda’s 67 m statue of Quan The Am faces the sea. It is free, open from early morning and the most popular stop on the peninsula. Read our full Linh Ung Pagoda guide.

2. Red-shanked douc langurs

Known as the “queen of primates” for their red legs, white forearms and golden faces, the endangered douc langurs live in the forest canopy. Look for them early in the morning along the forest roads; never feed or approach them.

Red-shanked douc langur in the forest of the Son Tra peninsula, Da Nang — Son Tra is home to the endangered red-shanked douc langur. Photo: Long Vu, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

3. Ban Co Peak (Chessboard Peak)

At nearly 600 m, Ban Co Peak has a statue of two old men playing chess, inspired by a legend of immortals who came here to play. The views over the city, Da Nang Bay and the Hai Van Pass are the best on the peninsula; check that your access road is open before you go.

4. The Heritage Banyan Tree

This ancient banyan, recognised as a Vietnamese Heritage Tree, has huge aerial roots and a wide canopy. Under the 2026 rules it is reached on foot from the Bai Bac junction.

5. Bays and beaches

Bai Bac, Bai Rang and Tien Sa have clear water and rocky shores. Some coves are inside resort grounds or restricted zones; dangerous spots such as Mui Nghe, Ghenh Bang and Bai Da Den are off-limits.

6. Coastal road views

The road along the southern and eastern coast gives views back to the city skyline and My Khe Beach, with places to stop for photos and seafood.

Son Tra Peninsula Access Rules and Hours (2026)

Route or rule	Details
Yet Kieu – Ban Co Peak – Bai Bac	Open, one way; not open to bicycles, automatic scooters or vehicles over 24 seats
Tien Sa – Suoi Om – Ban Co Peak	Temporarily closed for storm-damage repairs (normally bicycles and manual motorbikes only)
Bai Bac junction – Heritage Banyan Tree	Walking only
Visiting hours	7:30–18:30 March–September; 7:30–17:30 October–February
Off-limits	Military zones, unofficial trails, Mui Nghe, Ghenh Bang, Bai Da Den
Weather	Visits may be suspended during storm or dangerous weather warnings
Entrance fee	Free

Rules are set by the Da Nang city authorities and change after storms; ask your hotel or guide for the latest situation on the day.

Rules and Etiquette on the Son Tra Peninsula

Do not feed, touch or chase monkeys and langurs.
Stay on official roads and paths; respect military and restricted-zone signs.
Do not light fires, pick plants or leave rubbish.
Ride carefully: roads are steep with sharp bends.
Leave the forest before closing time.

How to Get to the Son Tra Peninsula

From	How	Time
Da Nang centre	Private car with driver (the easiest option)	20–30 minutes
Da Nang centre	Manual motorbike, for experienced riders	20–30 minutes
My Khe Beach hotels	Grab car to Linh Ung Pagoda	15–20 minutes
Da Nang or Hoi An	Half-day guided tour, often with the Marble Mountains	Half day

Grab cars are easy to get to Linh Ung Pagoda but harder to find on the mountain, so ask the driver to wait. More in our Da Nang transportation guide.

Best Time to Visit the Son Tra Peninsula

When	What to expect
February–August	Drier weather and clear views; the best months
September–December	Rain, storms and landslide risk; roads may close
7:30–9:30	Best chance of seeing langurs; cooler air
Late afternoon	Golden light over the city, but watch closing times
Weekdays	Quieter roads than weekends

Local Expert Tips for the Son Tra Peninsula

These tips come from years of arranging Da Nang tours for international travellers.

Hire a car and driver rather than riding a scooter, which may not be allowed on the main forest road.
Bring binoculars for langur spotting.
Carry water and snacks, but keep food hidden from macaques.
Check the latest road status after storms before you set off.
Combine it with the Marble Mountains for a classic half-day or full-day loop.
End with seafood by the beach; our Da Nang food guide has ideas.

Son Tra Peninsula vs Hai Van Pass

Feature	Son Tra Peninsula	Hai Van Pass
Distance from centre	About 10 km	About 25–30 km north
Highlights	Lady Buddha, langurs, forest	Mountain pass road, old fort, coastal views
Time needed	Half day	Half day, or en route to Hue
Access	Regulated forest roads	Open road (cars and motorbikes)
Best for	Nature, short trips	Road trips towards Lang Co and Hue

Our view: do Son Tra for an easy half day close to the city; drive the Hai Van Pass when you travel between Da Nang and Hue.

Nearby Attractions

Linh Ung Pagoda: the Lady Buddha at Bai But.
My Khe Beach: the city beach at the foot of the peninsula.
Dragon Bridge: weekend fire show.
Museum of Cham Sculpture: Cham art by the river.
Marble Mountains: caves and pagodas south of the city.
Ba Na Hills: Golden Bridge and cable car.

Sightseeing in Da Nang for First-Time Visitors: Where the Son Tra Peninsula Fits

Visit Son Tra early in the morning, when the light is soft and the langurs are active, then continue to the Marble Mountains and on to Hoi An. Keep a separate day for Ba Na Hills. See where to stay in Da Nang and our Da Nang travel tips.

Plan your trip with our Da Nang travel guide and Da Nang tours. Contact Vietnam Tour Expert Team for a free custom itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Son Tra Peninsula

1. Is the Son Tra Peninsula open to tourists?

Yes, the Son Tra Peninsula is open, but some roads are regulated or temporarily closed; in 2026 the Tien Sa – Ban Co road is shut for storm repairs.

2. What are the Son Tra Peninsula visiting hours?

Son Tra Peninsula forest areas open 7:30–18:30 from March to September and 7:30–17:30 from October to February.

3. Is there an entrance fee for the Son Tra Peninsula?

No, visiting the Son Tra Peninsula is free.

4. Why is the Son Tra Peninsula called Monkey Mountain?

American personnel during the Vietnam War called the Son Tra Peninsula Monkey Mountain because of the many monkeys living in its forest.

5. Can I ride a scooter on the Son Tra Peninsula?

Automatic scooters are not allowed on the main Yet Kieu – Ban Co road on the Son Tra Peninsula under the 2026 rules; a car with driver is the easiest choice.

6. Where can I see douc langurs on the Son Tra Peninsula?

Douc langurs on the Son Tra Peninsula are most often seen in the forest canopy along the mountain roads, early in the morning.

7. How high is Ban Co Peak on the Son Tra Peninsula?

Ban Co Peak on the Son Tra Peninsula is nearly 600 m above sea level.

8. How far is the Son Tra Peninsula from Da Nang city centre?

The Son Tra Peninsula is about 10 km north-east of the centre, 20–30 minutes by car.

9. How long do I need on the Son Tra Peninsula?

Allow half a day on the Son Tra Peninsula for Linh Ung Pagoda, a viewpoint and some wildlife watching.

10. What is the best time to visit the Son Tra Peninsula?

February to August is best for the Son Tra Peninsula, starting at 7:30 for cool air and active langurs.

11. Is the Son Tra Peninsula safe?

The Son Tra Peninsula is safe if you stay on official roads, ride carefully and avoid restricted zones and stormy weather.

12. Can I visit Linh Ung Pagoda without going up the Son Tra Peninsula?

Yes, Linh Ung Pagoda is on the coastal road of the Son Tra Peninsula and easy to reach by car or Grab.

13. Are there beaches on the Son Tra Peninsula?

Yes, the Son Tra Peninsula has bays such as Bai Bac, Bai Rang and Tien Sa, but some spots are restricted for safety.

14. Can I hike on the Son Tra Peninsula?

Only on official routes: on the Son Tra Peninsula the path from Bai Bac junction to the Heritage Banyan Tree is walking-only, and unofficial trails are forbidden.