Son Tra

Son Tra is the coastal and peninsular district of Da Nang, occupying the 60-km² Son Tra Peninsula — often called Monkey Mountain — that juts into the South China Sea north-east of the city centre. The district is named after the Sơn Trà Mountain, which rises to 693 m and is cloaked in primary rainforest. It is home to one of Vietnam's most significant populations of the endangered red-shanked douc langur, earning the peninsula the nickname "Monkey Mountain" among English-speaking visitors.

The district's western edge stretches along the famous My Khe Beach (China Beach), which curves southward for several kilometres of white sand. The district had a population of around 173,000 in 2018, concentrated in its seven wards along the coast, while the interior of the peninsula remains largely undeveloped forest. The climate is slightly cooler than downtown Da Nang due to coastal breezes; the dry season (February–August) is ideal for beach activities, while September–January brings rougher seas and rain.

By Plane

Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is 6–8 km from the Son Tra coast, approximately 15 min by taxi (100,000–150,000 VND). No direct airport bus serves the peninsula, but Grab cars are readily available.

By Train

Da Nang Railway Station is 7 km south-west (20 min by taxi). The Reunification Express links to Hanoi (15–17 hr) and Ho Chi Minh City (17–20 hr). For beach resorts, a taxi from the station costs around 120,000 VND.

By Car / Road

The Son Tra Peninsula is accessed via the Trần Hưng Đạo and Võ Nguyên Giáp coastal roads. From downtown Da Nang (Hai Chau), it is 10–15 min. The road loops around the peninsula for about 30 km — a popular scenic motorbike ride. Buses from other cities terminate at Da Nang central bus station; from there a taxi covers the last 8 km to Son Tra.

A motorbike is the best way to explore the peninsula's winding mountain roads and hidden coves. Rentals cost 150,000–200,000 VND/day. Taxis and Grab cars serve the main coastal strip. Local buses run along the beachfront (Võ Nguyên Giáp), but the interior forest road to the summit requires private transport. Hiking trails from the summit offer spectacular views over Da Nang and the bay.

• Linh Ung Pagoda: A sprawling temple complex on the peninsula's eastern slope, dominated by a 67-m-tall statue of the Goddess of Mercy (Quán Thế Âm Bồ Tát). Free entry; open daily 06:00–18:00.

• Son Tra Mountain Summit: Panoramic views of Da Nang Bay, the Hai Van Pass, and the Cham Islands. Accessible by motorbike or car via a paved road.

• Red-Shanked Douc Langur Watching: The best area is around Bãi Bụt (Butterfly Butterfly Beach), early morning or late afternoon. Do not feed or approach the monkeys.

• Bãi Bắc (North Beach): A secluded crescent of sand with calm waters, popular with local families on weekends.

• Tiên Sa Port: Da Nang's main cargo and cruise-ship port, offering views of the bay and passing vessels.

• Hồ Xanh (Green Lake): A freshwater lake hidden in the forest, accessible by a short trek from the main road.

• Swim and sunbathe at My Khe Beach — the 6-km stretch of white sand that was dubbed China Beach during the Vietnam War. Water is cleanest February–August.

• Take a sunrise motorbike loop around the peninsula (start from Linh Ung Pagoda, follow the coastal road north).

• Snorkel or dive around the rocky headlands on the eastern side — several tour operators offer half-day trips.

• Visit the Son Tra Night Market on Võ Nguyên Giáp for street food, souvenirs, and live music (evenings).

• Mỳ Quảng Ốc Heo: Snail-and-pork turmeric noodles at roadside stalls near the Linh Ung Pagoda entrance, about 35,000 VND.
• Bánh Xèo (Crispy Pancakes): Served at bãi biển eateries along My Khe — sizzling rice-flour crepes filled with shrimp, bean sprouts, and pork. 25,000–40,000 VND.
• Fresh seafood at Bãi Bụt: Several open-air restaurants on the eastern cove grill prawns, squid, and fish over charcoal. A full meal costs 150,000–300,000 VND per person.
• Cá Nục Kho: Braised scad fish with black pepper, a local home-style dish available at family-run eateries in Thọ Quang ward.
• Vegetarian: Many Buddhist-run quán chay near Linh Ung Pagoda serve simple, cheap set meals.

• Coconut water sold fresh on the beach for 15,000–20,000 VND.
• The rooftop of the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort has a high-end bar with dramatic views (reservations recommended for non-guests).
• Local bia hơi stalls near the Thọ Quang market serve draught beer for 5,000 VND/glass.
• Freshly squeezed sugar-cane juice and sinh tố (fruit shakes) are widely available along the beach strip.

• Budget: Sea Change Hotel (Võ Nguyên Giáp) — basic rooms from 250,000 VND/night.
• Mid-range: Premier Village Danang Resort (Võ Nguyên Giáp) — villas with private pools from 1,500,000 VND/night.
• Upscale: InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort — one of Asia's most celebrated resorts, set on a hillside overlooking the East Sea. Rooms from 6,000,000 VND/night.

• Seafood — the fishing village of Thọ Quang has a bustling wholesale fish market early in the morning (04:00–06:00).
• Locally made dried squid and fish sauce are sold at shops along the coastal road.
• The night market on the beachfront sells souvenirs, clothing, and Vietnamese handicrafts. Bargaining is standard.

• Marble Mountains (8 km south, 15 min by car) — five limestone hills with intricate cave temples and stone-carving villages.
• Hai Chau District (6 km south-west, 15 min by taxi) — the commercial and administrative heart of Da Nang.
• Hoi An (35 km south, 45 min by car) — UNESCO World Heritage ancient town, lantern-lit and pedestrian-friendly.
• Ba Na Hills (45 km west, 1 hr by car) — hill-station resort with cable cars, the Golden Bridge, and theme-park attractions.
• Hai Van Pass (25 km north, 40 min by motorbike) — one of Vietnam's greatest coastal drives, with sweeping ocean panoramas.