The Monkey Mountain

Monkey Mountain is the nickname for the whole Son Tra Peninsula, a forested lump of headland just north of Da Nang that's home to troops of wild macaques and the rare red-shanked douc langur. A loop of the coast road takes in Lady Buddha, clifftop viewpoints, hidden beaches and Ban Co Peak, with the odd monkey watching from the verge. It's the city's green lung and its best half-day drive. Rent a motorbike or car — the gradients rule out scooters two-up — and go early for cool air and wildlife. The peninsula itself is free to roam.

Highlights