REVIEW · DA NANG
Scooter Adventure on Monkey Mountain
Book on Viator →Operated by Da Nang Scooter Adventures · Bookable on Viator
One scooter ride, and suddenly you see Da Nang differently. This small-group Monkey Mountain adventure strings together a fishing village, the Linh Ung Pagoda area with the 67m Lady Buddha, and ocean views with that good kind of momentum you want on a half-day trip.
I especially like the thoughtful flow: hotel pickup if you request it, a picnic lunch to keep you fueled, and an end point at a secluded beach that feels like the opposite of a crowded tour. The guides also come across as genuinely attentive and clear—people often call out their safety sense and local context, including names like Chris, Binh, Thanh, Tam, and Bao.
One consideration: this is built for people who can handle a scooter ride and some moderate walking at viewpoints, and it runs only with favorable weather—so plan to check conditions and wear shoes you trust.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- How the Son Tra scooter route makes sense (and feels local)
- Price and value: what $57.70 buys you in real time
- Pickup, meeting point, and the start-of-tour vibe
- The 4-hour format: how to pace yourself
- Stop 1: Monkey Mountain’s fishing village and why it’s more than scenery
- Stop 2: Linh Ung Pagoda and the Lady Buddha at 67m
- Stop 3: Ban Co Peak viewpoints near the InterContinental area
- Lunch break: the picnic that keeps the half-day comfortable
- Riding on scooters: safety, comfort, and what to expect
- Wildlife and the Monkey Mountain mascot: when monkeys enter the story
- The hard-to-find beach ending: why that finale works
- Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)
- Practical tips to get the most out of it
- Weather and day planning: the one variable you can’t control
- So, should you book Scooter Adventure on Monkey Mountain?
- FAQ
- How long is the Monkey Mountain scooter adventure?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- How big is the group?
- What stops are included during the tour?
- Is lunch included, and can I choose a vegetarian option?
- Are admission tickets included for all stops?
- What are the minimum age and fitness requirements?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key things to know before you go

- Small group (up to 6): you’ll get a more personal pace and easier conversation with your guide
- Picnic lunch included: choose chicken, beef, or a vegetarian burger in advance
- Lady Buddha + ocean views: Linh Ung Pagoda is a major Da Nang symbol, with a 67m statue facing the sea
- Admission is partly included: pagoda and Ban Co Peak include admission, while the first stop’s admission ticket is not included
- Secluded beach finish: you’ll wrap up somewhere hard to find—great for photos and lingering
- Monkeys are a target: you’ll head down a quiet road with a real chance to spot Monkey Mountain’s furry residents
How the Son Tra scooter route makes sense (and feels local)

Da Nang is great, but Monkey Mountain on Son Tra is where the city really shows its layers: sea life down low, temples on the ridge, and skyline views that make you stop talking for a minute. This tour is designed as a tight loop so you’re not wasting your half-day stuck in traffic or backtracking.
The scooter format is the point. You move through viewpoints and side roads that would be hard to reach by bus or on your own without serious planning. And because the group is limited to just a handful of riders, it doesn’t feel like a moving bus stop.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Da Nang.
Price and value: what $57.70 buys you in real time

At $57.70 per person, you’re paying for more than transportation. You’re basically buying a guided route that includes snacks, bottled water, parking fees, and a picnic lunch—plus some admission that’s built into key stops.
To judge value, think about what you’d otherwise pay for. A proper half-day by yourself would mean sorting out scooters (or taxis), entry costs, and food. Here, the plan is pre-packed: you start with a fishing village, move to Linh Ung Pagoda, take breaks with drinks and fruit, and end with a beach finish.
Pickup, meeting point, and the start-of-tour vibe

The tour begins near the Esco Beach, Bar Lounge & Restaurant area in Sơn Trà. If you want pickup, you can request it from your local hotel, which removes one common headache in Da Nang—starting on time without playing map games.
You’ll also use a mobile ticket. That’s a small thing, but it matters when you’re bouncing between spots and don’t want to fumble with paper.
The 4-hour format: how to pace yourself

Expect about 4 hours total. That’s long enough for real variety—village, temple complex, mountain viewpoints, a food stop, and a beach ending—without turning into a full-day endurance test.
The tour is also built for a moderate fitness level, not a couch. You may face some stairs or uneven paths around viewpoints, so plan your shoes and balance accordingly.
Stop 1: Monkey Mountain’s fishing village and why it’s more than scenery

Your first stop is near the base of Son Tra (Monkey Mountain), at a local fishing village by the ocean. You get the early-life texture here: residents live right alongside the water, and the day starts with net drops and fresh collections from the sea.
Even if you only spend around 20 minutes there, it changes how the rest of the trip clicks. You’ll see the mountain not as a random landmark, but as part of a working coastal system—people, boats, and daily rhythms.
One practical note: admission for this first stop isn’t included. If you’re the type who likes knowing costs ahead of time, mentally budget for a small ticket.
Stop 2: Linh Ung Pagoda and the Lady Buddha at 67m

Linh Ung Pagoda is one of the big symbols of Da Nang. It was built in 2009, and it’s anchored by a striking 67m Lady Buddha that faces the ocean.
This is where you’ll feel the scale. You’re on a slope with sea views and temple atmosphere, and the viewpoint geometry makes it hard not to take photos—yet the place also feels like an active spiritual stop for local people, not just a photo set.
Admission at this stop is included, so you can concentrate on the experience rather than the money part.
Stop 3: Ban Co Peak viewpoints near the InterContinental area

Before the summit area, you’ll spend time near Ban Co Peak. The tour uses this section for a scenic pause: you get cool sea breeze, plus drinks and fruit while you enjoy the edge views near the InterContinental Resort Da Nang area.
That pause matters. Monkey Mountain is a ride of shifting viewpoints, and this kind of mid-route break keeps you from feeling rushed or shaky for the next climb and lookout.
Admission is included at this stop as well, which is nice when you’re counting what’s covered.
Lunch break: the picnic that keeps the half-day comfortable

Lunch is a picnic, and the tour includes vegetarian. You’ll choose between chicken, beef, or a vegetarian burger, and you should send your lunch choice through the built-in messenger when booking.
What I like about this is timing and simplicity. With a day this compact, you need food that doesn’t turn into a second itinerary. A packed picnic also helps you keep momentum without hunting for a spot.
You’ll also have snacks and bottled water included. Even on a mountain route, this kind of support keeps the day enjoyable instead of sweaty-and-irritable.
Riding on scooters: safety, comfort, and what to expect
You’ll be driving a scooter as part of the experience. In practice, that usually means you’re paired with a guide who handles navigation through the route’s turns and viewpoints, and you ride in the way that matches your comfort level.
Some riders pair up differently—one person may ride their own scooter while another rides with a guide. The common thread is that the guides are attentive and safety-minded, with multiple mentions of guides being easygoing, informative, and very aware on the road.
If you’re prone to motion sickness or you’re new to scooters, bring that up mentally before you go. Wear comfortable clothes, keep your water handy, and take slow breaks when you can.
Wildlife and the Monkey Mountain mascot: when monkeys enter the story
Monkey sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the tour is designed around the chance. After lunch and the viewpoint time, you head down a quiet road looking for the mountain’s fun-loving mascot—monkeys.
This is the payoff for people who want more than temples and views. Even if you don’t see monkeys immediately, you’re still riding through that calm, lower-road feel where wildlife is more likely to show up.
The hard-to-find beach ending: why that finale works
The last part is special: you finish at a secluded beach that’s described as hard to find. That matters because it changes how the tour feels at the end. Instead of returning to the same streets and crowds, you wrap up with a quieter coastline and space to breathe.
It’s also a great moment for pictures. After temple and mountain viewpoints, the beach gives you the contrast shot: sea air, softer light, and a sense of having reached the edge of the day’s story.
And yes, the tour ends back at the meeting point.
Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)
This is a strong fit if you want:
- a half-day plan with multiple types of scenery (village, pagoda, viewpoints, beach)
- a small group and a guide who explains what you’re seeing
- a structured day with food handled and admissions partially taken care of
It may be less ideal if you:
- don’t like scooter riding or uneven walking
- are traveling only with very young kids (minimum age is 10)
- want a totally weather-proof plan (the tour depends on favorable weather)
Practical tips to get the most out of it
- Wear closed-toe shoes with grip. Mountain paths and viewpoints can be slippery.
- Bring something light for sun and breeze. The route includes mountain edges with sea air.
- If you have dietary preferences beyond vegetarian, you should confirm what’s available during booking since the listed options are chicken, beef, or a vegetarian burger.
- Have your lunch choice ready during booking so you don’t slow the group down later.
If you’re the type who likes photos, this day gives you multiple natural photo stations: the fishing village waterfront feel, the Lady Buddha scale, and sea-breeze viewpoints.
Weather and day planning: the one variable you can’t control
This experience requires favorable weather. If it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund. In other words, the tour operator is protecting the experience quality—because a mountain scooter day with bad weather isn’t the same day.
So if your schedule is tight, build in some flexibility. Monkey Mountain days are best when visibility and road conditions are good.
So, should you book Scooter Adventure on Monkey Mountain?
I’d book it if you’re after an efficient, scenic half-day that feels more like a guided local route than a checklist. The big reasons are simple: small-group access, a real mix of fishing village + Linh Ung Pagoda + viewpoint stops, and a picnic lunch that keeps the schedule comfortable.
I’d think twice if you’re very sensitive to scooter riding or you hate doing stairs and short walks around viewpoints. And if weather could be shaky in your dates, don’t leave yourself with no backup options.
Overall, for Da Nang, this is a fun way to get out past the city core and into a quieter, more character-filled side of Son Tra—while still having food, guidance, and a clear plan.
FAQ
How long is the Monkey Mountain scooter adventure?
It lasts about 4 hours.
Is hotel pickup included?
Pickup is offered if you request it from your local hotel.
How big is the group?
The tour is limited to up to 6 travelers.
What stops are included during the tour?
You’ll visit the fishing village near Son Tra (Monkey Mountain), Linh Ung Pagoda, and Ban Co Peak, with time on the mountain route and a finish at a secluded beach.
Is lunch included, and can I choose a vegetarian option?
Yes. A picnic lunch is provided, with a vegetarian option available. You can choose chicken, beef, or a vegetarian burger.
Are admission tickets included for all stops?
Admission ticket details vary by stop: the first stop’s admission ticket is not included, while admission is included for Linh Ung Pagoda and Ban Co Peak.
What are the minimum age and fitness requirements?
The minimum age is 10 years, and the experience calls for a moderate physical fitness level.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour depends on favorable weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

























