Bill Gates and girlfriend enjoy tea on Da Nang mountain peak

A convoy carrying the American billionaire arrived at 5 p.m. at the foot of Ban Co Mountain, which rises 700 m above sea level to be the highest place of Son Tra peninsula and is thus considered the "roof" of Da Nang.

Gates and his girlfriend, a tea ceremony artiste, a tour guide and a helper walked hundreds of steps to the top of Ban Co where visitors can admire the entire Da Nang from above.

Bodyguards were on duty at the foot of the mountain.

According to a source of VnExpress, Gates wore a T-shirt, pants, and sneakers.

On top of the mountain, he sat and enjoyed tea. The weather was slightly foggy but it was a beautiful afternoon.

The group did not leave until around 6:20 p.m.

"He stayed to see the sea and the entire city when the lights came on," the source said, adding that during the tea time, the billionaire also took photos with the tea ceremony artiste and of the surrounding scenery.

Some witnesses said that Gates was friendly and approachable.

His representative said the billionaire's girlfriend really likes Da Nang, and that he plans to return to Vietnam to travel with his family, the source added.

About two hours before the group arrived, the route passing Ban Co peak was limited to passers-by.

A fairy chess board on top of Ban Co mountain in Da Nang's Son Tra Peninsula. Photo by VnExpress/ Nguyen Dong

From the top of the mountain, visitors can admire the panoramic view of the sea and Da Nang.

Gates and his girlfriend landed in Da Nang International Airport on their private plane, one of Gulfstream G650ER model, on Monday, marking his return to Vietnam after 18 years.

The couple are having a personal trip to Da Nang and Hoi An for about 5 days. He is staying at a 5-star resort in Da Nang's Son Tra District.