The Marble Mountains is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Da Nang-Hoi An area. Yearly, some millions of local and foreign visitors come here to sightsee. Meaning that there are reasons making a trip well worth it. In addition, because of stairs and hikes, people who are not good at physical activities for wheelchair users want to skip. So now, let’s HoiAn Day Trip Company reveal reasons why the Marble Mountains is worth visiting.
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• Content by Tam Le, founder of HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD
• Designed by Giang Cong Minh, co-founder of LS E&C LTD and his team
• Photo by Dang Cong Loi, Dao Xuan Son, Tam Le & others
Must Knows about Marble Mountains in Da Nang Vietnam
– Location/address: 81 Huyen Tran Cong Chua St, Hoa Hai ward, Ngu Hanh Son district, Da Nang city, Vietnam
– Name in Vietnamese: Ngu Hanh Son (literally ‘the Five Elements Mountain’)
– Other name(s): Non Nuoc (meaning ‘mountain and water’), Pho Da Son (the Buddha Mountain), Ngu Chi Son (literally ‘Five (Buddha’s) Fingers Mountain’)
– Opening hours: 7:30 AM to 5 PM (6 AM to 6 PM in the summertime)
– Ticket price: 40,000 VND/adult & children above 10 years old (2024)
– Mountains: Thuy Son (‘water mountain’, largest), Moc Son (‘wood mountain’), Kim Son (‘metal moutain’), Hoa Son (‘fire mountain’, smallest), Tho Son (‘earth mountain’)
– Elevation: 108 meters (approx 354 ft)
– Type: marble rock, limestone rock
– Age of rock: some millions of years old
– Highest point: Thuong Thai Peak
– Reason(s) to visit: spectacular natural beauty, century-old Buddhist temples, extensive system of caves, peaks with panoramic view, traditional stone carving village, Unesco-listed rock inscriptions
– Best time(s) to visit: early morning, late afternoon, sunny days
– Way(s) to visit: hiking, climbing stairs
– Time to spend: 1,5 to 2 hours
– Tour guide: contact +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo)
– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.com/marble-mountains-travel-guide
– Recognition(s): national scenic spot (1990), special national scenic spot (2018), Unesco documentary heritage of Asia Pacific (2023)
– Event(s): Quan The Am festival, Vu Lan festival, Lunar New year festival
– Food & drink: yes available
– Shopping: yes available
– Fact: The Marble Mountains is the most famous mountain in Da Nang and Vietnam
The Marble Mountains on Map
Reasons Why Marble Mountains Worth Visiting
Getting to Marble Mountains: Think Far But Not!
When hear ‘mountains’, many visitors think that the Marble Mountains is far from the city. However, it lies right in the city! From Da Nang city centre, the distance is 5-7 kilometers and from Hoi An, it’s about 20 kilometers. No matter going by car/van/bus or riding the motorbike, visitors do not spend too much time.
Stunning Hike in Marble Mountains
Mountains of the Marble Mountains rise suddenly from the plain/city. To visit, it’s needed to hike (climb many stairs). Along long hiking trails, there are temples, caves, peaks, spots to view the scenery, exotic plants, monk’s tombs, buddha statues, rocky gates, photo spots, etc. At peaks, hikers can enjoy a beautiful sweeping view; For those who love hiking/trekking or nature adventure, this place is worth going to. If sightsee with a local guide, visitors can learn about history, culture, religion and other sides of the mountain.
Majestic Caves at Marble Mountains
Visitors can find numerous caves in the Marble Mountains Vietnam. Caves themselves are connected together through small, hidden passages. That’s why they are used by guerillas during the last war in Vietnam to hide away and even build a field hospital. Some of these caves are large in size, bringing visitors a magnificent natural beauty and many photo opportunities. Within them, god/buddha statues, temples and pagodas are holy to local people. See more information & details
Here are the best caves:
– Huyen Khong Cave: This is the largest cave in the Marble Mountains, lying within the Water Mountain (Mount Thuy Son). It’s famous for spectacular beams of light falling from the top of the cave, from a height of 16 meters. At noon time, lots of visitors and photographers come here to take photos. See more information & details
– Am Phu Cave: This cave’s entrance is located at the foot of the Water Mountain (near the elevator). It’s the longest cave, with large chambers and passages to the sky (‘heaen’) and down the earth (‘hell’). Because communists hid here in the war, the US army attacked it several times. See more information & details
– Tang Chon Cave: This cave network lies behind Linh Ung Pagoda, on the east slope of Water Mountain. It comprises an arch cave in the centre and other smaller caves linking to it. Every cave has a temple or buddha statues. One of these caves houses the remains of a Hindu temple which Cham people constructed before 14th century. See more information & details
– Van Thong Cave: This cave is a half way hike between Linh Ung Pagoda and Tam Thai Pagoda. It comprises two chambers and the inner chamber is linked to one of the highest points (‘Heaven Gate’) by a secret trail. Its name means ‘the way to cloud/heaven’. See more information & details
Sacred Temples at Marble Mountains
The largest mountain of the Marble Mountains, the Water Mountain is home to two of the holiest Buddhist temples in the area. In the 19th and 20th centuries, they were titled ‘national pagodas’ by the king. Everyday, many locals come to these places to pray. During the year, many festivals also take place, such as Buddha’s birthday, Parent’s day.
– Linh Ung Pagoda: This is the oldest temple in the mountain and Da Nang (built in 1826). Its name means ‘wishes answered miraculously’. In the city, there are two other Linh Ung pagodas nowadays: Linh Ung Ba Na Pagoda (inaugurated in 2004) and Linh Ung Son Tra Pagoda (inaugurated in 2010). See more information & details
– Tam Thai Pagoda: This temple was constructed in 1826, on the west slope of the mountain, by the king because of his father’s promise. Its name means ‘three peaks/terraces’, representing three peaks of the Marble Mountain. See more information & details
Panoramic View from Peaks of Marble Mountain
From the highest points of the Marble Mountains, visitors can catch a panoramic view of the surrounding area. To the east, it’s possible to view the sea, islands, mountains and especially, the long white sandy coastline behind coconut forests. To the west, there are high mountains topped by clouds, rivers, new urban projects and especially, four other mountains of the Marble Mountain. These spots are great to take a rest (cool breeze) and take photos.
– The Heaven Gate: This is the second highest point of the Marble Mountains (106 meters above the sea level). To get to it, visitors need to climb stairs from Tam Thai Pagoda or Linh Ung Pagoda or through Van Thong Cave by a secret hole. See more information & details
– Thuong Thai Peak: This is the highest point of the Marble Mountains (108 meters above the sea level). To get to it, visitors need to climb stairs from Tam Thai Pagoda. See more information & details
Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village
At the foot of the Marble Mountains, there is Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village, a traditional craft village in Da Nang. Its tradition of stone carving started in the 17th century. Sir Huynh Ba Quat, who moved from northern Vietnam, was believed by locals to be the first master. Later he became the ancestor of all local carvers and an annual festival still takes place to honor him. Nowadays, hundreds of families in the village have made products from the marble to sell. Their craft was recognized as Vietnam’s national intangible cultural heritage. Between 2004 and 2010, the highest skillful craftsmen here participated in the construction of the giant Lady Buddha statue in Son Tra Peninsula. It’s 67 meters tall.
When come to Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village today, visitors will:
– See/photograph a plenty of stone sculptures which vary in size, shape, color and meaning. They are even exported to many countries in the world. Most buddha statues in the area are produced here.
– Watch local carvers working at all stages. They take the stone from the marble mountains to make sculptures, statues, household items, accessories, souvenirs.
– Have the chance to buy souvenirs where they are produced.
Unesco-Listed Rock Inscriptions
The Marble Mountains is home to a collection of 78 inscriptions carved on rock walls from the 17th to 19th centuries. Almost all of them are written in Chinese mandarin language, providing valuable information about history, culture, social customs and religion. In 2022, it’s inscribed by Unesco to be Asia Pacific’s world documentary heritage. Those who are interested in cultural heritage should not miss the Marble Mountains if travel to Da Nang Vietnam.
Reasons to Not Visit Marble Mountains Vietnam
Besides many good reasons to make a visit to the Marble Mountains worth it, here are reasons why visitors should skip it:
– Visitors must climb many stairs if want to see all the sights in the Marble Mountains. Seniors and those who have limited mobility must think carefully (instead of climbing to the mountain, can see around the stone carving village to buy souvenirs).
– In the dry season, the temperature is high. If visit the Marble Mountains in the midday, it will be hot or very hot. Visitors should go in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
– In the rainy season, stairs are wet and slippery, so it’s quite dangerous while visiting the Marble Mountains. If going with kids, please think carefully. The solution is to go sightseeing on another day when it’s dry.
– Wheelchair users can take the elevator to go up/down the mountain and then visit Xa Loi Tower or have a look at other marble hills, the sea and Linh Ung Pagoda.
– For safety reasons, pregnant women can not visit the Marble Mountains. So, this place should be removed from the travel itinerary.
– The Marble Mountains is a Buddhist holy place, therefore it can be not interesting for those who follow other religions and beliefs. However, without pagodas, this mountain still has a collection of caves, peaks, outlooks and awesome hiking trails.
– If afraid of bats, visitors should skip the caves at the Marble Mountain.
Itinerary to Visit Marble Mountains for First Timer
The Water Mountain of the Marble Mountains has pagodas, caves, peaks, towers, old trees, and holy sites. They are along hiking trails started from Gate 1 (‘Tam Thai Pagoda Gate’) and Gate 2 (‘Linh Ung Pagoda Gate’) on Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street. Near Gate 2, visitors will see the elevator and use it to go up to Linh Ung Pagoda and skip the stairs to it. However, to visit other sights in the mountain, hiking is still needed. See our recommended itineraries
Guided Tours to Marble Mountains Da Nang
Here are interesting guided tours to the Marble Mountains:
– Marble Mountains Private Tour with Am Phu Cave: From Hell to Heaven
– Da Nang Cave Tour: Adventure into Caves of Marble Mountains
– Marble Mountains Half Day Tour with Linh Ung Pagoda
– Marble Mountain & Monkey Mountain Tour
– Marble Mountain & Monkey Mountain Sunset Tour
– Marble Mountain, Monkey Mountain & Hoi An Tour
– Marble Mountains, Lady Buddha & Am Phu Cave Tour
– Da Nang City Tour Full Day: Marble Mountain & Central District
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang Port
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Day Tour from Chan May Port
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Night Tour from Da Nang
– Hoi An Full Day Tour from Da Nang
– Hoi An Full Day Tour from Da Nang with Chinese Speaking Guide
– Marble Mountain, Lady Buddha & Hoi An Coconut Forest Tour
– Golden Bridge/Ba Na Hills & Marble Mountain Tour
– My Son Sanctuary & Marble Mountain Tour
– Da Nang City Tour from Chan May Port
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes tours and transfers to Da Nang and Hoi An. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Photos, Videos about Marble Mountains
Here are beautiful photos and videos about Marble Mountains:
