The Marble Mountains (Vietnamese: Ngũ Hành Sơn, meaning “Five Elements Mountains”) are a cluster of five limestone and marble hills located in Da Nang, Vietnam. Named after the five elements of metal (Kim), wood (Moc), water (Thuy), fire (Hoa), and earth (Tho), these mountains are a significant cultural, spiritual, and natural attraction.
Five Mountains:
Thuy Son (Water Mountain) – The largest and most visited, featuring caves, pagodas, and panoramic views.
Moc Son (Wood Mountain)
Hoa Son (Fire Mountain)
Kim Son (Metal Mountain)
Tho Son (Earth Mountain)
Religious & Historical Significance:
Home to Buddhist pagodas, Hindu grottoes, and ancient Cham relics.
Tam Thai Pagoda and Linh Ung Pagoda are key spiritual sites.
Used as a hideout and hospital during the Vietnam War.
Natural Caves & Grottoes:
Huyen Khong Cave – A stunning cave with a natural skylight and Buddhist altars.
Am Phu Cave – Known as the “Hell Cave,” featuring eerie statues of demons and deities.
Tang Chon Cave – A less-visited but beautiful cave.
Marble Sculptures & Handicrafts:
The nearby Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village has been producing exquisite marble sculptures for centuries.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds.
Entrance Fee: ~40,000 VND (for Thuy Son).
What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, water, and a camera.
How to Get There: ~9 km south of Da Nang city center (~15-20 min by motorbike/taxi).
Stunning views of Da Nang and the coastline.
Rich spiritual atmosphere with hidden temples and caves.
Unique cultural experience blending nature and history.
The Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn) are a popular tourist destination near Da Nang, Vietnam. Here’s how to get there from different starting points:
Distance: ~9 km (about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic).
Best Options:
Taxi/Grab: Easiest and most convenient (~150,000–200,000 VND one way).
Motorbike/Scooter: Rent one (~100,000–150,000 VND/day) and follow Vo Nguyen Giap Street toward Hoi An, then turn toward the mountains.
Public Bus: Take Bus No. 1 (Da Nang–Hoi An route) and get off at the Marble Mountains stop (~30,000 VND).
Distance: ~25 km (about 40–50 minutes).
Best Options:
Taxi/Grab: (~300,000–400,000 VND one way).
Motorbike/Scooter: Follow Hai Ba Trung Street toward Da Nang, then take Vo Nguyen Giap Street.
Bus: Take Bus No. 1 (Hoi An–Da Nang) and stop near the mountains.
Distance: ~100 km (~2.5–3 hours).
Best Options:
Private Car/Taxi: (~1,500,000–2,000,000 VND round trip).
Train to Da Nang: Then take a taxi/bus to Marble Mountains.
Motorbike: Ride via Hai Van Pass (scenic but long).
Entrance Fee: ~40,000 VND (additional fees for elevators or guided tours).
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
Wear comfortable shoes (lots of stairs and caves to explore).
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat/crowds.
Bring water and sunscreen.
The Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) in Da Nang, Vietnam, are a cluster of five limestone and marble hills, each named after an element: Kim (Metal), Thuy (Water), Moc (Wood), Hoa (Fire), and Tho (Earth). This sacred site is famous for its caves, pagodas, and panoramic views. Here’s what you can do there:
Explore the Caves
Huyen Khong Cave: The largest and most famous, with a Buddhist shrine inside and a hole in the ceiling creating a mystical light effect.
Am Phu Cave: Known as “Hell Cave,” featuring eerie statues of demons and depictions of the underworld.
Linh Nham Cave & Van Thong Cave: Smaller but beautiful caves with hidden altars.
Visit Ancient Pagodas & Temples
Tam Thai Pagoda (on Thuy Son Mountain): A historic Buddhist temple with intricate carvings.
Linh Ung Pagoda: Features a giant white Buddha statue overlooking Da Nang.
Climb to Mountain Summits for Stunning Views
Thuy Son (Water Mountain): The most visited, offering 360° views of Da Nang, the ocean, and surrounding countryside.
Vong Hai Dai (Observation Deck): Best spot for panoramic photos.
See the Marble Carving Villages
Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village (at the base): Watch artisans sculpt marble into statues, jewelry, and souvenirs. You can buy handmade items here.
Admire the Stone Stairs & Hidden Passages
The mountains have steep staircases leading to hidden caves and viewpoints.
Try Local Food & Drinks
Vendors sell fresh coconut water, sugarcane juice, and Vietnamese snacks like bánh tráng (rice paper rolls).
Best Time to Go: Early morning (7-9 AM) to avoid crowds and heat.
Entrance Fee: ~40,000 VND (~$1.60 USD) for Thuy Son Mountain.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: Lots of stairs and uneven paths.
Bring Water & Sunscreen: It can get hot and humid.
Avoid Scams: Some vendors may overcharge; agree on prices beforehand.
From Da Nang: ~20-minute drive (taxi, Grab, or motorbike).
From Hoi An: ~30-minute drive.
The Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) in Da Nang, Vietnam, are a stunning cluster of five limestone and marble hills, each named after an element: Kim (Metal), Thuy (Water), Moc (Wood), Hoa (Fire), and Tho (Earth). Here are some essential tips for visiting:
Early morning (7 AM – 9 AM) or late afternoon (3 PM – 5 PM) to avoid the heat and crowds.
Avoid midday (11 AM – 2 PM) when temperatures peak.
Dry season (February – August) is ideal; the rainy season (September – January) can make paths slippery.
Entrance fee: ~40,000 VND (~$1.60 USD) per person.
Elevator fee (optional to Thuy Mountain summit): ~15,000 VND (~$0.60) one way.
Cave exploration: Some caves may have small additional fees (~10,000 VND).
Comfortable shoes (lots of stairs and uneven paths).
Light, breathable clothing (it gets hot and humid).
Hat, sunscreen, and water (shade is limited).
Camera (spectacular views of Da Nang and the coast).
Thuy Mountain (Water Mountain): The most popular, featuring:
Huyen Khong Cave (a stunning Buddhist sanctuary inside a cave).
Tam Thai Pagoda (a historic temple).
Linh Ung Pagoda (with a giant Buddha statue).
Viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of Da Nang and the sea.
Hidden caves like Am Phu Cave (Hell Cave) with eerie carvings.
Marble carving villages at the base (buy souvenirs but negotiate prices).
From Da Nang: ~9 km south (~15-20 mins by motorbike/taxi).
Grab/Bike/Taxi: Cheap and convenient (~100,000 – 150,000 VND round trip).
Tour buses: Many Da Nang/Hoi An tours include Marble Mountains.
Hire a local guide (~200,000 VND) for history and hidden spots.
Be cautious in caves (some areas are dark and slippery).
Respect religious sites (dress modestly, no loud noises).
Bargain firmly if buying marble souvenirs (original pieces are rare; many are imported).
Hoi An (30 mins away).
My Khe Beach (10 mins away).
Dragon Bridge & Da Nang city sights.
The Marble Mountains in Da Nang, Vietnam, are a stunning destination with caves, pagodas, and panoramic views. The best time to visit depends on weather and crowd preferences:
February – April (Spring)
Weather: Pleasant temperatures (22°C–30°C), low humidity, and minimal rain.
Why Visit? Ideal for hiking and exploring without extreme heat.
Note: Busier around Tet Festival (Vietnamese New Year, late Jan–early Feb).
May – August (Summer)
Weather: Hot (30°C–38°C) and humid, but good for early morning visits.
Why Visit? Longer daylight hours, vibrant greenery.
Note: Afternoon showers possible; bring water and sun protection.
September – November (Autumn)
Weather: Cooler, less rain, and comfortable for climbing.
Why Visit? Fewer tourists, great photo opportunities.
December – January (Winter)
Cooler (18°C–24°C) but can be foggy or drizzly.
Rainy Season (September–November in Da Nang)
Heavy rain may make steps slippery, but showers are usually short.
Best Time of Day: Early morning (6:00–9:00 AM) to avoid heat and crowds.
Avoid Midday: Especially in summer, as temperatures soar.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: Steep steps and uneven paths require good footwear.