Son Tra Peninsula

Jutting out into the sea, the Son Tra Peninsula is crowned by the Son Tra Mountain that the American soldiers during the Viet Nam War called Monkey Mountain. The 13.5km-long mountain to the northeast of Da Nang acts as a barrier protecting the city from strong winds and storms coming in from the sea.

Son Tra Peninsula

Son Tra was also the name given to the district, with 7 wards, when Da Nang separated from Quang Nam–Da Nang Province to become a centrally-run city on 1 January 1997.

The French people used the name “Tien Sa” in their early maps to refer to this peninsula and to the Son Tra Mountain, and it is now the name of the seaport of the city.  The Son Tra scenery is very attractive, and tradition says that descending angels often alight on the summit to sing, dance and play chess.  The name Tien Sa (Tien: Angel, Sa: landing) originated from that.

Covering a total area of 4,370 hectares, Son Tra is the habitat of more than 100 species of fauna, including 8 rare animals like the red-shanked doucs.  The diverse flora here comprises 289 plant species, including 64 large tree species and 107 medicinal and ornamental plants.  The protection of the fauna and flora systems of Son Tra will contribute to conserving the biodiversity and natural beauty of the city.  It is an ideal place for sightseeing, tourism, convalescence and cultural activities.

red-shanked doucs at Son Tra Peninsula

Son Tra was named in the list of national special use forests as Son Tra Natural Reserve (pursuant to Decision No 41TTg dated 24 January 1977 of the Prime Minister).

A beautiful road circling the peninsula has been constructed, and many tourism zones and luxury hotels have been established adjacent to this road.  The other big attraction on the peninsula is Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda, which was completed in July 2010.