Things to See & Do in Thuy Son Mountain Peak (Thuong Thai Peak)

Thuong Thai Peak is the highest point in the Marble Mountains. Its height is 108 meters above the sea level, so the whole surrounding can be observed from it. Along the hiking trail to this pinacle, there are some good spots to enjoy/photograph the landscape. However, due to steep stairs, many visitors want to skip it. Those who have a good physical strength or simply like doing hiking/trekking, should not miss Thuong Thai Peak.

In Vietnamese, Thuong Thai means ‘upper (high) peak’. According to local people, the Water Mountain has three peaks/terraces if see from the plain: ‘lower’ terrace/peak (Ha Thai) where Linh Ung Pagoda sits, ‘middle’ terrace/peak (Trung Thai) where Tam Thai Pagoda sits, and ‘upper’ terrace/peak (Thuong Thai). These terraces are collectively known as ‘Tam Thai’ or ‘three peaks/terraces’, the name of the oldest pagoda.

On the way to Thuong Thai Peak, visitors will see Linh Nham Cave whose name means ‘Holy Rock Cave’ in Vietnamese language. This arch marble cave is smaller than Tang Chon Cave, Huyen Khong Cave or Am Phu Cave in the mountain. In the past, it’s used to worship Lady Buddha or Goddess of Mercy, but later the Jade Emperor, the monarch of all deities in heaven. For that reason, it’s sometimes known as ‘Jade Emperor Cave’ by local people. Besides him, two gods Nam Tao ‘South Lord’ and Bac Dau ‘North Lord’ are also worshipped here. On the 23rd day of the last lunar month, one week before the Vietnamese New year festival, the ceremony to commemorate the trio of gods in Linh Nham Cave takes place.

From Thuong Thai Peak, on the east side, there is full view to a beautiful non-stop coastline stretching along the blue ocean, plus cool breezes. In particular, that is Non Nuoc Beach, one of the most famous beaches in Da Nang. It’s lined by luxury resorts set amid lush coconut forests and flower gardens. Further to the left, that is My Khe Beach, one of Asia’s best beaches and Son Tra Peninsula or Monkey Mountain, a mountain rising up to over 700 meters. Giant Lady Buddha Statue in this mountain whose height is 67 meters, can be observed on sunny days. On the horizon line, there are islands at Cham Islands, a marine park and Unesco world biosphere reserve. This archipelago is renowned for its diverse underwater life and coral reefs (perfect for snorkeling/diving), sandy beaches and fresh seafood. Within the Pacific Ocean, the sea is known as ‘East Sea’ or Bien Dong in Vietnam, instead of South China Sea on English maps.

On the other side (the west side), it’s possible to see new urban development projects of Da Nang, the capital of central Vietnam. In the far distances, there are high mountains belonging to the Annamite Range or Truong Son Range, the backbone of the country. Ba Na Hills is located in this chain of mountains. Watching the sunset from here is an awesome experience! Other hills of the Marble Mountains will be seen from the Heaven Gate. Each one represents one element in the Five Elements theory in Asia. There are the Wood Mountain (Moc Son), the ‘Yin’ Fire Mountain and the ‘Yang’ Fire Mountain (Duong Hoa Son and Am Hoa Son), the Metal Mountain (Kim Son), and the Earth Mountain (Tho Son). Near the mountains, there is a canal named ‘Co Co River’ (meaning ‘stork neck river’) because it’s long and narrow. Between the 15th and 19th centuries, this was an important waterway connecting Da Nang Port and Hoi An Port. Later, it’s covered by sand (until today).

From Thuong Thai Peak, on the south side, there is the Heaven Gate (Cong Troi) where fairy men meet in the legend, one of the highest peaks in the mountain and a tall burial tower at Tam Thai Pagoda, a national pagoda constructed under commission of the king. It’s also possible to see residential areas of Ngu Hanh Son district lying between the sea and the river. Tall buildings mark the boundary between Da Nang city and Quang Nam province, home to Hoi An Ancient Town.

On the north side from Thuong Thai Peak, visitors can see the rest of the Water Mountain, the largest of the Marble Mountains. This mountain is basically a huge marble covered by plants, such as banyan trees, rabbit ear cactus. These plants can grow in poor soil, without water for a long period. Behind the rocks, there is a portion of Da Nang city downtown, including houses, the tower of Tran Thi Ly Bridge, and Sun Wheel (one of world’s tallest observation wheels, 115 meters).