Son Tra Mountain (Monkey Mountain)

The Basics

One of Da Nang’s major landmarks, Son Tra Mountain and its monkeys feature on many tours, which usually combine a drive to the summit with a stop at Marble Mountains, home to limestone caves filled with shrines to Lord Buddha; the archeological complex of My Son Sanctuary; and Dragon Bridge, which breathes fire on Friday and Saturday nights. It's possible to reach the mountaintop on foot in a 4-hour trip by taking the hiking trail from Bai Bac Beach.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The monkeys on Son Tra Mountain can be aggressive, particularly where food is involved; it's best not to touch the wild animals.

• If you plan on hiking, bring sturdy shoes, insect repellant, and plenty of water.

• Uneven surfaces and super-steep slopes mean that Son Tra Mountain (Monkey Mountain) is difficult to access if you’re using a wheelchair.

How to Get There

Son Tra Mountain (Monkey Mountain) is 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) from the center of Da Nang; you can reach the mountain by either hiring a motorbike—the winding roads require experienced drivers—or as part of a tour.

When to Get There

For the best views of Son Tra Peninsula, time your visit to Son Tra Mountain to coincide with sunset. Avoid hiking midday, when heat and humidity are at their peak, and instead opt to explore in the cool early morning.

Exploring the Linh Ung Pagoda

As well as a large population of primates, Son Tra Mountain (Monkey Mountain) is home to one of Da Nang’s most recognizable landmarks—the statue of Lady Buddha, part of the Linh Ung Pagoda complex. The sacred site offers sweeping vistas of the peninsula and is home to temples, statues of mythical beasts, and elaborately-designed pagodas.

What is the significance of Son Tra Mountain in Vietnam?

With sandy beaches, dense forests, and diverse (and endangered) wildlife, Son Tra Mountain offers the residents of Da Nang a natural temple just outside their city’s borders. The mountain is also home to the Linh Ung Pagoda and the famous Lady Buddha statue, making it a place of spiritual pilgrimage.

How tall is Son Tra Mountain, and what is its elevation?

Son Tra Mountain is 2,200 feet (670 meters) high; since it rises from sea level, its height is the same as its elevation. Though it may seem insignificant compared to larger peaks, with the surrounding city of Da Nang nearly at sea level, Son Tra Mountain feels towering.

What wildlife can be found on Son Tra Mountain, notably the monkeys?

On Son Tra Mountain, the stars are the monkeys: pygmy slow lorises, rhesus macaques, and the critically endangered red-shanked douc. The mountain is estimated to be home to nearly 300 animal species (including 100+ species of birds), from those beloved monkeys to leopard cats, ferret badgers, and more.

Are there any hiking trails on Son Tra Mountain for visitors?

Yes, there’s one main hiking trail up and around Son Tra Mountain. It starts from Bai Bac Beach, at the mountain’s base, and climbs to the summit, totaling nearly 10 miles (16 kilometers) and some 2,000+ feet (610 meters) in elevation gain. Most visitors complete the challenging trek in 4–5 hours.

Is there an entrance fee to visit Son Tra Mountain, and if so, how much does it cost?

Visiting Son Tra Mountain, aka Monkey Mountain, is free. It’s open to the public year-round, and there are no admission fees to the Ling Unh Pagoda or the Lady Buddha statue either. However, those sites have donation boxes; any amount is appreciated, though not required.

How far is Son Tra Mountain from Da Nang city center?

Son Tra Mountain is about a 40-minute drive from Da Nang’s city center—get there via motorbike, taxi, or car. The Linh Ung Pagoda, famous for its massive Lady Buddha statue, is midway up the peak, adding a few more minutes. Of course, if you’re walking the trail from Bai Bac Beach, it’ll take about 4 hours to the mountaintop, depending on your speed.