A Journey to Remember: The Road to Sơn Trà

As a digital nomad, I often find myself in search of unique experiences that won’t break the bank. When I heard about the Red Shanked Douc Langur Tour in Sơn Trà, Vietnam, I knew I had to check it out. The promise of seeing the elusive Red Shanked Douc Langurs, a species teetering on the brink of extinction, was too tempting to resist.

I started my journey in Hoi An, a charming town known for its lantern-lit streets and vibrant culture. From there, I took a Grab taxi to Da Nang for about $13 USD, where the tour would begin. Upon arrival, I was greeted by our guides, Binh and Cillian. Cillian, with his cheeky grin, shared that he adopted his name from Cillian Murphy after watching Peaky Blinders. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the slight resemblance.

With helmets securely fastened, I hopped on the back of Cillian’s bike, while another traveler paired up with Binh. We cruised along the Da Nang promenade, taking in the sights of local fishing boats and learning about their rich history. The ride was exhilarating, and the anticipation of what lay ahead kept my spirits high.

Into the Wild: The Search for Langurs

Our adventure truly began as we ascended Monkey Mountain. The guides, both skilled and attentive, made sure we were comfortable and informed throughout the journey. As we ventured deeper into the lush landscape, we encountered a group of Macaques. Though not the main attraction, these curious creatures captivated us with their expressive faces and human-like mannerisms.

The real challenge, however, was spotting the Red Shanked Douc Langurs. Binh, an expert spotter, led the way with a keen eye. His ability to identify these elusive primates was nothing short of impressive. We were fortunate to witness around five groups of Langurs, some from a distance and others up close. The experience was surreal, and I felt a profound connection to these magnificent creatures.

Binh, ever the professional, captured stunning photographs of the Langurs with his camera. He graciously shared his work with us, allowing us to relive the moment through his lens. The guides’ passion for wildlife and conservation was evident, and it added a layer of depth to the tour that I truly appreciated.

A Memorable Conclusion: Smiles and Souvenirs

As our journey came to an end, I couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible day we had. The camaraderie between the guides and fellow travelers made the experience all the more enjoyable. We returned to our starting point with smiles stretching from ear to ear, grateful for the opportunity to witness such rare beauty.

A special mention goes to the stylish T-shirts worn by our guides, featuring a cool monkey design. I couldn’t resist the thought that they could easily sell these as souvenirs, a perfect memento of our adventure.

For those seeking a unique and budget-friendly wildlife experience in Vietnam, I wholeheartedly recommend the Red Shanked Douc Langur Tour. Just be prepared for a thrilling ride and the chance to see nature at its finest. Until next time, happy travels!