Explore Son Tra Peninsula: Da Nang’s Precious Gem
We’ll take you to explore the beauty of Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang, Vietnam.
The Son Tra Peninsula is a famous tourist spot in the city of Da Nang, renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery including untouched forests, wild coastlines, and precious rare animals. Let’s discover this gem of Da Nang in this article.
Introduction
Photographer: Huy Dope (facebook.com/huy.h.nguyen.104/)
Son Tra Peninsula, located in Tho Quang ward, Son Tra district, is about 10 kilometers northeast of downtown Da Nang. It’s surrounded by the sea on three sides, with the remaining side bordering urban areas. Son Tra represents a unique blend of the natural forest ecosystem and the sea, making it the only place of its kind in Vietnam.
Covering an area of over 4,400 hectares, the peninsula stretches 13 kilometers with a perimeter of around 60 kilometers. It has an average elevation of 350 meters, with its highest point being Mount Oc at nearly 700 meters.
Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang, Vietnam from Google Earth Pro
According to scientific surveys, the biodiversity of Son Tra Peninsula is rich, with over 1000 plant species, 287 mammal species, and 106 bird species. It also provides habitat for 15 rare and endangered animals needing conservation efforts. Each year, hundreds of migratory bird species travel from the north to the south to escape the cold, finding refuge in Son Tra.
Top Attractions
Da Nang’s Most Charming Fishing Village
Photographer: Huy Dope (facebook.com/huy.h.nguyen.104/)
Nestled beneath Son Tra Mountain is the time-honored Man Thai fishing village, a quaint community with hospitable locals always ready with a welcoming smile for visitors. Here, the residents make a living by fishing.
The ideal time to explore this village is at dawn when the serene landscape unfolds with fishermen casting nets, boats brimming with fresh catches docking, and the lively trade of the morning’s bounty.
Ban Co peak
Photographer: Huy Dope (facebook.com/huy.h.nguyen.104/)
At about 700 meters above sea level, Ban Co Peak is known as “Da Nang’s rooftop”. From its summit, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Da Nang, offering a refreshing perspective. It’s the perfect place to relish the crisp, clean air of the mountain.
Lady Buddha
Photographer: Huy Dope (facebook.com/huy.h.nguyen.104/)
This is the tallest statue of the Lady Buddha in Vietnam, reaching a staggering height of 67 meters, equivalent to a 30-story building. The statue of the lady Buddha, also known as Quan Am, sits atop a base resembling a lotus flower, which is 35 meters wide. It was crafted over six years by some of the most talented artisans. The statue is divided into 17 floors, with each floor dedicated to honoring 21 different Buddhas.
Linh Ung pagoda
Photographer: Name. Peter
The Linh Ung Pagoda, also called the Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda, rests on a 20-hectare plot of land atop Son Tra Mountain. Construction of this pagoda began in 2004, and after six years of work, it was formally inaugurated on July 30, 2010, marking its completion.
Did you know? In Da Nang, there are three pagodas named Linh Ung. The largest and most famous one is Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula. The second Linh Ung Pagoda is located on Ba Na Mountain, standing at 1400 meters above sea level, making it the highest among the three. The remaining Linh Ung Pagoda is situated on the Marble Mountains, being the oldest among them, constructed in the 19th century.
Ghenh Bang
Photographer: Huy Dope (facebook.com/huy.h.nguyen.104/)
Ghenh Bang is an untouched beach nestled on the Son Tra Peninsula. Getting there involves a trek of over 1km on rugged terrain, with steep inclines and rocky obstacles making the journey demanding. Upon completing the hike, you’ll discover a picturesque beach with pristine white sand, framed by both large and small rock formations extending into the vibrant blue sea.
Thousand-year banyan tree
Photo credit: tuan.wildlifephoto
This towering giant is about 1000 years old and stands over 20 meters tall, with a circumference of up to 10 meters, adorned with dozens of sprawling roots. Its grandeur and beauty attract hundreds of visitors each day. Over 100 years ago, during wartime, this banyan tree provided shelter for Vietnamese soldiers. In June 2014, it was officially designated as part of Vietnam’s Heritage Tree system, marking it as Da Nang City’s first recognized ancient heritage tree.
Mui Nghe (Nghe Cape)
Photo credit: Han Thanh Nam
Mui Nghe is the perfect spot to catch stunning sunrises on the Son Tra Peninsula. It’s where you welcome the first rays of daylight, surrounded by refreshing air that brings a sense of tranquility. The unique rock formations, some resembling creatures from Vietnamese folklore, add to the allure. Here, you’ll discover beautiful, serene turquoise ponds ideal for a day of relaxation. The journey to Mui Nghe is challenging and suitable for adventurous souls; you’ll trek through steep terrain and dense forests before arriving at your destination.
Black Rock Beach
Black Rock Beach earned its name from the locals due to the abundance of large black rocks scattered across its shores. These rocks are arranged in captivating formations, offering picturesque views. Notably, the area features numerous artificial ponds nestled among the rocks. Shielded by the large formations, the water remains clear and calm throughout the year, making it ideal for swimming. Additionally, Black Rock Beach is a popular spot for camping excursions.
Is there any wildlife to see in the wild areas of the Son Tra Peninsula?
Monkeys
Photographer: Huy Dope (facebook.com/huy.h.nguyen.104/)
When you explore the Son Tra Peninsula, you’ll find yourself in a realm of lively primates – the monkeys of Son Tra. These playful creatures roam freely on the roads, swinging through the lush canopy, playing on the forest floor, or gathering around the Linh Ung Pagoda.
The red-shanked douc langur
Photographer: Huy Dope (facebook.com/huy.h.nguyen.104/)
According to the biodiversity conservation center GreenViet, Son Tra is home to about 300-350 Red-shanked Douc Langurs, making it the largest and most sustainable population of this species. With their distinctive five-color fur, they’re often referred to as the “queens” of primates. Classified as endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List and in the Vietnam Red Data Book (2007), these langurs are shy creatures, making them elusive to spot, requiring both luck and patience.
Coral reefs
Son Tra Peninsula boasts an enchanting underwater realm! Its vibrant coral reefs, teeming with diverse marine life, serve as a sanctuary for countless sea creatures. This thriving ecosystem makes Son Tra a paradise for both divers and snorkelers
Outdoor Adventures
Paragliding over Son Tra
Photographer: Huy Dope (facebook.com/huy.h.nguyen.104/)
Embark on a thrilling 15 to 20-minute paragliding journey to take in the breathtaking vistas of Da Nang city from above. Accompanied by seasoned instructors, every detail is meticulously arranged for your flight. As you soar through the skies, behold the panoramic beauty of Son Tra Peninsula’s verdant forests, the majestic Linh Ung Pagoda, and the stunning coastal beaches.
Hiking through the dense jungle trails
Experience the serene beauty of Son Tra Peninsula through invigorating hiking excursions. Wander along picturesque trails winding through verdant forests, pristine shorelines, and captivating ocean panoramas. Encounter a wealth of biodiversity, from rare flora to indigenous wildlife, while uncovering historical cultural landmarks. Whether seeking tranquility, cultural exploration, or outdoor fitness, hiking in Son Tra offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts of all levels.
Explore Son Tra Peninsula on a scenic bike ride
Just like hiking, cycling lets you discover Son Tra Peninsula’s beauty at your own pace, offering stunning coastal views and hidden gems along the way.
Birdwatching to spot rare bird species
Photographer: Huy Dope (facebook.com/huy.h.nguyen.104/)
Birdwatching on Son Tra is a captivating experience amidst the scenic beauty! Every year, as cold winds from the North bring in migration season, Son Tra Peninsula becomes a haven for migratory birds worldwide. This annual spectacle draws wildlife enthusiasts, particularly avid birdwatchers and photographers, eager to spot rare species against the backdrop of Son Tra’s stunning landscape.
Snorkeling or diving in the crystal-clear waters
Son Tra’s marine environment is a treasure trove of diversity, especially with its stunning coral reefs. Plunge into these crystal-clear waters for an unforgettable glimpse into the bustling world beneath the surface! Whether you’re snorkeling or diving, Son Tra offers an unparalleled opportunity to encounter a variety of marine creatures.
Most of the photos in the article were taken by Huy Dope, a talented photographer who currently works at a paragliding club on Son Tra Peninsula.
Leave a Reply