Why to visit Marble Mountains
The Marble Mountains are a cluster of five limestone and marble hills located just outside Da Nang. Each of the five mountains is named after the five elements: Kim (metal), Moc (wood), Thuy (water), Hoa (fire), and Tho (earth). These mountains are famous for their impressive caves, Buddhist sanctuaries, and panoramic views of Da Nang and the surrounding coastline. It's a spiritual and natural paradise offering a blend of scenic beauty, history, and religious significance.
What’s special about Marble Mountains
- Spiritual Site: The Marble Mountains are home to several ancient pagodas, temples, and grottoes, which makes them an important Buddhist pilgrimage site.
- Cave Exploration: Visitors can explore beautiful caves like Huyen Khong Cave and Vong Nguyet Cave, which have Buddhist temples and statues inside.
- Stunning Views: The mountains offer breathtaking views of Da Nang City, My Khe Beach, and the Son Tra Peninsula.
- Traditional Marble Craftsmanship: The city is known for its marble carving industry, and you can shop for beautifully crafted statues and souvenirs.
Things to do around Marble Mountains
- Visit the Pagodas: Explore the Buddhist temples and pagodas scattered across the mountains, such as the Linh Ung Pagoda.
- Climb to the Peak: For panoramic views of Da Nang and the surrounding area, take the elevator or climb to the top of Thuy Son Mountain (Water Mountain).
- Explore Caves: Don't miss out on the beautiful Huyen Khong Cave, which houses several statues of Buddha.
- Shop for Marble Crafts: Visit local workshops selling marble statues, sculptures, and souvenirs crafted by local artisans.
- Photography: The Marble Mountains are a great spot for photography, with their unique landscapes, caves, and religious structures.
Unknown facts
- The Marble Mountains are not actually made of marble; the mountains are mostly limestone, and marble is only found in certain areas.
- The Linh Ung Pagoda features a huge statue of the Buddha and has become an iconic landmark.
- The area was once used by the Vietnamese resistance as a hiding spot during the war.
Entry fee
- Marble Mountains Entrance Fee: 40,000 VND (Approx. $2)
- Elevator Ride to Top: 15,000 VND (Approx. $0.65)
Timings
- Caves and Pagodas: Open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Average duration to explore
- Marble Mountains: 2 to 3 hours
- Climbing to the Top: 30-45 minutes (depending on the route and your strength)
Distance from key locations
- From Da Nang City Center: 10 km (20 minutes by car)
- From My Khe Beach: 5 km (15 minutes by car)
- From Da Nang International Airport: 13 km (25 minutes by car)
Nearby tourist spots
- My Khe Beach (6 km)
- Son Tra Peninsula (9 km)
- Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge (25 km)
- Hoi An Ancient Town (30 km)
- Cham Museum (10 km)
