【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.
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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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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Entrance Fee
40,000 VND (around $1.58 USD)
Elevator Ride (Optional)
15,000 VND (around $0.59 USD)
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— Hidden Caves —
— Pagodas and Shrines —
— Views —
— Shop —
At the end, you can browse stalls selling marble sculptures and trinkets.
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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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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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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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check out my recent travel vlog!
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11172024 09:20