The mountain is nicknamed the 'Monkey Mountain' due to the significant population of red-shanked douc langurs in the surrounding forest.
The name 'Ban Co' translates literally to 'Chessboard', derived from the statue of the deity playing an eternal game of chess.
The location serves as a critical strategic point for telecommunications and weather monitoring infrastructure on the peninsula.
The road leading to the peak is characterized by a gradient that requires experienced riders due to tight hairpins and steep inclines.
Ban Co Peak, situated at an altitude of approximately 700 meters atop Son Tra Peninsula, serves as the highest point overlooking Da Nang. The peak features a stone statue of a man playing chess, inspired by local folklore regarding celestial beings who descended to play on the mountain. Visitors gain a 360-degree perspective of the Da Nang coastline, the Han River, and the urban skyline. The summit is accessible via a steep, winding road that navigates through the Son Tra Nature Reserve's dense forest canopy. The area is frequently shrouded in mist, which can obscure visibility during the wet season. The peak remains an essential landmark for orienting oneself within the geography of the surrounding bay area.
Beside the chessboard deity statue looking out toward the Da Nang bay coastline.
Bring a light jacket as temperatures drop significantly compared to the city center due to the elevation.
Check local weather reports specifically for Son Tra Peninsula, as cloud cover here often differs from the coastal beaches.
Use low gears when descending to prevent brake overheating.
Attempting the ascent on a scooter if you are an inexperienced driver; the steep terrain is hazardous in wet conditions.
Maintain noise levels to minimize disturbance to local wildlife; do not feed the monkeys.
