Boom Boom Rock: A Secret Gem on Son Tra Peninsula

Hidden deep in the jungle of Son Tra Peninsula, Boom Boom Rock is a forgotten wartime landmark near the summit of Monkey Mountain Da Nang. More than just a rock, it holds emotional value, military history, and untouched beauty, making it a rare cultural site for explorers and history lovers alike. With expert guidance from Vietpower Travel, your journey becomes a meaningful experience filled with nature, memory, and reflection.

1. The Untold Story of Boom Boom Rock

What’s in a Name?

The name Boom Boom Rock might draw smirks at first glance, but behind it lies a layered legacy that reflects both the tone of wartime culture and the spirit of the era. American soldiers stationed across Southeast Asia during the 1960s adopted “boom boom” as a slang term with varied meanings, from coded invitations to escapism through humor.

But in the case of this rocky outcrop, “Boom Boom” also captured the soundscape of conflict, the low hum of helicopters, the rumble of artillery, and the emotional aftermath of it all. It is both playful and haunting, a nickname that embodies the contradictions of war: brutality intertwined with moments of humanity and reprieve.

A GI’s Secret Playground

During the height of the Vietnam War, Boom Boom Rock wasn’t part of any strategic outpost, but it became a favorite spot for American troops stationed atop the Sơn Trà summit. Unlike fortified bunkers or radar stations, this rugged stone was their escape, a hangout for smoke breaks, banter, and brief lapses of normalcy.

Even today, traces of their presence remain etched into the surface. Faint graffiti markings whisper through time, including the infamous military term “FUBAR.” These relics of language, now barely visible, serve as raw emotional footprints. The rock wasn’t just a place to sit, it was a companion to their chaos, a witness to solitude.

Captured in Photos, Preserved in Memory

Despite the passing years, Boom Boom Rock lives on in old photographs, tucked away in boxes or albums across the globe. Many American veterans returning to Vietnam decades later have sought out this stone, sometimes with tears, sometimes with smiles, hoping to reconnect with a moment, a comrade, or a version of themselves long gone.

It’s not uncommon to hear stories of someone whispering, “That’s it. That’s where we sat,” as they point at a fading corner of the rock captured in a black-and-white shot from 1969. These personal archives have become part of a living memory that transcends maps and guidebooks, turning Boom Boom Rock into something far more meaningful than a scenic rest stop.

2. Where is Boom Boom Rock?

Located on the less-traveled left side of the ascent to Sơn Trà summit, Boom Boom Rock occupies a position few tourists ever notice, yet its placement is anything but random.

• Approximate Map Code: 46JR+F98, Da Nang, Tho Quang, Son Tra, Son Tra, Da Nang, Vietnam
• Coordinates (approximate): 16.1171° N, 108.2732° E
• Directions: From central Da Nang, take Vo Nguyen Giap Street north along the coast, turn left onto the Sơn Trà mountain road. Follow the road toward the radar station, and about 1 kilometer before the summit, look to your left-hand side, Boom Boom Rock lies camouflaged in thick foliage just off the trail.

3. Getting to Boom Boom Rock

By Motorbike (Most Flexible & Adventurous)

If you're confident on two wheels, renting a motorbike is the fastest and most flexible option. Here's how to get there:

• Start in Da Nang city center
• Drive along Vo Nguyen Giap Street, heading north by the beach
• Turn left at the intersection toward Son Tra Peninsula
• Follow the winding mountain road all the way up toward the radar station
• Around 1 kilometer before reaching the summit, slow down and look to your left. The rock lies slightly off-road, partially hidden by trees.

Tip: The road includes sharp curves and steep inclines—ride carefully, especially after rain.

By Bicycle (For Experienced Cyclists)

This route is perfect for active travelers looking to challenge themselves.

• Rent a bicycle from shops near My Khe Beach
• Follow the same route as the motorbike riders
• Be prepared for a 5–6 km uphill climb with several narrow turns
• Park your bike near the final bend and proceed by foot into the forest

Best during: Dry season (March–September), when roads are dry and visibility is clear.

By Public Bus + Short Hike

For those who prefer a budget-friendly or environmentally conscious option, public transport works too:

• Take Bus #1 or #4 from Da Nang city to the Bai t stop
• From there, you’ll need to walk roughly 1 km uphill into the forest
• Ask locals or use Google Maps (location code: 46JR+F98) to find the approximate entry point

Note: There are no signs for Boom Boom Rock, it’s truly off the beaten path.

On Foot (Long but Scenic)

If you're staying near the beach and enjoy long hikes, walking is possible, though we only suggest it for fit, experienced trekkers.

• Start from My Khe Beach
• Walk north along the coast to the Sơn Trà road entrance
• Follow the paved trail for about 6 kilometers, gaining elevation
• You’ll be rewarded with coastal views, birdsong, and glimpses of langurs

4. Best Time to Visit Boom Boom Rock

Ideal Seasons

Da Nang enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct seasons, and choosing the right time can greatly enrich your experience at Boom Boom Rock.

• Dry Season (March to September) is the best time to go. The weather is warm, the skies are clear, and the forest is at its most vibrant. If you can, plan your trip between April and June, when blooming wildflowers paint the jungle in vivid color. Expect daytime temperatures from 25–34°C and minimal rainfall.
• Rainy Season (October to February) brings cooler temperatures and frequent downpours, with occasional storms between October and December. While it’s still possible to visit, trails can be slippery and visibility may drop due to mist. For those wanting wildlife encounters or crisp photography, stick to the dry months.

Ideal Hours

• Early morning (6:00 – 9:00 AM) offers a calm and mystical experience. The jungle stirs slowly, light filters through the trees, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of red-shanked douc langurs as they start their day. It’s also the best time for soft lighting if you’re bringing a camera.
• Late afternoon (15:30 – 18:00 PM) is equally magical, with golden hues falling across the canopy. The light is warm, the breeze is steady, and wildlife activity picks up again. This is the moment when Boom Boom Rock seems to glow from within.
• Avoid midday hours—temperatures climb and wildlife tends to retreat deeper into the forest.

Access Window

Boom Boom Rock sits within the larger Son Tra Nature Reserve, which has defined opening hours for visitor safety and conservation.

• Dry Season: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Rainy Season: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

5. Wildlife & Jungle Wonders

Red-Shanked Douc Langurs

One of the most captivating wildlife encounters on Son Tra Peninsula is spotting the red-shanked douc langur. Known for their striking red legs, white beards, and expressive eyes, these endangered primates are considered national treasures of Vietnam.

• When to see them: Early morning (6:00–9:00 AM) or late afternoon (16:00–18:00)
• Where to look: Along the road to Linh Ung Pagoda or near Boom Boom Rock
• How to see them: Use binoculars, stay quiet, don’t feed or approach

Other Creatures of Son Tra

The forests around Boom Boom Rock are full of life. Keep an eye out for:

• Long-tailed macaques and rhesus macaques moving in groups
• Pygmy slow loris, a shy nocturnal primate rarely seen during the day
• Birds: hornbills, kingfishers, sunbirds, and more than 100 recorded species

6. More Nearby Attractions

Cultural Icons

While Boom Boom Rock connects you to war history, nearby attractions add cultural and spiritual value to your visit.

• Linh Ứng Pagoda: Famous for the 67-meter-tall Lady Buddha, visible across Da Nang Bay. The site is peaceful, free to enter, and ideal for morning visits.
• Chessboard Peak (Đỉnh Bàn Cờ): A viewpoint at 700m elevation, featuring a statue of a deity deep in thought over a stone chessboard. Offers panoramic views of Da Nang, the coastline, and beyond.

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Heritage Trees & Spiritual Spots

• Cay Da Ngan Nam (Thousand-Year-Old Banyan Tree)
  • Estimated age: 800–1,000 years
  • Features: Over 26 massive aerial roots, 10-meter-wide trunk
  • Experience: Shaded, quiet space ideal for resting and photography​​​​​​​

7. Activities for the Adventurous

Hiking & Trekking

For those who love to walk wild paths, Son Tra offers jungle trails of various difficulty levels, ranging from short forest strolls to intense 30-kilometer treks. Many trails lead to wildlife viewing areas, remote viewpoints, or forgotten war-era bunkers.

Along these paths, stories emerge, not from guidebooks, but from the land itself. You'll see Vietnam's flora and fauna interwoven with remnants of history, like hidden bunkers or rusted signs from the 1960s.

A hike to Boom Boom Rock combines that natural beauty with a direct link to wartime memory, a living museum carved in stone, off the main trail.

Water Sports

The coastlines of Sơn Trà Peninsula are just as thrilling as its peaks. If you're craving water-based adventure, there are several incredible options:

• Snorkeling at Hòn Sụp: Explore coral reefs teeming with more than 54 recorded species, at depths of 7–10 meters.
• Kayaking: Paddle along quiet bays where forest meets ocean.
• Scuba Diving: For certified divers, tanks can be arranged at an extra fee. The marine life is as rich as the forest above.

And if you prefer something more recreational, try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), banana boat rides, or even a jet ski cruise across open waters.

Adrenaline & Eco-Tours

Still hungry for adventure? How about soaring above it all?

• Paragliding over the peninsula gives you a bird’s-eye view at nearly 600 meters elevation, drifting over forests, cliffs, and waves.
• Or hop into a classic Jeep safari, rumbling across off-road tracks that few visitors ever see.
• Visit the Sơn Trà Lighthouse, a legacy of French colonial architecture, offering panoramic ocean views and breezes straight off the East Sea.

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8. Responsible Travel Tips

Essential Prep

A visit to Boom Boom Rock isn't your average city stroll—it’s a true nature trek through jungle paths and coastal winds. Here's what you’ll need:

• Sunblock & a wide-brim hat to protect yourself from the midday sun
• Light, breathable clothing and comfortable hiking shoes with grip
• Rain gear (light poncho or packable jacket) if visiting between October and February
• A refillable water bottle, snacks, and a small daypack for personal essentials

Respect & Safety

Boom Boom Rock remains a rare untouched site partly because travelers before you treated it with care. You can help continue that legacy by following a few guidelines:

• Do not geotag the exact location on social media. The rock’s mystery is part of its protection. Revealing too much may invite overcrowding or vandalism.
• Avoid climbing or touching the rock’s weathered surfaces—the faded graffiti is fragile, historic, and irreplaceable.
• Keep noise low, stay on the trail, and do not feed or chase wildlife.
• Bring a flashlight or headlamp if starting early, and always check weather forecasts before your trek.

Estimated Costs

Planning ahead is always smart. Here’s a general overview of what to budget for:

• Parking: 10,000 VND per motorbike
• Coral snorkeling tour (optional add-on): ~400,000 VND/person
• Private local guide (English-speaking): ~500,000–1,000,000 VND depending on group size
• Full-day tour package: 80–135 USD/person (with transportation, guide, lunch)

9. FAQs

1. Is Boom Boom Rock safe for solo hikers?

 Yes, but only if you're experienced and familiar with jungle trails. The path is unmarked and often slippery—first-timers should go with a guide.

2. Do I need permission to visit the area?

 No official permit is needed, but parts of the Sơn Trà Nature Reserve are monitored. Always follow park guidelines and avoid restricted zones.

3. What’s the best lens to photograph the graffiti?

 A 50mm or 85mm lens works well for detail shots. Bring a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the rock’s surface.

4. Are there any locals who know more stories about it?

 Absolutely. Many local elders and returning veterans hold memories of Boom Boom Rock. Our guides can share verified accounts and even photos from the 1960s and 70s.

10. Conclusion​​​​​​​

Hidden just below the summit of Monkey Mountain Da Nang, Boom Boom Rock is more than a relic, it’s a quiet witness to laughter, war, and time. For nearly five decades, it has waited in silence, cloaked by trees and forgotten trails. It doesn’t demand attention. It invites reflection. In many ways, it feels like a veteran who never left, still standing, still watchin