Hidden Adventures: Exploring Mũi Nghê on Da Nang’s Son Tra Peninsula
When it comes to outdoor adventure, Da Nang is often underestimated by travelers. Its stunning coastline and proximity to nature offer a treasure trove of activities, all within a 15-30 minute drive from the city center. Whether it’s surfing, snorkeling, jungle treks, or waterfalls, Da Nang’s accessibility to nature is one of the reasons I chose to live here.
One destination that perfectly embodies adventure and natural beauty is Son Tra Peninsula, a protected nature reserve that forms a dramatic backdrop to Da Nang’s main beachfront. While the peninsula is famous for landmarks like Linh Ung Pagoda and the luxury Intercontinental Resort, its hidden gems remain largely unexplored by visitors. One of these treasures is Mũi Nghê, a secluded rock pool at the eastern tip of the peninsula, offering an adventurous journey through jungle paths and breathtaking vistas.
This guide will take you off the beaten path and into the heart of Son Tra’s wilderness, sharing my experience of exploring Mũi Nghê and how you can do the same.
Photography credit to Nhật Linh Photos
Adventure Begins: Getting to Mũi Nghê
Minute 1-10: Setting Off
It was a sunny summer morning in Da Nang, with turquoise waters promising great visibility for snorkeling. After packing essentials: water, reef-safe sunscreen, snorkeling gear, and snacks, we set off on a 125cc manual motorbike, meeting friends at Man Thai Beach. A quick stop at Mai Market provided fresh fruit, nuts, and an energizing Vietnamese iced coffee to fuel our journey.
Minute 10-25: The Scenic Drive
Riding along the edge of Son Tra Peninsula is a treat in itself. The city’s skyline fades behind you, replaced by lush jungle scents and panoramic views of the sea. Along the way, we passed curious macaque troops and made our way to the Intercontinental Resort checkpoint. Here’s an important tip: only manual or semi-automatic bikes are allowed beyond this point due to the steep roads ahead. Be prepared!
Minute 25-30: Into the Wild
The road past the checkpoint led us to a less-trodden path. After ascending a steep incline, we arrived at the 1000-year-old Banyan Tree, a significant landmark and a great place to catch to wander. Continuing on, the road eventually ends, signaling the start of the jungle trek to Mũi Nghê.
There are a few jungle treks on Son Tra rarely trodden by the travellers.
Into the Jungle: The Trek to Mũi Nghê
The trailhead is unassuming, marked by a small, trodden path on the sea-facing side of the road. As we ventured into the dense forest, we kept an eye out for trail markers left by previous explorers. Along the way, we were greeted by the shy and rare Red Shanked Duoc langurs observing us from the treetops—a magical encounter that reminded us of the rich biodiversity in this area.
After about 15 minutes of trekking, the dense jungle gave way to a cactus-studded grassland, signaling that we were nearing the cliffs overlooking Mũi Nghê.
The Descent: Reaching the Rock Pool
The descent to Mũi Nghê offers two options:
The Safe Way: A walking-friendly path leading down to the boulders.
The Fun Way: A steep, “ladder-like” climb requiring careful footing.
I opted for the fun way, carefully making my way down to the boulders below. Once at the bottom, we were greeted by the sparkling turquoise waters of the rock pool, a stunning oasis nestled between natural rock formations.
The rock pool’s calm waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, while its isolation from strong currents makes it a safe haven for marine life. We even took the opportunity to free dive along the ocean’s edge, encountering small jellyfish and abundant underwater life. I was impressed to see a family of 3 spear fishing with basic equipment on the edges where water meets cliff. I managed to retain my breath long enough to witness a successful hunt by one of the spear fisherman in a crevasse of a large boulder!
Wrapping Up: The Climb Back and Reflections
After hours of swimming, fruit snacks, and soaking in the beauty of Mũi Nghê, it was time to head back. The climb back through the jungle was more challenging than expected due to the consistent incline, but we made sure to leave the area well before sunset to avoid navigating the unlit roads after dark.
Back in the city, we celebrated the day with a hearty Vietnamese BBQ and ice-cold beers at a local quán nhậu, the perfect end to an adventurous day. (See my blog post about quán nhậu culture in Vietnam to understand more)
How to Get to Mũi Nghê
Drive along Vo Nguyen Giap Beach towards Son Tra Peninsula.
Turn right at the mountain road and pass Linh Ung Pagoda and drive all the way until you read the security checkpoint.
At the Intercontinental checkpoint, ensure you have a manual or semi-automatic bike.
At the Junction 50m ahead from the checkpoint, turn right and follow the road
When you read a fork in the road, take the right ride and continue
Drive past the Banyan Tree and park at the end of the road.
Find the small forest path on the right side of the road and follow it to Mũi Nghê.
What to Bring
Manual or semi-automatic bike (required beyond the checkpoint).
At least 2L of water per person.
Reef-safe sunscreen.
Snorkeling gear and fins.
Snacks or packed lunch.
A hat and comfortable trekking shoes.
Best Time to Visit
Ideal Months: February to September, especially May and June for the best snorkeling visibility.
Avoid: October to January due to wet weather, poor visibility, and occasional landslides.
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking a unique adventure in Da Nang without driving to far from the city, Mũi Nghê is a must-visit. Its remote beauty, vibrant marine life, and thrilling journey offer a perfect escape from the ordinary. Just remember to plan your trip well, respect the environment, and enjoy the incredible natural wonders of Son Tra Peninsula.
Still need a Guide to Mui Nghe? contact me for enquiries here