Marble Mountains: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

Climbing Marble Mountains means taking on a lot of stone steps, but the effort is worth it. With each step, you rise higher, surrounded by towering cliffs and stunning views. Before you know it, you’ve reached the top. Welcome to Marble Mountains—a place of history, nature, and spirituality that remains one of Da Nang’s top attractions in 2025. With ancient caves, peaceful pagodas, and breathtaking scenery, this spot is a must-visit. Read on for an insider’s guide to exploring it this year.

What is the story of the Marble Mountains?

Marble Mountains is a breathtaking group of five limestone peaks, located just seven kilometers from downtown Da Nang. Known as Ngu Hanh Son in Vietnamese, each of the five karsts is named after one of the five elements: Kim (metal), Thuỷ (water), Mộc (wood), Hoả (fire), and Thổ (earth). These mountains are not only a stunning natural landmark but also a place steeped in history and culture.

Over the centuries, Marble Mountains has held deep spiritual and cultural significance for the people of Central Vietnam. The ancient Cham civilization considered the mountains a sacred site, building temples and altars dedicated to their gods in the caves and grottos. The influence of the Cham is still evident in the intricate carvings and sculptures found throughout the area.

During the Nguyen Dynasty, emperors from Hue visited the peaks, further solidifying their importance. Legendary Vietnamese generals also made pilgrimages to Marble Mountains, seeking blessings for success in battle. As a result, the mountains have become a symbol of strength, spirituality, and connection to the past.

Today, Marble Mountains is home to a fascinating network of caves, tunnels, towers, and pagodas, built by Mahayana Buddhists and the Nguyen Dynasty Kings. These structures blend seamlessly with nature: vine tendrils cascade from above, frangipani and poinciana trees drop their vibrant blossoms onto the stone paths, and the ornate roofs of the pagodas glisten in the tropical sun. It’s a setting that easily captures the imagination, inviting visitors to explore and connect with the rich history and beauty that surrounds them.

TIP: For the best experience, visit Marble Mountains early in the morning around 7am. The air is cooler, making the climb more comfortable, and you’ll have the peaceful paths and serene pagodas all to yourself before the crowds arrive.

Caves Hidden in the Marble Mountains

The Marble Mountains are home to several large caves, along with many smaller ones that are rarely visited. These caves are cool inside, with jungle plants and moss-covered walls creating a unique and peaceful atmosphere. Each cave has its own special features and stories, including some that were used as hideaways during times of conflict.

Huyen Khong is the largest and one of the most popular caves to visit. It’s a favorite for photos because the collapsed ceiling lets sunlight shine through, creating dramatic light inside. This cave was once used as a secret base and later as a field hospital during the Vietnamese Revolution. Despite its small entrance, the cave is huge and holds a large stone Buddha and two shrines. One shrine is dedicated to the god and goddess of matchmaking, making it a popular spot for couples and singles seeking good luck in love.

On Water Mountain, Hoa Nghiem Cave is watched over by a beautiful 400-year-old stone statue of Lady Buddha. It’s a peaceful spot with great views, perfect for quiet moments of reflection.

On Metal Mountain, Tang Chon Cave is worth exploring for its marble statues of chess players and mandarins placed inside. The cave’s winding tunnels show the mix of art and nature that makes Marble Mountains so unique.

Take your time to explore a few of these caves and find the one you enjoy most. Each one has something different to offer, and with the increasing popularity of Marble Mountains in 2025, it’s a must-see experience for anyone visiting Da Nang.

Pagodas and Shrines in the Marble Mountains

One of the best parts of visiting Marble Mountain is seeing the beautiful pagodas that sit on top of the mountains. Linh Ung Pagoda is a standout with its amazing, detailed archway that faces the long stretch of Non Nuoc Beach. It’s a great spot for taking photos. As you explore the courtyard, you’ll see peaceful lotus ponds, small bonsai plants, and colorful tilework on the main building. The pagoda was first built in 1825 by Nguyen Emperor Gia Long, and it has many of the same designs found in the famous tombs in Hue, which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A short walk from here is Xa Loi Tower, a 28-meter high tower that holds 200 statues of Buddha. From the top, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the landscape below.

On Water Mountain, you’ll find the quiet and charming Tam Thai Pagoda. It’s dedicated to Phat Di Lac, a bodhisattva known for his peaceful nature. The pagoda has a lovely courtyard and was rebuilt more than 400 years ago by King Minh Mang of the Nguyen Dynasty, after it had fallen into disrepair. Tam Thai Pagoda is especially calm and peaceful in the early morning, so it’s the perfect time to visit and enjoy the quiet atmosphere.

TIP: To experience the pagodas in peace and avoid the crowds, try visiting early in the morning. You’ll get to enjoy the beauty of the sites before they get busier, and the weather is cooler for exploring.

What You Need to Know First

Marble Mountains (or Ngu Hanh Son in Vietnamese) are open every day from 7am to 5:30pm. Plan to spend at least two hours exploring, but avoid visiting during the rainy season or during the hottest parts of the day. The entrance fee is 40,000 VND, and if you choose to use the elevator, it’s an additional 15,000 VND.

Since you’ll be walking uphill a lot, it’s important to wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes. Don’t forget to bring a sun hat and water to stay cool and hydrated. Modest clothing is required because Marble Mountains is a spiritual and pilgrimage site. Before entering any pagodas, remember to remove your shoes and hat as a sign of respect.