Nature
Sơn Trà Mountain
What it is
Sơn Trà, often called Monkey Mountain, is a forested peninsula that juts out from Da Nang into the East Sea, forming the north-eastern edge of the bay. It's the largest remaining patch of natural forest close to the city, and it's home to a population of red-shanked douc langurs, a colorful, endangered monkey species you have a reasonable chance of spotting along the upper roads, especially in quieter early-morning hours. The main draw is the drive itself: a winding road through jungle with pull-offs facing the bay, the city skyline, and the open sea, plus a few viewpoints and a lighthouse near the peninsula's tip.
Getting there
From central Da Nang, Sơn Trà is reached by crossing one of the river bridges and following the coastal road north toward the peninsula. By taxi or motorbike, the base of the mountain is roughly 15-20 minutes from the city centre; from there, the climb up to the main viewpoints and the lighthouse adds another 20-30 minutes of driving on switchback roads. There's no public bus route up the mountain itself, so most visitors go by motorbike, taxi, or a hired car with driver.
How much time to allow
Plan on at least half a day if you want to drive the loop road, stop at a few viewpoints, and visit Linh Ung Pagoda. A shorter visit focused on one or two lookout points can be done in about two hours.
When to go
Mornings tend to be cooler and give the best chance of seeing the langurs before they retreat deeper into the forest. The roads are narrow and exposed in places, so heavy rain or fog (more common in the winter months) can make the drive unpleasant and reduce visibility at the viewpoints. Weekends can bring more traffic from local visitors heading up for the views.
What to combine it with
Linh Ung Pagoda sits partway up the mountain, only about 2.5km from the peninsula, and is the easiest add-on to a Sơn Trà trip. On the way back to the city, My Khe Beach (7km) is a natural stop to unwind, and the route passes near the Han River (7.5km) and Thuận Phước Bridge (7.6km), both worth a brief look if you're already driving that stretch of coast.
Updated September 20, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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