Where is Monkey Mountain Da Nang (Son Tra Peninsula)?

Son Tra Peninsula, known as “Monkey Mountain”, is a vast nature reserve located just 10km northeast of the Da Nang city centre. It’s impossible to miss, especially as you walk north along the beach, it’s the lush green peak that rises up as a backdrop against the ocean. 

The easiest way to visit Monkey Mountain is by hiring a private car or by joining a guided tour. To reach the best spotting areas for the red-shanked doucs, which are located further up the mountain, the drive generally takes around 45 to 60 minutes due to the steep, winding roads. 

There are plenty of viewpoints along the way which provide incredible panoramic views across Da Nang and the coastline.

What is the Red-Shanked Douc Langur?

The red-shanked douc is one of the most colourful monkeys in the world. Best known for their vibrant orange faces and deep red legs, they are often referred to as the “Queen of Primates”, which seems perfectly fitting given their appearance. Their coats are almost costume-like, with red “stockings” and faces that seem like they’ve been carefully painted. They almost don’t look real. Locals have many names for them, including voọc ngũ sắc, which translates to the “five-coloured langur”. 

These monkeys live in small groups high in the forest canopy, where they feed on a diet of buds, leaves, and other plant parts. They are native only to Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. While the largest population is in the national protected areas of central Laos, the most easily observed population in the world is at Monkey Mountain in Da Nang. 

Unfortunately, they are critically endangered due to habitat loss and illegal hunting. It is estimated that only a few thousand remain in the wild, and their population has more than halved in just the last 30 years.

Spotting the Rare Red-Shanked Douc Langur

It’s not easy to spot the rare red-shanked douc langurs. They live in the dense forest canopy high up the mountain, and unlike the macaque monkeys near the Lady Buddha Pagoda, they tend to shy away from tourist crowds.  

You’ll need to be patient to see them, moving quietly and carefully scanning the treetops. They can be difficult to spot as they tend to stay high up in the trees. It’s definitely worth bringing binoculars, a spotting scope or camera with a long zoom lens. These aren’t items most tourists travel with, but if you join a tour, you’ll be supplied with the gear you need to help you get a clear view. In fact, most of the photos you see in this post have been taken through a spotting scope.

I honestly never would have been able to spot these rare monkeys on my own. I highly recommend booking a local guide for your visit to Monkey Mountain in Da Nang, you’ll have a much better chance at a successful sighting.

Should You Visit Independently or Join a Tour?

Visiting Independently

To visit independently, you could rent a scooter or hire a private car. However, it’s important to be aware that automatic scooters are banned from driving to the upper peaks of Son Tra Mountain due to accidents on the steep, winding roads. There are police guards at checkpoints in place to enforce this. 

While visiting without a guide is cheaper and offers the flexibility to go at your own pace, it could be a frustrating experience. You could easily spend hours driving and wandering around seeing nothing but trees, especially when you don’t have professional gear like binoculars or scopes to help you spot them high in the canopy.

Joining a Guided Tour

I highly recommend joining a guided tour. The local guides know the exact langur locations, including which “feeding trees” they are currently frequenting. They can also expertly track them, my guide would often stop, stand perfectly still and cup his hands beside his ears to listen. I couldn’t hear a thing, but he knew exactly which direction to lead us right to them every time.

While it’s impossible to guarantee a wildlife sighting, joining a tour gives you a much higher chance of success. This Endangered Monkey Safari Tour actually boasts a 100% success rate so far, and is supported by over 250 five-star reviews.

What to Expect on the Tour:

Tip: This tour often sells out a few days in advance due to the small group size, so I recommend booking early!

Essential Tips for Responsible Wildlife Tourism

To ensure these beautiful monkeys remain protected for years to come, ensure you’re being responsible during your visit to the Son Tra Peninsula:

FAQ

Where is the best place to see red-shanked douc langurs in Vietnam?

Monkey Mountain in Da Nang (Son Tra Peninsula) is widely considered to be the best and most accessible place to see them in the wild. It’s located just 10 kilometres from the Da Nang city centre.

What time of day is best to see the rare monkeys in Da Nang?

It’s best to visit during the early morning (6:00AM – 9:00AM) and late afternoon (4:00PM – 6:00PM). This is when the monkeys move into the lower canopy of the forest to feed, which can make it easier to spot them.

Can I see the rare monkeys at the Lady Buddha Pagoda?

It’s very rare. The monkeys you usually see near the pagoda are the macaques. The rare red-shanked doucs are shy and prefer the quiet forest further up the mountain.

Can I visit Monkey Mountain during the rainy season?

You can, but it’s not recommended as rain leads to poor visibility. There is also the risk of landslides and roads are frequently closed for safety.

What should I wear and bring?

I recommend wearing sturdy walking shoes and bringing insect repellent, as you’ll be walking in the tropical jungle. You should also bring binoculars to help you see the monkeys, especially if you’re not joining a guided tour that provides them.

Can I drive a scooter to the top of Monkey Mountain?

Automatic scooters are banned from driving to the upper peaks of Son Tra Mountain due to the steep roads and past accidents. There are police guarded checkpoints that enforce this. You must use a semi-automatic or manual motorbike, or join a guided tour.