If you’re a traveler who loves exploring cultural heritage, spiritual sites, and breathtaking natural landscapes, the Marble Mountains in Da Nang, Vietnam should be at the top of your list. This stunning cluster of five limestone and marble hills is named after the five natural elements: Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth.
Each mountain holds hidden treasures—ancient pagodas, sacred caves, and panoramic viewpoints—offering a peaceful escape from the busy city life and a deep dive into Vietnam’s spiritual and historical roots.
How to Get to the Marble Mountains from Da Nang City Center?
The Marble Mountains are located at 52 Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street, about 6.4 km from Da Nang city center. There are several convenient ways to reach the site:
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Motorbike rental: Ideal for travelers who enjoy flexibility and adventure. You can rent a motorbike in Da Nang for around 100,000 – 150,000 VND per day (approx. $4 – $6 USD).
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Taxi or Grab: A quick and easy option, especially if you’re traveling with others. The ride takes about 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.
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Private car service: For maximum comfort, especially in hot or rainy weather, you can book a private car from Da Nang to the Marble Mountains with exploreprivatecar.com. This option is perfect for families, small groups, or those who prefer a hassle-free experience with door-to-door service.
Entrance Fees at the Marble Mountains
Visiting the Marble Mountains is affordable and offers great value for the experience. Here’s a quick breakdown of the entrance fees:
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Thuy Son (Water Mountain) entrance fee: 40,000 VND (approx. $2 USD) – This is the main mountain open to tourists, featuring most of the caves, pagodas, and viewpoints.
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Elevator ticket (optional): 15,000 VND (approx. $0.75 USD) – A convenient option if you’d prefer to skip the steep stairs, especially during hot or humid days.
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Entrance to Am Phu Cave (Hell Cave): 40,000 VND (approx. $2 USD) – This unique cave showcases themes of karma and the afterlife in Vietnamese Buddhist beliefs. Definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in culture and spirituality.
Best Time to Visit the Marble Mountains in Da Nang
The ideal time to explore the Marble Mountains is during the spring (February to May) and summer (June to September) seasons.
In spring, Da Nang enjoys pleasant weather with clear skies, mild temperatures, and cool breezes—making it perfect for hiking and sightseeing.
During summer, the temperature can rise to 30–36°C (86–97°F). While it may feel hot, you can still enjoy your visit by planning to go early in the morning (before 9:00 AM) or later in the afternoon (after 4:00 PM) when the heat is less intense. Be sure to bring plenty of water, wear light, breathable clothing, and choose comfortable walking shoes.
The site is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, so plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your time.
It’s best to avoid the rainy season, especially from late October to late November, as the stone paths and stairways can become slippery and unsafe during wet weather.
Exploring the Marble Mountains in Da Nang
The Marble Mountains offer two main options for reaching the top:
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Climbing the stairs: The steps are easy to manage and not too steep, making it accessible for most visitors.
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Taking the elevator: The elevator ride takes just 10-15 seconds, bringing you to the top quickly.
To explore all the key attractions on the mountain, plan to spend about 2 hours.
Xa Loi Tower
If you take the elevator, you will be brought straight to Xa Loi Tower, where you’ll be greeted by stunning views over the Non Nuoc area.
This tower is a symbol of Buddhist teachings, with each of its seven levels representing a human emotion (such as joy, anger, and desire). The six sides of the tower stand for the six senses: eyes, ears, nose, mouth, body, and mind. The tower houses almost 200 statues of Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and Arhats.
Linh Ung Pagoda
A few steps down from Xa Loi Tower, you’ll find the Linh Ung Pagoda, a place of deep spiritual significance. This pagoda, built in the 17th century, is where locals and Buddhists come to pray, meditate, and pay respect to the Buddha.
The Linh Ung Pagoda offers a serene atmosphere, blending history, religion, and nature. It’s a peaceful spot perfect for reflection.
Tam Thai Pagoda
Built in 1603, Tam Thai Pagoda is a historical site that has been renovated several times. It is located at the top of 156 stone steps, and it’s a sight to behold. The pagoda is divided into three levels: Thượng Thai, Trung Thai, and Hạ Thai.
Designed in traditional Nguyen Dynasty architecture, the pagoda’s highest level, Thượng Thai, offers panoramic views of the Marble Mountains. Inside, you’ll find statues of Maitreya Buddha, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, and Amitabha Buddha.
Huyen Khong Cave
Located in Thuy Son (Water Mountain), Huyen Khong Cave is one of the most stunning spiritual sites. Unlike most caves, it is filled with natural light, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
The cave houses statues of Shakyamuni Buddha and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, along with figures symbolizing Good and Evil. It’s a peaceful and meditative space that invites reflection and quiet contemplation.
Tang Chon Cave
The name Tang Chon means “Storing the Truth.” Inside the cave, you’ll find a small shrine dedicated to deities believed to bring happiness and good fortune. The cave is cool and airy, providing a pleasant respite during your exploration.
Vong Hai Dai (Ocean-View Pavilion)
From Tang Chon Cave, head south to discover Vong Hai Dai, a secluded lookout point. This ocean-view pavilion offers breathtaking views of Da Nang city, Non Nuoc Beach, and Cham Islands.
The natural surroundings and high location make this a perfect spot to relax and take in the beauty of the area.
Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village
At the base of the Marble Mountains lies the Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village, a traditional village that has been creating stone art for over 300 years. Skilled artisans carve marble statues and crafts, creating more than 80,000 pieces each year.
A visit to this village is a great opportunity to admire local craftsmanship and pick up a unique souvenir made from the famous local marble.
Things to Know When Visiting Marble Mountains, Da Nang
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Entrance Fees Some attractions within the Marble Mountains may charge an entrance fee, while others do not. It’s a good idea to check with the staff at each site or look for signs to know which areas require a fee.
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Transportation Options If you are traveling with elderly individuals or children, taking the elevator is a convenient option to reach higher points on the mountain. It’s an easy way to explore without the need to climb stairs.
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Shopping for Souvenirs The Marble Mountains area has many souvenir shops selling beautiful handcrafted items. If you’re planning to buy a gift or a keepsake, don’t forget to ask the price and haggle for the best deal before making a purchase.
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Safety and Navigation The terrain of the Marble Mountains is not overly steep, but there are narrow and winding paths that can be tricky. Be cautious while moving around, especially on the stairs and rocky paths.
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Explore with a Guide The Marble Mountains cover a large area with many fascinating attractions. You can either hire a private guide or join a tour to learn more about the history, culture, and landmarks. This way, you’ll be able to visit more spots and get a deeper understanding of the site.
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Stay Energized Exploring the Marble Mountains can take several hours or even an entire day. It’s a good idea to bring some snacks and water with you to keep your energy levels up throughout the journey.
Conclusion
We hope this guide to Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn) has inspired you to visit this stunning destination in Da Nang. At Explore Private Car’s, we are dedicated to helping you discover the best of what Da Nang has to offer. There’s so much more to explore, and we look forward to sharing more travel tips with you in the future. Happy travels!
