Son Tra - Intercontinental Full

This standard 18km route eastbound of Son Tra Peninsula is features breathtaking views and a good workout. Destination is the entrance/parking of Intercontinental Son Tra, a 6-star rated resort in Asia. You will also see wild normal monkeys most of the time near the Intercontinental sign and a rare chance to see the Red Duc monkeys endemic in the peninsula.

From the start point, there are 5 main climb segments inbound to the destination:

1. Linh Ung Pagoda ascend to Viewdeck 1. 800m 4-6% gradient.

2. Jeff's Rock ascend. 500m 3-8% gradient. Riders who knows Hoang sa climb use this as stepping point.

3. Hoang Sa Climb. 1.8km 6-13% gradient

4. Climb to Intercon sign. 500m 4-8% gradient.

5. Monkey Pass climb. 400m 7-15% gradient. You will see the Intercontinental gate at the peak.

   
   

Going back have 3 main climbs before reaching the end point:

1. Hoang Sa return climb

2. Jeff's rock return climb

3. Linh Ung pagoda return climb

   
   

Elevation profile will tell you how steep the climbs are.

Uphill/Downhill view to Intercontinental sign

Son Tra Intercontinental Full - Route breakdown

Distance: 18km

Strava Segment: https://www.strava.com/segments/39519419

Type: Mountain (430meter elevation gain)

Average Gradient: 0.0% (This may be misleading as the segmented climbs will test you)

Route Start/End: Van Luong - Hoang Sa Intersection

Landmark: Hoang Sa Lake, Linh Ung Pagoda, Intercontinental sign, Intercontinental gate

Best time to ride:

05:00 - 09:00 AM Morning,

4:00 - 8:00 PM Afternoon-Evening

Local Tip:

• Try to reach Intercontinental Gate at 06:00 AM. You will have better chance to see the Red Duc monkeys.

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

The red duc up close. This is very rare.

Things to do after climbs:

• At the end of Hoang Sa climb, there will be climbers taking a breath and enjoying the view. Enjoy the conquest.

• Drink coconut juice or sugarcane juice along the beach road to rehydrate.

• Enjoy the beach scenery at the base of the climb

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, and buses moving to and from Linh Ung Pagoda and Intercontinental.

Pros:

• Amazing view after Hoang Sa climb

• Good for climbs training and pacing.

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

• This is still easy compared to westbound Radar course.

  
  

Cons:

• Hard effort for amateurs and non-climbers.

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

Per KM Experience:

KM1

KM0.6 - Pass by Son Tra Marina. The Santorini inspired cafe at the Peninsula.

KM1.4 - Linh Ung Pagoda ascend to Viewdeck 1. 800m 4-6% gradient. You will see the side of Linh Ung Statue going up. Enjoy a spectacular view of Da Nang City coastline.

At viewdeck1 before reaching Linh Ung Pagoda entrance

KM3.7 - Jeff's Rock ascent. 500m 3-8% gradient. If you see a huge rock at the right side that's it. If u look back you can still see the Linh Ung Pagoda.

KM5 onwards

KM5.8 - Start of Hoang Sa climb.1.8km 6-13% gradient. 80% through there is a 100m viewdeck#2 with false flats for recovery. Rolling fast through the hard climb expect fast speeds negative 6-8% descent going down for 2.4km.

KM8.2 - Start of small 500m climb to Intercon sign 4-8% gradient.

The last uphill climb after the sign. Many wedding photoshoots here.

KM8.7 - Past the Intercon sign on the left there is a roaring ascent to the gate of Intercontinental call the Monkey Pass climb. Around 400m 7-15% gradient. You will see the Intercontinental gate at the peak. Turn right head down, turn right when you see the guard house and continue the loop returning to the Intercontinental sign.

Return back to way you went through.