Traveling to Danang always brings you surprises, if you are willing to explore it. The Thousand-Year Banyan Tree on Son Tra Peak in Danang is a place you should visit at least once. It is also known by a more memorable name, the Thousands Year Banyan Tree, because it has lived for nearly 1000 years.
Not only impressive in age, the Great Banyan Tree also attracts visitors with its strange and mysterious appearance that no one can fully explain. Let’s start the journey to explore this “heritage tree” with DanangPrivateCar.com’s.
A few notes about the landmark of the Thousands Year Banyan Tree on Son Tra Peninsula.
What are some other names for the ancient banyan tree?
Located within the jurisdiction of zone 63, part of the Son Tra Nature Reserve, the ancient banyan tree and numerous other banyan trees create a diverse forest. This particular banyan tree is especially beautiful, with many aerial roots plunging deep into the ground, creating a vivid scenery. Locals also call it the Thousand-Year-Old Banyan Tree or the Centennial Ancient Banyan Tree, both names are correct.
In 2014, scientists estimated the age of the ancient banyan tree to be around 800 years old, but some believe it could be over 1,000 years old. Based on this assessment, the banyan tree was designated as a heritage tree in Vietnam and became the first ancient banyan tree in the city of Da Nang. As a result, it has become a popular tourist attraction and a destination for adventurers.
What attracts tourists to the thousand-year-old banyan tree?
The unique shape of the banyan tree is what draws visitors to come and see it. The tree has a trunk circumference of up to 10 meters, with 26 aerial roots that plunge deep into the ground, each root about 25 meters high, like a series of buttresses that make the tree even more sturdy. All of this creates a magnificent landscape that is rarely seen.
If you come here and witness the “system” of the thousand-year-old banyan tree with your own eyes, you will understand why it has survived and is so beloved. The trunk is the highlight, radiating numerous branches around it to form a wide canopy, resembling a hand that has been twisted and bent. Looking up from the base of the tree, you will see that each branch has a different shape, weaving into each other like a giant snake, creating a spooky yet mysterious, ancient look.
The ancient banyan tree – a thousand-year-old mystery on Son Tra Peninsula.
If not for stories told, few would know that many mysterious disappearances have occurred near the area of the thousand-year-old banyan tree, mostly involving foreign visitors. Recently, locals and the Son Tra District police worked together to rescue a British tourist who was missing for two days on Son Tra. In addition, not long ago, a group of three Filipinos went trekking on Son Tra, and one of them got lost. Fortunately, a group of fishermen found and rescued them the next morning. Despite these stories, the ancient banyan tree remains an enchanting attraction for adventurers and nature enthusiasts.
Ideal time to visit the thousand-year-old banyan tree.
Due to its remote location, the banyan tree is quite far from the foot of the mountain, and it is also a deserted area, so visitors need to know when is the appropriate time to visit. The path to the ancient banyan tree is quite difficult, with steep slopes and dangerous terrain. To ensure safety, people should take advantage of sunny days and avoid rainy days. It is best to go in the morning and combine with the beautiful sea view. If you go in the afternoon, you should arrange to leave early and return before 4-5pm for safety.
Absolutely do not go on foggy days because it may obscure visibility. Moreover, the road up there is very slippery, and if you are not careful, accidents are very likely to occur. You can choose to go on cloudy days, but you should go in a group to support each other.
Refer to more articles: Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang
Determine the location and how to get to the Son Tra banyan tree.
Coordinates of the thousand-year-old banyan tree on Son Tra peninsula.
As one of the tourist attractions in Da Nang, the ancient banyan tree is located on the east side of Son Tra peninsula, part of the system of tourist destinations on Son Tra peninsula. It is about 10km away from Linh Ung Pagoda, near the Nghê Cape area, which is the first and most beautiful place to watch the sunrise in the city.
Guide to the way up the millennium banyan tree.
If the road to Linh Ung Pagoda, Rang Beach, Dong Dinh Museum, Da Beach, and Nam Beach are relatively flat, the way up the giant banyan tree is considered quite difficult with many winding and challenging slopes for adventurers. If it is the first time visiting, tourists will be overwhelmed by one side of the majestic rocky mountain and the other side of the vast sea.
To reach the location of the millennium banyan tree is quite easy. You just need to follow the Hoang Sa coastal route, go to the intersection of Nga Ba Bai Bac, and you will see a small road leading to the banyan tree. Generally, from Linh Ung Pagoda, it takes about 10 kilometers along the Hoang Sa road.
Suggesting means of transportation to the millennium banyan tree.
To have the most exciting experiences and enjoy the panoramic view of Son Tra Peninsula, a motorbike is still the most reasonable choice. You can easily observe everything from different perspectives and can actively stop to admire the scenery, take photos, or simply enjoy the fresh air at the top of Son Tra. This is something that you cannot see in the city. In addition, for tour groups with adults and children, choosing a car is recommended if you want to visit here.
You are planning to visit the thousand-year-old banyan tree to admire its magnificence, danangprivatecar.com provides a private car trip from Da Nang to Son Tra Peninsula, the driver will pick you up at your hotel in Da Nang. Along the way to admire the thousand-year-old banyan tree, you can stop at Linh Ung Pagoda, My Khe Beach,…
What to do when visiting the thousand-year-old banyan tree on Son Tra peninsula?
Admire the beauty of the thousand-year-old banyan tree.
As a vibrant entity, the Son Tra thousand-year-old banyan tree always attracts tourists. Everyone wants to visit this place at least once to witness the legendary tree with its numerous layers of leaves, wide branches covering a large area, and firmly-rooted structure, making it an ideal spot for tourists to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Take artistic wedding photos.
Son Tra is always mentioned by young people as a top location for wedding photo shoots. In addition to Bai Da, Ho Xanh, and the Field studio, the thousand-year-old banyan tree is also an ideal choice to take wedding photos. Legend has it that if you take wedding photos here, you will be together until the end of your lives. This is a free photo spot, so sometimes there may be a wait due to the high volume of tourists.
Learn about the life of the brown-footed mongoose.
According to experts, the Son Tra thousand-year-old banyan tree, along with many other banyan trees in the area, is one of the important food sources for the rare brown-footed mongoose. Due to the wide canopy of banyan trees and their high elevation, they also serve as a habitat for these animals to live and rest. Therefore, when visiting the thousand-year-old banyan tree, tourists will have the opportunity to see brown-footed mongooses jumping from one branch to another.
Plan for forest trekking tours.
Because the thousand-year-old banyan tree is located on the top of Son Tra mountain and possesses a rich ecosystem, there have been many adventure enthusiasts who have embarked on forest trekking tours. This is a new, adventurous experience that requires good physical fitness. A trek connecting various destinations such as the thousand-year-old banyan tree, Ban Co peak, and Rada station would be suitable for young people who love to conquer and explore. However, it is advisable to travel in groups and avoid going alone as it can be very dangerous.
What to eat and where to stay when checking in at the giant banyan tree in Son Tra?
What should I eat when visiting the thousand-year-old banyan tree?
Son Tra peninsula has become a famous tourist destination. Therefore, it is not difficult for tourists to find a reasonably priced restaurant here. After visiting the thousand-year-old banyan tree or nearby attractions, tourists can stop by any restaurant in Bai Da or Bai Rang to eat. They specialize in seafood dishes that are simple, but with a strong local flavor.
Recommend a good-value hotel near the location of the thousand-year-old banyan tree?
Son Tra Peninsula is a beautiful destination in Da Nang, Vietnam and there are many good hotels to choose from. Below are some outstanding hotels on Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang:
- InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort: This is one of the most luxurious hotels in Da Nang, with a prime location on a mountain top in Son Tra Peninsula. The hotel offers many high-end amenities and beautifully designed rooms with views of the Da Nang Bay.
- Sheraton Grand Danang Resort: This hotel is also located in a beautiful location on the Nhat Le beach of Son Tra Peninsula, with a large pool system and luxurious rooms.
- Furama Resort Danang: This hotel is located on the beach in Da Nang and not far from Son Tra Peninsula. Furama Resort offers luxurious rooms, many amenities, and high-end services.
- Vinpearl Luxury Da Nang: Located on Non Nuoc beach in Son Tra Peninsula, this hotel offers luxurious rooms and modern amenities, along with a pool system and entertainment and relaxation services.
- TIA Wellness Resort: This hotel is located in a peaceful area of Son Tra Peninsula, close to the primary forest and the sea. TIA Wellness Resort offers luxurious rooms, modern amenities, and health care and relaxation services.
In addition, there are many other hotels on Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang for you to choose from depending on your needs and preferences.
Tourist destinations near the ancient banyan tree that you should visit.
A hundred-year-old lighthouse.
After leaving the thousand-year-old banyan tree, you can visit another famous tourist destination in Son Tra, which is the lighthouse. It is known that this lighthouse was built in the 19th century, with the main purpose of exploring activities at sea and monitoring the weather. Now, it is covered in a very colorful layer, becoming a favorite spot for young people to take photos.
Nghê Cape – the first sunrise spot in the city.
Nghê Cape is known as one of the three mountains, along with Mo Dieu and Co Ngua, that make up the Son Tra peninsula today. Because of its shape, which is exactly like a lion, people often call it Nghê Cape. Especially, Nghê Cape is also the first place to welcome the sunlight in Da Nang and is the most ideal spot to watch the sunrise.
The unique Con Nai banyan tree.
Near the position of the thousand-year-old banyan tree, there is also a banyan tree named Con Nai, which is very interesting. Hidden deep in the forest, in the Nhat Lam Thuy Trang Tra ecotourism area, it attracts many backpackers. The reason for its special name is because the banyan tree looks like a deer. To get here, visitors have to combine motorcycle riding and trekking a long distance, which is quite challenging.
Some notes when checking in at the Son Tra ancient banyan tree:
Being dubbed as a heritage tree and the most fascinating tourist attraction on Son Tra peninsula. Therefore, when coming to the thousand-year-old banyan tree, visitors need to comply with the following regulations:
- Only visit, do not harm the tree by breaking branches or cutting roots to take away. Especially, there should be no actions like drawing graffiti or carving on the tree trunk.
- Prohibit teasing, hunting all kinds of wild animals, especially the rare brown-chested jungle babbler. If caught, you may be fined and have to make a signboard.
- If you do the Son Tra trekking tour and pass by the thousand-year-old banyan tree, you should stick to the group. Absolutely do not separate from the group because you may get lost in the deep forest or fall into a hole, which can lead to exhaustion and death.
- You can gather to eat and play, but need to have environmental protection awareness. Specifically, after eating, you must clean up, do not litter and affect the landscape here.
Currently, the Son Tra ancient banyan tree has been recognized as a Heritage Tree of Vietnam. It has been and will be a beloved destination for tourists to visit.
