A guide to exploring the magnificent peaks and lush forests of the Marble Mountains, Da Nang, Vietnam in one day. From ancient Buddhist temples and hidden caves filled with Vietnamese art to extraordinary hikes in one of the most unique natural settings, a Marble Mountains day trip is a must when visiting Da Nang in central Vietnam.

Actually, the story of visiting Marble Mountains goes like this.

You find yourself standing before these solid-stone cut stairs nestled in a quaint, little village in the heart of Vietnam. Seems like a pretty steep hike. And you have actually no idea where that will lead you. Or how far.

You’ve probably already read countless guides about the Marble Mountains day trips while preparing what is supposed to be an epic journey to Vietnam. And you obviously suspect you will sneak into a cave or two, checklist some temples and local art. And you’ve heard there will be great views form the top. But you can’t actually understand what above the clouds of Da Nang feels like.

Reality of this Vietnamese iconic place is far greater than the pictures. Or words.

Planning a Day Trip to Marble Mountains

If you plan to get it in advance, you can find HERE the Marble Mountains admission tickets sold in a combo. To visit either with Non Nuoc Stone Carving Memory Museum, or Am Phu Cave, or both, plus or minus the elevator taking you up on the mountain (which is optional depending on your physical condition). You can also add some light food or maybe a round trip transport. And even a night cruise on Han River. Plus, it comes with a guide!! 400+ times booked. 4.4⭐

⛅ What is the best time to visit Marble Mountains?

The ideal time to visit the mountains on the outskirts of Da Nang is during the dry season, sometime between January and September. This period is perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities as the weather is stable with little rain. Clear blue skies, bright sunlight, gentle breeze, and occasional light rain create a mesmerizing atmosphere.

The rainy season has its own charm, but I would not climb during this time.

👕 Is there a dress code?

If you’re wondering what you should wear during your visit at Marble Mountains, I would say there is no dress code. I’ve seen people in shorts and t-shirts. Women sometimes wear dresses. Do consider this is a pilgrimage spot and decent clothing would be a way to show respect.

Why Visit Marble Mountains?

Marble Mountains & Non Nuoc Stone Craft Village, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) is a cluster of five unusual limestone and marble green peaks, dramatically rising from the flat landscape of a 200-year-old settlement. Completely surrounded by the Non Nuoc Stone craft village, home of ancient stone factories and marble sculptures shops, the hills dominate from afar the coastal area of East Vietnam Sea.

This is one of the most popular day trips from Da Nang, as the Marble Mountains can be found only 9 km away, on the outskirts of the city. And the pretty awkward land formations are not just a mere tourist destination, but also a pilgrimage site.

Marble Mountains appear as a combination of natural wonders, spiritual setting and architectural masterpieces, Buddhist shrines and pagodas that blend in harmony with the an over-the-clouds backdrop. Perfect environment to spend a day out of Da Nang looking for peace and views at the top or searching for mysteries hidden inside the deepest grottos.

Hiking on Thuy Son (The Water Mountain)

Thuy Son / Marble Mountains Map, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

Each of the 5 hills has been named after one of the 5 elements. Thuy Son (water), Moc Son (wood), Hoa Son (fire), Kim Son (metal) and Tho Son (earth). Out of the five, the most visited and easiest to access is the Water Mountain.

The best place to start hiking on Thuy Son (Water Mountain) is at Gate 2. This entry point is conveniently located in close proximity to the parking area for motorbikes and cars. And from here you can take the elevator to reach the first landmark. From the upper platform, you can follow the wooden signs to guide you further.

If you want to climb the stairs rather than getting on the elevator, then head over to Gate 1.  Still, I suggest the first option, because there’s a lot more climbing to do after the first 108 stone steps.

🏯 Xa Loi Tower

Xa Loi Tower & Garden, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

When you’ve already reached the first level of Marble Mountains, as you turn your eyes from the stunning panorama, you will find yourself standing in front of the beautiful Xa Loi Pagoda. A greyish tower, 28-meter high, surrounded by greenery and Buddha statues.

Its architecture embodies the core spiritual beliefs and values of Buddhism.

The structure, with seven floors covered in green tiles and guarded at the edges by small, white dragons, serves as an expression of basic human emotions, namely happiness, anger, love, resentment, greediness, hatred, and delusion. In addition, the six sides of the tower represent the five human senses of taste, smell, vision, hearing, touch, plus a sixth one, the intuition.

🏯 Linh Ung Pagoda

Lady Buddha Pavilion, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

A short walk down the stairs nearby will take you to Linh Ung (“wishes answered miraculously”) Pagoda, one of the three holiest in Da Nang. And the oldest of them! This building on Marble Mountains dates back to the 19th century.  ant it’s the first place on the mountains to have ever had a Buddhist practicing monk. The name of the pagoda was given by the the 10^th king of the Nguyen Dynasty, Thanh Thai.

Brightly-painted and decorated in the indisputable Nguyen-style, the two shrines, a main prayer hall (where Buddhas of the Three Times are worshiped) and a lovely Lady Buddha pavilion stand on a terrace overlooking the sea. They are surrounded by a carp pond, ancient monk stupas, blossoming peach and orange trees. A dream-like scene in the shadow a 600 year old Banyan Tree.

From the roof, stone dragons and phoenixes try, with no chance at all, to fly away. Pretty cool, huh?

🔍 Viewpoints

Unmarked Marble Mountains Observation Point (Location), Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

Now, let me tell you about the breathtaking viewpoints in the Marble Mountains. While the map only marks two of them, there are actually multiple spots to catch stunning views.

Personally, my favorite spot is the one in the picture and it does not show on the map. It’s a hidden gem that you can only find by going down the mountains through the almost secret stairs of Tu Tam Pagoda, which is the last landmark on the western side of the mountain.

Additionally, the two viewpoints marked on the map are also worth checking. One of them is located near Linh Ung Pagoda on the eastern side of Thuy Son Mountains, offering a spectacular view of the sea. While the other one is on the southwestern side and overlooks the charming artisan village nearby. Both have beautifully decorated pavilions.

⛰️ The Highest Peak

Highest Peak of Marble Mountains, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

Well, there is a top of Thuy Son, right above the clouds, with these completely marvellous views.

Some 300 stairs, sculpted in stone, are going up through the lush forest, making this feel like an endless hike. Everything around is green and it’s hard to get a peek of anything outside the forest. The last 30 stairs or so are even harder to climb. But, most probably, you will have the whole peak for yourself only, as not many have the courage and the strength to venture that high.

A must-do for any first-time visitor to Vietnams’ Da Nang is climbing the steps to the top of the Marble Mountains, where they can enjoy spectacular views across Non Nuoc Beach or My Khe Beach.

Exploring the Grotto Temples

Considering all its spiritual hidden spots, the Marble Mountains, and especially Thuy Son, are literally a paradise for small caves. There are ancient statues of deities, kings, and guardians from both Nguyen Dynasty and Cham Pa civilization, all nestled inside marble and limestone grottoes. Natural wonders filled with sunlight pouring in from the top amidst greenery, building up a completely rare sight. Theatrical and mystical.

And this whole scenography makes you, the visitor, feel small, humble, curious. In the bare hands of Mother Nature.

🪨 Tang Chon Cave

Ban Co Grotto inside Tang Chon Cave, Marble Mountains, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

This is the first one of a series of mysterious, cool cave temples, covered in moss and hanging jungle plants. In fact, Tang Chon itself is made up of multiple interconnected grottoes, all reminding of the 12th century Cham people and the immortal Gods they used to venerate.

Right behind the Linh Ung Pagoda, the labyrinthic road directs you through under naturally-formed stone arches, into the heart of the mountain. There, inside the Tang Chon Cave, two marble mandarins are frozen into a game of chess. Just meters away from them, a Shakyamuni Buddha which has replaced the old Cham Pa Gods, is thoroughly guarded by lively coloured, monstrous deities.

🪨 Van Thong Cave

Buddha Shrine inside Van Thong Cave, Marble Mountains, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

Van Thong Cave sits atop a tall cliff and it’s quite unique due to the marble path at the back, just behind the shiny Buddha statue. This path goes up to the so called Heaven Gate, an opening in the mountain offering a breathtaking and picturesque view of the Non Nuoc sea and the surrounding area. It is quite challenging, but still worth it.

🪨 Linh Nham Cave

Linh Nham Cave – God of Heaven Sculpture, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

The small Linh Nham Cave is home to an altar made for the God of Heaven. Not much to see around. Still, in one corner of the cave, among stones, you’ll find numerous tiny horse-shaped and Buddha statues, all tightly clustered together. A bright and vivid detail contrasting against the stone.

🪨 Hoa Nghiem Cave

Lady Buddha Cave Marble Mountains in Vietnam, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

The Hoa Nghiem Cave is a smaller, yet significant grotto, known for its remarkable carving of Quan Am Thi Kinh, also referred to as the “Female Buddha” or Goddess of Mercy. The statue is carved in the mountain stone and considered to be hundreds of years old.

This one is found right next to the most beautiful and biggest of all: Huyen Khong Cave.

Huyen Khong Sanctuary Cave

Huyen Khong Cave, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

Tam Thai, Ton Tam & Tu Tam Pagodas

Tam Thai Pagoda, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

After you’ve finished exploring the hidden parts of the mountain, you’ll come across three beautiful pagodas on your way down.

The first of these, Tam Thai, is where visitors can participate in the Buddha’s ceremony alongside the monks who have led the location for 12 generations. Ton Tam, the second pagoda, is home for the monks from Tam Thai and has seven Buddha statues inside, while outside, there is a pavilion overlooking the river. Tu Tam Pagoda (Grinding Dragon), the final stop, dates back to the 15th century and has undergone several renovations over the years, serving as a site for prayer and education.

Out of all the serene spots on the mountain, this is one of my favorites. Blossoming frangipani and poinciana trees surround all three pagodas, and their golden statues glisten in the sun.

Am Phu Cave

Am Phu Cave Interior, Copyright © saiko3p

Located at the foot of the mountain and extending deep into the Earth, is the immense and infamous Am Phu cave.  This is a recreation of Buddhist hell, where sinners confess their crimes, undergo punishments, and aspire to reach heaven’s light.

The cave’s route is a scary one as the natural stone walkways are embellished with eerie and bizarre statues.  That includes scattered demons, monsters, and punishments symbol sculptures. For me, it was fun and daunting at the same time, as all decorations were giving the impression that they are waiting to devour one’s soul.

You will have to cross a bridge, pass by a shrine, and climb a steep staircase – a final step towards the light, all amidst an overpowering incense fragrance.

Getting to & Around Marble Mountains

Getting Around at Marble Mountains, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

You can get to Marble Mountains by taxi or Grab.

Taking a taxi or Grab (a Southeast Asian version of Uber) is undoubtedly the most comfortable way to reach Marble Mountains, with a travel time of only 20 minutes. However, it’s also the most expensive option, as we had to pay around 350,000 VND for a round trip. Renting a bike is a more economical alternative, costing approximately 250,000 VND, with parking available on-site for around 5,000 VND.

For budget-savvy travelers, the local bus is the way to go. Bus number 1 (the yellow bus that runs between Danang and Hoi An) can be taken from Da Nang’s Central Bus Station (Bến Xe Trung Tâm Đà Nẵng near Han Market). Keep in mind this one can get quite crowded during peak hours.

Once inside Marble Mountains, exploration can only be done on foot and following the signs.

Other Activities in the Area

Marble Statues for Sale in Non-Nuoc Village, Marble Mountains, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com

To be honest, I don’t think you’ll have enough time for too many activities during a Marble Mountains day trip apart from getting lost while searching for hidden caves, passages and temples.

But there are also some other things to do in the area. These are mostly outdoors, and range from shopping to walks in the nature, visiting the nearby village or the beach.

🐉 Shopping

If you’re either shopping for tiny souvenirs or towering 3-meter statues, the Non-Nuoc Village surrounding the Marble Mountains, has a bit of everything.

Near the entrance, small artisan studios sell jewelry and precious stones, while larger retail stores offer unique and elaborate marble pieces. For over 400 years, local artists have produced beautiful Vietnamese-style artwork, featuring Buddhas, sacred animals, and national symbols using locally sourced materials.

Although Non-Nuoc remains a popular destination for high-quality handmade souvenirs, be aware that some items may be made of resin rather than genuine marble. Additionally, each mountain range produces marble with a slightly distinct tone, such as pink for Thuy (Water Mountain), white for Moc (Wood Mountain), and red for Hoa (Fire Mountain).

🪨 Rock climbing

Well, rock climbing is becoming more and more popular at the Marble Mountains.

These peaks with views of the sparkling sea and lush green forests have become a mecca for rock climbers of all levels, offering routes that range from beginner to advanced. Usually climbing is part of a tour offered by the local agencies. Like, for example, this tour.

🍹 Water Sports & Sun Bathing

Located just a kilometre away from the Marble Mountains ticket booth, lies the serene and pristine Non Nuoc Beach with its long stretches of sandy shores and turquoise seas.

Though it can be a bit of a challenge to find a free area due to resort ownership along the beach, the effort is worth it. Thanks to its shield from large waves, the beach is quite calm and peaceful, making it perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and various adventurous water sports. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a secluded and unspoiled beach that is ideal for strolling, jogging, and reading while watching the Lady Buddha across the harbour.

FAQ

⭐ Is It Worth a Day Trip to Marble Mountains from Da Nang?

Yes, it is definitely worth. It is known as the place with most statues in Vietnam. All immersed lush vegetation.

Cut almost to perfection from solid stone, the steep stairs going up to the first pagoda on the Water Mountain, and beyond, are not an easy hike. However, with each step you rise a bit more above the breath-taking horizon.

Like a spiritual maze of an incredible complexity, unveiling on different levels and depths of the mountain slopes. The mountains are topped with pagodas and temples, 17th-century Buddhist sanctuaries and pagoda temples, as well as hidden grottoes where locals pray and have their fortunes told.

However, if you love old city vibe more then the wild outdoors an option to Marble Mountains is a day trip to Hoi An from Da Nang.

🧗 Is Marble Mountains hard to climb?

Exploring the Marble Mountains is a challenging hike, requiring comfortable shoes and good physical fitness. The mountain paths are rocky and there are many steep stairs, with no smooth paved walkways.

While an elevator is available to reach the first level, the pathways beyond are not accessible for wheelchairs.

🎟️ Do you need a guided tour for Marble Mountains day trips?

Not really. If you like exploring on your own,  you will see that when you buy your ticket, you will also receive a map (and some postcards 💚). There is also a big map when you get to the first level. Inside Marble mountains there are also plenty of informative wooden boards, leading you around.

However, if you want some well informed travel companions, there are plenty of organized day or half-day tours to take you out of Da Nang. Some of the best rated are mention below. These tours focus on one or combine multiple destinations from the Da Nang day trips.