Marble Mountains is a natural masterpiece bestowed to the land of Da Nang, Vietnam. With the harmonious beauty of the ecological area and the spiritual and cultural life, this destination attracts a lot of visitors from all over the world. Don’t hesitate to read the information below and make plans for a trip to Marble Mountains in Da Nang!
1. Marble Mountains in Da Nang at a glance
1.1. Location of Marble Mountains
- Location: 81 Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang City
Situated 8 kilometers away from the city center, Marble Mountains is a cluster of five limestone peaks in Vietnam. Located on the route of Hue Imperial Citadel – Marble Mountains – Hoi An Ancient Town – My Son Sanctuary, Marble Mountains Da Nang has a favorable geographical position which allows tourists to also visit many other famous heritage sites in the Central Region.
1.2. The historical story behind the name “Marble Mountains”
According to Cham legend, one day a dragon flew to Non Nuoc Beach and laid an egg there. After a long time, the egg hatched and a beautiful girl stepped out of the egg. The egg shell was broken into 5 pieces that became the five magical mountains as we see today.
In 1825, emperor Minh Mang named this mountain complex Marble Mountains, which means “Ngu Hanh Son” in Vietnamese. Each mountain was named after one of the five elements of Eastern philosophy: metal, water, fire, wood and earth. These names remain unchanged until now, and Marble Mountains in Vietnam have become a natural attraction with many majestic peaks, caves and temples.
2. How much is the Marble Mountains’ entrance fee?
- Opening hours: 7.00 a.m. – 5.30 p.m.
| Destination | Entrance fee | ||
| Adults | Students | Children under 6 years old | |
| Water Mountain | 40,000 VND/person | 10,000 VND/person | Free |
| Am Phu Cave | 20,000 VND/person | 7,000 VND/person | Free |
The entrance fee for Marble Mountains is quite low. If visitors do not want to climb Water Mountain, you can choose to go up by elevator, which costs an extra fee of 15,000 VND/person/trip. Besides, if you need a guide to lead the tour and explain the history and structure of Marble Mountains, you can take a guided tour which costs 50,000 VND/group.
3. Must-see attractions in Marble Mountains in Da Nang
3.1. Linh Ung Pagoda
Situated on the eastern side of Water Mountain, Linh Ung Pagoda is an unmissable destination when visiting Marble Mountains. With a history of more than 200 years, the pagoda attracts a lot of visitors who worship Buddha or want to ease their mind in the tranquility of a spiritual site.
The most prominent features of Linh Ung Pagoda are the 10-meter tall Buddha statue and Xa Loi Tower. Xa Loi Tower, which was built in 1997, is 28 meters tall, has 7 floors and 200 Buddha, Bodhisattva and Arhat statues inside. It has the largest number of stone statues in Vietnam.
3.2. The five Marble Mountains
Visiting Marble Mountains, visitors can explore the breathtaking beauty of the natural landscape, immerse yourself in nature or learn more about the nation’s culture. The five mountains are home to many magnificent caves, tunnels, temples and pagodas waiting to be discovered.
- Moc Son – Wood Mountain: Home to a special human-shaped Co Mu Stone
- Tho Son – Earth Mountain: The lowest and longest mountain
- Hoa Son – Fire Mountain: Home to two other mountains
- Thuy Son – Water Mountain: The biggest and most beautiful mountain
- Kim Son – Metal Mountain: Home to the famous Quan The Am Pagoda
3.3. Huyen Khong Cave
Huyen Khong Cave is one of the most magnificent and largest caves in Marble Mountains. Due to its open and unique structure, the sunlight shines from the top of the cave on the Buddha statue, creating a spectacular scenery. There are two small temples outside the cave: Chua Tien Temple and Thuong Ngan Temple where visitors come to pray for health and wealth.
Throughout its existence, this revered location has witnessed significant transformations and played a role in tumultuous historical events. The Marble Mountains, where Huyen Khong Cave is situated, have served various purposes over the years. It has functioned as an army station on multiple occasions, offering strategic advantages during conflicts. During the French Colonial War, the cave covertly served as a secret base for the local revolutionary authority. Subsequently, during the Second Indochina War, it became a military training ground for the American and South Vietnamese forces. In 1968, the Viet Minh gained control of the area, transforming Huyen Khong Cave into a vital surgical and medical facility for the liberation army.
3.4. Am Phu Cave
Being one of the largest caves in Marble Mountains, Am Phu Cave is the exact opposite of Huyen Khong Cave. “Am Phu” means “Hell”, thus the cave illustrates Buddhist’s hell – the future of wrong-doers after they pass away. According to Buddhism, if people keep doing bad things, after they die, they will go to hell instead of paradise.
Am Phu Cave, spanning an impressive length of 302 meters and boasting towering heights of up to 40 to 50 meters, offers an immersive and spine-chilling experience. The natural formation of the cave has been ingeniously enhanced with intricate sculptures that convey the profound Buddhist principle of Karma—the notion that every action carries consequences. As visitors venture into the Am Phu Cave, they are confronted with harrowing depictions of torment, serving as visual representations of the karmic punishment endured by those who have committed grave sins in their past lives.
3.5. Tam Thai Pagoda
Located on Water Mountain and surrounded by poetic nature, Tam Thai Pagoda is an ancient pagoda built in the 17th century under the Le Dynasty. Its entrance is a 3-door gate, and according to Buddhism, the middle gate is only for monks while the left one is for men and the right one is for women.
4. How to get to Marble Mountains?
Situated approximately 11 kilometers away from the bustling city center of Da Nang, Vietnam, Marble Mountains provide a convenient and captivating addition to your travel itinerary. From the city center, several convenient options are available. One way is to take a taxi or ride-hailing service directly to the site, which is approximately a 30-minute journey, depending on traffic conditions. Another option is to use public transportation by taking a local bus that operates in the area. Visitors can easily find the designated bus stops and inquire about the specific bus routes to Marble Mountains.
Additionally, for those seeking a more adventurous and immersive experience, renting a bicycle or motorbike can be an enjoyable way to reach the destination, allowing travelers to explore the picturesque scenery along the way. Whichever mode of transportation is chosen, reaching Marble Mountains promises a captivating experience amidst the natural beauty and cultural significance of the site.
For those traveling from Hoi An, a short drive of 20 kilometers north will bring you to a prominent sign that unmistakably marks the entrance to the Marble Mountains.
5. Things to remember when visiting Marble Mountains
- The road in Marble Mountain is quite slippery and requires a lot of walking and climbing. Therefore, you should choose a pair of walking shoes and be cautious when walking.
- It is suggested that you hire a guide to understand and feel the beauty and historical value of Marble Mountains.
- If your family or your group has elderly members, you should go to Water Mountain by elevator to save energy and avoid the slippery road.
- Don’t forget to buy souvenirs and sophisticated stones as gifts after visiting Marble Mountains Da Nang.
