Da Nang Trekking : Son Tra Mountain & Ban Co Peak Guide
We never thinking in Da Nang like this before. Everyone talks about the beaches, the Golden Bridge, the Dragon Bridge. Nobody talks about hiking. We didn’t Hiking in Da Nang it ourselves. We drove up by car for sunset. But once we saw Ban Co Peak, it changed how we see this city.
This guide covers hiking in Da Nang, focused on the to Ban Co Peak. It will help you decide if da nang hiking belongs on your list. And if you’d rather just drive up for the view like we did, we cover that too. Da nang trekking isn’t just a walk up a hill. It’s a jungle mountain by the sea, with monkeys, an old US airbase, and one of the best viewpoints in Central Vietnam.
We also made a video of our sunset drive up to Ban Co Peak. You can watch it below.
What is the hiking Son Tra mountain?
Son Tra Mountain is also called Monkey Mountain Da Nang. It sits on the Son Tra Peninsula, about 30–40 minutes from Da Nang city center. You’ll find the Lady Buddha statue and Linh Ung Pagoda here too. Most tourists stop at the pagoda. That’s the mistake. Hiking near Da Nang really starts once you go past it.
The main route leads to Ban Co Peak (Đỉnh Bàn Cờ), at around 630–700 meters. Legend says a fairy and a sage played chess at the top. Today a bronze statue sits in front of a stone chessboard. This is the spot everyone photographs when hiking Son Tra Mountain.
How Long and Hard is the Trail?
We drove up instead of hiking. But if you want the full trek, here’s what trail data and other hikers report:
- Distance: about 9.7 miles (15.6 km) point-to-point
- Elevation gain: roughly 2,549 ft the biggest of any Da Nang trail
- Difficulty: hard, not a casual walk
- Average time: 5 to 6 hours
- Trail type: mostly a paved mountain road, so it’s more a long uphill walk than technical hiking
You’ll share the road with scooters and cars. Locals also walk, jog, or cycle here in early morning and late afternoon.
How to Get There
Two main routes lead to Ban Co Peak:
- Route 1 Yet Kieu Street (near Thuan Phuoc Bridge): longer, less scenic, more direct.
- Route 2 Hoang Sa Road (near InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort): more scenic along the coast. This is the route we drove for sunset, shown in our video.
Most visitors skip the full trek. They drive a scooter or take a Grab up to the parking area, then walk the last stretch to the peak. That’s what we’d recommend if you just want the sunset view.
Tip: Order a Grab/Bolt car up to the parking area if you don’t have a scooter.
Is There an Entry Fee?
No, hiking the trail is free. There’s a small parking fee for scooters near the top, a few thousand VND. A small stall near the peak sells water and snacks, cash only, so bring VND.
Best Season for Hiking in Da Nang
- February to May: best window, moderate weather, clear views
- July to September: also popular, though hotter
- October to January: rainy season, trails get slippery, views get blocked by cloud, skip this window
Start early or go after 2–3pm. There’s almost no shade, and midday sun is tough. Early or late also gives you sunrise or sunset at the top.
What You’ll See
- Wildlife the red-shanked douc langur lives here, a critically endangered primate locals call the “queen of primates.” You’ll also spot rhesus macaques, so don’t leave food out.
- Old US Radar Station and abandoned airfield left from the Vietnam War.
- Boom Boom Rock hidden just off the trail.
- Ban Co Peak the chessboard statue and views over Da Nang City, the Han River, My Khe Beach, and the sea.
Our Sunset Drive: Watch the Video
We filmed our drive up to Ban Co Peak for sunset. You’ll see the road, the monkeys along the way, and the view from the top. We didn’t hike it, but the video shows what’s waiting for you either way.
Tips for Hiking or Driving Up
- If hiking: wear proper trail shoes, the road is steep in parts
- If hiking: bring more water than you think you need
- Sunscreen and a hat either way
- For sunset, arrive at least 30 minutes early
- Arrange return transport in advance, especially after dark
- Avoid coming down alone after dark on a scooter
- Keep your distance from the monkeys
Is Hiking in Da Nang Worth It?
Yes, whether you hike it or drive up for sunset like we did. If you’ve already seen the Golden Bridge, Marble Mountains, or the beaches, Ban Co Peak is worth the trip. A hiking trail and an easy sunset drive both lead to the same view.
If you’re comparing destinations, we also wrote about Da Nang vs Pattaya.
Feel free to DM me here on IG @fj.at.pattaya or @snny.travel.blog.
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