Marble Mountains Da Nang: Complete Guide 2026

The site attracts visitors for its natural caves transformed into sanctuaries, its viewpoints over Da Nang and the sea, and its stone carving workshops. Thuy Son mountain (Water Mountain) is the largest and most visited. The four other mountains (Kim, Moc, Hoa, Tho) are less developed and rarely visited.

Entry rules depend on your nationality; the official portal is evisa.gov.vn. If you prefer someone to handle the application, visa-vietnam.app can do it. visa-vietnam.app is run by the same publisher as this site.

01How to get to the Marble Mountains from Da Nang

By taxi or Grab

The simplest solution from Da Nang city centre. Expect 100,000 to 150,000 VND (€3.70 to €5.50) for 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Ask the driver to drop you at the main entrance (Thuy Son). For the return, taxis wait in the car park or call a Grab.

By local bus

Bus number 1 connects Da Nang city centre to the Marble Mountains for 7,000 VND (€0.26). Departures every 20 to 30 minutes from the central bus station (Bến xe Trung tâm Đà Nẵng) on Điện Biên Phủ street. Stop at "Ngũ Hành Sơn" in front of the site entrance. Journey of approximately 40 minutes. Hours: 5:30am to 6:30pm according to information displayed at the bus station in 2026.

By scooter

If you rent a scooter in Da Nang (80,000 to 120,000 VND per day), take the coastal road Võ Nguyên Giáp heading south. Free parking at the site entrance. Distance: 8 km, 20 minutes. Watch out for heavy traffic during rush hours.

From Hoi An

The Marble Mountains are halfway between Da Nang and Hoi An (20 km from Hoi An). By taxi or Grab: 200,000 to 250,000 VND (€7.40 to €9.30), 30 minutes. Possibility to combine with a visit to nearby Non Nuoc beach. To organise your day from Hoi An, consult the complete guide to visiting Hoi An.

02Prices and opening hours

Prices as of 12/10/2026 at the site entrance. No reduced rate for children over 1.30 m tall. Smaller children enter free.

Opening hours: 7am to 5:30pm daily, including public holidays and Vietnamese festivals. Last entry at 5pm. Allow at least 2 hours for a complete visit to Thuy Son. This information is displayed at the site entrance and confirmed by the official Da Nang tourism guide consulted in 2026.

03What to see at the Marble Mountains

Caves and sanctuaries of Thuy Son

Thuy Son mountain houses several caves converted into places of worship:

• Huyen Khong Cave: the most impressive, with a natural skylight illuminating the Buddha statues. Ceiling height: 25 metres.
• Tang Chon Cave: small cave with Buddhist altar, access by narrow staircase.
• Van Thong Cave: natural tunnel crossing the mountain, sea view at the exit.
• Tam Thai Pagoda: main temple of the site, built in the 17th century, rebuilt after the Vietnam War.
• Linh Ung Pagoda: small temple at the summit, white Buddha statue visible from afar.

The caves served as a field hospital during the Vietnam War. Bullet impacts are still visible on some walls.

Viewpoints

Several viewing platforms offer views over Da Nang, Non Nuoc beach and Son Tra peninsula:

• View from Linh Ung pagoda (summit, 108 metres altitude)
• Terrace of Van Thong cave (sea view)
• Platform near Huyen Khong entrance (view over neighbouring mountains)

Best times for photos: early morning (7am-9am) or late afternoon (4pm-5pm), softer light.

Stone carving village

At the foot of the mountains, Non Nuoc village groups dozens of marble and stone carving workshops. Local tradition for several centuries, documented by the Vietnam National Museum of History in its archives consulted in 2026. You will see artisans working on statues, fountains, furniture. Prices vary greatly depending on size and quality. Possibility to buy and have shipped, but negotiate firmly and compare several shops.

04Best time to visit

Da Nang's climate influences visit comfort. Consult the Da Nang weather month by month to plan.

Dry season (February to July)

Ideal period. Temperatures from 25 to 35°C, little rain. Moderate tourist numbers except during Tet (Vietnamese New Year, late January or early February). Prefer February to May: less hot than June-July.

Rainy season (August to January)

Frequent rain especially from September to December. Typhoon risk in October-November. Stairs become slippery. If you visit during this period, leave early in the morning (before 10am) when it rains less.

Best times of day

• 7am-9am: few people, soft light, pleasant temperature
• 9am-3pm: heavy crowds, intense heat in summer
• 3pm-5pm: softer light, fewer people than mid-day

Avoid weekends and Vietnamese public holidays if possible: many local visitors.

05Practical tips for the visit

Physical preparation

The visit involves climbing approximately 150 steps (if you take the elevator for the first ascent) to 300 steps (if you climb on foot from the entrance). Stairs sometimes steep and irregular. Not recommended for people with very limited mobility. The elevator only serves the main entrance, then everything is done on foot.

Dress code

Pagodas and temples require proper attire:

• Covered shoulders (no tank top)
• Legs covered to the knees minimum
• Remove shoes before entering certain sanctuaries (signs indicated)

Wear closed non-slip shoes. The ground is slippery in the caves, especially after rain.

What to bring

• Water (1 litre minimum per person): it is hot and humid, few sales points on site
• Cap or hat for the sun
• Sunscreen
• Mosquito repellent (humid caves)
• Torch or smartphone for dark parts of caves
• Small backpack to keep hands free on stairs

Photography

Photos allowed everywhere. Huyen Khong cave offers the best opportunities with its skylight. Use a tripod or stabilise your camera in dark areas. Respect prayer times: do not photograph worshippers too closely without permission.

06Combine with other visits

The Marble Mountains combine easily with:

Non Nuoc beach

500 metres from the site entrance. White sand beach, less crowded than My Khe. Perfect for cooling off after the visit. Deckchairs and restaurants on the beachfront.

Hoi An

20 km south. Ancient port town classified UNESCO. Journey: 30 minutes by taxi or scooter. Many visitors do Da Nang → Marble Mountains → Hoi An in the same day.

Son Tra peninsula

North of Da Nang. Nature reserve with monkeys, Linh Ung pagoda and wild beaches. Allow an additional half day. To discover other Da Nang sites, consult the complete city guide.

07Scams and traps to avoid

Fake guides

People present themselves as official guides at the entrance. The site does not require a guide, signage is clear. If you want a guide, negotiate the price beforehand (150,000 to 300,000 VND for 2 hours) and check they wear an official badge.

Souvenir shops

Prices are 2 to 3 times higher than in town. Vendors are insistent. Buy your souvenirs in Da Nang rather than on site.

Return taxis

Some taxi drivers parked in the car park inflate prices. Use Grab or check the meter is activated. Normal price to Da Nang city centre: 100,000 to 150,000 VND maximum.

Paid offerings

In temples, you will be offered to buy incense or offerings. This is not mandatory to visit. If you wish to make an offering, 20,000 VND is a correct amount.

08Accessibility and services

Public toilets at the site entrance and near Tam Thai pagoda. Decent but basic condition. No toilet paper provided, bring your own.

Small shop at the entrance selling water, snacks and souvenirs at increased prices. Plan your provisions beforehand.

No luggage storage. If you have suitcases, better to leave them at your hotel.

Free wifi connection at the main entrance, weak signal in caves.

First aid: an aid post is located near the entrance, staff speaking Vietnamese only.

09What to remember

The Marble Mountains are an essential visit during a stay in Da Nang: accessible in 20 minutes from the city centre, entry at 40,000 VND, and a site that combines nature, spirituality and history. Allow 2 to 3 hours, leave early in the morning to avoid heat and crowds, wear closed shoes and clothing covering shoulders and knees. Bring water and sun protection. The visit combines easily with Non Nuoc beach or Hoi An. Next step: book your transport and check the weather before leaving.