The short answer
Son Tra Peninsula: what visitors should know first
Yes, as a half-day drive with stops rather than a hike. Go with a driver, keep to the road and viewpoints, and do not feed or approach the monkeys. Sightings are possible but never guaranteed.
History and context
The story behind Son Tra Peninsula
Son Tra Peninsula was set aside as a nature reserve in 1992, covering about 25.9 square kilometres. It is also known to foreign visitors as Monkey Mountain.
Useful facts
Son Tra Peninsula facts at a glance
- Location
- Son Tra District, north-east of Da Nang
- Experience type
- Scenic drive and nature reserve
- Protected since
- 1992, about 25.9 sq km
- Known for
- Red-shanked douc langurs, sea views, Linh Ung Pagoda
- Also called
- Monkey Mountain
- Visitor note
- Do not feed wildlife
Why it matters
Why Son Tra Peninsula is worth your time
Son Tra was designated a nature reserve in 1992 and covers about 26 square kilometres, according to Wikipedia. It is habitat for several endangered species, and more than 60 per cent of the world's red-shanked douc langurs are reported to live on the mountain range, which is a reason the peninsula matters beyond its views.
For visitors, the peninsula shows another side of Da Nang: a city with a protected forest behind its resort beaches. It is also the reason the city has long sea views, quiet coastal roads and clean air on clear mornings. A visit is a good way to balance a trip heavy on shopping and museums.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Coastal viewpoints
Pull-ins along the road look over the bay, the city and the open sea.
- 02
Red-shanked douc langurs
A rare primate; watch from a distance and never feed.
- 03
Pairing with Linh Ung
The pagoda sits on the same peninsula, making a natural half-day.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Son Tra Mountain rises above the bay and is covered in forest, with a road that winds along the coast and over the ridge. Hire a car with a driver for a half-day and ask for stops at viewpoints that look back over Da Nang Bay and the city. A morning start keeps the air clear and the road quieter.
The peninsula is protected as a nature reserve, and it is home to red-shanked douc langurs, a primate that is endangered and is a symbol of the place. If you see them, watch quietly from a distance, do not feed them, and keep food out of sight. They are wild animals, and sightings cannot be promised.
Most visitors combine the drive with Linh Ung Pagoda and the Lady Buddha, which sits on the same peninsula, and then return to My Khe Beach for a seafood lunch. The roads have sharp bends; take extra time if anyone in your group gets car-sick, and avoid the roads in heavy rain or storm warnings.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Hire a car with a driver
- Do not feed monkeys or leave food visible
- Start in the morning
- Skip the road in heavy rain
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Son Tra District, forming the north-east headland of Da Nang Bay
- Time needed
- 3-4 hours
- Best time
- Morning, in the drier months from about February to May
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- Most of the experience is from a car or scooter taxi on winding roads. Older travellers should choose a car with a driver, avoid steep walks and carry water, as facilities along the road are limited.
- Tickets and access
- The peninsula roads are public; check with your driver or hotel about any entry rules or fees, as the reserve manages access. Visitors should keep to the road and respect local rules.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Son Tra Peninsula
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Most of the experience is from a car or scooter taxi on winding roads. Older travellers should choose a car with a driver, avoid steep walks and carry water, as facilities along the road are limited.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Will I see monkeys?
Sightings are possible but not guaranteed. The langurs are wild and keep to the forest, so look from a distance.
Is Son Tra suitable for elderly visitors?
Yes, as a car tour. Avoid steep walks and keep stops short.
Is it the same as Monkey Mountain?
Yes, Wikivoyage lists Son Tra Peninsula under that nickname.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
