Are you looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Vietnam? Do you want to explore a group of five mystical mountains that rise from the flat coastal plain of central Vietnam, each with its own features and attractions? If so, you should not miss the Marble Mountains Da Nang, one of the most fascinating and beautiful tourist destinations in the country.
The Marble Mountains Da Nang are a cluster of five limestone hills that are named after the five elements: Kim (metal), Thuy (water), Moc (wood), Hoa (fire), and Tho (earth). They are located about 9 km south of Da Nang City and 20 km north of Hoi An Ancient Town, making them an ideal day trip from either place. The Marble Mountains Da Nang have a rich history and significance, as they were once used as a hideout by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, and they are also considered a sacred site by Buddhists and Hindus. The Marble Mountains Da Nang are home to many caves, shrines, pagodas, and statues, as well as stunning views of the countryside and the coast.
In this guide, we will show you everything you need to know about visiting the Marble Mountains Da Nang, including how to get there, what to see and do, and some tips and recommendations to make the most of your trip. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Vietnam and discover the hidden gem of the Marble Mountains Da Nang today!
How to get to the Marble Mountains Da Nang
There are several ways to reach the Marble Mountains Da Nang from Da Nang or Hoi An, depending on your budget, preference, and convenience. Here are some of the most common options:
By taxi:
This is the easiest and fastest way to get to the Marble Mountains Da Nang, as it will take you about 15 minutes from Da Nang and 30 minutes from Hoi An. The taxi fare will vary depending on the traffic and the company, but you can expect to pay around 150,000 VND (6.5 USD) from Da Nang and 300,000 VND (13 USD) from Hoi An. You can use reputable taxi companies such as Mai Linh, Vinasun, or Tien Sa.
By bus:
This is the cheapest and most eco-friendly way to get to the Marble Mountains Da Nang, as it will cost you only 7,000 VND (0.3 USD) per person. However, it will also take you longer, as you will need to catch the bus number 1 from Da Nang or Hoi An, and then walk for about 15 minutes from the bus stop to the entrance of the Marble Mountains. The bus runs every 20 minutes from 5:30 am to 6 pm, and you can find the bus stops near the Da Nang Railway Station or the Hoi An Bus Station.
By motorbike:
This is the most adventurous and flexible way to get to the Marble Mountains Da Nang, as you will have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace and stop at any places you like along the way. You can rent a motorbike from Da Nang or Hoi An for about 100,000 VND (4.3 USD) per day, and then follow the signs to the Marble Mountains Da Nang. The ride will take you about 20 minutes from Da Nang and 40 minutes from Hoi An, and you will need to pay a parking fee of 5,000 VND (0.2 USD) at the entrance of the Marble Mountains.
By bicycle:
This is the most challenging and rewarding way to get to the Marble Mountains Da Nang, as you will get to enjoy the scenic views of the countryside and the coast, as well as the exercise and the fresh air. You can rent a bicycle from Da Nang or Hoi An for about 50,000 VND (2.2 USD) per day, and then follow the same route as the motorbike. The ride will take you about an hour from Da Nang and two hours from Hoi An, and you will also need to pay a parking fee of 5,000 VND (0.2 USD) at the entrance of the Marble Mountains.
What to see and do at the Marble Mountains Da Nang
The Marble Mountains Da Nang are composed of five mountains, but only one of them, the water mountain (Thuy Son), is open to the public. This is the most popular and accessible mountain, as it has the most attractions and features, such as pagodas, shrines, caves, and statues. You can explore the water mountain by taking an elevator or climbing the stairs to the top, and then following the paths and signs to the different sites. Here are some of the highlights of the water mountain that you should not miss:
Huyen Khong Cave:
This is the largest and most impressive cave in the water mountain, as it has a collapsed ceiling that allows the sunlight to enter and create a magical atmosphere. Inside the cave, you will find a stone Buddha statue that is illuminated by the sun rays, as well as several shrines and altars dedicated to different deities. The cave is also a historical site, as it was used as a hospital and a meeting place by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.
Am Phu Cave:
This is the most intriguing and mysterious cave in the water mountain, as it depicts the Buddhist concept of hell and heaven. You will enter the cave through a narrow passage that leads you to a dark and eerie underworld, where you will see statues and scenes of sinners being tortured and punished. Then, you will climb a steep staircase that takes you to a bright and peaceful paradise, where you will see statues and scenes of saints and buddhas being rewarded and blessed.
Linh Ung Pagoda:
This is the most prominent and beautiful pagoda in the water mountain, as it stands on the top of the mountain and overlooks the city and the sea. The pagoda was built in the 18th century and has a typical Vietnamese architecture, with a curved roof, a lotus-shaped tower, and a dragon-shaped staircase. The pagoda is also home to a large white statue of Quan Am, the Goddess of Mercy, who is revered by many Vietnamese people.
Vong Giang Dai Tower:
This is the best spot to enjoy the panoramic views of the surroundings, as it is a tower that is located on the highest point of the water mountain. The tower was built in the 19th century and has a hexagonal shape, with six windows that face the six directions. From the tower, you can see the other four mountains, the Non Nuoc Beach, the Da Nang City, and the Son Tra Peninsula.
Other caves and viewpoints:
There are many other caves and viewpoints in the water mountain that are worth visiting, such as Hoa Nghiem Cave, Tang Chon Cave, Ban Co Peak, and Thien Thai Peak. Each of them has its own charm and attraction, such as marble statues, chess boards, stone carvings, and scenic views. You can spend hours exploring and discovering the hidden gems of the water mountain, as each of them will surprise and delight you.
Tips and recommendations for visiting the Marble Mountains Da Nang
To make the most of your visit to the Marble Mountains Da Nang, here are some tips and recommendations that you should keep in mind:
- The entrance fee to the water mountain is 40,000 VND (1.7 USD) per person, and the elevator fee is 15,000 VND (0.6 USD) per person. You can buy the tickets at the ticket booth near the entrance of the water mountain.
- The opening hours of the water mountain are from 7 am to 5:30 pm, every day of the week. You should plan to spend at least two hours to see and do everything in the water mountain, but you can also stay longer if you want to enjoy the views and the atmosphere.
- The dress code for visiting the water mountain is modest and respectful, as it is a sacred site for many people. You should cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid wearing shorts, skirts, tank tops, or hats. You should also remove your shoes before entering any of the caves, shrines, or pagodas.
- The safety precautions for visiting the water mountain are to be careful and cautious, as some of the paths and stairs are steep, slippery, or uneven. You should wear comfortable and sturdy shoes, and avoid flip-flops or sandals. You should also bring a flashlight or a phone with a torch, as some of the caves are dark and have low ceilings. You should also stay on the marked trails and avoid wandering off or touching anything inside the caves, shrines, or pagodas.
- The best time to visit the Marble Mountains Da Nang is in the morning or during the week, as it will be less crowded and less hot. You should avoid visiting the water mountain in the afternoon or during the weekend, as it will be more crowded and more hot. You should also avoid visiting the water mountain during the rainy season, from September to December, as it will be more slippery and dangerous.
- Some other nearby attractions or activities that might complement your visit to the Marble Mountains Da Nang are the Non Nuoc Beach, the Cham Museum, and the Son Tra Peninsula. The Non Nuoc Beach is a long and sandy beach that is located at the foot of the water mountain, where you can relax, swim, or surf. The Cham Museum is a museum that displays the artifacts and sculptures of the ancient Cham civilization, who ruled central Vietnam from the 4th to the 15th century. The Son Tra Peninsula is a natural reserve that is located about 10 km north of Da Nang, where you can see the wildlife, the forests, and the beaches.
We hope that this guide has helped you to learn more about the Marble Mountains Da Nang, and that you are ready to visit this amazing and hidden gem of Vietnam.
The Marble Mountains Da Nang are a must-see attraction for anyone who loves nature, culture, and history, and they will surely leave you in awe and wonder. So, don’t hesitate and book your trip to Vietnam and discover the Marble Mountains Da Nang today!
