Monkey Mountain, Da Nang: Son Tra and the Lady Buddha
Son Tra Peninsula and Linh Ung Pagoda's 67-metre Lady Buddha: what you see, how it pairs with the Marble Mountains, and morning vs sunset tours.
By AmGo Travel5 min read
Son Tra Peninsula, better known as Monkey Mountain, is the green headland that closes off Da Nang's beaches to the north, and it is home to the city's most photographed landmark: the giant white Lady Buddha of Linh Ung Pagoda, looking out over the sea. This guide explains what you see on Son Tra, how a visit fits with the Marble Mountains, the difference between the morning and sunset tours, and what to wear at the pagoda, from the AmGo Travel team in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
What is Son Tra (Monkey Mountain)?
Son Tra is a forested peninsula at the north-east edge of Da Nang, rising to 693 metres above sea level. Its nickname comes from the monkeys that live in its forest, including the red-shanked douc langur, a colourful primate that has become a symbol of the peninsula. Much of Son Tra is a nature reserve, with winding roads, quiet coves and views back across the city and the bay.
For most visitors, though, Monkey Mountain means one place: Linh Ung Pagoda.
Linh Ung Pagoda and the Lady Buddha
Linh Ung Pagoda sits on the hillside facing the sea. Its centrepiece is a statue of the Goddess of Mercy (Quan Am), often called the Lady Buddha, standing 67 metres tall on a lotus-shaped platform and surrounded by 21 smaller Buddha sculptures. It is the tallest statue of the Goddess of Mercy in Southeast Asia, and locals believe she watches over the fishermen who work these waters.
Around the statue, an extensive bonsai garden and paved paths make for a gentle walk. Your guide tells the stories behind the pagoda while the sea breeze comes up from below. On a clear day the view takes in the curve of Da Nang's beaches and the city skyline.
One thing that confuses visitors: Da Nang has more than one Linh Ung Pagoda. There is one on Son Tra, one in the Marble Mountains and one on Ba Na Hills. When people say "the Lady Buddha", they mean the one on Son Tra.
How Monkey Mountain fits with the Marble Mountains
Son Tra and the Marble Mountains are both in Da Nang, so tours usually pair them. A typical half-day goes like this:
- Monkey Mountain and the Lady Buddha. A walk through the garden around the statue.
- The Marble Mountains. First the stone-carving workshops at the foot of the mountains, then the climb to 19th-century pagodas and the Huyen Khong or Tang Chon cave.
- Am Phu Cave. The largest cave in the complex, with its rock formations and Buddhist imagery.
At the Marble Mountains there are 146 steps from the foot of the mountain to the first stop, Xa Loi Tower, then 136 more to the cave system. An elevator covers the first 146 steps, at your own expense. Our guide to the Marble Mountains and Am Phu Cave covers that part of the day in more detail.
Morning tour or sunset tour?
Both tours visit the same places in a small group of up to 12 guests, with hotel pick-up from Da Nang's beachside hotels or Hoi An city, an English-speaking guide, a bottle of water and entrance fees for the Marble Mountains and Am Phu Cave.
Morning tour
- Pick-up 8:00–8:20 in Da Nang, 7:30–8:00 in Hoi An.
- Lunch included: a dish of mi Quang, central Vietnam's noodle dish, with frog, shrimp, egg, pork or a vegetarian version.
- Back at your hotel 12:30–13:00 in Da Nang, around 13:00 in Hoi An.
Sunset tour
- Pick-up 14:00–14:30 in Da Nang, 13:30–14:00 in Hoi An.
- No meal included.
- Back to the van at about 17:45, then drop-off around 18:00 in Da Nang and 18:30 in Hoi An.
Choose the morning if you want lunch included and a free afternoon at the beach. Choose the afternoon if you prefer a slow start and softer evening light, and want to be back in time for dinner.
Full day. If you are staying in Hoi An or want to see more, a full-day tour adds the Cam Thanh coconut jungle by basket boat and Hoi An Ancient Town by lantern light, with lunch, dinner and a flower lantern release on the Hoai River.
What to wear and bring
- Cover shoulders and knees. Linh Ung is an active pagoda. Bring a light scarf or wear a T-shirt and trousers or a long skirt.
- Comfortable shoes. The pagoda grounds are easy, but the Marble Mountains have stairs and uneven cave floors.
- Sun protection. Much of the garden is in the open; bring a hat and sunscreen.
- A light rain jacket. The tours run rain or shine.
Tips for visiting Monkey Mountain
- Look for the langurs, but do not feed them. Monkeys are wild animals, and feeding them is bad for their health.
- Be quiet in the main hall. Visitors are welcome, but locals come here to pray.
- Check your pick-up area. Pick-up is from Da Nang's beachside hotels (not past Tho Quang) and from Hoi An city; if you stay between the bridges and the city centre, you meet the group at a nearby point by the beach.
- Plan for Tet. There are no departures on some Tet dates, and a surcharge applies on some public holidays.
FAQ
Why is it called Monkey Mountain? Because of the monkeys that live in its forest, including the red-shanked douc langur. Son Tra is the peninsula's Vietnamese name.
How tall is the Lady Buddha in Da Nang? The statue of the Goddess of Mercy at Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra is 67 metres tall.
How long do I need at Monkey Mountain? On the half-day tours, Monkey Mountain is the first stop before the Marble Mountains and Am Phu Cave. The whole tour takes about four to five hours from hotel to hotel.
Is lunch included? On the morning tour, yes: a dish of mi Quang. The sunset tour has no meal.
Can I be picked up in Hoi An? Yes. Pick-up is from hotels in Hoi An city as well as Da Nang's beachside hotels.
Where can I book a Monkey Mountain tour? AmGo Travel, a Vietnamese team of trip planners and guides with an office at 61 Hang Ga, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, books Monkey Mountain and Marble Mountains tours from Da Nang and Hoi An. You can book at amgotravel.com or message the team on WhatsApp.
Monkey Mountain tours with AmGo Travel
See all Da Nang tours, or message AmGo Travel on WhatsApp and a local trip planner will help you choose a morning, sunset or full-day tour.
