Son Tra District: Da Nang's Hidden Gem

• HelloXin chào
  [sin chow]
• GoodbyeTạm biệt
  [tahm byet]
• YesVâng
  [vang]
• NoKhông
  [kohng]
• Please/You're welcomeXin vui lòng
  [sin vui long]
• Thank youCảm ơn
  [kahm uhn]
• Excuse me/SorryXin lỗi
  [sin loy]
• How are you?Bạn khỏe không?
  [bahn kwe kohng]
• Fine. And you?Khỏe. Còn bạn?
  [kwe. kawn bahn]
• Do you speak English?Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không?
  [bahn koh noy tyeng ang kohng]
• I don't understandTôi không hiểu
  [toy kohng hye-oo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseTôi muốn xem menu, vui lòng
  [toy muhng sem men-oo, vwee long]
• I don't eat meatTôi không ăn thịt
  [toy kohng un tit]
• Cheers!Chúc sức khỏe!
  [chuhk sook kwe]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTôi muốn thanh toán, vui lòng
  [toy muhng thanh toan, vwee long]

• Help!Cứu!
  [kyoo]
• Go away!Đi ra!
  [dee rah]
• Call the Police!Gọi cảnh sát!
  [goy kahng saht]
• Call a doctor!Gọi bác sĩ!
  [goy bahk see]
• I'm lostTôi bị lạc đường
  [toy bee lahk doong]
• I'm illTôi bị ốm
  [toy bee ohm]

• I'd like to buy...Tôi muốn mua...
  [toy muhng mwa]
• I'm just lookingTôi chỉ xem
  [toy chih sem]
• How much is it?Bao nhiêu tiền?
  [bah-oh nyew tee-en]
• That's too expensiveĐắt quá
  [daht kwa]
• Can you lower the price?Bạn có thể giảm giá không?
  [bahn koh te zahm zah kohng]

• What time is it?Bây giờ là mấy giờ?
  [by-gyaw lah may zyaw]
• It's one o'clockMột giờ
  [moot zyaw]
• Half past (10)Rưỡi mười
  [roo-ee moo-ee]
• MorningBuổi sáng
  [bwoi sahng]
• AfternoonBuổi chiều
  [bwoi chee-ew]
• EveningBuổi tối
  [bwoi toy]
• YesterdayHôm qua
  [hohm kwah]
• TodayHôm nay
  [hohm nigh]
• TomorrowNgày mai
  [ny-eye my]
• 1Một
  [moot]
• 2Hai
  [high]
• 3Ba
  [bah]
• 4Bốn
  [buhn]
• 5Năm
  [nahm]
• 6Sáu
  [sow]
• 7Bảy
  [bah-ee]
• 8Tám
  [tahm]
• 9Chín
  [cheen]
• 10Mười
  [moo-ee]

• Where's a/the...?Chỗ...ở đâu?
  [chuh oh dow]
• What's the address?Địa chỉ là gì?
  [dee-ah chee la zee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bạn có thể chỉ cho tôi (trên bản đồ) không?
  [bahn koh te chee chaw toy trern bahn doh kohng]
• When's the next (bus)?Khi nào là chuyến xe buýt tiếp theo?
  [khee now la chwee-en se boo-eet tyep the-oh]
• A ticket (to ....)Một vé (đi đến ....)
  [moot vay dee dehn]

Son Tra District, often referred to as Monkey Mountain, is steeped in legends that date back centuries. According to local folklore, the area was named after the Son Tra Peninsula, which is believed to be the home of various mythical creatures. The mountain has long been a sacred place for locals, who worshipped deities believed to protect the land and sea.

In the late 19th century, during French colonial rule, Son Tra District began to modernize. The French established coastal defenses and built infrastructure, transforming the area into a strategic military base. The remnants of colonial architecture, including villas and churches, reflect this period and can be explored in the district today.

During the Vietnam War, Son Tra was of critical military importance due to its strategic location overlooking Da Nang Bay. The United States established a military presence, building radar installations and communications centers. The remnants of these installations can still be found, serving as poignant reminders of the turbulent history of the region.

In recent decades, Son Tra has been the focus of cultural heritage preservation efforts. The area is home to several important historical sites, including the Linh Ung Pagoda, which features a giant statue of the Bodhisattva of Mercy and attracts both locals and tourists. These sites reflect the blend of traditional Vietnamese culture with the natural beauty of the region.

Son Tra District is also recognized for its rich biodiversity, with the Son Tra Nature Reserve established to protect its unique flora and fauna. The district's commitment to environmental conservation is a significant aspect of its modern identity, drawing attention to the need to balance development with the preservation of natural heritage.

Son Tra District is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Da Nang. From the city center, you can take a taxi, which typically costs around 100,000 VND and takes about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, local buses numbered 1 and 5 connect the district to central Da Nang. If you are arriving from Da Nang International Airport, a taxi ride will take approximately 30 minutes and cost around 200,000 VND.

Son Tra District is best explored by motorbike or bicycle, which can be rented from various shops throughout the area. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab are also widely available. Public buses run through the district, but their frequency may be less than in the city center. For those who prefer walking, many attractions, like Linh Ung Pagoda and My Khe Beach, are within a reasonable distance.

Son Tra District is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas, especially near the beach. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded places. Be cautious around secluded areas of the Son Tra Peninsula, where wildlife encounters can happen.

In case of emergency, dial 113 for police assistance, 115 for medical emergencies, and 114 for fire services. Local hospitals and clinics are available in Da Nang, with several located close to Son Tra District. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergency medical needs.

Fashion: Do wear light, breathable clothing suitable for the tropical climate, and swimwear at the beach. Don't wear revealing clothing outside of beach areas, especially when visiting temples. Religion: Do show respect by covering your shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites. Don't take photos in restricted areas. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile and a nod. Don't be overly familiar; a firm handshake is appropriate. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood and street food. Don’t drink tap water; opt for bottled water instead.

To experience Son Tra District like a local, visit the local markets for fresh seafood and produce. Engage with fishermen at the beach in the early morning, which offers a glimpse into daily life. Try to explore the lesser-known trails in the Son Tra Peninsula for stunning views and a chance to see the rare red-shanked douc langur. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time for hiking, as temperatures are cooler.