Vietnam Marble Mountains - Da Nang Caves Guide

Marble Mountains Da Nang (known as Ngu Hanh Son in Vietnamese) is a cluster of five limestone peaks located just 8 kilometers southeast of Da Nang city center. The five mountains are named after the five elements of Vietnamese philosophy: Water (Thuy Son), Fire (Hoa Son), Wood (Moc Son), Metal (Kim Son), and Earth (Tho Son).

Our complete guide covers all 9 caves you need to explore, 4 ancient pagodas to visit, war tunnels from the Vietnam War, the famous stone carving village at the base, and insider tips on best times to visit, entrance fees, and what to expect.
Do you want to hike to panoramic viewpoints, explore mysterious caves with natural light beams, discover Buddhist temples or learn about Vietnam War history? Marble Mountains delivers adventure, spirituality, and stunning photography in one location. By the end of this guide, you will know exactly how to spend your time at Marble Mountains and why it is Da Nang's most visited attraction.

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

9 Must-See Caves & Pagodas at Marble Mountains Da Nang

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.

Understanding the 5 Marble Mountains: Five Elements Philosophy

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.

What to Do at Marble Mountains: Complete Activity Guide 2025

1. Hike Thuy Son Water Mountain: 360 Views of Da Nang (Elevator Option)

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. 9 Best Caves at Marble Mountains: Huyen Khong, Am Phu & Hidden Gems

Marble Mountains is famous for its cave network, each with unique history, spiritual significance, and visual appeal. Here are the 9 must-see caves on Thuy Son (Water Mountain):

Cave 1: Huyen Khong Cave (Most Famous)

Huyen Khong is the largest and most photographed cave at Marble Mountains. The ceiling has a natural opening that allows dramatic beams of sunlight to stream down, creating an ethereal, heavenly glow. A massive 4-meter-tall Buddha statue sits in the center of the cave, positioned directly under the natural skylight. The effect is magical, especially between 9 AM and 11 AM when sunlight angles are perfect.

Inside Huyen Khong, you will also find shrines dedicated to various Buddhist deities, incense smoke curling through the air, and an atmosphere of deep spiritual significance. The cave served as a secret base and field hospital during the Vietnam War, adding layers of history to its spiritual importance.

Cave 2: Am Phu Cave (Hell Cave)

Known locally as the "Hell Cave," Am Phu is one of the most intense experiences at Marble Mountains. The cave contains sculptures and carvings depicting Buddhist concepts of the afterlife, judgment, and consequences of actions in previous lives. Eerie stone figures represent different stages of karma and spiritual transformation.

Walking through Am Phu is a journey from darkness (representing hell) to light (representing heaven or enlightenment). Steep stone steps and narrow passages create a challenging physical experience that mirrors the spiritual journey being depicted. Many visitors find the experience thought-provoking and transformative.

Cave 3: Tang Chon Cave (Hidden Corner)

Located directly behind Linh Ung Pagoda, Tang Chon Cave is easy to miss if you are not looking for it. You must duck under a low limestone arch to enter. Inside, you will find a small temple with Buddha statues, natural skylights, lush vegetation growing inside the cave, and an atmosphere of peace and seclusion.

This cave was traditionally used by Buddhist monks for meditation. The combination of natural elements, religious statues, and quiet atmosphere makes it perfect for reflection or photography.

Cave 4: Van Thong Cave (Two Levels)

Van Thong Cave offers a unique multi-level experience. The entrance is accessed by climbing steep stone steps. Inside, there is a sitting Buddha statue, and behind it, steeply stacked marble stones leading to a second level.

At the top level, you will find a natural opening in the roof where light streams through, illuminating the hollow chamber. The climb back down is steep and slippery, requiring careful footing. This cave rewards adventurous visitors with unique geological formations and views most tourists miss.

Cave 5: Hoa Nghiem Cave (Illuminated Pagoda)

Hoa Nghiem Cave has an impressive illuminated Buddha statue in the center, visible from the cave entrance. The statue glows with soft lighting, creating a serene, spiritual atmosphere. Behind the main chamber, you can explore deeper cavern areas and smaller shrines.

The brick pathway leading to Hoa Nghiem is lined with colorful flags and palm trees, making it a picturesque walk. Photography here is excellent, especially in early morning light.

Cave 6: Linh Nham Cave (Bat Cave with Skylight)

Linh Nham Cave features a narrow entrance that opens into a small chamber with a colored Buddha statue. Behind the Buddha, a very steep and narrow corridor climbs to a higher level. At the top, you will find a section of collapsed cave with an opening to the sky (a natural skylight).

The unique feature of this cave is the population of bats that roost in the upper chamber. If you look up carefully, you can see bats sleeping during the day. The combination of steep climbing, narrow passages, and bat observations makes this a memorable cave experience.

Cave 7: Linh Tho Cave

This cave is smaller and less visited than major caves, making it a peaceful retreat. It contains Buddhist altars and statues, with natural light filtering through cracks in the rock.

Cave 8: Tam Huong Cave

Another smaller cave with spiritual significance for local Buddhists. Contains religious statues and altars. Less crowded than major caves.

Cave 9: Hidden Temple Cave (Unnamed)

Various small caverns and temple areas exist throughout the mountain. During your exploration, you may discover smaller caves with Buddhist statues, meditation areas, or local shrines that are not on official maps. These hidden discoveries often become memorable highlights for visitors who take time to explore beyond the main tourist route.

Best Time to See Caves:

Huyen Khong: 9 AM to 11 AM (best sunbeams)

Most caves: Early morning (before crowds, better lighting)

Photography: Golden hour (6:30 AM sunrise or 4:30 PM sunset light)

Da Nang Cave Exploration Tips: Bring a flashlight for darker caves, Wear non-slip shoes with good grip, Bring water (climbing is physical), Move slowly and carefully on steep steps, Respect quiet/meditation areas.

3. Ancient Pagodas & Temples: Linh Ung, Tam Thai & Xa Loi Tower

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).

Marble Mountain War History: Vietnam War Tunnels & Hidden Stories

During the Vietnam War, the caves and tunnels of Marble Mountains held deep strategic and historical significance. The Viet Cong used these natural caverns as hideaways, command centers, and secret field hospitals to treat wounded soldiers. The cave network's remote location, strong limestone walls, and multiple entrances made them ideal for military operations while staying hidden from aerial bombardment.

Am Phu Cave, which you can visit today, still contains evidence of this era. Visitors can walk through the same passages where Vietnamese revolutionaries operated during the war, creating a powerful and reflective experience. The caves also served as places where soldiers meditated and found spiritual strength during the conflict.

The war history of Marble Mountains is not just about military strategy. It represents the resilience and sacrifice of Vietnamese people during one of the nation's most turbulent periods. Many visitors come specifically to walk through these tunnels and understand this important chapter of Vietnam's past. The site has become a place of remembrance and reflection for both Vietnamese nationals and international visitors seeking to understand Vietnamese history more deeply.

Today, guided tours are available that explain the specific ways the caves were used during wartime. Local guides can point out where hospitals were established, where supplies were stored, and how soldiers navigated the underground passages in darkness. This experience provides historical context that enriches your visit beyond just seeing beautiful caves and temples.

The combination of natural beauty, spiritual significance, and historical depth makes the war tunnels one of the most meaningful parts of any Marble Mountains visit.

Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village: Buy Marble Sculptures & Souvenirs

At the base of Marble Mountains lies Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village, a place where centuries of marble carving tradition comes alive. More than 600 families in this village have practiced the art of marble and stone sculpture for generations, transforming raw marble blocks extracted from the mountains into intricate works of art.

Walking through the village, you will see artisans working directly on the stone, chiseling delicate details into Buddhas, animals, decorative pieces, and sculptures. The sound of hammers and chisels echoes through the narrow streets as craftsmen create everything from small souvenirs to life-sized statues. You can watch the entire process from start to finish, observing how a rough marble block transforms into a finished masterpiece.

The sculptures available for purchase range from small marble elephants, dragons, and gods (as cheap as 50,000 to 100,000 VND, roughly $2 to $4) to larger temple statues and decorative pieces. Many pieces are customizable. If you see something you like but want modifications, local artisans can adapt designs for an additional fee.

Best Purchases from Non Nuoc Village:
Small marble Buddha heads or statues for home decoration, Dragon figurines (symbols of strength and wisdom in Vietnamese culture), Decorative stone bowls or animal sculptures, Custom family name carvings on marble, Religious statues for collectors or spiritual practitioners.

Shopping Tips for Non Nuoc Village:
Prices are highly negotiable, especially if buying multiple pieces. Compare prices across different shops before purchasing. Quality varies, so inspect pieces for cracks or unfinished areas before buying. Many shops offer shipping to your home country if you want to avoid carrying large items. Buying directly from artisans is cheaper than buying from shops in Da Nang city. Street vendors near the entrance sell lower-quality tourist items. Go deeper into the village to find authentic craftspeople and better quality pieces.

The village is free to walk through, and there is no pressure to buy. Many visitors simply enjoy watching the artisans work and learning about the traditional marble carving craft that has defined this community for centuries.

Here are the directions to reach the handicraft village.

Best Time to Visit Marble Mountains: Avoiding Crowds & Best Light

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 Mountains Da Nang: 10km from City Center

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.

Marble Mountains Entrance Fee, Hours & Best Time to Visit (2025)

Opening Hours

Marble Mountains is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM). During Tet Festival (lunar new year), hours may vary, so check locally if visiting during this period.

The elevator operates on the same schedule and closes at 5:00 PM. If you plan to take the elevator down, ensure you finish your exploration by 4:45 PM.

Entrance Fees (2025)

Main entrance fee to Marble Mountains: 40,000 VND (approximately $1.60 to $1.70 USD)

Elevator ticket (one-way): 15,000 VND (approximately $0.60 to $0.65 USD)

Am Phu Cave (Hell Cave) additional fee: 20,000 VND (approximately $0.80 USD)

These prices are among the cheapest attraction fees in Vietnam, making Marble Mountains extremely budget-friendly.

Best Time of Day to Visit

Early Morning (7:00 AM to 8:30 AM): Fewest crowds, coolest temperatures, best light for photography, caves have softer, golden light, perfect for capturing the famous sunbeams in Huyen Khong cave.

Mid-Morning (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM): Best time to see sunbeams in Huyen Khong Cave. Light angles are perfect for the "heavenly rays" effect. However, crowds increase during this time.

Midday (11:30 AM to 3:00 PM): HOT and CROWDED. The sun is directly overhead, making climbing uncomfortable. This is when most tour groups arrive. Not recommended unless you prefer crowds.

Late Afternoon (3:30 PM to 5:00 PM): Second-best time for photography (golden hour), fewer crowds than midday, pleasant temperatures, good for hiking. You have about 90 minutes before the site closes.

Best Days to Visit

Weekdays (Monday to Friday): Significantly fewer crowds than weekends and holidays

Weekends (Saturday to Sunday): Busier, especially 10 AM to 3 PM

Holidays: Very crowded, expect large tour groups

Best Months to Visit (2025)

February to May (Dry Season): Cool weather (15 to 25 degrees Celsius), minimal rain, excellent visibility for photos, comfortable hiking conditions. This is the BEST season for Marble Mountains.

June to August (Hot Summer): Very hot (25 to 35 degrees Celsius), occasional afternoon rain, more humidity, but fewer international tourists. If you visit, go very early morning.

September to November (Hot and Humid): Transitioning to cooler season, occasional rain, warm temperatures. Still okay for visiting but not ideal.

December to January (Cool Dry Season): Pleasant temperatures (15 to 20 degrees Celsius), very dry, excellent light for photos, good hiking conditions. Second-best season after February to May.

Avoid These Times:

Tet Festival (January/February) and golden week holidays, as these bring massive crowds. Also avoid the hottest afternoon hours (12 PM to 3 PM) year-round.

Total Time to Spend at Marble Mountains

2 to 3 hours: See main caves (Huyen Khong, Am Phu, Tang Chon, Linh Ung Pagoda), hike to viewpoints, take photos

3 to 4 hours: More thorough exploration, visit 6 to 7 caves, spend time at multiple pagodas, explore stone carving village

5 to 6 hours: All 9 caves, all pagodas, stone carving village with shopping time, visit nearby Non Nuoc Beach if time allows

Tips for Time Management:

Take the elevator up (15,000 VND) to save energy for cave exploration. You can climb down stairs on your way out for a more engaging experience.

If short on time, prioritize Huyen Khong Cave, Am Phu Cave, Linh Ung Pagoda, and the main viewpoint (Vong Canh viewpoint).

Hire a local guide (50,000 to 100,000 VND for a group) to learn history and war stories. Guides know which caves have the best sunbeams and least crowds.

Essential Marble Mountains Tips: Shoes, Light & What to Bring

• 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

Q: Is Marble Mountain Da Nang worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely. Marble Mountains consistently ranks as Da Nang's top attraction for good reason. You get everything in one location: 9 caves with spiritual significance, 4 ancient pagodas and temples, stunning 360-degree views of Da Nang and the coastline, Vietnam War history and tunnels to explore, stone carving crafts to watch, and multiple hiking trails. Whether you are interested in adventure, spirituality, history, photography, or culture, Marble Mountains delivers. Most visitors say it exceeded their expectations. The entrance fee is incredibly cheap (40,000 VND or about $1.70), making it the best value attraction in Da Nang.

Q: What is the best time to visit Marble Mountains?
The best time of day is early morning between 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM when crowds are minimal and light is perfect for photography. The best time of year is February to May (dry season) with cool temperatures and excellent visibility. Avoid midday (11:30 AM to 3:00 PM) when it is hot and crowded with tour groups. If possible, visit on weekdays rather than weekends to avoid crowds.

Q: How long should I spend at Marble Mountains?
For a basic visit seeing main sites: 2 to 3 hours. This allows time to visit Huyen Khong Cave, Am Phu Cave, Linh Ung Pagoda, a viewpoint, and take photos. For a thorough exploration: 3 to 4 hours. This lets you visit 6 to 7 caves, multiple pagodas, and the viewpoints. For a complete experience: 4 to 5 hours. This includes all 9 caves, all pagodas, stone carving village, and perhaps lunch nearby.

Q: Which caves are must-sees at Marble Mountains?
Huyen Khong Cave (most famous, iconic sunbeams, largest Buddha statue), Am Phu Cave (Hell Cave, unique spiritual journey, unique sculptures), Tang Chon Cave (hidden behind pagoda, very peaceful). These 3 caves alone take 1 to 1.5 hours to explore. If you have more time, also visit Van Thong Cave (multi-level experience) and Linh Nham Cave (with bats and skylight).

Q: What is the elevator for at Marble Mountains?
The glass elevator takes you to the upper section of Thuy Son mountain. Cost is 15,000 VND one-way (approximately $0.60). The elevator saves you from climbing 150+ steep stone steps. Use the elevator if you have limited physical ability, are visiting with elderly people or small children, or want to conserve energy for cave exploration. You can take the elevator up and then walk down the stairs, enjoying both the convenience and the physical hiking experience.

Q: Do I need to be fit to visit Marble Mountains?
Not necessarily. If you are less fit, use the elevator to reach the upper section, then explore caves and temples on mostly flat terrain. However, there are stairs inside caves and uneven paths. If you have knee, hip, or mobility issues, discuss with guides what areas are accessible. Many 60+ year old travelers visit successfully by using the elevator and taking their time.

Q: What should I bring to Marble Mountains?
Comfortable, non-slip hiking shoes (stairs and uneven paths), water bottle (bring 1 to 2 liters), light jacket (caves are cool even when outside is hot), flashlight (some caves are dark), sunscreen and hat, camera or phone for photos, small amount of cash for entrance fee and optional tips for guides. If visiting in summer, bring extra water.

Q: Is there a dress code at Marble Mountains?
Yes, especially when entering pagodas and temples. Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Avoid tank tops and short shorts. If you show up in immodest clothing, you may be asked to cover up or not permitted to enter temples. Respectful dress is important in Buddhist spaces.

Q: Can I take photos at Marble Mountains?
Yes, photography is welcome throughout Marble Mountains. The site is extremely photogenic. However, inside temples and pagodas, ask before photographing monks or altars out of respect. Avoid blocking walkways while taking photos, and be mindful of other visitors.

Q: Is Marble Mountains wheelchair accessible?
The elevator makes the upper areas accessible. However, many areas involve stairs and uneven paths that are not wheelchair accessible. Discuss your specific needs with site staff when you arrive, and they can help you identify which areas you can visit.

Q: What is the best viewpoint at Marble Mountains?
Vong Giang Dai viewpoint offers 360-degree views of Da Nang city, Non Nuoc Beach, and the surrounding countryside. Vong Hai Dai viewpoint overlooks the ocean. Both are excellent for photos and worth visiting if you have time.

Q: Are guided tours available?
Yes. Local guides are available at the entrance and cost 50,000 to 100,000 VND for a small group or half-day tour. Guides explain history, point out best photo spots, and share local knowledge about war history, Buddhist significance, and cave formations. Guides make the experience significantly more meaningful and informative.

Q: What are the nearest attractions to Marble Mountains?
Non Nuoc Beach: Beautiful beach at the base, great for swimming after visiting caves (2 minute walk)

Da Nang Museum: War history museum (10 km away)

Hoi An Ancient Town: UNESCO World Heritage site (25 km away, 30 minute drive)

My Khe Beach: Popular beach north of Marble Mountains (5 km away)

Q: Can I visit Marble Mountains on my own or should I take a tour?
You can visit independently without a guide. Signage is decent, and the main paths are clear. However, a guide significantly enhances the experience by explaining history, war stories, spiritual significance, and pointing out photo opportunities. Guides also know which caves have the best light at specific times.

Q: What food options are there at Marble Mountains?
There are street vendors at the base selling snacks, drinks, and basic food. For a proper meal, Non Nuoc Beach nearby has seafood restaurants. Many visitors eat before or after visiting rather than during. Bring water and snacks if you prefer not to exit the site for food.