Marble Mountain in Da Nang, Vietnam: A Beautiful Destination
The Marble Mountains are five limestone and marble hills in the coastal city of Da Nang, Central Vietnam. Each mountain is named after one of the five elements: Metal, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Water. These mountains are situated in the Ngu Hanh Son district of Da Nang and have been spiritually and culturally important to the local people for centuries.
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These beautiful mountains are within easy reach of Da Nang and Hoi An, and in this guide we'll explore the Marble Mountains, including information on how to visit and what to do in the area. Let's discover the Marble Mountains!
Brief Background and History
Located in Da Nang, central Vietnam, the Marble Mountains, also called Ngu Hanh Son, are a fascinating collection of five mountains, each of which symbolizes one of the five elements. These mountains have a rich history that dates back to the 9th century when they served as a pilgrimage site for the Cham Dynasty. The limestone and marble composition of these mountains has been shaped over centuries, resulting in stunning natural formations, including caves, tunnels, and peaks.
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During the Vietnam War, the Marble Mountains were a key location with rumors of a hidden hospital in the caves. The caves were thought to have provided a secret and safe place for the Vietcong to set up a makeshift hospital where they could hide and heal soldiers. The network of caves and tunnels in the mountains would have allowed for undercover movement and operations, making it a valuable asset to them during the war. This hidden hospital is not well documented, but if the information were factual, it would add even more historical mystery to these incredible mountains.
In 1825, Vietnamese King Minh Mang renamed the mountains Ngu Hanh Son, which translates to the Five Element Mountains. Later, French geologists discovered that these hills were composed of marble, leading to their current name, the Marble Mountains. Today, they stand as a testament to the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, attracting visitors from around the globe.
Exploring the Marble Mountains
The Marble Mountains are a group of five mountains, each representing one of the five elements: Metal, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Water. These distinct limestone peaks rise prominently from the flat coastal landscape, with each peak holding historical significance linked to legends and philosophies. Thuy Son, or Water Mountain, is the largest and most popular peak, with several Buddhist sanctuaries and a stunning view from the top.
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Starting your adventure at Thuy Son, the highest peak, is a great way to explore the mountains. From there you can walk through several Buddhist temples and a variety of small caves. As you walk on the winding trails and climb the marble steps, make sure to visit Huyen Khong Cave with its mystical light and beautiful structures. The Huyen Khong Cave is the largest in the Marble Mountains while also being the most popular.
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Don’t miss the stunning views of the South China Sea and the green landscape from the top. While walking through the Marble Mountains trails, you will also see many Buddha statues, temples, shrines, and pagodas along the way. These hold cultural and spiritual meaning to some of the local people. Marble Mountains main attractions are these intricate details, beautiful views, and magical caves.
How to get to the Marble Mountains
Situated just 8 km south of Da Nang city center, the Marble Mountains are conveniently accessible. Visitors can opt for a taxi, ride-hailing services, or even a motorbike for a scenic ride. For those preferring public transport, local buses from Da Nang will drop you right at the entrance.
Many guided tours are also available, offering day trips from both Da Nang and Hoi An. Upon arrival, you’ll find a car park near the entrance, making it easy to start your adventure without any hassle.
Marble Mountain Entrance Fee and Costs
Visiting the Marble Mountains is both affordable and enriching. The entrance fee is a modest 40,000 VND, with an additional 15,000 VND for the escalator. For a more in-depth experience, consider a guided tour, which costs around 100,000 VND per person.
The mountains are open from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with extended hours from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Near the entrance, you’ll find numerous shops and stalls selling souvenirs, including beautiful marble items. To fully enjoy your day trip, it’s wise to budget around 200,000 VND per person, covering entrance fees, a guided tour, and some delightful souvenirs.
Tips for Visiting Marble Mountain: Entrance Fee
Visiting the Marble Mountains is pretty easy, especially as they are so close to Da Nang city centre. However, if you're looking for the best experience on your visit, consider taking a look at some of the tips below.
The Marble Mountain entrance fee is 40,000 VND, and the escalator costs an additional 15,000 VND.
The mountains are open from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with extended hours from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and bring plenty of water and snacks.
Consider purchasing a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the mountains.
Be cautious of “tour guides” in the Marble Mountains, as some of these so-called guides may try to scam you or steal your belongings. Try to book online or through a local travel agent when choosing a guide.
Wear good shoes and be prepared for slippery paths and stairs.
Bring a scarf or hat to cover your head and shoulders when visiting the temples and pagodas.
Consider dressing in layers, as the temperature can drop significantly at night depending on the time of year.
Bring plenty of water and snacks.
Respect the local culture and dress modestly when visiting the temples and pagodas.
Although not essential, guided tours are a great way to visit the Marble Mountains. Alternatively, grabbing a taxi from Da Nang or Hoi An is also a great way of visiting, as taxis are cheap, and the ride is not long to get there.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Marble Mountains is in the early morning, just as it opens, to avoid the crowd. The optimal dry and cool season is from February to April, while the rainy season is from September to November. It's best to avoid rainy weather when visiting the Marble Mountains, but if you are going to visit during a rainy day, be extra cautious, as the steps are very slippery in the rain.
Photography Tips
The Marble Mountains offer many stunning views and landmarks to capture, including the panoramic views from the top of Thuy Son. Golden hour will provide the best light for capturing great images, but the Marble Mountains might be closed during that time.
If you can't visit during golden hour, try visiting during a sunny day; at least that way you will get some beautiful sunshine lighting up the cave entrance.
Conclusion
With its stunning views, Buddha statues, historic temples, magical caves, and rich history and culture, the Marble Mountains are a great addition to any Vietnam travel itinerary. While the Marble Mountains is not a huge site filled with tons to do, it does provide natural beauty along with history and culture.
Overall, the Marble Mountains make a great day trip from Da Nang or Hoi An and provide a peaceful retreat from the city.