A cluster of five smaller mountains, each named for a different element, the Marble Mountains in Da Nang are a must-see. Here’s how to visit!
One of the things my friend and I wanted to make sure we did while staying in Hoi An was to take a morning to visit the beautiful Marble Mountains we’d seen photos of. We hired a driver to take us from our hotel and spent the morning wandering around this beautiful place!
Visiting the Marble Mountains in Da Nang
What are they?
They’ve been a place of Buddhist worship for centuries, with some of the statues dating back 400 years. They’ve also played a role in Vietnam’s history from its beginnings.
If you believe the Cham legend, it was formed from a dragon egg. More recently, it played a significant role in the Indochina War and the Vietnam War.
What It’s Like Visiting
Despite being joined by a crowd of other tourists, there’s a certain air of mystery to the area, something that only a long history can bring. The various caves, with centuries-old Buddha statues hiding within, the different pagodas built among limestone, and the beach background let a visitor know what kind of stories these mountains could tell.
We were woefully unprepared for visiting them, only giving ourselves ninety minutes and going mid-morning instead of early or later. We only made it to Thuy Son Mountain, the largest of the five by a landslide. Even then we lost track of each other as we wandered off to different nooks and peaks.
I’m laying down a guide below so you know exactly what you’re looking for while visiting and don’t short yourself on time as we did! Definitely give yourself longer than 90 minutes!
NUI THUY SON (WATER MOUNTAIN)
Thuy Son is by far the largest with the most concentration of visitors. Filled with caves and pagodas and various view points, it’s easy to get lost in the middle of all the crowds. There’s an elevator to get to the top or you can just climb up (it’s not that bad!). Over all there are two main gates, two big view points (Vong Giang Dai and Vong Hai Dai), a few pagodas (Tam Ton Duong, Chua Tam Thai, and Chua Linh Ung), and numerous caves (Dong Hoa Nghiem, Dong Huyen Khong, Dong Linh Nham, Dong Van Thong, and Tang Chon Cave) to explore.
NUI THO SON (EARTH MOUNTAIN)
On Nui Tho Son, you can find Long Hoa Pagoda.
NUI KIM SON (METAL MOUNTAIN)
On Kim Son Mountain, you can find two pagodas, Quan Am and Thai son as well as Quan An cave.
NUI HOA SON (FIRE MOUNTAIN)
On Hoa Song Mountain, there are three pagodas (Chua Linh Son, Chua Pho Da Son, and Ung Nhien Tu) and one cave (Dong Huyen Vi).
NUI MOC SON (WOOD MOUNTAIN)
Nui Moc Son is actually the only one of the five mountains to not have any pagodas or caves.
More Info on Da Nang’s Marble Mountain
- Vietnamese Name: Ngũ Hành Sơn
- You can arrange with your hotel/hostel for a trip to Marble Mountain. You can also do one of the day tours if you’re staying in Hoi An.
- If you’re staying in Da Nang follow along Truong Sa Street to reach the mountains.
- It gets really hot during the day and humid. Sunscreen, plenty of water, and hats/sunglasses are a must.
- 15,000 VND for entrance
- 30,000 VND to take the elevator
Have you been to the Marble Mountains? I think next time I visit Vietnam, I’m definitely spending more time in Da Nang over all!
For more Vietnam travel, read these posts next:
I’ve been able to explore a lot of this country, so here are all my other guides:
General Vietnam
- 50 Vietnam Travel Tips
- How to Plan a Trip to Vietnam
- 22 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Vietnam
- How to Plan the Ultimate Leaving Vietnam Trip
Northern Vietnam
- The Best Things to Do in Hanoi
- Hanoi to Halong Bay: How to Get There
- A Day Cruise Along Halong Bay
- Mu Cang Chai Travel Tips
- A Secluded Sapa Itinerary
- Hiking & Herbal Baths with the Red Dzao in Sapa
Central Vietnam
- Historical Things to Do in Hue: Ultimate Guide
- Hue in One Day: A Speedy Itinerary
- Azerai La Residence Hue Review: A Luxury Stay
- A Semi-Relaxing Phong Nha Travel Itinerary
- Quirkiest Things to Do in Dalat
- How to Visit Yok Don National Park
- Top Things to Do in Hoi An
- How to Spend 3 Days in Hoi An
- Hoi An Tailors: Tips for What to Get Made
- The Vietage: A Luxury Train in Vietnam
- Anantara Quy Nhon Villas: A Luxury Review
Southern Vietnam
- Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City: A Bucket List
- A Guide to 15B Hem Le Than Thon: Little Japan Saigon
- Where to Go in District 5 & Cho Lon of Saigon
- Best Things to Do in District 1, HCMC
- What to Do in Mui Ne and Phan Thiet
- Anantara Mui Ne: Best Resort for a Girls’ Getaway
- Mekong Delta Day Trip: What to Expect
- A Guide to Vinh Long in the Mekong
- Con Dao: An Island Travel Guide
- Azerai Can Tho: A Luxury Stay in the Mekong
- Odys Boutique Hotel Review: A Chic Mid-Range Stay in HCMC
