Son Tra Peninsula now off-limits to visitors at night

By Nguyen Dong   November 6, 2019 | 11:19 pm PT
Da Nang authorities are trialing a ban on vehicles entering Son Tra Peninsula at night on safety grounds.

They will install checkpoints by the Intercontinental Resort, the section between Yet Kieu Street and Ban Co Peak and the section between Yet Kieu and Om Stream to prevent entry between 7 p.m. and 7:30 a.m.

The prohibition will be in place until February 15 next year. Scooters (automatic transmission) and buses with more than 24 seats were banned recently.

Buses with less than 24 seats and motorbikes (manual transmission) have been issued access cards. Forest staff, photographers, graduate students, and scientific researchers get long-term yellow cards, while tourists get green cards for a one-day visit.

A checkpoint on the road leading to Ban Co Peak in Son Tra Peninsula. Photo by VnExpress/Nguyen Dong.

A checkpoint on the road leading to Ban Co Peak in Son Tra Peninsula. Photo by VnExpress/Nguyen Dong.

Nguyen Duc Vu, head of the Da Nang Tourism Beaches and Son Tra Peninsula management, said the new restriction won't apply for sites at the foot of the peninsula such as the resorts, Dong Dinh Museum, Linh Ung Pagoda, coral area, and restaurants.

The area zoned for the installation of the new checkpoints is where many fatal accidents involving scooters have occurred.

He said the main purpose of the ban is to ensure people’s safety.

A group of Chinese tourist experience difficulty when riding up the slope of Son Tra Peninsula. Photo by VnExpress/Nguyen Dong.

A group of Chinese tourists experience difficulty when riding up the slope of Son Tra Peninsula. Photo by VnExpress/Nguyen Dong.

Vu added that taking public shuttle buses, which stop for 15-30 minutes at each place, is an option for visitors to the peninsula.

During the three-month ban period there will be patrols to remind visitors about the expiry of the visiting time. The city will also assess smart technologies and install surveillance cameras and speakers at various places.

"If visitors intentionally overstay, they will be penalized," Vu warned.

On three main roads leading to Ban Co Peak, many accidents have occurred. Between May and September this year at least three accidents occurred, killing four people, all on scooters.

Son Tra Peninsula, around 10 km from Da Nang's center, spreads over more than 4,400 hectares (10,880 acres), and has long stretches of beautiful beaches and primeval forests. It is home to the biggest langur population in the country.

 
 
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