The Son Tra Peninsula is currently one of the famous destinations in Vietnamese tourism in general and a source of pride for tourism in Da Nang in particular. Most tourists visiting Da Nang choose it as an unmissable destination. However, many visitors still have unanswered questions: Is spending a day experiencing Son Tra Peninsula enjoyable? Below, DanangMotorbikeAdventure.com’s will share some interesting experiences when spending a day exploring the Son Tra Peninsula.

A brief overview of Son Tra Peninsula

As per the travel experiences shared by those who have visited Da Nang, Son Tra Peninsula is likely a destination often mentioned when providing recommendations.

The formation and development of Son Tra Peninsula

Son Tra Peninsula is likened to a precious gem bestowed upon the city of Da Nang by the hands of nature. In the past, it was merely an island with three prominent peaks, each peak showcasing its unique beauty, a name closely associated with the local fishermen in Da Nang.

• The southeast-facing peak is referred to as Nghê Island due to its shape resembling a mythical Nghê creature reaching out to the open sea.
• The western peak, with a shape resembling a kite’s beak, is known as Mỏ Diều (Kite Beak).
• The north-leaning peak, extending toward the Ngự Hải peak on the other side of the long beach, is named Cổ Ngựa (Horse Neck).

Over the years, changes brought about by sedimentation from the sea have formed a stretch of land extending from the mainland to the island. Son Tra Peninsula was subsequently shaped, and the present-day peaks are renowned beaches such as But Beach, Rang Beach, and Da Beach.

Where is Son Tra Peninsula located?

Son Tra Peninsula is situated about 10km northeast from the city center. Covering an expansive area of 60km2, it has a width of 5km and a length of 13km, narrowing down to about 2km at its narrowest point. Son Tra Mountain reaches a height of nearly 700m, making it considered as the natural meteorological station of the people. The combination of Son Tra Peninsula and Hai Van Pass envelops both the city of Da Nang and Da Nang Bay.

Not far away, the Thuan Phuoc Bridge is not unfamiliar; it is one of the most beautiful suspension bridges in Da Nang and holds the record in Vietnam for spanning across this peninsula. With its natural diversity, landscapes, and the creativity of the locals, Son Tra Peninsula has gradually developed into one of the city’s and the country’s renowned tourist destinations. A special note is that in 2017, Son Tra Peninsula was chosen as the venue for the APEC Summit, with the presence of foreign leaders such as Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Moon Jae-In, and others.

When is the best time to visit Son Tra Peninsula?

Son Tra Peninsula experiences two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The dry season in Da Nang typically occurs from February to August, making this period perhaps the most suitable time to explore Son Tra Peninsula. With cool weather, fresh air blending with the majestic beauty of the mountains and forests, visiting Son Tra Peninsula during the dry season is truly beautiful.

The rainy season in Da Nang usually takes place from September to January. During this period, there are often storms and fog, causing many obstacles to travel. Therefore, choosing this time to visit Son Tra Peninsula may not be ideal.

However, attractions on Son Tra Peninsula, such as Linh Ung Pagoda, Da Nang Beach, But Beach, Monkey Island, etc., can be visited at any time. These locations are approximately 8km away from Da Nang, with easily accessible flat roads that ensure the safety of visitors throughout the year.

How to travel to Son Tra Peninsula?

An essential aspect of your trip is, of course, the means of transportation. You might be wondering which mode of transport is most suitable for you.

Traveling by motorbike

This is very convenient for young people, adventurers, and couples. However, when using a motorbike, make sure to rent a quality one because the roads can be quite challenging as you ascend. Riding a motorbike allows for a more immersive experience.

If you want to explore the peninsula by motorbike but are not confident in your riding skills, you can book a motorbike tour with DanangMotorbikeAdventure.com. Their experienced guides/drivers will provide you with an enjoyable experience exploring Son Tra Peninsula by motorbike. Contact them via email: danangmotorbikeadventure@gmail.com or phone: +84 88 666 0396 (WhatsApp).

Traveling by electric car

This is a relatively new mode of transportation in Da Nang, suitable for families looking to tour and breathe in fresh air, as electric cars provide a cool ride. However, note that using electric cars will only take you to Linh Ung Pagoda and won’t go up to higher elevations.

Traveling by car

Families with small children and the elderly may choose this option for safety. However, with a car, you can only visit Linh Ung Pagoda and the Thousand-Year-Old Banyan Tree. You can rent a private car with a driver in Da Nang and combine the trip with Marble Mountains – Hoi An to make the most of a day.

Discover the majestic beauty of Son Tra Peninsula in one day

With continuous development, Son Tra Peninsula has gradually attracted thousands of visitors to explore its diverse and spectacular landscapes, creating a tourist route on the island. As you ascend, you’ll experience new things and capture stunning virtual-worthy photos. Dedicate a whole day to visit the following destinations:

Linh Ung Pagoda Son Tra Peninsula

Linh Ung Pagoda Son Tra is the largest pagoda in Vietnam, situated on Son Tra Peninsula, and is a highly sought-after destination. The unique architectural carvings of the pagoda showcase the distinctive beauty of Son Tra Peninsula.

A special feature of Son Tra Peninsula is the 67m-high statue of Quan Am (Guanyin), attracting many tourists who come to visit and pray for blessings due to the spiritual significance of the pagoda. Moreover, when you visit the pagoda, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city from above.

Tien Sa Port

Tien Sa Port is the largest seaport in Da Nang, playing a crucial role in the economic development of the Central Vietnam region. Beyond its economic significance, it has become a place of interest for tourists. Visiting Tien Sa Port, you can witness fresh and affordable seafood, often purchased as gifts for friends and family.

Tien Sa Port also hosts various recreational activities, as within the port area, there is a vast golden sandy beach and clear blue sea. Additionally, many couples choose this romantic and picturesque location for their weddings.

Thousand-Year-Old Banyan Tree

After visiting Linh Ung Pagoda, if you move about 6km, you’ll encounter the Thousand-Year-Old Banyan Tree. Few can estimate the precise age of this ancient tree, and even today, scientists have not determined its exact age. The tree’s trunk is so large that up to 10 people can’t wrap their arms around it, and the roots alone can accommodate 3-4 people. This colossal ancient tree is undoubtedly several thousand years old.

Nghe Cape

When mentioning Son Tra Peninsula, Nghe Cape may not be a familiar name due to its challenging accessibility and less-known route. However, for adventure seekers, this is an unmissable destination for experiencing Son Tra Peninsula fully. Moving from Linh Ung Pagoda through the Thousand-Year-Old Banyan Tree, you’ll find directional signs leading to the forest path that takes you to Nghe Cape.

Here, you can not only admire the sunset in the evening and witness the sunrise in the morning but also immerse yourself in the deep blue, cool, and fresh seawater, capturing fantastic virtual-worthy photos. Moreover, you can experience fishing with the local residents.

Ban Co Peak

After exploring Nghe Cape, if you continue straight, you’ll discover a beautiful location called Ban Co Peak. Although lower in height compared to Ba Na Hills, Ban Co Peak is the second-highest point in Da Nang, standing at nearly 700m above sea level. The journey to this peak is extremely challenging, requiring large-displacement vehicles on a dangerous road.

Upon reaching Ban Co Peak, the first thing you see is a statue of the Celestial Deity sitting in front of a chessboard. The chessboard represents the final move, but no one can save the piece. Climbing up here means reaching the top of Son Tra Peninsula. The panoramic view from the top showcases the majestic beauty amidst the harmonious blend of land and sea, creating a harmonious painting that highlights the city’s beauty. Don’t forget to capture some stunning photos at this location!

Rada 29 Station – East Sea Divine Eye

Looking up from the city, you might not understand why there are two giant circular blocks on the mountain’s summit on Son Tra Peninsula. These are the unique features of Rada 29 Station. Rada 29 is often referred to as the famous Lighthouse on Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang. With a height of 621m above sea level and an observation radius of up to 300km, it can scan and control the East Sea area from Dong Duong to Hong Kong and Hainan Island, earning the title of the ‘East Sea Divine Eye.’

Helipad

In 1965, the U.S. military constructed a large helipad with a capacity of up to 16 helicopters. Initially used for transporting weapons and evacuating refugees, it has gradually become a tourist attraction worth exploring when mentioning Son Tra Peninsula.

Here, you will not only be amazed by the vast scale of the helipad but also admire the famous helicopters with a significant presence in the U.S. In addition, there are helicopter sightseeing services to explore Da Nang from above. In just 15 minutes, you can enjoy the panoramic view of Da Nang, including My Khe Beach, Hoi An, Marble Mountains, and more.

Monkey Island

The most famous destination on Son Tra Peninsula is Monkey Island. Here, many langurs are preserved by the national conservation area, numbering over a thousand. When you visit, you can buy bananas and peanuts to feed and play with the monkeys.

Is swimming allowed at Son Tra Peninsula?

Son Tra Peninsula not only showcases the majestic beauty of the mountains and forests but also features stunning beaches that attract many curious visitors:

But Beach – Rang Beach at Son Tra Peninsula

These beaches are particularly appealing to a considerable number of tourists. Both beaches are located next to each other, with golden sandy shores and clear, safe, and shallow waters, making them convenient for beachgoers. The waves here are gentle, and the water is shallow, creating a safe and enjoyable swimming experience.

Obama Rock Beach

When it comes to virtual living locations, Obama Rock Beach is the ideal spot for experiencing what can be likened to a virtual living paradise for numerous tourists. The combination of black rocks forming various shapes with the clear blue sea creates a captivating beauty at this location.

Not only are the intricate black rocks present, but there are also charming wooden bridges and windmills, making it a popular choice for couples to capture romantic and memorable photos. Young travelers also select this site for capturing pictures showcasing the beauty of nature.

Tourism Services at Son Tra Peninsula

Talking about an island with challenging terrain like Son Tra Peninsula, one might think that the available services are scarce and lack quality. However, that’s not the case. When you visit Son Tra Peninsula, you will experience high-quality services that ensure the safety of tourists.

For Restaurant Services

Finding restaurants on Son Tra Peninsula is easy for those who want to stop and enjoy local cuisine. Along the road from Linh Ung Pagoda, there are many affordable dining options such as Bay Ban Restaurant and Bai But Restaurant. Additionally, there are dining services available on the beaches.

For Entertainment and Recreation Services

• Beach Activities: Clean and safe swimming services.
• Water Activities: Canoe rental for coral diving, surfing, and squid fishing.
• Air Services: An exciting option for those seeking an elevated view of the coastal city is the paragliding service. The cost is around 500,000 VND for a single person per ride, and if two people ride together, there’s a saving of approximately 800,000 VND per ride. The duration is 15-20 minutes.

Son Tra Peninsula not only offers the grandeur of nature but also provides diverse experiences with quality entertainment, dining, and tourism services.

Irresistible Delicacies on Son Tra Peninsula

An essential part of your visit to Son Tra Peninsula is indulging in the distinctive flavors of the mountainous region. The most renowned offerings here are the fresh seafood, including shrimp, fish, squid, crab, and more. Imagine sitting back, savoring these delectable bites, sipping on a few beers, and enjoying the scenic views – it doesn’t get any better. Additionally, there are highly praised dishes such as wild vegetable dishes, wild boar salad, and wild chicken.

What makes Son Tra Peninsula truly special is the coconut wine, a unique beverage exclusively available here. You should definitely give it a try at least once to experience its distinctive taste.

Essential Notes When Visiting Son Tra Peninsula

Visiting Hours

To fully experience the beauty of Son Tra Peninsula, it’s recommended to start your journey at 4:30 AM to witness the sunrise and plan to leave by 6:00 PM. It gets more challenging to travel as it gets darker.

Prepare Your Essentials

Don’t forget to prepare stylish outfits for those beautiful photos, and remember to use sunscreen.

Important Reminders for Son Tra Peninsula Visit

• For those exploring on motorcycles, it’s advisable to carry essential documents such as a driver’s license and vehicle insurance.
• Before heading to Son Tra Peninsula, perform a thorough check on your motorcycle, including brakes, throttle, and tires.
• Scooters are prohibited from traveling beyond the thousand-year-old banyan tree. You can park your scooter here and use the security forces’ shuttle service for further exploration.
• For locations with challenging terrains such as the lighthouse, the Chessboard Peak, and the Thousand-Year-Old Banyan Tree, it’s recommended not to visit on rainy days.
• Cutting trees, hunting, and shooting animals on Son Tra Peninsula are strictly prohibited. It is advised that women refrain from riding scooters to dangerous spots like Ban Co Peak, Mui Nghe, Radar Station, etc. In 2019, there were nine fatal accidents, most involving women riding scooters to Ban Co Peak.

You should dedicate a day to experience and explore the beauty of Son Tra Peninsula because it is truly fascinating. Not only does it provide us with a strong sense of achievement when overcoming challenging roads, but it also offers valuable and enriching experiences.