The name 'Bàn Cờ' translates literally to 'Chessboard Peak'.
The peak is part of the Son Tra Nature Reserve, which is home to the endangered red-shanked douc langur.
The temperature at the summit is significantly cooler than in Da Nang city center due to the elevation.
The location serves as a strategic vantage point for observing the entire urban sprawl and maritime traffic of Da Nang bay.
The statue of the chess player was installed to materialize the folklore surrounding the peak.
Đỉnh Bàn Cờ is the highest peak on the Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang, standing at approximately 700 meters above sea level. The summit is famous for a stone statue of a chess player sitting at a table, referencing a local legend about celestial beings playing chess. It provides a panoramic view of the Da Nang coastline, the Han River, and the city skyline. The road to the summit involves steep, winding paths through dense tropical jungle. Visitors can observe wild rhesus macaques along the access route. The area serves as a primary observation point for the Son Tra Nature Reserve's forest canopy.
Beside the statue of the chess player, capturing the view of the city and coastline in the background.
Ensure your motorcycle or vehicle has strong brakes, as the descent is steep and challenging.
Carry a light jacket, as temperatures drop noticeably at the summit compared to the base.
Check weather conditions beforehand; heavy fog or cloud cover frequently obscures the view during the rainy season.
Attempting the climb during heavy rain or thick fog, as the roads become slippery and the visibility at the summit is reduced to zero.
Do not feed the wild macaques, as they can become aggressive and are susceptible to human diseases.