Da Nang, a beautiful coastal city, is renowned not only for its long, smooth sandy beaches and clear blue waters but also for the majestic Son Tra Peninsula. Here, Ban Co Peak stands tall, reaching for the sky like a magnificent natural observatory, offering visitors unforgettable experiences, especially the moment when the sunset descends upon the city. Join “Discovery Around The World” to explore this unique mountain peak and enjoy a romantic afternoon amidst the clouds of Da Nang.
Introducing Ban Co Peak – The “Roof” of Da Nang
Dubbed the “roof of Da Nang,” Ban Co Peak is located on the Son Tra Peninsula, at an altitude of approximately 700 meters above sea level. This special location makes it an ideal viewpoint, attracting many tourists and locals alike. From the peak, you can take in the entire stunning panorama of Da Nang city, from the long beaches embracing the white sand, the modern high-rise buildings reaching for the sky, to the shimmering bridges spanning the poetic Han River.
Panoramic view of Da Nang city from Ban Co Peak on a sunny day
Moreover, Ban Co Peak carries fascinating legends, imbued with mystery. The name “Ban Co” (Chessboard) originates from a tale of a celestial chess game between the God Emperor and an old fairy on the mountaintop. This story adds to the allure and curiosity for visitors exploring this location. The journey to conquer Ban Co Peak is not only an opportunity to discover magnificent nature but also a chance to learn about local culture and history, and enjoy the peaceful, relaxing space on the mountaintop.
Sunset on Ban Co Peak – A Captivating Moment
Among the countless wonderful experiences that Ban Co Peak offers, watching the sunset is perhaps the most anticipated moment. As twilight begins to descend, the entire space here is bathed in a warm, romantic golden-orange hue. The sun slowly sinks into the ocean, creating a magnificent, colorful natural painting.
Standing on the peak, you will feel the magical intersection of light and darkness, between day and night. The last rays of the day shine down on the city, highlighting the unique architectural lines and the soft, winding roads. The vast ocean below your feet also changes color, from jade green to deep purple, and gradually merges into the darkness.
Stunning sunset scenery at Ban Co Peak with the golden light of the setting sun painting the sky
The atmosphere on the mountaintop at sunset also becomes more special. A gentle breeze blows, carrying the breath of the sea and mountains. The chirping of birds echoes from somewhere, blending with the rustling of the wind, creating a melodious, soothing piece of music. All these sounds and colors blend together, creating a romantic, lyrical space that captivates anyone.
To fully admire the beauty of the sunset on Ban Co Peak, you should arrive around 5 to 6 PM. Choose an ideal spot for yourself, perhaps near the statue of the God Emperor, or a rocky outcrop facing the sea, to get the clearest view of the entire sunset. Don’t forget to bring a camera or phone to capture these memorable moments and share them with friends and family.
Exploring the Legend of Ban Co Peak and the Celestial Chessboard
Not only is it a beautiful viewpoint, Ban Co Peak is also associated with a fascinating legend about a chess game between deities. According to local folklore, long ago, there was an extremely talented old fairy who often traveled throughout the mortal realm. On one visit to Son Tra Peninsula, the fairy was captivated by the magnificent beauty of the place and decided to stop at the highest peak to admire it.
While enjoying the scenery, the fairy conceived the idea of playing chess and used magic to create a stone chessboard right on the mountaintop. As he was engrossed in contemplating his next move, the God Emperor, the king of the gods, also appeared and asked to join the game. The chess match between the two deities lasted for days and nights, remaining undecided.
Statue of the God Emperor contemplating beside the Celestial Chessboard, depicting the legend of the chess game between deities on the mountaintop
However, the tranquility of the chess game was broken by the laughter of celestial fairies flying down from the sky to bathe in the sea. The God Emperor, distracted by watching the fairies, became careless, allowing the old fairy to make a decisive move and win. Angered by losing the game, the God Emperor kicked the chessboard into the sea and flew back to heaven. Legend has it that the stone chessboard still lies at the bottom of the sea, and the beach where the fairies bathed is named Tien Sa (Fairy Sand).
To commemorate this story, the locals erected a statue of the God Emperor sitting contemplatively beside a flat stone slab resembling a chessboard on the mountaintop. The Celestial Chessboard has become an attractive destination, where visitors can learn about the fascinating legend and feel the sacred, mysterious atmosphere of the peak. Especially in the late afternoon sunset, when the gentle golden sunlight shines on the Celestial Chessboard, the space here becomes even more magical and romantic than ever.
Other Experiences at Ban Co Peak
Besides watching the sunset and exploring the Celestial Chessboard, Ban Co Peak offers many other interesting experiences that you should not miss:
- Watching the sunrise: If you are a person who enjoys tranquility and wants to welcome the new day in a special way, come to Ban Co Peak early in the morning to watch the sunrise. The moment the sun emerges from the horizon, coloring the sea of clouds and the city pink, will be an unforgettable experience.
- Exploring the daytime scenery: During the day, you can enjoy the fresh air and admire the panoramic view of Da Nang city from above. The best time is from 9 AM to 3 PM, when the sky is clear and the visibility is best.
- Overnight camping: For those who love adventure and want to immerse themselves in nature, camping overnight on Ban Co Peak is a great experience. You will have the opportunity to see the starry sky, hear the wind rustling, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the mountains and forests.
- Check-in at the Thousand-Year-Old Banyan Tree: On the way to Ban Co Peak, you will encounter the ancient Thousand-Year-Old Banyan Tree, with its large canopy and massive root system. This is an ideal check-in spot for you to capture memorable moments during your journey to explore Ban Co Peak.
Ancient Thousand-Year-Old Banyan Tree on the path leading to Ban Co Peak, a popular check-in spot for many tourists
Tips and Notes for Sunset Viewing at Ban Co Peak
To have a complete and safe sunset viewing experience at Ban Co Peak, you need to keep a few things in mind:
- Time: The ideal time to watch the sunset is around 5 to 6 PM. You should follow the weather forecast to choose a day with good weather and clear skies.
- Transportation: You can travel by motorbike, car, or taxi to Ban Co Peak. However, the road to the peak is quite steep and has many bends, so you need to drive carefully, especially when riding a motorbike. If traveling by car, you can park at the foot of the mountain and walk or hire a motorbike taxi to the peak.
- Preparation: You should bring drinking water, snacks, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and a light jacket as the weather on the mountaintop can be chilly in the evening. If you intend to camp overnight, you need to prepare enough tents, sleeping bags, and other necessary items.
- Safety: Pay attention to safety when moving on the mountaintop, especially in the evening. Do not go too close to the edge of cliffs and always maintain general hygiene, do not litter indiscriminately.
Conclusion
Ban Co Peak is not only a famous tourist destination in Da Nang but also a symbol of magnificent natural beauty and traditional cultural values. Experiencing the sunset on this mountaintop will surely be a memorable memory in your journey to explore Da Nang. Come to Ban Co Peak to enjoy the peaceful space, admire the beautiful scenery, and feel the magic of nature!