What Are the Five Marble Mountains?
Where Are the Marble Mountains Located?
To visit five Marble Mountains, your journey begins just 11 kilometers southeast of the vibrant city center of Da Nang, at 81 Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street. Nestled between the coast and countryside, this iconic site is easily accessible on all Danang Tours and serves as a perfect half-day or full-day cultural escape.
The Five Sacred Peaks: Elements in Stone
The Five Marble Mountains are so called due to the five elements of ancient eastern philosophy:
- Thuy Son (Water Mountain) – the highest and most frequented, with pagodas, caves, and breathtaking views.
- Kim Son (Metal Mountain) – home to the Quan Am Cave and a serene riverside environment.
- Moc Son (Wood Mountain) – the place of the legendary white marble rock in the form of a seated Buddha.
- Hoa Son (Fire Mountain) – divided into two peaks, offering quiet trails and forest shrines.
- Tho Son (Earth Mountain) – the longest mountain, used as a wartime hideout in the past.
The ideal way to visit five Marble Mountains is to trek each peak with a purpose. They are more than just hills; they represent the cosmos, and each one contains a part of Vietnam’s soul.
Kim Son (Metal Mountain) (Source: danang.gov)
A Journey Through History and Spirituality
As you descend through the caves and stone stairs, you are stepping into centuries of history. These mountains saw the dynasties rise and fall, the diffusion of Buddhist teachings, and even the sacred gifts of King Minh Mang, who worked to conserve these sacred sites.
When you step into visit five Marble Mountains, you’re following the paths of monks, pilgrims, and poets who once came here to pray, paint, meditate, and seek meaning in the silence of stone.
Cham Culture, Buddhist Heritage, and Timeless Art
The area is also a crossroads of cultures. Ancient Cham influences resonate still in the architecture as well as in the trappings spread about the area. Marble statues, pagodas, and altars are carved into the cliffs, some concealed, some displayed with pride.
Caves such as Huyen Khong shine with natural skylights, making each photo a work of magic. And Am Phu produces a theatrical plunge into a symbolical world, with carvings that depict morality by using imagery. No Danang Tours would be the same without the contrasts of light and darkness, of heaven and earth.
Marble Mountains (Source: danangfantasticity)
Visit Five Marble Mountains on a Half-Day Tour
08:00 / 13:00 – Hotel Pickup by Impress Travel Guide
Our friendly, informative Impress Travel guide is waiting to greet you at your Da Nang hotel to transport you in an air-conditioned car to the five Marble Mountains. On the drive, you’ll be introduced to the stories, geography, and symbolism that make the five Marble Mountains so unique. You’ll see right away why so many return so many times to the visit five Marble Mountains.
08:30 / 13:30 – Explore Thuy Son: The Heart of the Marble Mountains
You start with the most acclaimed of the five summits-Thuy Son.
You can ride the contemporary glass elevator or ride the historic Route 108 ancient stone stairs. In either case, unforgettable moments lie ahead:
- Linh Ung Pagoda: Find serenity and spirituality in one of Da Nang’s most sacred temples. Gaze in wonder at the 10-meter-high figure of the Buddha, set against the mountain’s verdant background.
- Huyen Khong Cave: Step into a sanctuary of natural light and serenity, where beams from above illuminate stone altars and the air is filled with incense and stillness.
- Am Phu Cave: Take a symbolic voyage through life and death. With twisting passageways, statues of divine beings and suffering souls, the cave provides a unique combination of art, philosophy, and creativity.
The experiences make it obvious: the most rewarding way to visit five Marble Mountains is to begin with Thuy Son, in which nature and faith are etched into every aspect.
10:30 / 15:30 – Discover Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village
The village nestled just under the mountains comes to life with the marble. Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village, established more than 400 years ago, is inhabited by generations of skilled artisans who have molded Vietnam’s sacred geography.
Observe as the sculptors give shape to solid stone statues of gods, mythological beings, and icons of peace. Here, skill and cultural heritage converge, enriching your Danang Tours experience.
11:30 / 16:30 – Return to Your Hotel
And so, after a morning or afternoon of amazement, contemplation, and cultural exploration, we’ll return to your hotel. But the experience doesn’t conclude yet because when you experience visit five Marble Mountains, you bring with you a story, a memory, and an intense connection to Vietnam’s heart.
Linh Ung Pagoda (Source: danangfantasticity)
Tour Included & Excluded
What’s Included in This Half-Day Tour
- All entrance fees to Thuy Son and Am Phu Cave
- Bottled water for your convenience
- Local, expert, English-speaking guide from Impress Travel
- Convenient round-trip travel
What’s Not Included
- Personal expenses (shopping, souvenirs)
- Meals and drinks not mentioned
- Tips for the guide and driver (optional but appreciated)
Full-Day Tour: Visit Five Marble Mountains & Cultural Highlights of Danang
08:00 – Hotel Pickup
Your full-day adventure begins the moment our expert local guide meets you at your hotel. In our comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, you’ll be welcomed with insights into the legends and spiritual significance of the landscapes ahead. Today’s mission: to visit five Marble Mountains and explore the essence of Danang Tours in one perfect day.
08:30 – Explore All Five Marble Mountains (Thuy, Kim, Hoa, Moc, Tho)
Unlike the half-day tour, this trip offers you the opportunity to visit five Marble Mountains in their entirety. Each of the mountains symbolizes an aspect of nature and has its character:
- Thuy Son: The tallest and most celebrated, with Linh Ung Pagoda, Huyen Khong Cave, and breathtaking sea views.
- Kim Son: Tranquil and riverside, with Quan Am cave and serene pagodas.
- Hoa Son: A twin peak with secret shrines, trails lined with bamboo, and stories of ancient monks.
- Moc Son: Famous for its naturally white marble formation, resembling a figure in meditation.
- Tho Son: The longest mountain, a place brimming with wartime resistance memories and hideaway secrets.
To visit five Marble Mountains this way is to experience Vietnam’s spiritual topography in full.
11:00 – Visit Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village
At the foot of the mountains lies Non Nuoc Village, where stone speaks. For over four centuries, local artisans have chiseled masterpieces from marble, contributing to Vietnam’s sacred architecture. Watch the process, speak with craftsmen, and shop for meaningful keepsakes that echo the soul of the land.
12:00 – Lunch at a Beachside Restaurant
Quality time at a neighborhood restaurant close to My Khe Beach, where you can indulge in dishes prepared with passion and local produce. If you’re in the mood for Halal, veggie, or authentic Vietnamese, you’re in luck. Delicious Danang Tours at their finest!
13:30 – Linh Ung Pagoda (Son Tra Peninsula)
Towering 67 meters high, the Lady Buddha statue at Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula is visible from miles away. The complex itself is vast and peaceful, offering stunning views of the East Sea and a rare blend of Buddhist artistry and coastal landscape. It’s a meditative and majestic highlight of your day.
14:15 – Ban Co Peak: Da Nang from Above
We’ll ride up twisting roads to the legendary Ban Co Peak, the tip of Son Tra Peninsula. From the top, the whole city of Da Nang lies before you, mountains, beaches, and bridges in one sweeping vista. Stand beside the legendary Deity at the Chess Board and catch a breath of mountain air.
15:00 – Ancient Banyan Tree & Wildlife Spotting
Next, we visit the ancient banyan tree, a spiritual icon and protector of the peninsula. If you are lucky, you can catch a glance of the Vooc Cha Va chan nau, the elusive Red-Shanked Douc Langur, the “Queen of Primates.” Few Danang Tours allow you to get as close to wildlife and wonder as you do here.
15:45 – Cham Sculpture Museum
Back to the city centre for a cultural highlight: the Cham Sculpture Museum. Containing the world’s largest assembly of Cham treasures, the museum helps conserve the artistic and spiritual heritage of a bygone kingdom. From Shiva statues to apsara carvings, you’ll get insight into Vietnam’s rich cultural tapestry.
16:30 – Han River Promenade & Dragon Carp Statue
As the day winds down, enjoy a light walk along the Han River, stopping at the beloved Dragon Carp statue, a modern symbol of prosperity and good fortune. This is the perfect photo opportunity to close your journey with joy and reflection.
17:30 – Return to Your Hotel
As you are driven back to your hotel, we guarantee you: today was more than a tour. It was a spiritual and cultural experience a one that few visitors get to know in such a profound way. When you cover visit five Marble Mountains in a day-long excursion, you experience Vietnam’s legends, its nature, and its soul all in one day.
Cham Sculpture Museum (Source: vncarrentals)
Tour Included & Excluded
Included in the Tour
- Professional English-speaking guide from Impress Travel
- Comfortable, air-conditioned private transport for the whole day.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off within Da Nang city
- All entry charges to
- Thuy Son, Kim Son, Moc Son, Hoa Son, Tho Son
- Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village
- Linh Ung Pagoda (Son Tra Peninsula)
- Ban Co Peak
- Cham Sculpture Museum
- Bottled water (provided throughout the tour)
- Lunch at a reputable beachside restaurant (Halal and vegetarian-friendly options available)
Not Included in the Tour
- Tips for the guide and driver (optional but appreciated)
- Personal spending (shopping, souvenirs, additional snacks or drinks)
- Further services not stated above
- Travel insurance (optional to book before departure)
How to Prepare for Your Visit to Five Marble Mountains
Best Time to Visit for Perfect Conditions
Though you can explore visit five Marble Mountains throughout the year, the best time to see them is from March to September. In the dry season, you’ll experience crystal-clear skies, pleasant hiking conditions, and unobstructed views from the mountain summits. Early in the morning and late in the afternoon are particularly enchanting for photography, as the light plays perfectly through the cave openings and over the coast.
What to Wear and Bring
Respect the sanctity of the place and be comfortable:
- Lightweight, comfortable clothing appropriate for the heat
- Modest dress is essential while visiting temples, and covered shoulders and knees are advised
- Hiking boots or good walking sandals are a requirement, particularly when venturing out to hike stone stairs and caves
- Don’t omit the sunglasses, the sunscreen, and the refillable water bottle in the warmer season.
Trust us, being properly dressed makes your time to visit five Marble Mountains more enjoyable and respectful.
Accessibility Tips: Elevators & Stairs
Concerned about climbing? You’ll be relieved to know that the main mountain, Thuy Son, has a contemporary elevator system in place. Particularly useful for the elderly, children, or those with mobility issues, naturally, adventurous spirits can use the 108 stone steps dating from ancient times, as monks and pilgrims did for centuries.
Regardless of the trail you choose, Danang Tours offers you choices that cater to your pace and capability.
Ticket Information: What to Expect
Here’s a quick pricing guide:
- Thuy Son (Main Peak):
- Adults: 40,000 VND
- Students: 10,000 VND
- Children under 6: Free
- Am Phu Cave (highly recommended):
- Adults: 20,000 VND
- Students: 7,000 VND
- Children under 6: Free
- Elevator fee: 15,000 VND/one way | 30,000 VND/round trip
- Local guide fee (optional but insightful): ~50,000 VND/group
Thuy Son (Main Peak) (Source: gobackpacking)
Insider Tips from Our Local Guides
When you visit five Marble Mountains, you’re stepping into a world rich with meaning. To make the most of your time:
- Get in early to escape the heat and the crowds, particularly at such crowded locations as Huyen Khong Cave
- Vong Hai Dai, or Sea Viewing Pavilion, offers one of the most breathtaking sunsets you shall ever see.
- For photographers, the mid-morning light passing through the caves is the most ideal.
- Temples are quietest around noon, ideal for peaceful prayer or reflection
- Don’t forget to inquire from your Impress Travel guide about lesser-known spots that few tourists visit.
Conclusion
Hence, to visit five Marble Mountains is to experience the heart of Danang Tours where each cave seems to tell a story, each pagoda beckons contemplation, and each peak provides a vista both earthly and sacred. This isn’t simply sight-seeing it’s a sojourn of discovery, of learning, of awe. Want to make it yours? Let Impress Travel be your guide.
Book now:
- Phone: (+84) 912 379 189
- Email: info@impresstravel.com
- Website: https://impresstravel.com