Novotel Danang Premier Han River - Family & Business trip hotel - Son Tra Peninsula – The Green Lung and Natural Heritage of Da Nang

The Son Tra Peninsula is a unique natural area in Da Nang, combining primary forest, coastline, and historical-cultural value. With its location close to the city center, diverse landscapes, and convenient accessibility, this region is ideal for nature lovers, ecological researchers, and travelers seeking sustainable tourism experiences.

Where is the Son Tra Peninsula located? What makes it special?

The Son Tra Peninsula is located in Son Tra District, about 10 km northeast of central Da Nang. The area is also known as “Monkey Mountain” due to its large monkey population, or “Hon Tra” in old local terminology. Its primary forest meeting the ocean creates a unique landscape that can be accessed easily by road.

The entire peninsula covers approximately 60 km² (4,400-4,700 ha), with the highest peak reaching around 693-700 meters above sea level. Son Tra is a national nature reserve, home to coastal primary forest and a wide range of ecosystems spanning from mountain forest to beachfront environments.

The natural ecosystem and history of the Son Tra Peninsula

The Son Tra Peninsula features a coastal tropical forest ecosystem with high biodiversity, home to many rare plant and animal species. The most notable is the red-shanked douc langur, a critically endangered primate globally. The coastal area surrounding the peninsula includes several beaches that remain in near-natural condition, with Bai Bac rated highly for its tranquility.

Son Tra records more than 1,600-1,700 species of plants and animals, including over 1,000 plant species and 360 animal species, many of which are listed as threatened. The peninsula is also a biological convergence point between northern and southern Vietnam, hosting migratory birds, marine life, and nearshore coral reefs.

During wartime, Son Tra was used as a radar base and observation site by the U.S. military, serving as a strategic point for monitoring airspace and maritime activities in Central Vietnam.

These historical remnants help explain the peninsula’s strategic importance in both natural and military contexts, while enriching its value for travelers interested in ecology and local history.

Historical & cultural heritage on the Son Tra Peninsula

The Son Tra Peninsula preserves various historical traces and cultural spaces linked to the formation of Da Nang. Coastal temples and shrines reflect the spiritual life of fishing communities.

Additionally, remnants of fortifications, observation posts, and old military roads demonstrate the peninsula’s strategic role during wartime. These elements allow visitors to understand Son Tra through cultural, historical, and experiential perspectives.

How to get to the Son Tra Peninsula

Novotel Danang Premier Han River is located in central Hai Chau District near the Han River, about 15-17 km from the Son Tra Peninsula. Guests can travel by motorbike, car, taxi, or Grab, with a travel time of around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

From Novotel Danang Premier, head south toward Tran Phu Street, turn left onto Quang Trung, then left onto Bach Dang. At the roundabout, take the second exit onto 3 Thang 2 Street. Continue straight to the next roundabout, take the first exit onto Nguyen Tat Thanh, cross Thuan Phuoc Bridge, follow Le Duc Tho, and turn left onto Yet Kieu/QL14B to enter the Son Tra Peninsula.

Best time to visit & tips for exploring Son Tra

The ideal time to visit the Son Tra Peninsula is from March to September, when the weather is dry, the sea is calm, and travel is easy. Visitors can travel by motorbike or taxi from central Da Nang in about 20 minutes. To plan your itinerary well, it is recommended to check Da Nang weather before your trip.

Responsible Tourism on the Son Tra Peninsula

Responsible travel on the Son Tra Peninsula helps maintain ecological balance and preserve its long-term natural value. Visitors should respect the habitat of the red-shanked douc langur and the primary forest. When encountering monkeys, keep a safe distance, avoid feeding them, and do not litter. Your itinerary can also be combined with exploring My Khe Beach to extend the coastal eco-tourism experience.

Follow the designated routes, avoid military zones, limit drone usage, and keep noise levels low—especially near langurs and birds.

Maps & sightseeing zones

The Son Tra Peninsula includes many of Da Nang’s well-known attractions such as Linh Ung Pagoda, Ban Co Peak, Tien Sa Beach, But Beach, Obama Rock Beach, the thousand-year banyan tree, and Son Tra Lighthouse. The road network is built along mountain terrain and coastal slopes, forming different experiential areas that combine primary forest with popular photo-stop locations.

Sightseeing route suggestions for visitors

Route 1 (Popular): Linh Ung Pagoda – But Beach – Obama Rock Beach – Ban Co Peak – Thousand-year Banyan Tree.
This loop route is favored by many visitors, combining spiritual sites, coastal scenery, and elevated viewpoints. Travelers typically go uphill first, then descend toward the coastal area.

Route 2 (Exploration): Tien Sa Beach – Suoi Om Stream – Ban Co Peak – Bai Bac.
This route suits nature lovers seeking quieter forests and less-visited beaches, blending both mountain and sea in one journey.

Route 3 (Nature-focused): Thousand-year Banyan Tree – Bai Co Chay – Son Tra Lighthouse – Ban Co Peak.
This itinerary highlights natural scenery, forest landscapes, and wide panoramic views.

Most notable attractions on the Son Tra Peninsula

Linh Ung Pagoda – 67m Lady Buddha statue (tallest Avalokitesvara statue in Vietnam)

Address: Lam Ty Ni Garden, Hoang Sa Street, Tho Quang, Son Tra, Da Nang.

Linh Ung Pagoda sits on a mountainside facing the sea and is one of Da Nang’s largest Buddhist complexes. Built in the early 21st century, it plays an important role in the spiritual life of local residents.

The centerpiece of the pagoda is the 67-meter Lady Buddha statue, recognized as the tallest Avalokitesvara statue in Vietnam. The statue faces the East Sea, symbolizing protection and blessings for passing boats. Inside the statue are multiple levels with worship spaces and viewing paths. From its base, visitors can admire Da Nang Bay, Son Tra coastline, and the surrounding panoramic landscape.

Ban Co Peak – panoramic viewpoint overlooking Da Nang

Address: Tho Quang, Son Tra, Da Nang

Ban Co Peak sits at an elevation of over 700 meters and is accessed via winding mountain roads. According to local folklore, it is where celestial beings once stopped to play chess. Historically, the area served as a strategic observation point. Today, its main appeal lies in the expansive views of Da Nang City, the bay, and the entire peninsula.

Dong Dinh Museum

Address: Hoang Sa Street, Tho Quang, Son Tra, Da Nang

Dong Dinh Museum is a privately owned cultural museum located within the natural forest, showcasing artifacts from Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands. Originating from a private collection, it has gradually grown into a research and exhibition space. Its charm lies in the harmonious integration of displays with the forest surroundings, offering a peaceful, nature-immersive experience.

Ghenh Bang

Address: Hoang Sa Street, Tho Quang, Son Tra, Da Nang

Ghenh Bang is a natural rocky coastal area accessed via a forest trail. In the past, this location was tied to nearshore fishing activities of local fishermen. Today, it attracts visitors thanks to its clear waters, shoreline rock formations, and the experience of walking through primary forest before reaching the sea.

Tien Sa Lighthouse

Address: Tho Quang, Son Tra, Da Nang

Tien Sa Lighthouse sits on a mountainside facing Da Nang Bay and serves as a navigational guide for ships entering and leaving the port area. Constructed during the French colonial era, it is closely associated with the maritime history of Central Vietnam. The highlight of the visit is the expansive view of the sea, the peninsula, and busy ship routes.

Suggested 1-day / half-day itinerary for exploring the Son Tra Peninsula

With limited time, visitors can start at Ban Co Peak, continue down to Linh Ung Pagoda, then stop at Bai Bac for swimming, relaxation, or shallow-water coral viewing. This route is suitable for travelers renting a motorbike or for those joining a guided tour to optimize timing.

Why the Son Tra Peninsula is a must-visit destination in Da Nang

The Son Tra Peninsula brings together primary forest, sea, mountains, and historical-cultural heritage all within one area close to the city center. It is one of the standout Da Nang travel destinations, suitable for everything from short sightseeing trips to immersive nature experiences.

Novotel Premier Danang Han River – Delivering a Premium 5-Star Hotel Experience

Novotel Danang Premier Han River is a 5-star hotel located along the Han River, offering convenient access to the Son Tra Peninsula and central Da Nang attractions. The modern rooms and international-standard services make it ideal for leisure stays, business trips, and culinary experiences.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy up to 15% off when booking directly. ALL members receive an additional 5% discount (free registration at Accor.com), and ALL Accor+ Explorer members enjoy an extra 15% off. Guests interested in the ALL Accor+ Explorer program may contact the hotel or restaurant team for consultation and on-site registration.

BOOK NOW