Radar - Monkey Summit - Climb segment

5.7km with average of 9.8% gradient with 565m elevation gain is not for the weak. This is the ultimate climbing test for Danang cyclists featuring stunning city overhead views, lush greenery and a chance to see Red Duc monkeys on the canopy.

On cloudy days from 2km mark the route will be covered by fog. You will see a monkey statue at the peak and a military radar station

There are 3 other variations of this ultimate climb that can go further to the chess peak, do a full Son Tra loop towards east exiting Intercontinental, or a west bound loop towards Hoang Sa Port as exit. For this route we focus mainly on the main segment where we reach the coffee shop at the peak and view of the giant golf ball.

Radar - Monkey Summit Route breakdown

Distance: 5.67km

Strava Segment: https://www.strava.com/segments/8287867

Type: Mountain (565 meter elevation gain)

Average Gradient: 9.8%. Yes, Expect your recovery gradient at 6-7% with gradient around 9-15% throughout the course. You have been warned.

Route Start: Yet Kieu - Tho Quang Intersection Route End: Radar Peak Cafe. Going down is fast 5.7KM descent back.

Landmarks:

KM0.7 Tho Quang junction,

KM2.3 Radar peak automatic motorbike gate (Opens at 7:30AM for cars)

KM4.8 Boom-Boom Rock KM5.7 Radar Peak Cafe

Best time to ride:

05:00 - 09:00 AM Morning.

4:00 - 7:00 PM Afternoon-Evening

Local Tip:

• At 7:30 AM onwards car will be allowed further than 2.3KM. Ride with caution especially when descending from the peak. Check your brakes.

• Red Duc normally spotted 200m before the Car 2.3km car checkpoint and 300m from the peak at the last elbow of the climb.

• Do not go when there is hard rain. Landslide may occur.

  
  

Things to do after climbs:

• Drink coffee or re-fuel at the cafe or take a photo with friends after the conquest. You deserve it.

• Do not feed the wild monkeys.

Competition held by Local groups

• None. Not allowed. Dangerous to race in the mountains as there are also a lot of amateurs, tourist, motorbike, cars, going up and down this steep slope.

Pros:

• Amazing view at the peak

• Good for climb intervals

• Rare to high chance to see the "Queen of primates" the Red Duc monkeys

  

  
  

Cons:

• Very Hard effort for amateurs and non-climbers.

• Dangerous when road is wet. Landslides possible during torrential rain.

• Descent is very steep slope. Check your brakes and make sure you don't go down faster than 35KPH.

Per KM Experience:

KM1 KM0.0 - Along Yet Kieu road going to Hoang Sa Port you will see a military base. Past that turn right and that is the start of the suffering.

KM0.7 - After climbing 700m 9-12% gradients you will see the radar road to the left and Tho Quang junction. You may choose to rest here or continue up to more suffering more 6-13% gradients for 1.6KM more KM2

KM2.3 You wil see the Radar road checkpoint for automatic motorbike gate (Opens at 7:30AM for cars). You can choose to rest on this 2% recovery or continue with the 6-14% gradient course. KM3 KM3.8 You will see artificial walls to support from landslides. Take a peak on your left you will see amazing view of Da Nang north bay. KM4

KM4.8 A kilometer from the peak there is a grass covered Boom-Boom Rock. This was famous before as this point was known where resistance fighters fired cannons to the enemies during the war thus the name "boom boom". As of June 2025, the rock is not physically visible and still covered with long grass and small trees.

KM5

KM5.7 Once you see the huge golf ball you are near the Radar Peak Cafe. Congratulations! You have made it to the peak.

You should see a monkey statue and a monkey totem that signifies "Hear no evil, See no evil, Speak no evil." Be careful on your way down. Check your brakes!