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Son Tra Mountain

  Jun 14, 2023

  By Vietnam Escape Tours

Son Tra Mountain in Vietnam, also known as Monkey Mountain, is a unique mountain as well as a popular tourist attraction amongst locals and travelers looking to escape the heat and busy traffic of the city. While paying a visit to Da Nang, the livable city in the central region of Vietnam.

While you are on a trip to Da Nang, one of the most livable cities in Vietnam, it is worth visiting Son Tra Mountain. This place is endowed with many large and small beaches by nature, with a diverse flora and fauna ecosystem and tranquil atmosphere all day and night. Thus, Son Tra Mountain will be a great destination and bring you many unforgettable experiences. If you are interested in discovering more fascinating details about this well-known destination for your trip to Vietnam, read on!

About Son Tra Mountain

Location

Son Tra Mountain is located in Da Nang City's Tho Quang Ward, Son Tra District. About 10 kilometers northeast of the city's center is where this peak is situated. It is an incredible national park in Da Nang that is 693 meters above sea level, has a 60 square kilometer surface area, is 13 kilometers long, and is 5 kilometers wide. 

This mountain is a prehistoric woodland with stunning views and a variety of ecologies. This historic forest, which has a total area of 4,500 hectares, contains over 1,000 plant species and 120 animal species. 21 of which are included in both Vietnamese and international Red Books. Hence, the majority of people that visit the mountain desire to observe the wildlife and plants here.

Son Tra Mountain 

Other names

Son Tra was a three-peak island in the middle of the sea before the fifteenth century. Later, however, a sand isthmus that was formed by the Han River's delta and coastal sedimentation joins it to the mainland. The mountain still has a water border on its north, east, and west sides. Geographically, this mountain is known as the "Son Tra Peninsula." The peninsula was called as “Mắt Thần Đông Dương'' -  "Indochina Miraculous Eyes" during the time of war. Son Tra has continued to be the port with the deep sea level up until this point. It is mainly important in the heart of Vietnam and along the Myanmar–Da Nang East–West Economic Corridor.

Son Tra Mountain is also known as Monkey Mountain, however few people are aware of this. This is because the brown-shanked douc langur, also known as the queen of primates, has increased the value of the Son Tra conservation area by almost 400 individuals.

Additionally, Son Tra Mountain is also known as Tien Sa because, according to the locals, fairies used to come here to sing, dance, and play chess on Son Tra.

Things to experience on Son Tra Mountain

Admiring the natural beauty

The first thing you should do is admire the natural beauty and discover the natural world here.  Visitors can take the opportunity of living in the glorious flow of morning and the peace of twilight on this interesting scenery during a one-day stay at Son Tra Mountain. At that point, they will begin to understand the importance of each and every moment as well as their genuine purpose in life.  Additionally, the Ban Co Peak Da Nang is located on a mountain peak and offers a panoramic perspective from which to take in the full splendor of the mountains, forests, and sea. On top of that, you can visit the beach and take in the atmosphere if you get bored staying in the forest.

Going for an exciting Son Tra Mountain hike

Son Tra Mountain including trails surrounded with intact environment and scenic sceneries will satisfy all hikers. There are two major routes that hikers can try: The lower and the upper. The lower one is a long coastal trail and hikers can enjoy the the awe-inspiring coastline of the peninsula. The latter route heads for the peak, providing with breath-taking views for photpgraphing. It takes an average of 30 km to walk the length of each to fully explore them. Other motivations to put on boots and get away from the hustle include pristine forests, wild nature, freedom, no crowds, and more.

Exploring the wild habitat of monkeys

Watching the naughty monkeys swing forth and back, hunt for food, and play with each other is probaly the most must-try activity on  Son Tra Mountain. This is also an opportunity for nature-oriented people or wild animal lovers to explore the habitat of these creatures. In here, you are allowed to feed those naughty monkeys with fruits, bread and cakes, which are their favourite. 

However, giving them too much food could lead to infightings among them, so refrain from giving them too much. It is necessary to feed them with qualified food unless they will get sick.  Don’t forget to take photos of the fascinating monkey while you are here. You should approach them slowly to avoid threatening these anilmals, after that, it is easy to win their trust. 

Monkey in Son Tra mountain

Visiting Linh Ung Pagoda

Linh Ung Pagoda could be the ideal location for you if you are a religious person or simply searching for a peaceful and calm setting. The 20-hectare Son Tra Mountain property where Linh Ung Pagoda is located combines modern architecture with traditional Vietnamese temple design. The Lady Buddha statue, the highest in Vietnam (67m high), is the Linh Ung pagoda's most significant and noticeable feature. Additionally, it is positioned on a lotus with a diameter of 35 meters, giving it a total height of over 100 meters, or 30 floors, of a building. 

Linh Ung Pagoda has developed over time into a well-known place of worship, a residence for monks and nuns, as well as a tranquil and fascinating tourist destination. Once you arrive here, you won't forget your experience at this spiritual location. As well as getting a chance to thoroughly immerse yourself in the culture, you will have the opportunity to learn more about Vietnamese beliefs and customs.

Linh Ung Pagoda

Visiting Thousands Year Banyan Tree

In the northeastern part of Son Tra Peninsula, specifically at Hon Nghe point, there is an incredibly giant banyan tree with many thick roots reaching all the way to the ground. In actuality, it is still unknown how old the tree really is. Locals estimate the tree to be 1,000 years old because it is 20 meters tall and has 9 root groups. This Banyan tree is located on winding, mountainous roads 17 kilometers from the city center. It is a popular location for tree enthusiasts, particularly during the sweltering summer months. Additionally, from the location of this tree, you can take in the view of Danang, Cham Island, and the main road of Son Tra on clear days.

1,000 years old Banyan tree

Snorkeling 

The marinelife under the waters near the coast of Son Tra Peninsula is diverse and colorful. It harbors 179 species of coral, 162 fish species, and lots of other marine life. The South Coast, where the Lady Buddha stands aside, is the is the largest, most populous, and most colorful area. Visitors frequently travel to Bai Rang to go on a canoe ride and snorkel as well. 

Snorkeling in Da Nang

Best time to visit

In particular from March to September during the dry season, Son Tra Mountain's tourism season begins. This is the perfect time of year to travel to this monkey mountain because of the pleasant weather. Visitors can anticipate a windy, sunny excursion with a clear sky that offers a panoramic view from Son Tra Mountain's peaks. Due to their diurnal nature, most monkeys are only awake during the cool hours of the day. The best times to visit are between 6 and 9 in the morning and 4 to 6 in the afternoon. On your trip to the Lady Buddha statue, Linh Ung Pagoda, or even on the main roads, you can spot these primates. 

How to get there

It only takes 35 minutes to ride from Da Nang to Son Tra Mountain. Therefore, it is easy to get here. There are various means of transportation for you to choose such as car, motorbike, bicycle,etc. You have two options for getting to the mountain quickly:

Vo Nguyen Giap Road. From the city center: Cross one of the bridges among Dragon Bridge, Han River Bridge, and Tran Thi Ly Bridge before reaching the coastal road and head northeast along Vo Nguyen Giap Road. 

From Hoi An: Travel to Da Nang from Hoi An, then take Truong Sa Road – Vo Nguyen Giap Road – Hoang Sa Road – Son Tra Mountain.

Travel tips

- You should bring sunscreen and wear shoes rather than flip-flops, as you may need to climb across sand and rocks to get stunning views

- In Son Tra Mountain, the internet and phone connection is unstable, so it is better to use your phone's GPS, bring a map, or hire a tour guide.

- Do not engage in activities that could threaten the monkeys as well as other local wildlife.

Son Tra is a special gift from Mother nature in Da Nang. It can be seen from every place in the city. And from the top of the mountain, the vista is so enjoyable and peaceful. If you have a chance to take a Da Nang City Tour or day tours from Hoi An, you should not miss this place. We hope our article can give you efficient information for your trip.