Located in the heart of Central Vietnam central coast, Marble Mountain Da Nang is a stunning landmark to visit. This mountain range has been carved out by the sea over millions of years, creating a stunning landscape with a rich history.
From its breathtaking views to its unique cultural heritage and interesting Buddhist images, you’ll love coming to the Marble Mountain Da Nang.
Ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to one of Vietnam’s best destinations?
Here’s everything you have to know the Marble Mountain Vietnam, from its the history to all the tips you should know before coming and the best day tours from Da Nang.
Marble Mountain Da Nang – Overview
Let’s start with the most important – the location of the Marble Mountains, how to get there, the dress code, and all the other essentials.
Where is the Marble Mountain?
Marble Mountain, known locally as Ngu Hanh Son, is situated just 8 kilometers from the city center of Da Nang. The Marble Mountains consist of five limestone peaks, each dedicated to an element of Eastern philosophy. These elements are Kim (metal), Tho (earth), Moc (wood), Hoa (fire) and Thuy (water).
From the summit of Mt. Thuy, visitors can admire the city of Da Nang to the north, the South China Sea to the east, and the other Marble Mountains in Da Nang.
How to Get to the Marble Mountains?
Reaching the Marble Mountains is as easy as it gets, as it’s quite close to My Khe Beach, the Dragon Bridge, and Da Nang City Center.
You can visit Marble Mountains in Da Nang by motorbike, calling a Grab or booking private transfers, or joining a day tour.
I recommend the last option as you’ll visit the Marble Mountains with a local guide but also spending time discover Lady Buddha and Hoi An old town, which are other impressive sites – But let me elaborate on each.
Renting a scooter
For those willing to explore the Marble Mountains at their own pace, renting a scooter is a great option – That is, if you can drive a motorbike.
You can rent a motorbike pretty much anywhere in town and it’ll cost you only about 100k VND, or around $5, excluding gas.
Renting a scooter is a great way to explore the Marble Mountains and the surrounding area, and you’ll get to the Marble Mountains by following the coast, which takes around 15 minutes from My Khe Beach.
A word of caution: Local store owners will be very pushy trying to get you inside their place and show you around to buy something. Most marble statues they have cost about 150k VND, which isn’t much, but it’s worth knowing before you go.
The actual price of parking your scooter is 10,000 VND.
By Taxi
If you prefer a more comfortable and convenient mode of transportation, you can book a Grab Taxi, which only costs about 100k VND, or about $5 one way.
While this is a convenient option, remember that you’ll have to call another taxi when you’re done at the mountains, and the tour guide isn’t included.
Organized Tours
In case you want a more structured experience, I recommend booking a day tour to Danang Marble Mountain. In fact, not only will you visit the mountain with an expert guide but you’ll also get to visit Lady Buddha and Hoi An, depending on the tour you select.
Some popular options include the Lady Buddha, Monkey Mountain and Am Phu Cave Tour, as well as Hai Van Pass and My Son Sanctuary – Needless to say, there are many interesting options to explore around Da Nang!
Apart from that, you can take a day tour from either Da Nang or Hoi An, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can therefore use either as a base while on vacation.
Opening Times and Entrance Fees
The Marble Mountains are open daily from 7.00 AM to 5.30 PM. The entrance fee is a modest 40,000 VND per person, granting access to an unforgettable experience of natural beauty and cultural immersion.
Admission and Accessibility
Getting into the mountains is as easy as it gets – First of all, get to the entrance and park your scooter at one of the stores nearby, that will cost you 10,000 VND per scooter..
If you plan to travel by yourself, then you’ll have to pay the following:
- The parking for your scooter – 10,000 VND at the stores nearby (no official parking for scooters)
- The Marble Mountains tickets – 40,000 VND per person
- The elevator ticket – 15,000 VND per person
- The entrance ticket for the caves – 20,000 VND per person
You can buy the entrance ticket at the ticket booth here after the entrance. The ticket booth at the parking lot only sells tickets for the caves (for 20,000 VND), which I recommend.
All things considered, visiting the Marble Mountains will cost you 85,000 VND per person with a scooter, or 75,000 VND without.
On the other hand, when taking a day trip to the Marble Mountains and Lady Buddha, all the tickets are included, which make things much easier, despite being slighly more expensive.
Dress Code
When visiting the Marble Mountains, it’s important to dress appropriately for the weather conditions, ensuring maximum comfort as you explore the various attractions.
Loose-fitting clothes are recommended, especially during the warmer months. Don’t forget to pack some water to stay hydrated while exploring.
The Marble Mountain Complex
The Marble Mountains are divided into separated sections. Here below, we’ll discuss the different things to do at the Marble Mountains, what to see, and understand your way around.
Linh Ung Pagoda and Xa Loi Tower
The Linh Ung Pagoda, which is not to be mistaken with the Lady Buddha in Da Nang‘s Son Tra Peninsula, is nestled upstairs.
The Linh Ung Pagoda is known for its big Buddha statue that is 33 feet tall and the Xa Loi Tower. The tower, built in 1997, is about 100 feet high and has more than 200 Buddha statues inside.
Just a short walk will take you to the Xa Loi Tower, which is 92 feet tall and offers amazing views of the area around it.
Close to Linh Ung, there’s a tall tower in the Marble Mountains called Xa Loi. It’s 49 feet high and was added not too long ago, with 200 Buddha statues inside.
Huyen Khong Cave and Am Phu Cave
The Huyen Khong Cave is one of the largest caves in the Marble Mountains and played a significant role in the region’s history, serving as both a secret base for local revolutionaries and a field hospital during times of conflict.
Today, you can explore the cave’s many features, including its multiple altars, diminutive temple, and the large marble Buddha statue in the sunlight that filters through the cave’s opening.
The Am Phu Cave, on the other hand, offers a more somber and thought-provoking experience.
Symbolizing the Buddhist concept of hell and purgatory, the cave (also called Hell Cave) is adorned with dark, humid, and intimidating features that depict the punishments awaiting wrongdoers in the afterlife.
This unique attraction serves as a potent reminder of the importance of leading a virtuous life and is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who venture within.
Note that both caves are located at the entrance, near the parking lot, and you’ll have to get a separate entrance ticket, which costs 20,000 VND per person.
Tam Thai Pagoda
The Tam Thai Pagoda is a stunning testament to the craftsmanship and devotion of the artisans who constructed it.
Built in 1630 and restored in 1825, the pagoda is adorned with elaborate carvings and statues of Buddha and Buddhist sanctuaries that captivate the eye and inspire the soul.
As you wander the tranquil grounds of the Tam Thai Pagoda, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and spiritual significance that permeates its very foundations.
The pagoda stands as a lasting reminder of the enduring connection between the people of Vietnam and their faith, making it a must-see destination on any visit to the Marble Mountains.
Marvels of Marble Mountain
The Marble Mountains are steeped in rich history and cultural significance. In 1825, Emperor Minh Mang named the five elemental peaks after the elements of Eastern philosophy, imbuing each peak with its unique spiritual essence.
Today, these awe-inspiring mountains continue to captivate visitors with their breathtaking natural beauty and intriguing historical tales.
Nestled within the Marble Mountains are numerous caves, tunnels, temples, and pagodas, each offering a unique opportunity for exploration and discovery. The largest and most captivating of these is Thuy Son Marble Mountain, which boasts an array of mesmerizing features, including the serene Huyen Khong Cave and the enigmatic Am Phu Cave.
The Five Element Mountains
The group of five marble mountains are named after the elements in Eastern philosophy. They are Kim (metal mountain), Tho (earth mountain), Moc (wood mountain), Hoa (fire mountain) and Thuy (water mountain, which is the one you can visit as a tourist). Each peak possesses its unique charm and allure, with the most celebrated being Water Mountain, widely regarded as the pinnacle of natural beauty within the Marble Mountains.
From the enchanting Linh Ung Pagoda, home to the colossal Lady Buddha statue, to the towering Xa Loi Tower, adorned with an array of Buddha, Bodhisattva, and Arhat statues, the five elemental peaks offer a kaleidoscope of awe-inspiring sights and spiritual experiences.
Historical Significance
Throughout the ages, Marble Mountains have provided refuge and solace for generations of Vietnamese, serving as both a spiritual sanctuary and a bastion of resistance during times of conflict. In the 19th century, Emperor Minh Mang bestowed the names of the five elements upon the peaks, further cementing their cultural and spiritual significance.
During the war for independence from France, the Huyen Khong Cave was a secret spot where local fighters planned their strategies and launched surprise attacks.
The PLAF Women’s Artillery Group, to whom a plaque in Huyen Khong Cave is dedicated, played a crucial role in the conflict by destroying 19 Marine aircraft at the Marble Mountains Air Facility in 1972.
Today, visitors can still explore this fascinating cave and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of history that it holds within its walls.
Danang Marble Mountains – FAQ
Now that we’ve discussed everything you should about the Marble Mountains in Da Nang before coming, let’s reply to some questions from first-time visitors that might help you even more.
Is it Worth Visiting the Marble Mountains Da Nang?
Yes, visiting the Marble Mountains in Da Nang is definitely worth it. These five mountains made of limestone and marble offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, as well as a glimpse into Vietnamese history.
The Linh Ung Pagoda perched atop one of the mountains and the Xa Loi Tower on another are two of the most notable attractions.
You can go up the tower or check out the caves, pagodas, and temples, all while enjoying the natural beauty. The Marble Mountains in Da Nang are a great place to see, whether you like history, culture, or just the beauty of nature.
Do You Need a Tour to Visit Marble Mountains?
While it is not necessary to book a tour to visit the Marble Mountains, it’s highly recommended. With a tour guide, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the site, its history, and its cultural significance.
Also, booking a tour can also allow you to visit other nearby attractions like the Lady Buddha in Da Nang, which you may not have otherwise known about or been able to access.
Overall, while you can explore the Marble Mountains on your own, booking a tour can help you make the most of your visit and ensure that you don’t miss out on anything truly special.
How Far Are the Marble Mountains From Da Nang?
The distance between Da Nang and Marble Mountains is approximately 6 kilometers, which takes about 15 minutes by car or scooter to reach the mountain from the city center.
Are There Toilets at the Marble Mountains?
Yes, there are toilets at the car park right at the entrance, which are surprinsingly clean!
More Vietnam Travel Guides
- All Vietnam Travel Guides
- Best Things to Do in Vietnam
- Awesome Things to Do in Hoi An
- Best Things to Do in Da Nang, Vietnam
- Amazing things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
- Plan the Perfect 3-Day Hoi An Itinerary
- Plan The Perfect 5-Day Da Nang Itinerary
- Plan the Perfect 7-Day Central Vietnam Itinerary
- Dragon Bridge in Da Nang: Visitors’ Guide
- Ba Na Hills Tour – Complete Travel Guide
- Da Nang Cathedral – Visitors’ Guide
- Lady Buddha Da Nang – Visitor’s Guide
- How to Travel From Da Nang to Hoi An
Final Thoughts – Danang Marble Mountains
The Marble Mountains of Da Nang offer a truly unforgettable experience for travelers seeking to explore the natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture of Vietnam
With its captivating caves, ancient pagodas, and awe-inspiring panoramic views, this remarkable destination promises to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
In summary, the Marble Mountains in Da Nang, Vietnam, are a captivating destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural exploration.
Don’t wait to book your tour or organize a trip there, as it gets very busy during the peak season!
