How to Get to Son Tra Peninsula and Experience Da Nang’s Untamed Paradise
Planning your trip to Da Nang? Here’s a complete guide on how to get to Son Tra Peninsula, from the best routes and transport options to local tips and must-visit spots along the way.
Nestled on the northeastern edge of Da Nang, Son Tra Peninsula is where lush jungle meets the turquoise sea. Known as the “green lung” of the city, this peninsula offers a rare combination of nature, spirituality, and adventure. Getting there is not just about the destination, it’s a journey filled with scenic roads, local encounters, and breathtaking views. In this guide, we’ll show you how to get to Son Tra Peninsula and explore it like a local, with insights that turn a simple visit into an unforgettable experience.
1. Where Is Son Tra Peninsula Located?
Where Is Son Tra Peninsula Located?Son Tra Peninsula lies about 10 kilometers northeast of Da Nang city center, covering an area of more than 60 square kilometers. It’s a natural shield that protects the city from harsh winds, while also serving as home to dense primary forests and the endangered red-shanked douc langur. The peninsula forms a natural boundary between the urban coast and the open ocean, offering a quick escape into nature that’s easily accessible from most hotels in Da Nang.
From the city, reaching Son Tra Peninsula usually takes around 20–25 minutes by vehicle, making it a perfect half-day or full-day destination for travelers looking to balance city life with raw nature.
2. How to Get to Son Tra Peninsula
There are several convenient ways to reach Son Tra Peninsula depending on your travel style, budget, and level of adventure. Below are the most common and recommended options:
By motorbike or scooter
This is the most popular and flexible way to reach Son Tra Peninsula. You can rent a motorbike in Da Nang for around 150,000–200,000 VND per day. From the city center, follow Vo Nguyen Giap Street or Hoang Sa Street, which both run along the coast. As you ride, you’ll pass My Khe Beach before the road curves up into the mountain, revealing sweeping sea views and patches of misty jungle.
The route is scenic but includes winding roads and steep slopes, so it’s best to ride carefully and avoid going during heavy rain. Make sure to fill your gas tank before entering the peninsula, as gas stations are rare once you’re inside.
By taxi or private car
For a more comfortable and safe ride, especially if you’re traveling with family or in a group, taking a taxi or booking a private car is a great option. The trip takes about 25 minutes and costs roughly 150,000–200,000 VND one way. However, note that cars cannot access some of the smaller or steeper trails leading deep into the forest, such as the road to Ban Co Peak or the thousand-year-old banyan tree. In those cases, walking or renting a scooter at the base is the way to go.
By guided tour or local companion
If you prefer a hassle-free experience, consider booking a half-day or full-day tour with a local guide through Tubudd. Not only will transportation be arranged for you, but you’ll also discover hidden spots and stories that most visitors miss. With a local buddy by your side, you can stop at fisherman villages, learn about traditional fishing methods, or enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee while hearing legends of the mountain. It’s an ideal way to explore Son Tra Peninsulaauthentically — through the eyes of someone who calls it home.
3. What to See Along the Way
What to See Along the Way
The road to Son Tra Peninsula is one of the most beautiful coastal drives in central Vietnam. Whether you’re on a motorbike, car, or tour, there are several places worth stopping along the way.
Linh Ung Pagoda and the Lady Buddha Statue
Your first major stop should be Linh Ung Pagoda, home to the towering 67-meter Lady Buddha statue gazing over Da Nang Bay. The site is not just a spiritual landmark but also a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the city below. Local fishermen believe the statue protects them from storms, and the peaceful atmosphere here makes it a perfect place to slow down and reflect.
The thousand-year-old banyan tree
Hidden deep within the jungle, this massive banyan tree is one of the peninsula’s oldest residents, estimated to be over a thousand years old. Its sprawling roots and twisted branches create a scene straight out of a fantasy film. The road leading here winds through dense forest, where you might hear the calls of exotic birds or spot a red-shanked douc langur leaping between the trees.
Ban Co Peak
Standing 700 meters above sea level, Ban Co Peak offers the most breathtaking panoramic view in Da Nang. On clear days, you can see the Dragon Bridge, Son Tra Bay, and even the Cham Islands in the distance. The name “Ban Co” means “chessboard” in Vietnamese — legend says a celestial being once sat here playing chess among the clouds. The journey to the peak, full of twists and turns through lush greenery, is just as thrilling as the view itself.
Beaches and hidden coves
Unlike My Khe or Non Nuoc, the beaches on Son Tra Peninsula remain relatively untouched. Bai But and Bai Rang are popular for swimming and enjoying fresh seafood, while smaller coves like Tien Sa or Bai Bac reward those seeking solitude. The water is clear, the sand soft, and the atmosphere calm — ideal for unwinding after a morning of exploration.
4. Tips for Visiting Son Tra Peninsula Responsibly
Because Son Tra Peninsula is a protected nature reserve, it’s important to travel responsibly. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Avoid littering and take all your trash back to the city.
Don’t feed or chase wildlife, especially the red-shanked douc langur, as it’s a critically endangered species.
Drive slowly and carefully, especially on steep or narrow roads.
Bring water and sunscreen, since there are limited facilities inside the peninsula.
Dress modestly when visiting temples or pagodas.
By respecting local customs and the environment, you’ll help preserve Son Tra’s natural beauty for future generations.
5. How to Experience Son Tra Like a Local
How to Experience Son Tra Like a Local
Exploring Son Tra Peninsula is not only about checking off landmarks — it’s about understanding the soul of the place. That’s where having a local companion makes all the difference. With Tubudd, you can find a verified local buddy who will tailor your day around your interests — from sunrise photography at Ban Co Peak to a seafood lunch by the beach.
You can join a fisherman on a morning trip, learn how to cast a traditional net, or stop by a hidden café overlooking the bay. Each encounter adds a personal layer to your journey, something you can’t get from guidebooks or tours alone. It’s travel that connects, not just consumes.
When you take the time to listen, to walk slowly through the forest, and to watch the sunlight shift across the mountains, Son Tra Peninsula begins to reveal its stories, stories of nature, resilience, and harmony between the sea and the sky.
Son Tra is not just about checking off landmarks,it’s about immersing yourself in the rhythm of the place. Take your time to wander, to listen, and to let the peninsula reveal itself layer by layer. And when you leave, it won’t feel like a goodbye but a quiet invitation to return.