Wondering how to visit the Marble Mountains in Da Nang, Vietnam?
I’m glad you’re here because you’re about to learn everything you need to know to plan your visit to the Marble Mountains in Da Nang, Vietnam. This guide takes you on a captivating journey through stunning landscapes and sacred caves, unveiling the beauty and cultural significance of majestic limestone peaks.
Whether you’re visiting Da Nang or as a short day trip from Hoi An, the Marble Mountains are definitely worth a visit.
During my 2-week itinerary in Vietnam, one of the highlights was exploring the Marble Mountains in Da Nang I am glad I did it! I really enjoyed the natural beauty of this place, but also could learn more about the intriguing history and importance of this religious site in Vietnam.
In this guide, I share all you need to know to plan a perfect day trip to Marble Mountain Vietnam, some important history of this religious site, and all the important logistics to make your visit as easy and safe as possible. So, without any further ado let’s explore this complete guide on how you can also explore the Marble Mountains!
If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, you will love these articles:
- Marble Mountains in Da Nang Overview
- Practical Information to Visit the Marble Mountains
- How to Get to the Marble Mountains, Danang?
- Must See Things in Marable Mountains, Da Nang
- Visiting Thuy Son (Water Mountain)
- Other Mountains in the Marble Mountains
- The Importance of the Religion at the Marble Mountains
- Visit the Carving Shops in Da Nang
- Best Accommodations in Danang
- Travel Insurance for Vietnam
- What to Wear for the Marble Mountains Danang, Vietnam
- Marble Mountains in Danang, Vietnam Conclusion
Read More: A Perfect 2 weeks Vietnam Itinerary
Marble Mountains in Da Nang Overview
If you are wondering if it is worth it to visit Marble Mountains in Danang Vietnam, my answer for you is YES!
It is easy to get here if you are visiting from Da Nang or as a day trip from Hanoi. It is only a 2-hour drive from Hue (see below for details). Also, it is cheap, you will find amazing opportunities for photos, have fun exploring the intriguing pagodas and sites, pulse get a 360 degrees view from the top!
The Marble Mountains in Danang are a cluster of five extraordinary limestone and marble hills located in the Ngu Hanh Son District. These mountains are composed of sheer, porous limestone, which features caves, hiking trails, and tunnels embellished with stunning Buddhist and Hindu shrines.
Their intrigue continues as you get closer and see the scores of magnificent marble carvings of lions, Buddha, Jesus, elephants…you name it, and they can carve pretty much anything from marble.
If you are looking for a convenient and easy way to visit the amazing Vietnam Marble Mountain, I have picked some tours options that you may love:
✨ Private Customized Tour Da Nang full-day: Take advantage of this 8-hour private tour in Danang with your own English-speaker guide.
✨ Marble Mountains and Son Tra Peninsula: with this tour, you will visit the Marble Mountains to see the pagoda and hidden caves and grottoes. Enjoy views of Vietnam’s coast and visit the Son Tra Peninsula as well.
✨ Da Nang and My Son Sanctuary: This is an excellent tour to catch the two hidden gems in Vietnam in a day tour. You will embark on a full-day adventure to My Son Sanctuary and Da Nang’s Marble Mountains. Admire the Champa Kingdom ruins, explore cave temples, and visit Am Phu Cave and the Linh Ung Pagoda.
Practical Information to Visit the Marble Mountains
📌 Location: 81 Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang City
🎫 Entry Fee: There are two entrances to Marble Mountains. Gate one and Gate two. Both entrances cost 40,000 VND (1.70 USD) per person to enter. Although the second, further entrance has an easier climb and is less-frequented. The elevator costs an additional 15,000 VND (.65c USD) per person, each way. The 156-step climb at the main entrance is not particularly difficult and offers some interesting views of shrines and stone-carved friezes on your way up.
⌛ Tour Time: You can explore the site by yourself, or you can go on a tour. If you decide to go on a tour, there are a variety of options you can do. It takes roughly 1-1/2 hours to view the sights at Mt. Thuy. I did it myself, and it took approx. 4 hours and I visited the 5 mountains and spend time taking pictures.
✨ When to go: The Marble Mountains are open from 7AM to 5:30 PM every day of the year. I recommend to start you visit in the morning – around 7 AM – when the air is cool for climbing and you can have the paths and pagodas all to yourself. For weather conditions in this region of Vietnam, you can Check here
📷 What to expect: There is a lot to see in Marble Mountains, such as religious temples, pagodas, caves, amazing stone carvings, and local marble carving shops
🚻 Amenities: There are western toilets, just don’t forget to bring your own toilet paper. There are places to buy food, water and coconut water. You can also bring your own food/ snacks.
🚶Consider some fitness levels: There are a lot of stairs involved and some steps are high and uneven and not too easy if you have short legs, but the view from the top is outstanding. Many areas are accessible through narrow steps in the rock and on a rainy day the steps can be slippery. You have the option to pay to take the elevator up also.
How to Get to the Marble Mountains, Danang?
The Marble Mountains are located in the heart of Non-Nuoc Jewel village, which is only 8 kilometers south of the Da Nang city center. To reach the destination, you need to cross over the Han River Bridge, proceed on Ngo Quyen street, turn onto Le Van street, and finally take a left onto Huyen Tran Cong Chua street.
🚙 FROM DANANG: The Marble Mountains are located only 5.4 miles (8 minutes by car) from the Danang Airport (DAD). It dominates the plain-like landscape along the coast road between Hoi An and Danang. If you land at Danang airport, you can’t help but notice them looming in the distance and jutting up dramatically. I also recommend this private tour to get to visit Marble Mountain and the Hoi An on this 8-hour day tour.
🚙 FROM HOI AN: A perfect itinerary is to visit Marble Mountain as a day trip from Hoi An. Danang is located only 45 km (28 miles) from Hoi An, and it takes approximately 1 hour by motorbike or a little quicker car ride from Hoi An. The best option is to rent a motorbike in Hoi An. Or you can join a full-day tour from Hoi-An, with a professional local guide.
🚙 FROM HUE: You can also visit the Marble Mountains on a day trip from Hue. It is about 2 hours by car. Or you can hire a private driver like this one
Must See Things in Marable Mountains, Da Nang
The Marble Mountains consist of five unique peaks that are named after the five elements – Water, Fire, Metal, Wood, and Earth.
These peaks are not just geological formations, but also hold significant spiritual and cultural value. They are made of limestone and are known for their enchanting beauty and ancient history. Each mountain unfolds a unique narrative, adorned with sacred caves, ancient pagodas, and breathtaking vistas. Each of the mountains at Marble Mountain offers a variety of sights and experiences.
Besides the 5 large caves located in the Marble Mountains, there are several small caves that are seldom visited. The caves are mostly cool inside, and the presence of jungle plants and mossy walls creates an exotic ambiance that cannot be experienced elsewhere.
When I visited in December, it was a great experience to explore the caves and pagodas, which were not overcrowded with tourists. I was able to appreciate the rich history of the place, understand the significance of religion in this area, and immerse myself in the serene atmosphere of this magical place.
Visiting Thuy Son (Water Mountain)
When visiting the Marble Mountains in Danang Vietnam, you will probably come to the big mountain Thuy Son, next to the parking lot.
If you are short on time, this is the only place you want to visit in Marble Mountains. Thuy Son, also known as Water Mountain, is the most prominent and visited peak among the Marble Mountains in Da Nang, Vietnam.
This cave is renowned for its natural beauty, spiritual significance, and historical importance, Thuy Son stands out with its majestic limestone formations, intricate cave systems, and Buddhist sanctuaries.
The most important sites in the Thuy Son Mountain are:
Linh Ung Pagoda
Located on the eastern side of Water Mountain, Linh Ung Pagoda is a must-visit destination when exploring Marble Mountains. With a history of over 200 years, the pagoda draws in many visitors who come to worship Buddha or find peace in the serenity of this spiritual site.
The Linh Ung Pagoda boasts of two significant features – a 10-meter tall statue of Buddha and Xa Loi Tower. The tower, constructed in 1997, stands at an impressive height of 28 meters and comprises seven floors. It houses 200 statues of Buddha, Bodhisattva, and Arhat inside, making it Vietnam’s largest collection of stone statues.
Huyen Khong Cave (Heaven Cave)
Huyen Khong is one of the largest caves, and it’s a must-visit spot for Instagrammers. The collapsed ceiling of the cave allows shafts of light to penetrate the dark interior, creating dramatic spotlights that are perfect for taking photos.
This cave is a must-see as it is both massive and awe-inspiring. It contains a small temple and a giant marble Buddha. Huyen Khong Cave is a natural grotto adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, making it a geological wonder. Additionally, it is also a place of worship. You can delve into its depths and marvel at its beauty.
In the past, Huyen Khong was used as a secret base and a field hospital for Vietnamese revolutionaries. Despite its seemingly small entrance, the cave is actually quite large and can accommodate a massive stone Buddha and two shrines. One of the shrines is dedicated to the god and goddess of matchmaking, making it a popular spot for couples and singles to come and worship.
Am Phy Cave (Hell Cave)
Opposite the depicted heavens of Huyen Khong Cave, Am Phu Cave is a tour of hell. However, this isn’t an ordinary hell (if such a thing exists). The cave is dark, humid and has points that are fear-inducing.
It is a true embodiment of what we believe hell looks like. The cave has strange creatures hidden in pockets of darkness and winding stairs that lead to spooky scenes. There is constant entertainment, and spooky faces in every corner of this cave.
Tam Thai Pagoda
Nestled within the mountain, Tam Thai Pagoda is one of the oldest pagodas in the region. It houses ancient artifacts and provides a peaceful environment for meditation. A 400-year-old pagoda built in the 17th century. Close by the central avenue that takes you to the relaxation area, which is a collection of small stands, vendors, and restrooms.
Xa Loi Tower
The most prominent features of Linh Ung Pagoda are the 10-meter tall Buddha statue and Xa Loi Tower. Xa Loi Tower, which was built in 1997, is 28 meters tall, has 7 floors and 200 Buddha, Bodhisattva and Arhat statues inside. It has the largest number of stone statues in Vietnam.
This was my favorite spot to visit in Marble Mountains because it required a bit of a climb up stairs, but the stunning views from the top made it worth it.
Other Mountains in the Marble Mountains
Hoa Son (Fire Mountain)
Hoa Son boasts a series of caves and tunnels, revealing a trove of historical artifacts. The mysteriousness of the Fire Mountain is heightened by its role as a wartime shelter, echoing with tales of resilience.
Kim Son (Metal Mountain)
This cavern was only found in 1956 as it is particularly hard to find, with the gateway facing Southeast, it is hidden away from the cliffs. The most impressive is the natural marble structure of the Bodhisattva in human size and a stalactite that drops to 0.3 meters above the floor.
A must-visit spot at this place is Quan Am Cavern. The cavern is located in a hidden spot, with its gateway facing the Southeast and being particularly hard to find as it is tucked away from the cliffs. It was discovered in 1956 and is a remarkable gem.
The gateway is small, with steep cliffs on either side, and as you delve deeper inside, the cavern gets larger. It has the shape of the Cam Lo bottle that the Bodhisattva holds in her hand and is 64 meters long, roughly 7 meters high at its tallest part, and 7 meters wide.
Moc Son (Wood Mountain)
Moc Son is a serene retreat with lush vegetation, presenting a contrasting landscape to the other peaks. Its quiet ambiance invites contemplation and exploration of the pristine natural surroundings.
Tho Son (Earth Mountain)
This mountain served as a shelter for the Cham community before it was conquered by the Tran Dynasty in 1471. Even today, there are traces of the Cham Temples on one part of Mt. Soil, which have a similar structure to that of My Son – a significant architectural structure of Hinduism, as Hindu used to be the national religion of the Cham.
However, these temples are less well-preserved. There aren’t many relics of historical construction on this side of the Marble Mountains.
The Importance of the Religion at the Marble Mountains
The cluster of limestone outcrops that make up the Marble Mountains were initially sacred sites worshiped by the Cham peoples of Central and Southern Vietnam.
However, the mountains are not massive in comparison to some of Vietnam’s northern ranges. But they are impressive in relation to the flat central floodplains of the surrounding countryside. So it is easy to see why they cast an attractive spell on the Cham. They also contain a myriad of cave networks and tunnels that the Cham recognized as holy places.
In 1825, centuries after the decline of the Cham Empire, the Vietnamese King Minh Mang, named the mountains “Ngu Hanh Son”—The Five Element Mountains.
Each mountain is named after one of the five essential elements in Eastern Philosophical thought: Kim (metal), Tho (earth), Moc (wood), Hoa (fire), and Thuy (water).
Together, the mountains were a spiritual destination for both the Vietnamese aristocracy and Mahayana Buddhists. So over the years, Buddhist followers constructed the sanctuaries that you see today.
However, during the French colonial period, French geologists realized the mountains were comprised of marble and renamed them the “Marble Mountains.” The French name stuck, and the rest, as they say, is history.
In the centuries since the Champa Empire, Buddhist followers have built shrines and temples at the summits of the mountains and in the caves below them. Therefore the Marble Mountains and their shrines within, continue to lure visitors to this day to enjoy their expansive views, wander their intricate caves, and be swept up in their history.
Visit the Carving Shops in Da Nang
After spending 4 hours exploring the Marble Mountains in Danang Vietnam, I visited the marble carving stores at the foot of Non-Nuoc, a crowded shopping area made up of dozens of stone carving shops and lots of artistic sculptures that are carved by hard-working local craftsmen.
The marble you will see here comes from different parts of Vietnam, and if you decide to buy something, keep in mind that it won’t be a souvenir from Mt. Thuy.
The red, white, and green marble used by local carvers for tombstones, statues, and touristy knick-knacks sold in Da Nang and the surrounding beaches came from the large rock deposits in the mountains themselves.
Sadly the limitless consumption of stone from their reserves would reduce the towering hills to rubble. So, in order to maintain the mountains as a destination worth visiting, quarrying has recently stopped, ensuring the mountains’ longevity.
You can also watch the artisan’s work, sculpting, and sawing huge slabs of marble.
FUN FACT: Check out these places and find out how much a 20-foot lady Buddha statue costs. You can negotiate pricing and shipping cost for them to arrange to deliver to your house. BTW, I didn’t buy anything, even if I got tempered to have it in my garden back in Florida. So, I am curious to know if anyone decides to buy something to have it delivered to your home country. Just drop me a comment below 😉
Best Accommodations in Danang
If you are planning to spend more time exploring Da Nang, there are plenty of things to do and explore. There are endless accommodation options in this coastal city, so no matter your budget you’ll be able to find something that suits your needs.
For the shoestring travelers out there, you can find accommodation for as little as $9. That’s often for a private room too! Mid-range accommodation tends to cost around $40-60, whilst luxury hotels are still extremely affordable. In fact, you can get a beautiful room in a 5* hotel for as little as $70.
TOP OVERALL PICK: Sel de Mer Hotel & Suites
This beautiful 5* hotel offers gorgeous suites, reasonable room rates, and fantastic facilities. During your stay here, you can even make use of the free salt sauna and steam bath. Don’t forget the striking sea views either!
BUDGET: Raon Danang Beach
This is one of the best options for budget travelers as the rooms are spacious and beautiful, but above all extremely cheap! Not only is there an indoor swimming pool, but there’s a tour desk at the property where you can learn about the local activities.
MID RANGE: Sala Danang Beach Hotel
Boasting stunning sea views, a variety of room options, and a great location, you couldn’t ask for anything more! This hotel also has plenty of great facilities including a swimming pool, fitness center, spa, restaurant, and bar.
LUXURY: Meliá Vinpearl Danang Riverfront
Aside from its stunning location, Meliá Vinpearl has a lot to offer. With four on-site restaurants, an outdoor pool, a rooftop bar, and a spa, this gorgeous hotel has all the facilities you could dream of. Some of the suites even offer striking river views!
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What to Wear for the Marble Mountains Danang, Vietnam
Comfortable clothes: gym attire can be a good choice! A rain jacket is also a great idea if it is on a rainy day.
Sturdy shoes: Wear sturdy shoes if you are planning to visit all the sites and climb up to the top. Also, I visited it during a rainy day, and turns very slippery, so wear sturdy and waterproof shoes to be safe.
Day-Pack: I also recommend having a day pack and packing a refilled water bottle and some healthy snacks with you. Also, don’t forget to pack sunblock and a hat.
Marble Mountains in Danang, Vietnam Conclusion
I hope you have found all the information you need about Marble Mountains Danang Vietnam and added it to your bucket list!
You can easily spend half-day here exploring the many sites, including pagodas, hiking trails, caves, and fascinating marble statues. It is easy to get here from Da Nang, Hoi An, or Hue, and you can visit the Marble Mountains in Vietnam as a day trip.
If you have any additional questions or recommendations, please leave a comment below. As always, I love to hear from you and your adventures!
If you’ve enjoyed this guide then here are some others that you might find helpful:
- A Perfect Vietnam 2-week Itinerary
- Vietnam Travel Tips: Everything you need to know before your trip
- Best Hoi An itinerary
- Best Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary
- Best Hanoi Itinerary
- Best Da Nang itinerary
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Wow a 20 foot lady statue Paula. Fascinating. We did not make it to Marble Mountain but deeply enjoyed Hoi An and Da Nang. 2 months in that region. Rocking post.
These photos are to die for! This looks like such an incredible trip. I definitely need to add it to my travel list. Thanks for sharing.
I have never even heard of this place but it looks gorgeous! When I visit Vietnam I’ll be sure to add this to my itinerary.
Great post, I missed this out when I went to Vietnam, but I am looking to go back soon 🙂 and I definitely want to visit here. Stunning photos. I’m going to save it for later!
I visited Danang years ago and I never knew about these mountains! It looks like a serene place to visit. Wonderful find Paula!
Hi Viola, I only found out about the Marble Mountains during my search before my first trip to Vietnam, and I am so glad I visited it. Marble Mountains is a really serene place.
Thanks Louise, I am glad you found out now about the Marble Mountains and you will love to visit it during your next time in Vietnam.
Hi Marika – I never heard about this place either, until I started to research for my trip to Vietnam, and I am so glad I found out about it as the visit in the Marble Mountains was a wonderful experience.
Thanks Alanna, I am so happy to hear you enjoyed the pictures.
I will be visiting during CNY 2023 ~Jan 21-23 2023, will the place be opened? how about the marble carving stores u mentioned?
thanks in advance, sun
Hello Sun,
I cannot answer your question as I have visited the mountains in December. I would recommend you to visit the official website to get access to any specific questions you may have.
Hello!
To do the walk ourselves, how did you manage the transport to and fro?
Will there be available taxis at Marble Mountains if we tour the place ourselves?
Thanks!
Hello Tiffany, as I said on my blog, I have rented a scooter in Hoi An and went to the Marble Mountains for the day. Yes, you can find taxis in front of the Marble Mountains.