Sơn Trà Peninsula - A green treasure in the heart of Da Nang beach city

In the vibrant life of Da Nang, there is a place where just a turn of the wheel takes you into another world: the whispering primeval forest, the endless blue sea, and the winding roads hugging the mountains, full of enchantment. That is Sơn Trà Peninsula – a priceless “green lung,” where nature and humanity coexist harmoniously.

Sơn Trà does not call out loudly. It captivates with a rare balance: both pristine and convenient; close enough for a day visit, yet deep enough to stay long in memory.

1. Sơn Trà – The peninsula of mountains and sea

Sơn Trà belongs to Thọ Quang ward, Sơn Trà district, about 10km from the city center. Geologically, this area was once an island formed from three mountains; over time, alluvium connected it to the mainland, creating a peninsula with three sides facing the sea and one side bordering the city.

A panoramic view of Sơn Trà Peninsula from above (Source: Vietnam National Tourism Administration)

This special location has created a rich ecosystem: primeval forests, sheltered beaches, coral reefs, and a panoramic view of the entire city from above.

2. The best time to explore Sơn Trà

From March to September is the “golden season” of Sơn Trà: little rain, clear visibility, calm sea. This is also the ideal time for swimming, trekking, snorkeling, and watching the sunrise – sunset.
The rainy season (end of the year) should be considered due to thick fog and slippery mountain roads.

From March to September is the best time to explore Sơn Trà (Source: danangfantasticity)

3. Notable stops on Sơn Trà Peninsula

At an altitude of about 700m, Bàn Cờ Peak is a “must-visit” spot if you want to see the entire city from above: one side is a vibrant urban area, and the other side is the endless sea, with distant bridges crossing the Han River like soft strokes on the water.

Bàn Cờ Peak is a must-visit if you want to see all of Da Nang from above (Source: danangfantasticity)

The interesting point is the legend of two immortals playing chess – one was distracted by a fairy and lost, leaving behind a story that is both romantic and legendary. Standing here, the wind is very strong and the sky is vast, making you feel like all worries “fly” away with the clouds.

3.2 The thousand-year-old banyan tree – A witness of time

Visiting Sơn Trà without seeing the ancient banyan tree is missing a very “forest” piece. The tree is estimated to be about 800 years old, with a trunk circumference of about 10m, and its roots spread out like a giant “spine” of nature.

The impressive root system of the thousand-year-old banyan tree (Source: Traveloka)

Standing under the banyan tree's canopy, you will feel the cool air, sunlight filtering through the leaves into mottled patches of light – a feeling that is both mysterious and peaceful. This is a wonderful stop to take “forest-style” photos and breathe deeply the scent of plants.

3.3 Sơn Trà Lighthouse – A beacon in the ocean

The Sơn Trà Lighthouse was built in the 1950s, standing out with its pure white color against the blue sky and green forest. From here, you can see the sea stretching out, feel the ocean breeze blowing directly on your face, and see Da Nang as an unlimited expansive painting.

Sơn Trà Lighthouse - A super chill & cool check-in point (Source: Vinpearl)

This spot is extremely photogenic: white walls – blue sky – lush green leaves, just standing there guarantees beautiful photos.

3.4 Ghềnh Bàng – A reward for explorers

Ghềnh Bàng is not a place you can reach immediately, as you will have to park your vehicle and walk through the forest for a while. But that is why this place retains a very authentic wild beauty: layered rocks, white foamy waves, clear water revealing the bottom, and the sea breeze blowing gently.

Ghềnh Bàng with its incredibly beautiful charm (Source: Traveloka)

Ghềnh Bàng is suitable for those who love the feeling of exploration, enjoy “pristine” nature, not too crowded and not commercialized.

3.5 Hồ Xanh – A fresh “living photo” corner

Hồ Xanh is a “newly popular” spot but very loved for its gentle beauty: a clear blue lake surrounded by plants and natural stones. During the grass flower season, the scenery becomes even more poetic.

Fascinated by Hồ Xanh - A fresh "living photo" corner at Sơn Trà Peninsula (Source: Internet)

Many young people love to come here to take photos with the wooden bridge, canoe, or simply standing by the lake's edge creates a vibe of “alone but not lonely.”

3.6 Linh Ứng Pagoda – The spiritual symbol of Sơn Trà

Linh Ứng Pagoda in Sơn Trà is a stop that is both beautiful and sacred. The 67m tall Avalokiteshvara statue leans against the mountain, facing the sea, creating a feeling of protection and tranquility.

Linh Ứng Pagoda - Where the sea and sky harmonize, peace in the vast wilderness (Source: Internet)

From the pagoda's grounds looking down, you will see the sea, the city, and the wide-open sky – a view that naturally makes one want to speak softly and walk slowly.

4. “Delightful” experiences in Sơn Trà

• Swimming & picnicking: Bãi Bụt (sheltered), Tiên Sa (quiet), Bãi Đá Đen (clear water), Bãi Nam/Bãi Nồm (beautiful snorkeling), Bãi Bắc (seaweed season in October–November).
• Snorkeling: Canoeing – diving – enjoying seafood on the sea.
• Exploring biodiversity: Meeting the brown-legged langur – the “queen of primates” of Sơn Trà, along with many rare species.
• Paragliding: Flying at an altitude of ~600m, enjoying the entire view of Da Nang from the air.
• Trekking at Mũi Nghê: A forest-sea route to hunt for the most beautiful sunrise in Da Nang.

5. Sơn Trà cuisine – A convergence of sea and forest

Thanks to its proximity to Thọ Quang fishing port, seafood in Sơn Trà is often fresh and diverse. You can choose from “must-try” dishes:

• Grilled squid / steamed squid (crispy, sweet, fragrant)
• Steamed crab (sweet meat, dipped in green chili salt)
• Grilled oysters (with scallion oil/cheese)
• Various snails (stir-fried with lemongrass and chili, salted)
• Grilled shrimp, grilled scallops

What makes Sơn Trà seafood “attractive” is not only its freshness but also the way it is enjoyed: sitting close to the sea, listening to the waves, feeling the salty breeze on your skin – naturally, the food tastes much better.

Experience "fresh seafood" in Da Nang

5.2 Forest products

Sơn Trà is not just about the sea. Dishes made from wild vegetables, grilled dishes, leaf soups, and local-style dipping sauces create an “eat like a local” experience: simple yet flavorful.
If you want to change your taste after many seafood meals, choose a meal with wild vegetables, grilled dishes, and Da Nang-style dipping sauces – both hearty and a true “change of wind.”

5.3 Coconut wine

Coconut wine is an interesting specialty of Sơn Trà: glutinous rice wine brewed in old coconuts, creating a sweet, light, and easy-to-drink flavor. Many tourists choose to buy it as a gift because it is both unique and carries the mark of “only found in Sơn Trà.”

Sơn Trà is not just a destination; it is the green heartbeat of Da Nang. Spend a full day on this peninsula: in the morning, enjoy the sea, in the afternoon, enter the forest, in the evening, hunt for the sunset, and at night, listen to the wind tell stories. There are places you only understand after visiting – and Sơn Trà is one of those places.