【Ngũ Hành Sơn】Marble Mountain in Da Nang, Vietnam
Located just outside the famous beach city of Da Nang, Marble Mountain (also known as Ngũ Hành Sơn) is a stunning group of limestone peaks rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.
From stunning caves to peaceful pagodas, the ancient stones share incredible stories, and the views are seriously unforgettable!
When my partner and I visited during our stay at TIA Wellness Resort, I had no idea how much this location would intrigue me. Marble Mountain is not just a destination but an experience filled with legends, spirituality, and scenic wonders.
brief history of Marble Mountain
Legend has it that a dragon rose from the sea near Da Nang seen by an old fisherman, laying a mystical egg. The dragon dove back into the sea, and a golden turtle who claimed to be the God, Kim Quy, came and dug a hole to bury the egg.
The turtle then gave a toenail to the fisherman and instructed him to protect the egg from predators. The egg later hatched into a beautiful girl, and the eggshell broke into five pieces, creating the five Marble Mountains, each named after one of the five elements in Chinese philosophy: Metal (Kim), Water (Thủy), Wood (Mộc), Fire (Hỏa), and Earth (Thổ).
Over the centuries, these peaks became spiritual havens for Mahayana Buddhists and were revered by Vietnamese emperors and Cham people. During the Vietnam War, Marble Mountain even served as a secret guerrilla base, with caves like Huyen Khong Cave doubling as field hospitals.
Today, Marble Mountain is a symbol of Vietnam’s rich history, offering visitors worldwide a glimpse into the past through its caves, pagodas, and carvings.
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getting to Marble Mountain
Grab (Rideshare)
Grab is a rideshare system for Uber or Lyft in the United States, with motorbikes or cars that are affordable and convenient in Vietnam. It’s about a 15-minute ride from Da Nang, and from Hoi An, it takes about 30 minutes.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a motorbike through Klook for a scenic ride. Rentals don’t always require a license, but choose a type (automatic or manual) you’re comfortable with. You will need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to rent a manual motorbike, but you don’t need one for electric mopeds.
Guided Tours
If you prefer a hassle-free experience, you can book a tour through Viator or GetYourGuide. Many tours offer hotel pick-ups and drop-offs and include insights from local guides. You can choose either a small group or a private tour.
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Marble Mountain map
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entrance fee
Entrance Fee
40,000 VND (around $1.58 USD)
Elevator Ride (Optional)
15,000 VND (around $0.59 USD)
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things to do
— Hidden Caves —
Huyen Khong Cave
One of the most famous and largest caves, it is a must-visit for photographers!
The collapsed ceiling allows light to penetrate into the dark cave, creating dramatic spotlights inside. Huyen Khong was a secret base and later a field hospital for Vietnamese revolutionaries.
There’s a massive stone Buddha and two shrines. One of the shrines is dedicated to God, and the other is dedicated to the Goddess of matchmaking — a popular spot for couples and singles to worship!
Van Thong Cave
Van Thong Cave, meaning "Way to Heaven," is not for the faint of heart! Though it looks like a simple circular cave from the outside, it features a steep interior that leads to a dark area with traditional Vietnamese and Chinese characters.
The light from the walls guides you to the Heaven Gate, or Trung Thai Peak, the second-highest point of Thuy Son Mountain, offering stunning panoramic views.
The climb is steep and the rocks slippery due to moisture. I couldn't attempt the climb in sandals, while some locals managed it in slides. I wouldn’t recommend this climb for anyone with leg or hip issues, especially since I’ve had knee surgeries.
— Pagodas and Shrines —
Tam Thai Pagoda
Built during the Nguyen Dynasty and dedicated to the Bodhisattva Phat Di Lac, this area features a beautiful courtyard that was restored 400 years ago by King Ming Mang.
Visit Tam Thai in the morning for the best weather and views!
— Views —
Trung Thai Peak
Climb to the peaks for stunning vistas of Da Nang and the coastline.
The Trung Thai Peak staircase is less steep than that of Van Thong Cave, making it perfect for less experienced hikers. Even though the stairs were still steep, they were better than the moist and narrow steps inside the cave.
— Shop —
At the end, you can browse stalls selling marble sculptures and trinkets.
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know before you go!
ADMISSION
40,000 VND ($1.58 USD); Elevator: 15,000 VND ($0.59 USD).
BEST TIME TO GO
In the morning (around 7 – 9 AM) for cooler temperatures and smaller crowds.
LOCATION ETIQUETTE
If you’re visiting any pagodas and want to enter, make sure to remove your shoes as a sign of respect.
PERFECT FOR
Hikers. Photographers. Nature lovers. History buffs.
PUBLIC FACILITIES
There are two public bathrooms available on opposite sides of Marble Mountain
PRICING
$
ESTIMATED TRIP DURATION
2 - 3 hours
WHAT TO WEAR
Comfortable shoes, modest clothing (for pagodas), and a hat.
WHAT TO BRING
Water, sunscreen, and mosquito spray.
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FAQ
Q: Is Marble Mountain closer to Da Nang or Hoi An?
A: It’s closer to Da Nang, only 15 minutes away by car.
Q: Is Marble Mountain worth visiting?
A: Definitely! If you enjoy history, hiking, or a stunning scenic spot, this spot is for you!
Q: How much does it cost to go to Marble Mountain?
A: The entrance fee is 40,000 VND ($1.58 USD). The optional elevator ride is 15,000 VND ($0.59 USD).
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final thoughts
I really enjoyed visiting Marble Mountains, even though the temperature kept rising as we started hiking, even in November!
Since I was living in the moment, I forgot to take photos of the pagodas and the other caves we visited, but I think we did pretty well visiting most of the spots.
I wore Dr. Martens sandals, which was not a good idea for hiking intense caves like Van Thong Cave, which is very steep. I decided against hiking up the rocks, even though I missed seeing what was on the inside.
However, I think taking care of my legs is better than risking getting injured. While standing inside the cave, I got bitten many times because it was very moist and cool inside the dark cave — make sure to wear mosquito repellent!
Whether you’re here for the caves, the views, or the cultural significance, Marble Mountains is definitely an unforgettable experience.
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VISIT
HOURS
Monday - Sunday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
LOCATION
81 Huyền Trân Công Chúa, Hoà Hải, Ngũ Hành Sơn,
Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam
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Vietnam Tourism: Marble Mountains - icon of Da Nang tourism
Vietnam Travel: A walk around Marble Mountains
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check out my recent travel vlog!
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11172024 09:20
Ready to climb your way to breathtaking views and ancient wonders? From mystical caves with glowing Buddha statues to ancient pagodas perched on limestone peaks, this spot is a must-see for any traveler.