Marble Mountains: The Spiritual Heart of Da Nang

The Story Behind the Five Marble Mountains

According to an old legend, a golden dragon once rose from the East Sea and laid a giant egg on the sandy shore. When the egg finally hatched, the shell broke into five marble pieces, each turning into a mountain. Locals named them Ngu Hanh Son, or the Five Elements Mountains, representing the harmony between nature and spirituality in Vietnamese culture.

Each peak stands for one of the five natural elements in Eastern philosophy:

• Kim Son (Metal Mountain)
• Moc Son (Wood Mountain)
• Thuy Son (Water Mountain)
• Hoa Son (Fire Mountain)
• Tho Son (Earth Mountain)

Out of the five, Thuy Son (the Water Mountain) is the largest and the only one open to visitors. Rising about 350 feet (106 meters), it is where you will find the main caves, temples, and viewpoints that make this site so special. This is the heart of Ngu Hanh Son, the place where you can truly feel the balance of the Five Elements Marble Mountains in Da Nang.

What to See on Thuy Son (Water Mountain)

The summit of Thuy Son, the tallest and prettiest of the five hills, was not left out as part of a visit to Marble Mountain. There are stairs and trails for much safer ascendancy to the top.

At the summit of Thuy Son, you will be astonished by its own unique natural beauty across the whole of Marble Mountain. Beautiful sights of the whole city around the beaches and a poetic atmosphere further enrich it.

Mount Thuy Son is a series of caves and pagodas, all of which represent at once the natural and religious harmonies of Vietnam. One must see these places on this hill, Thuy Son.

Huyen Khong Cave

• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Entrance fee: 40,000 VND per adult (free for children)

Hidden inside Thuy Son (Water Mountain), Huyen Khong Cave is one of the most breathtaking spots to explore at the Marble Mountains. As you step inside, you’ll instantly feel the temperature drop. The air is cool and fresh, like a natural air conditioner created by the mountain itself.

Soft rays of sunlight pour through five openings in the cave’s ceiling, illuminating centuries-old stalactites and stalagmites and the majestic Buddha Shakyamuni statue, carved in 1960 by the local stone artisan Nguyen Chat from Non Nuoc Village. Offerings from devotees and the faint scent of incense create a calm, spiritual atmosphere that feels timeless.

Am Phu Cave (Hell Cave)

• Entrance fee: 20,000 VND per adult (free for children)

Carved into the slopes of Thuy Son Mountain, Am Phu Cave is the largest and longest cave in the Marble Mountains. Its name means Cave of Hell, but the experience is far more fascinating than frightening. It blends mystery, Buddhist symbolism, and spiritual reflection in one incredible setting.

The path through the cave splits into two directions. One leads upward toward a “celestial peak” with serene views of the East Sea, while the other winds down into the shadowy depths of the underworld. Inside, the air becomes cooler and the light grows dim. Shadows flicker across walls filled with carvings of demons and tormented souls that represent karma and the Buddhist journey through rebirth.

As you move deeper, statues of Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha and guardian deities stand watch over the nine levels of hell and twelve gates of rebirth. The sound of dripping water and the soft glow of lanterns create an eerie yet spiritual atmosphere that feels otherworldly.

⚠️ Note: While Am Phu Cave Da Nang is fascinating to explore, the dark tunnels and eerie sculptures may not be suitable for small kids.

Tam Thai Pagoda

Perched on the slopes of Thuy Son (Water Mountain), Tam Thai Pagoda is one of the oldest religious sites in the Marble Mountains, dating back to the early 17th century. Built during the Nguyen Dynasty, this ancient temple has stood as a symbol of spiritual devotion and Vietnamese heritage for centuries.

The pagoda is surrounded by lush trees, stone pathways, and moss-covered gates that create a calm, timeless atmosphere. Inside the main hall, you can admire bronze Buddha statues and six ancient bronze bells, rare relics that have been carefully preserved by generations of monks. The soft ringing of the bells mingles with the scent of incense, inviting a sense of serenity and reflection.

Linh Ung Pagoda

• Operating hours: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM
• Admission: Free

Da Nang is home to three famous Linh Ung Pagodas, located on Marble Mountain, Son Tra Peninsula, and Ba Na Hills. The Linh Ung Pagoda on Thuy Son (Water Mountain) may be less known than its counterpart on Son Tra, but it carries deep spiritual meaning and impressive historical architecture.

The pagoda’s curved blue-tile roofs, carved stone columns, and peaceful courtyards give it a sense of quiet grace. Around 200 Buddha statues and ancient stone figures are displayed throughout the complex, each adding to the tranquil atmosphere.

The highlight here is the 10-meter-tall white Buddha statue, which sits serenely above the mountain, and the seven-story Xa Loi Tower, reaching 28 meters high. Both structures are visible from afar and symbolize the harmony between heaven and earth. From the pagoda’s terrace, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Da Nang City and the East Sea, framed by sea breeze and temple bells echoing in the distance.

Museum of Buddhist Culture

• Visiting Hours: 7.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
• Cost: Free

On the slopes of Mount Kim Son, and inaugurated in 2016, the Museum of Buddhist Culture is the first Buddhist museum in Vietnam. It houses collections of more than 500 rare and valuable artefacts associated with Buddhism.

The collection of the museum must be regarded as the one that has been continuously built up by the abbots of the pagodas. It contains many collections that are reflective of Vietnamese Buddhist art, and also that from many other countries in the Asian region. Bhagwan idols and worship objects of different periods and geographical locations, including ancient objects from the 7th century till the late 19th to 20th centuries, are also kept in the museum.

It is an absolute veritable treasure for Buddhist and traditional Vietnamese culture, attracting those who are passionate about this very thousand-year heritage.

Adventure Option: Climb or Abseil the Marble Mountains

If you’re looking for a bit of adrenaline beyond sightseeing, rock climbing in the Marble Mountains is a fantastic option. The limestone cliffs around Ngu Hanh Son offer routes for both beginners and experienced climbers, combining the thrill of adventure with breathtaking coastal scenery.

You can try abseiling down cliffs of 25–35 meters, all under the supervision of certified instructors and with full safety gear provided. Hanging mid-air between rugged peaks, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of green hills on one side and the sparkling coastline of Da Nang on the other. It is an unforgettable way to see the mountains from a completely different perspective.

Several operators in the city offer half-day or full-day adventure tours from Da Nang, including transport, equipment, and experienced guides.

How to Get There?

The Marble Mountains are located about 8 kilometers (5 miles) south of downtown Da Nang, along the coastal road connecting Da Nang and Hoi An. The site is easy to reach from most nearby cities.

• From Da Nang: Take a Grab or taxi from the city center. The ride takes about 15–20 minutes and costs around 100,000–200,000 VND.
• From Hoi An: The trip takes 30–40 minutes by taxi or motorbike. You can follow Vo Nguyen Giap and Truong Sa Road straight north toward Da Nang.
• From Hue: You can visit on the way to Da Nang or Hoi An by driving through the Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most scenic coastal routes.

There are also public buses running between Da Nang and Hoi An that stop near the Marble Mountains, but a taxi or private car is usually faster and more convenient.

Note: Avoid “free parking” scams near the entrance. Use the official parking lot close to the ticket booth for safety and convenience.

Our tips for visiting the Marble Mountain

Make a plan regarding Marble Mountain. Here are some essential considerations:

• Time: Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to go to Marble Mountain. These times allow people to avoid very hot temperatures. Bring plenty of drinking water to the tour. Always think about the sun and bring along sunscreen.
• Engage a guide: A guide around Marble Mountain would allow one to better understand and appreciate the historical legends and religious stories behind the monuments.
• Wear comfortable shoes: Marble Mountain consists of five mountains with trails that could be steep and slippery, so it will be wise to walk in comfortable walking shoes to avoid injuries.
• Observe the local cultures: Marble Mountain is considered one important cultural site for local people. Therefore, it would be important to respect their customs and traditions by wearing decent clothes and not interrupting the religious ceremonies.

Take good care of nature's environment: Marble Mountain is a protected natural site, and it is also important not to leave any refuse behind and to respect nature by not disturbing any wild animals.

Nearby Attractions

After finishing your journey to explore Marble Mountains, there are still many other places waiting for you around, and I will share some things to do near Marble Mountains.

• Non Nuoc Marble Village: This 400-year-old national heritage site sits right at the foot of Ngu Hanh Son Mountain in Da Nang. It is not only the birthplace of exquisite marble sculptures and sacred Buddha statues but also a wonderful place to watch skilled artisans at work and experience the deep cultural traditions of this region.

• Non Nuoc Beach: This 5-kilometer-long beach is famous for its fine white sand, calm emerald-green waters, and rich ecosystem. It is a perfect spot for both adults and kids to relax and swim. Don’t miss out on fun activities like surfing, boating, or picnicking, and be sure to explore the nearby Marble Mountains complex.

• My Son Sanctuary: 1 hour drive from Da Nang. This UNESCO world heritage site is home to ancient and unique Cham temple architecture that is hundreds of years old. Coming to My Son, you will admire the remaining exquisite sculptures, enjoy the magical Apsara dance and learn more about cultural and religious life through the museum right at the sanctuary.

Our Final Words

Marble Mountain is actually an inherent tourist attraction in Danang, with the natural and mysterious landscapes pulling many visitors to discover it. With these tips, you are set to so-called a pleasant visit at Marble Mountain: either you're one in search of adventure, culture, or just a pretty view, the magic will not disappoint at all. After appreciating the beauty and heritage of the area, do take time out to indulge in its natural scenery. Happy trails!

>>> Also discover the other must-see sites in Da Nang:

• My Son Sanctuary: A Cultural Treasure Near Hoi An
• Da Nang: 7 Questions Before Visiting the Most Pleasant City in Vietnam