Honouring the Ones Who Were Here First

Look up and pause. In the treetops above Son Tra Mountain, a red-shanked douc langur might be sitting still, watching the world from the canopy. On the ground below, a macaque may dart across the forest path, quick-eyed and curious. These are the everyday moments that make this place what it is. You just have to notice.

This August, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort is introducing Primate Appreciation Month, with the theme, “To see them is a privilege. To protect them is a responsibility.” A resort-wide celebration that honours the primates who call this land home. It is a commitment and a gentle invitation to slow down and consider the lives that unfold in the branches above us.

Son Tra holds the world’s largest population of red-shanked douc langurs, one of the most endangered and visually striking primates on the planet. With bright red legs, orange-hued faces, and elegant movement, they’ve become a symbol of this mountain. They live high above, mostly out of sight, though guests sometimes catch a glimpse while riding the Nam Tram down toward the sea.

Down below, macaques tell a different story. They’re expressive and inquisitive, often seen exploring along the edges of the forest. And while they might appear playful, they are still wild animals. A smile or direct eye contact can be misread as a threat. Respectful distance keeps both guests and primates comfortable.

“This mountain belongs to them,” says Mr Quan Trung, the resort’s naturalist. “If you spend time here, you’ll see how much they observe us. The doucs and macaques aren’t just part of the forest, they’re its heart.”

To bring that awareness closer to guests, the resort is curating a series of meaningful experiences throughout the month. Highlights include:
• Interactive Green Hub talks for all ages
• Educational wildlife film screenings
• A family-friendly douc scavenger hunt with a soft toy lead
• A monkey-inspired menu at L_o_n_g Bar
• The Son Tra Wildlife Expedition, a guided nature tour outside the resort, led by local experts from Next Continent

Each experience is designed to spark curiosity and gently educate, especially for children and families seeing these animals for the first time.

Behind the scenes, the resort continues to prioritise wildlife conservation. There are now five monkey bridges across the property — a mix of natural canopy corridors and man-made crossings — allowing primates to travel freely and safely between habitats. Guests are reminded not to feed the monkeys, helping maintain their health and natural instincts. Staff receive internal wildlife training, and partnerships with local NGOs further support the resort’s broader sustainability goals.

Primate Appreciation Month is an initiative and a reminder. One that invites us to look up, move more thoughtfully through the forest, and honour the lives quietly unfolding around us.

Because here on Son Tra, we are the visitors. And once you’ve been seen by a douc, or caught the glance of a macaque, it’s hard not to care.

To see them is a privilege. To protect them is a responsibility.