1. About Marble Mountains
Da Nang city is a destination that attracts tourists from all over the world thanks to its picturesque combination mountains and beaches.
The Marble Mountains, considered the natural symbol of the city, have a rich history and are a place of Buddhist worship. This complex of peaks, limestone caves and temples has much to offer tourists who want to explore its beauty and serenity.
2. Location of Marble Mountains Da Nang
Marble Mountains is located 8km from the center of Da Nang city, is a complex of five limestone peaks. Marble Mountains is a cluster of five marble and limestone hills is known for its caves, pagodas and it offers beautiful views of the surrounding area including the coastline and nearby the countryside. This cluster is located on the central route connecting Hue Citadel, Ngu Hanh Son, My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An Ancient Town, giving visitors a great opportunity to explore many other famous heritages in the Central region. The favorable geographical location of Ngu Hanh Son is ideal for visitors who want to make the most of their trip
3. History of Marble Mountains
In 1825, centuries after the fall of the Champa Empire, King Minh Mang of Vietnam named the mountains “Ngu Hanh Son”- the Five Elements. Each mountain was named after one of the five essential elements in Eastern philosophical thought: Kim (metal), Tho (Earth), Moc (Wood), Hoa (Fire), and Thuy (Water). Together, the mountains were spiritual destinations for both Vietnamese built temples you see today.
However, during the French colonial period, French geologists realized that the mountains were made of marble and renamed them “Ngu Hanh Son”. The French name stuck, and the rest, as they say is history.
4. How much is the Marble Mountains Da Nang Entrance Fee?
Open daily: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entrance ticket: 40,000 VND per person.
Elevator ticket: 15,000 per person, you will take the elevator to the top of Water Mountain and visit the architectural works from top to bottom.
Tour guide ticket: 50,000 per group.
5. Where to visit in the Marble Mountains?
5.1. Linh Ung Pagoda
Located on the East side of Water Mountain, Linh Ung Pagoda is a must-visit stop for everyone go to explore Marble Mountains. Wit a rich history spanning over 200 years, this site attracts countless visitors who want to pay their respects to Buddha or simply seek inner peace amdist the serenity of a spiritual site.
Linh Ung Pagoda has two notable attractions: the 10-metre-tall Buddha statue and the Xa Loi Tower. Built in 1997, the tower is 28 meters and has seven floors. The tower houses has an impressive collection of 200 Buddha, Bodhisattva ad Arhat statues, making it the site with the largest number of stone statues in Vietnam.
You can also visit Tam Thai Pagoda, a 400-year-ld pagoda that was built in the 17th century and has been destroyed, rebuilt and renovated many times. A powerful typhoon completely destroyed what remained after the Vietnam War in 1991 and so it has been rebuilt in recent years.
5.2. The Five Marble Mountains
Visiting Marble Mountains, you can explore the breathtaking beauty of the natural landscape, immerse yourself in nature and learn more about the nation’s culture. The five mountains are home to many magnificient cave,tunnels, temples and pagodas waiting to be discovered.
Moc Son – Wood Mountain: Home to a special human-shaped Co Mu Stone
Tho Son – Earth Mountain: The lowest and longest mountain Hoa Son – Fire Mountain: Home to two other mountains
Thuy Son – Water Mountain: The biggest and most beautiful mountain
Kim Son – Metal Mountain: Home to the famous Quan The Am Pagoda
5.3. Huyen Khong Cave
Huyen Khong Cave is definitely a must-see in Marble Mountains. Massive and awe-inspiring, the Huyen Khong has two Buddhist shrines, a small temple, and a giant marble Buddha built into crevices let off pleasant smells and slow coiling tendrils of smoke. Small coloured lights burrowed into otherwise dark cracks and holes shine like multi-colored fireflies around the austere cave walls.
In the ceiling of Huyen Khong are large holes that let light flicker down into the cave and dance shadows on the dark walls. If you arrive at the right time of day (between noon and 2p.m), with the sun correctly positioned overhead, you can witness beams of light stretching from the heavens to the cave floor
5.4. Am Phu Cave
As one of the largest caves in Marble Mountains, Am Phu Cave is the complete opposite of Huyen Khong Cave. Am Phu cave is Da Nang’s longest natural cave (300 meters). Its entrance is at the foot of Hon Thuy Son (the Water mountain) – the largest of the Marble mountains. Meaning that the cave is a part of the Marble mountains. “Am Phu” means “Hell”, so this cave represents the Buddhist hell – the future of those who do wrong after they die. According to Buddhism, if people continue to do bad things, after they die, they will go to hell instead of heaven.
5.5. Tam Thai Pagoda
Located on Water Mountain, surrounded by poetic nature, Tam Thai Pagoda is an ancient pagoda built in the 17th century under the Le Dynasty. The entrance to the pagoda has 3 doors, according to Buddhism, the middle door is only for monks, the left door is for men and the right door is for women. The pagoda has undergone many renovations throughout its history. Tam Thai Pagoda is recognized as a National Historical – Cultural Relic and has become a spiritual destination for Buddhists.
6. How to get to Marble Mountains?
Marble Mountains situated approximately 11 kilometers away from the city center of Da Nang. Marble Mountains provide a convenient and captivating addition to your travel itinerary. From the city center, several convenient options are available. Getting to Marble Mountains couldn’t be easier, with so many options at your disposal.
– Take a taxi or ride-hailing service directly to the site, which is approximately a 30-minute journey, depending on traffic conditions. – You also can use public transportation by taking a local bus that operates in the area. Visitors can easily find the designated bus stops and inquire about the specific bus routes to Marble Mountains.
– Additionally, rent motorbike can be an enjoyable way to reach the destination, allowing travelers to explore the picturesque scenery along the way. Whichever mode of transportation is chosen, reaching Marble Mountains promises a captivating experience amidst the natural beauty and cultural significance of the site.
– For those traveling from Hoi An, a short drive of 20 kilometers north will bring you to a prominent sign that unmistakably marks the entrance to the Marble Mountains.
– You also book a private car tour to get to Marble Mountains, it may be the most convenient for you.
