Just outside the city buzz of Da Nang lies a wild, green escape that feels like a different world entirely — Son Tra Peninsula, also known as “Monkey Mountain.” What started as a quick half-day outing turned into one of our favorite experiences in central Vietnam.
Between misty mountain roads, sweeping ocean views, and more monkeys than we could count, this was one adventure that felt both peaceful and unpredictable.
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A Little History of Son Tra Peninsula
Son Tra Peninsula sits about 10 kilometers northeast of Da Nang’s city center. For centuries, it served as a natural shield protecting the city’s harbor. During the Vietnam War, it was used as a strategic military base because of its elevated views over the East Sea. Remnants of radar stations can still be found at the summit.
Today, much of the peninsula is protected as a nature reserve, home to dense jungle, rare wildlife, and some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in Vietnam.
Hiring a Private Car (Highly Recommend)
We hired a private car through vietnamtransfer.vn, and honestly — this was the best decision we made.
The roads up Son Tra are winding, steep, and occasionally narrow. Having a local driver who knew exactly where to stop for the best views (and where monkeys tend to gather) made everything stress-free. He shared stories, pointed out wildlife we would have missed, and even told us about rare seasonal sightings.
If you’re traveling with kids or simply want a relaxed experience, this is the way to go.
The Chessboard Viewpoint (Bàn Cờ Peak)
One of the most iconic stops is the Chessboard Viewpoint, known locally as Bàn Cờ Peak.
At the top sits a statue of a legendary emperor playing chess — a nod to local folklore. But the real showstopper?
The views.
From here, you can see:
- The full curve of Da Nang’s coastline
- The busy port below
- Fishing boats scattered across the sea
- Distant islands floating in the haze
It’s the kind of place where you just stand quietly for a minute and take it all in.
Linh Ung Pagoda & The Lady Buddha
The main highlight of Son Tra Peninsula is Linh Ung Pagoda, home to the iconic Lady Buddha statue.
Standing 67 meters tall, Lady Buddha (Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy) is the tallest statue in Vietnam. From nearly everywhere in Da Nang, you can see her facing the sea — believed to protect fishermen and calm storms.
Walking through the pagoda grounds, everything feels serene:
- Ornate temple architecture
- Incense drifting through the air
- Marble statues lining the courtyard
- Sweeping ocean views behind it all
The contrast between spiritual calm and rugged jungle surroundings makes this stop unforgettable.
The Monkeys of Son Tra 🐒
There are a lot of monkeys here. And they are not shy.
Most of what we saw were macaques — bold, confident, and completely comfortable along the roadside. They watch cars carefully and will approach if they think there’s food involved.
But the real highlight?
We were lucky enough to see the rare red-shanked douc langur.
Unlike the macaques, the langur stayed high in the trees. They are quieter, more reserved, and far less interested in humans. With their striking red legs and beautifully colored faces, they are often called one of the most beautiful primates in the world.
Son Tra Peninsula is one of the last strongholds for this endangered species.
Why They’re Endangered
The red-shanked douc langur faces threats from:
- Habitat loss due to development
- Illegal hunting in the past
- Expanding tourism infrastructure
Conservation efforts are ongoing, but their numbers remain fragile. Seeing one in the wild felt incredibly special — and humbling.
Monkey Reality Check
A few things we learned quickly:
- The macaques are the ones you’ll see most often.
- They are opportunistic and very smart.
- They are used to tourists.
Important tips:
- Do not feed them
- Keep windows mostly closed
- Keep bags zipped
- Avoid direct eye contact with dominant males
Don’t get too close. They are wild animals — not photo props.
Ending at Marina Coffee
After our mountain adventure, we ended the afternoon at Marina Coffee, overlooking the marina and city skyline.
It was the perfect decompression stop.
Cold drinks. Calm water. Boats bobbing in the harbor. City lights beginning to glow as the sun softened behind the mountains.
Sometimes the best travel moments are simply sitting still after the adventure.
| The Syps Family Son Tra Peninsula Tip Box 🐒 Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds 🐒 Dress modestly when visiting Linh Ung Pagoda (covered shoulders & knees) 🐒 We recommend hiring a driver from vietnamtransfer.vn 🐒 Keep windows mostly closed around macaques 🐒 Do not feed the monkeys 🐒 Bring water — facilities are limited beyond the pagoda 🐒 We recommend neck fans or neck cooling wraps – it can get hot! 🐒 Comfortable shoes are always a must – for hot countries I love my Tevas! |
The Syps Survival Summary
Did We Survive the Monkeys? We did.
The macaques were bold. One inspected a car ahead of us like it was conducting customs clearance. Another sat guardrail-side watching traffic like it owned the mountain.
But no snacks were stolen.
No bags were grabbed or phones taken.
No monkey standoffs occurred.
And seeing the rare red-shanked douc langur quietly in the trees?
That made the entire trip feel extraordinary.
Son Tra Peninsula isn’t just a scenic drive. It’s spiritual, wild, and beautifully unpredictable — where city, sea, and jungle all meet in one unforgettable afternoon.