Marble Mountains Da Nang – Caves, Pagodas & Panoramic Views

There are many natural wonders and elements of cultural heritage in Vietnam. One of the best known is Marble Mountain Vietnam. Situated in the center of Da Nang are these five limestone and marble hills put together to form one site, not a geographical phenomenon, but a spiritual haven made up of ancient caves, Buddhist sanctuaries, and breathtaking lookout points.

Marble Mountain turned out to be one of our unexpected favorites! We didn’t expect much, but there are so many temples to explore and the views are fantastic. Take the elevator up which is worth it since there are plenty of stairs to climb once you're at the top. And don’t miss the marble sculptors at the base; they’re pretty cool to check out.

Marble Mountains are among the best mountains to visit in Vietnam!

Why You Should Visit Marble Mountain Vietnam?

More than being a beautiful sight, Marble Mountain exudes Vietnamese culture, spirituality, and history. Here's why you cannot afford to miss this experience:

• Spectacular View: Climb up to the top and enjoy superb views across Da Nang, My Khe Beach, and the green Vietnamese countryside.

• Mystical Caves: Make your way around very quaint and mysterious caves filled with Buddhist altars, stalactites, and ancient stone carvings.

• Holy Pagodas: Ancient pagodas and temples remain as centers of worship. Even if you are not a religious person we would still recommend visiting some of them due to the beautiful architecture and work that went into building them!

• History: It also hosts stories about the Vietnam War hidden in the caves. There are many tourists who travel to Vietnam to relive the history and marble mountains should be in their list of places if they are into that sort of tourism activity.

• Adventure & Exploration: It offers hiking, photography, and discovering secret tunnels.

The Five Marble Mountains & Their Meaning

Marble Mountain Vietnam refers to a chain of five hills, each assigned the name of the five elements under Vietnamese philosophy:

Thuy Son, being the most tourist-friendly mountain, possesses the best caves, temples, and views.

Major Things to Do in Marble Mountain Vietnam

1. Hike to the Top to See the Marvelous Views

Reach the top of Thuy Son (Water Mountain) for an unbeatable 360-degree view of Da Nang. Either take the stairs or hop in the elevator for a quicker way up. The completely picturesque coastline, the lush greenery, and the skyline of the city await your arrival at the top. This is where most of the instagram celebs go out with their cameras ;)

2. Explore the Mystical Caves

Marble Mountain hosts a number of caves that have historical and religious significance. You really have to see: 

• Huyen Khong Cave: A large, open-air cave housing Buddhist shrines and even the mystical.

• Am Phu Cave: Locals refer to this as "Hell Cave," since it graphically depicts carvings of representations of Buddhist versions of hellish torments in the afterlife.

• Tang Chon Cave: A secret haven for meditating monks.

Pro Tip: Visit Marble Mountain between 11:00 am and 12:30 pm to witness beautiful beams of sunlight streaming through the skylight, creating a magical display (see the picture below!)

3. Visit the Ancient Pagodas and Temples

Marble Mountain has several beautiful temples and pagodas that house intricate Buddhist architecture. Don't miss:

• Linh Ung Pagoda: The most famous temple in the area around Da Nang—a quiet place of serenity. It has over 4500 google reviews with an insanely high avg rating of 4.7 stars so you can get an idea how popular and well liked this pagod is!
  

• Tam Thai Pagoda: Constructed in the 17th century, it holds much importance for history lovers (directions to Tam Thai pagoda). This one is a smaller pagoda tha Linh Ung and not that popular but look at the bright side - less crowded!
  

• Xa Loi Tower: A beautiful seven-story tower with sophisticated carvings about Buddhism. It opens from 6 am and closes around 9 pm (with lunch break b/w 11:30 am to 2 pm).

4. Secret Tunnels & War History

During the Vietnam War, Marble Mountain's caves had been used by the Viet Cong as a location where they could withdraw themselves and construct temporary hospitals. It is possible to explore this secret tunnel and chambers of Marble Mountain to help tourists reflect on turbulent times in Vietnam.

5. Visiting Marble Handicraft Village

Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village is located at the foot of Marble Mountain. Centuries ago, residents living here had made complicated marble figurines and sculptures, which make very good souvenirs or presents. Here are the directions to reach the handicraft village.

Best Time to Visit Marble Mountain Vietnam

The best time to visit Marble Mountain in Vietnam would be between February and May. During this period, the temperature is cool and dry. Summer, which falls between June and August, is hot, and climbing could be uncomfortable in that heat.
Therefore, the best time to visit is during early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowd and get better lighting for photography.

How to Get to Marble Mountain Vietnam

Marble Mountain is just 10km away from Da Nang City Centre. You have a number of options on how to get here:

• Get here by Taxi or Grab: Fast and comfortable. Cost is about $5-$10 USD. We would recommend always using Grab rather than a common taxi to avoid hassle or possible scams!

• Motorbike Hire: Another great option for the adventure traveller. Cost: $6 USD per day (around 150k VND) .
  Note that you will have to buy and fill petrol on your own with only enough petrol provided by the rental place for a few km of drive to reach the petrol station.

• Bicycle: If you are an avid cyclist, you can also easily rent a bike and breeze along the scenic coastline.

If you happen to be coming from Hoi An, Marble Mountain is a 20-minute motorbike or taxi ride from the town.

Entrance Fee and Opening Hours

• Entrance Fee: 40,000 VND (~$1.70 USD)

• Elevator Ticket (Optional): 15,000 VND (~$0.65 USD)

• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Timing may vary during Tet Festival)

Tips for Visiting Marble Mountain Vietnam

• Wear Comfortable Shoes: The hike does require stairs and uneven paths.

• Bring a Flashlight: Some of the caves are dark inside.

• Dress Respectfully: Wear modest clothing while going inside temples.

• Stay Hydrated: Bring in water, especially during the hot months.

• Watch Your Belongings: Be very aware of your valuables, as tourist spots do attract pickpocketing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Marble Mountain Vietnam

Is Marble Mountain Vietnam worth visiting?

Yes, it does have great viewpoints, historical importance, sacred temples, and adventure caves, making it one of the must-see sights in Da Nang.

How long does it take to explore Marble Mountain?

It takes about 2-3 hours to see the main sites, but one can stay longer if they choose to visit all the caves and temples.

Can I hike all five Marble Mountains?

While most people visit Thuy Son, or Water Mountain, the other mountains are not as accessible and have very limited attractions.

Are guided tours available?

Yes, there are several tour operators around the area that offer half-day Marble Mountain tours complete with guides who can explain to you every bit of history and legend of Marble Mountain.

Is the elevator worth it?

Well, if you wish to conserve energy to walk around the caves and temples, then use the elevator. If you love hiking, then the stairs will provide a far more engaging experience. If you are visiting in summer and that too in hot afternoon hours do not take the stairs if you want clean and dry sweat free clothes on your body!

Anything to eat around?

Yeah! You can get some authentic Vietnamese food from street vendors or local eateries at the entrance.