There are experiences in Da Nang that amaze anyone, and Ban Co Peak (Chessboard Peak) is one of them. From a high position, the view embraces the entire city and the vast sea and sky, but the story about the road up to Ban Co peak, the legendary check-in spots and the cloud hunting moment are what make it an unmissable destination for tourists. Let's explore with Queen Cafe Bus to know why this place has become a "must-visit" destination in Da Nang!
1.Overview of Ban Co Peak – The "Roof" of Da Nang
Amidst the drifting clouds of Son Tra, the journey to conquer Ban Co peak in Da Nang opens up a view of the city and the vast sea. The winding road leads the way like telling a story of patience, so that on the "roof" of Da Nang, every experience becomes worthwhile.
1.1. Where is Ban Co Peak?
1.1.1. Exact location of Ban Co Peak on Son Tra peninsula
Ban Co Peak is located on the Son Tra peninsula, in Tho Quang ward, Son Tra district, Da Nang city. This is one of the most prime locations to view the panorama of the city, where mountains and sea harmonize to create a majestic scenery.
1.1.2. How far is Ban Co Peak from Da Nang center?
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From the city center, the road to Ban Co peak in Da Nang is about 20km long, taking about 30-40 minutes to travel by motorbike or car. The route is winding but very attractive, taking tourists through the signature green patches of the Son Tra peninsula.
1.2. Decoding the name "Ban Co Peak" and the thrilling legend of the fairy chessboard
The ancients tell that, amidst the thousands of clouds of Son Tra, there is a place where fairies often came to enjoy the beautiful scenery and play chess. High on the mountain peak, endless games of chess were laid out, causing this place to gradually be called by the familiar name: Ban Co Peak (Chessboard Peak).
During one descent to earth, De Thich - a famously wise fairy - played a game of chess with a Fairy that lasted day after day. The chess position was complicated, no one could find the perfect move. Gradually, the fairy guests left one by one, leaving only De Thich sitting quietly, deep in thought in front of the unfinished chessboard. That legend sowed a mystical hue onto the mountain peak, both real and dreamy.
Today, when setting foot on Ban Co peak in Da Nang, visitors will encounter the statue of De Thich sitting thoughtfully beside the stone chessboard. That image seems to recreate the unfinished chess game of the past, reminding of patience, wisdom and the desire to find the solution.
1.3. Impressive specifications of Ban Co Peak
1.3.1. How high is Ban Co Peak above sea level?
At an altitude of nearly 700m, Ban Co Peak seems to touch the sky and clouds, opening up a view that embraces Da Nang, where the city, mountains, forests and the sea harmonize in a single scenery. Halfway up the sky and clouds, the scenery opens up overwhelmingly: the shimmering Da Nang city streets, the endlessly stretching My Khe beach trải dài bất tận. Khi nắng trong, còn thấy cả Cù Lao Chàm và Bach Ma mountainin in the distance.
2.Detailed guide to the road up to Ban Co Peak for first-timers
Conquering the road up to Ban Co Peak for the first time always brings a lot of excitement: the winding road, the cool sea breeze and the Son Tra scenery gradually appearing. If you are looking for an easy-to-remember and safe route, the following content will be the "map" for you.
2.1. What means of transport should you choose to travel safely to Ban Co Peak?
2.1.1. Manual/Semi-automatic motorbike
A manual motorbike is the safest and most suitable choice to conquer the road up to Ban Co Peak. Characterized by high slopes and many sharp curves, a manual motorbike helps control speed better and ensures road grip. This is also the means highly recommended by tourists and locals when exploring the Son Tra peninsula.
2.1.2. Scooter:
According to traffic management regulations,Da Nang officially bans scooters from going up the Son Tra peninsula to ensure safety for tourists. The reason is that the braking system and hill-climbing ability of scooters are not suitable for the uniquely winding, steep road sections here. If you want to experience it by motorbike, tourists should choose to rent a manual motorbike to travel more safely. Before departing, do not forget to check the brakes, tires and fill up the gas tank to make the journey to Ban Co Peak more complete.
2.1.3. Car/Service vehicle
If you travel in a large group or a family with young children, a car or service vehicle is an ideal choice. Both comfortable and safe, you can enjoy the trip without worrying about steering on winding slopes. In particular, service vehicles specializing in serving Son Tra visitors often have drivers familiar with the road, helping the journey to be more peaceful. However, the road is quite narrow, so you should only choose vehicles with 16 seats or less for easy movement.
2.2. Two routes conquering Ban Co Peak Da Nang
Wanting to go up Ban Co Peak to see the sky and clouds of Da Nang, you can choose one of the two roads up to Ban Co Peak: a gentle road for new drivers, or a winding steep route with beautiful scenery that makes anyone who travels it remember forever.
2.2.1. Route 1 (From Yet Kieu):
If you want a gentle trip, the Yet Kieu route will be a smooth greeting. The gently sloping road, with few steep hills, opens the way for unsteady drivers. While traveling and breathing the fresh air, you will feel each step getting closer to the "roof" of Son Tra without any rush.
2.2.2. Route 2 (From Hoang Sa via Linh Ung Pagoda):
In contrast to that tranquility, the route from Hoang Sa leading past Linh Ung pagoda is a more challenging journey. The road is steep, winding, but in return is the scenery opening up before your eyes: the blue sea embracing the horizon, the majestic Linh Ung pagoda amidst the clouds and sky. This is the road for steady drivers, and the reward is an unforgettable "heart-touching" natural picture.
3. "Pocket" the latest regulations when visiting Ban Co Peak Tho Quang Son Tra
A journey to conquer Ban Co Peak Da Nang always promises a memorable experience. However, before departing, do not forget to update the latest regulations so the trip is both safe and complete.
3.1. Permitted visiting hours of Ban Co Peak
Ban Co Peak Da Nang is open from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM daily, so arrange a reasonable schedule to be in time to view the panoramic city, and enjoy the safe return route before dark.
Tips for you:
- You should go early in the morning to avoid the harsh sun and have plenty of time to stop and take photos along the way up to Ban Co Peak.
- The afternoon around 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM is the golden time to hunt the sunset, but remember to leave before 7:00 PM to ensure safety.
3.2. Regulations on Son Tra peninsula access cards
To ensure traffic safety and national defense security, since late 2019, the Management Board of Son Tra Peninsula and Da Nang tourist beaches has implemented some regulations for visitors to Ban Co Peak Da Nang:
- Green card - for tourists:
- Only applies to tourists, does not replace other types of traffic permits.
- Tourists need to bring ID card/CCCD (for Vietnamese) or passport (for foreigners) to register when passing the checkpoint.
- Used during the day and must be returned to staff when leaving the post.
- Yellow card - for locals, researchers, photographers, scientific researchers:
- Granted with a long term to carry out official activities on the peninsula.
- Visitors need to bring ID card/CCCD (for Vietnamese) or passport (for foreigners) to do procedures.
- Ban scooters and cars over 24 seats from traveling up and down Son Tra peninsula to ensure traffic safety.
- Tourists can choose manual motorbikes or shuttle vehicles to move when sightseeing.
- When traveling by motorbike, authorities recommend reducing speed, observing carefully on steep, winding road sections to ensure absolute safety.
3.3. Other safety and environmental protection regulations on Ban Co Peak
Safety regulations:
- Do not speed, overtake recklessly, especially at steep curves.
- Do not gather, play around cliff areas, it's easy to slip.
- Proactively monitor the weather, limit movement when it rains or there is thick fog.
Environmental protection regulations:
- Do not litter, bring trash down the mountain or put it in designated places.
- Do not pick flowers, break branches, hunt animals in the natural forest area.
- Limit noise, keep a quiet space so as not to affect wild animals.
4. 9 Unmissable experiences when coming to Ban Co Peak
From the road up to Ban Co Peak, fully experience Da Nang with a brilliant sunrise, drifting clouds over the blue sea and rolling forests, to the sunset casting golden light over the sparkling city.
4.1. Hunt clouds and catch the first rays of dawn in the city
Start the journey very early on the road up to Ban Co Peak, when fluffy clouds drift over the blue sea and rolling mountains and forests. The first ray of dawn shines on the city, creating a quiet but energetic scene, making every step worthwhile.
4.2. Check-in "burning the camera" with million-dollar views
At the legendary chessboard and De Thich statue, every view angle is an opportunity to pose and save the moment. The panoramic view of the city, My Khe beach and Son Tra mountains and forests stretching before your eyes, brings impressive photos, easily making viewers "marvel".
4.3. Camp overnight amidst nature and stargaze
For those who love nature, overnight camping and stargazing brings a feeling of absolute peace. Spend a night amidst nature, sit by the campfire, listen to the wind blowing through the tree canopy and observe the starry sky.
4.4. Look at Da Nang shimmering, magical at night
When the city lights up, looking down from Ban Co peak, the bridges, Han river and neighborhoods sparkling under the lights create a shimmering, magical scenery. This is the ideal moment to feel the different and complete beauty of Da Nang at night.
4.5. Search for the footprints of the Red-shanked douc langur – "Queen of primates"
Finally, do not miss the opportunity to track the Red-shanked douc langur, the "Queen of primates" of Son Tra, to explore the rich ecosystem here. Each experience makes the journey to Ban Co Peak complete and unforgettable.
5. Perfect planning: Timing and things to prepare when visiting Ban Co Peak
5.1. Which season is best to travel to Ban Co Peak?
Exploring Ban Co Peak is best during the dry season from February to September. At this time on the road up to Ban Co peak, the sky is clear, the blue sea stretches out, rolling mountains and forests and the city sparkles. This time is ideal for cloud hunting, catching the sunrise or sunset, checking in at million-dollar views and fully enjoying the "roof" experience of Da Nang amidst majestic nature.
5.2. Necessary clothing and items to bring when going up Ban Co PeaksSuggestions for clothing & items to bring when going up Ban Co Peak
Gợi ý trang phục & vật dụng cần mang khi lên Đỉnh Bàn Cờ
- Sneakers or climbing shoes: move safely on steep roads.
- Light jacket: windproof, changing weather.
- T-shirt, comfortable long pants: easy to move, protect skin.
- Hat, sunglasses, multi-purpose scarf: sun and dust protection.
- Adequate drinking water: keep the body alert.s
- Snacks & sunscreen: replenish energy and protect skin.
5.3. "Golden" safety notes when backpacking by motorbike up Ban Co Peak
- Check the vehicle before going: brakes, tires, gas, lights to ensure safety on winding steep roads.
- Keep a moderate speed: the road to the peak has many curves and slopes, limit risks.
- Do not go at night: limited visibility, easy to slip or have accidents.
- Obey signs & routes: especially on the road up to Ban Co Peak Da Nang.
- Equip protective gear: helmet, gloves, suitable shoes.
Bring water & snacks: keep energy when moving over a long distance.
6. Combine visiting famous places near Ban Co Peak
After exploring Ban Co Peak Tho Quang Son Tra Da Nang, the journey can continue to experience neighboring areas.
6.1. Linh Ung Pagoda Bai But
Linh Ung Pagodais is famous for the giant Buddha statue facing the sea bringing a feeling of absolute peace. The sound of the bell echoing amidst the mountains and forests and the sea breeze makes tourists feel calm, completely relaxing amidst majestic nature.
6.2. Thousand-Year-Old Banyan Tree
Admiring the thousands-of-years-old banyan tree,it feels like standing before a living legend in the middle of Son Tra forest. Every branch, leaf, every spreading root tells a story of time and the power of nature, making every step exciting.
6.3. Bãi Bụt, Bãi Tiên Sa, Bãi Đá Đen
The pristine beaches with white sand and rustling waves truly make the heart flutter. Every moment standing before the vast blue sea, taking photos and breathing the fresh air brings a feeling of completeness, excitement to the extreme.
6.4. Son Tra Lighthouse
Climbing up the lighthouse, casting your eyes over the panoramic view of the peninsula, the sea, sky and city under the brilliant sunlight, a feeling of excitement spreads throughout the body. This is an unmissable check-in spot, where every photo is full of vitality and energy.
7. Journey to Da Nang – Start the Ban Co Peak adventure
To start the journey to explore Da Nang, you can choose many means of transport such as airplanes, trains. Especially, for those who want to have an economical and comfortable trip, the sleeper bus is an ideal choice. Queen Cafe Bus provides high-quality bus routes from Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An... to Da Nang, helping you rest on the way and get ready for the adventure at Son Tra peninsula.
Below is a price list of some main routes that Queen Bus Cafe provides to help you plan your trip to Da Nang more easily!
| JOURNEY | PRICE | BOOK TICKETS |
| Hanoi ⇔ Da Nang | 450.000 VNĐ – 750.000 VNĐ | Place it here |
| Hue ⇔ Da Nang | 150.000 VND/pax | Place it here |
| Hoi An ⇔ Da Nang | 150.000 VND/pax | Place it here |
| Ninh Binh ⇔ Da Nang | 450.000 VNĐ – 500.000 VNĐ | Place it here |
| Quang Binh ⇔ Da Nang | 250.000 VNĐ – 300.000 VNĐ | Place it here |
📞 For attentive consultation and the fastest ticket booking, you can contact:
- Hotline: 0906.413.468 – 0914.215.809
- Zalo: 0905.746.884 – 0914.215.809
- Website: https://queenbus.com.vn/
- Fanpage: Queen Cafe Open Bus
Ban Co Peak awaits you to explore! Let Queen Bus Cafe take you to Da Nang safely, comfortably and ready for any majestic experience.