Son Tra Peninsula is compared to Da Nang’s green lung. There are a lot of well-known tourist attractions gathered there. Ban Co peak (Chessboard peak), the highest point on the Son Tra peninsula, is a mysterious peak located at the top of the peninsula. It holds fascinating legends that you should explore in addition to its stunning and captivating natural surroundings. The location known as the “roof of Da Nang” is undoubtedly something that visitors to the Son Tra peninsula should not miss.
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1. Ban Co Peak Legend
There are numerous stories concerning the origins of Ban Co Peak, and the most popular one is still told today. Once upon a time, an old fairy descended on the Son Tra Peninsula. Captivated by the beauty of the surroundings, he chose to rest and sit on a rock on a mountaintop to take in the scenery. During his sightseeing, he carved a Chinese chessboard into the rock. De Thich, a talented chess player among the celestial creatures, happened to come by and quickly asked for a game. The two players were so good that even after several days, the chess game had not ended. They continued to play chess in the tranquil and peaceful surroundings of Son Tra day after day.
One day, a group of beautiful fairies appeared on a nearby beach, which became known as Tien Sa Beach. After immersing themselves in the crystal-clear waters of Tien Sa beach, the fairies gathered on the mountainside surrounding the rock to see De Thich’s game with the old fairy. Unfortunately, De Thich was distracted by the fairies’ delighted laughing, making a bad decision on move chess and eventually accepting defeat.
After winning the chess game, the old fairy being gleefully flew back to the sky, leaving De Thich astonished and thinking how to solve the game. Despite his best efforts, he was unable to discover a solution. As a result, the locals built a stone chessboard and a statue of De Thich, immersed in thought. The name Ban Co Peak was born, and it quickly gained popularity among everyone.
2. Location and How to get Ban Co Peak?
Ban Co Peak is situated in Tho Quang Ward, Son Tra District, Da Nang City, approximately 15 kilometers from the city center. To reach here from Linh Ung Pagoda, go 8 kilometers through the forest. It usually takes approximately 45 minutes to go (the speed will be slower due to the steep mountain road). The road to peak is always impressive, intrigued by the landscape, which is serene, and full of wildlife. The meandering route along the mountains hugging the Son Tra peninsula, flat at the bottom and sloping back halfway up.
This is regarded as the city’s highest point, standing 700 meters above sea level. From here, you will see the entire city of Da Nang, including skyscrapers, the Han River and its bridges, ships floating in the sea, and Da Nang’s white sand beaches. It is also where you can see the most spectacular sunsets and sunrises in the coastal city.
With the stunning splendor of Da Nang’s Ban Co peak, people from all over come to conquer this destination. Motorbike and private car are the two types of transportation available to visitors to this Da Nang tourist site.
– By Motorbike: This mode of transportation is especially popular among young people who enjoy speed and dust. When traveling by motorbike, you have the freedom to film and photograph. Furthermore, it is more active when it comes to stops and check in. However, the motorcycle path to the peak is very steep and difficult to drive. So do not rent a scooter! To reach the peak, rent new and powerful motorbikes.
– By Private Car: Private Car is ideal for inexperienced drivers, the elderly, and families with many young children. You can choose your departure time, itinerary, and stop location. Traveling by private car allows you to enjoy the landscape along the route. Most importantly, the car’s pricing includes both journeys up and down! So don’t hesitate to book our Da Nang to Monkey Mountain by Private Car
3. What to explore at Ban Co Peak?
Many travelers visit Ban Co Peak to escape the city’s noise and bustle and experience Da Nang in their own unique way. So, what does Da Nang’s chessboard peak have to explore?
Enjoy the panoramic view of Da Nang city from the top
The route to Ban Co peak on the Son Tra peninsula is stunning, yet the higher you go, the steeper the road becomes. The scenery will be more impressive as you get higher. As a fairy dreams in the center of the sky, Da Nang leans to relax and gently bends along the gorgeous sea from the top of Ban Co Peak. The beauty of Da Nang can be seen directly in front of you.
Standing on the same level as heaven and earth, you may fully appreciate the breathtaking view of the Son Tra Mountains and Da Nang City. You’ll be treated to a spectacular scene. Skyscrapers, bridges across the Han River, and boats floating on the sea are all present, but each scene is unique. At night, the city’s bright lights can cause you to fall in love with the magnificent surroundings.
Furthermore, on the approach to the peak, there are little cafés and local specialty restaurants that serve delectable delicacies such roasted duck and grilled geese at reasonable prices. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy both the beautiful scenery and the delicious local cuisine while visiting the area.
Enjoy the breathtaking sunrise and sunset at Ban Co Peak
Son Tra Peninsula is especially picturesque in the early morning and late afternoon. The sunrise from the top of the mountain like a wonderful picture, with a dazzling blue sea on one side and grass and flowers on the other. The sun in the distant is orange and golden, and it moves. If you get to the top of Ban Co early in the morning, you can see the dew drops on the leaves for yourself. Each red sunshine that shines through the woodland makes a great scene. It will undoubtedly be an ideal setting for you to enjoy the transitional times of the day.
If you don’t have time to see the sunrise, you can still enjoy Son Tra Peninsula at sunset. To take in the landscape, start departing between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. You can breathe fresh air and observe the attractive scenery with the fishermen’s boats at Da Nang beach.
Cloud-Hunting on Ban Co Peak
Ban Co Peak’s charming, cool scenery, wide viewing angle, and proximity to the city make it a popular cloud hunting destination for many travelers visiting Da Nang. Early in the morning, while the fog is still covering the mountain’s center, is when it is most picturesque. Come here early in the year if you want to to successfully conquer a beautiful Son Tra throughout the cloudy seasons.
When cloud hunting on the Son Tra peninsula, keep in mind that the best months to go are January and February. The early morning clouds above the old forest will be more felt by you. The serene ocean surface and beautiful silence will be on the other side.
Take Photos with the De Thich Statue
Here, you can not only admire the scenery, but also sit at the chess table with De Thich. If you don’t stop and take a photo with De Thich’s statue when you reach the top of Ban Co Peak, you’re missing out. International tourists are particularly interested in this statue because it is a well-known statue in folklore and a check-in point.
Immersed in the calm times, sitting and considering the final chess to enroll in the legendary, like the king of Chinese chess. Or simply take a photo with De Thich to memorialize the occasion. It couldn’t be more exciting if, after a long journey to the city’s highest coordinates, you stopped to play chess and enjoy the fresh air of this area.
4. The best time to Ban Co Peak
Da Nang’s weather is influenced by the sea because the majority of the area is close to it. The year here is separated into two seasons: rainy and dry. On rainy days, getting to the top will be difficult. So, you should plan and book a trip during the dry season, when conditions are more favorable. February to September are good months since the weather is dry and bright, the roads are easy to navigate, and the scenery is more beautiful and appealing.
The best time to visit Ban Co Peak is early in the morning, when Da Nang city and Son Tra Peninsula nature are still sleeping in the glistening sun. Also, you should plan to return before 5:00 p.m. because the dark road will be exceedingly risky.
5. Travel Tips
To enjoy a safe and enjoyable visit to Ban Co Peak in Da Nang, tourists need remember the following:
– Dress neatly, comfortably, and with sports shoes for ease movement and exploration. Remember to bring a jacket to be warm and protected from the sun.
– There are no food businesses on Ban Co Peak, so bring your own food and drinks. This allows you to take in the beauty while enjoying a picnic.
– Keep the rental car provider’s or accommodation facility’s phone number ready in case of an emergency requiring assistance.
entry to peak is closed till 730am in the morning