The Marble Mountains are on of the most popular attractions in Vietnam. They consist in 5 rocky mountains topped with Pagodas, caves and Buddhist temples located in Da Nang. Each mountain is named after 5 natural elements: Thuy Son (Water), Moc Son (Wood), Hoa Son (Fire), Kim Son (Metal or Gold) and Tho Son (Earth).
During my visit, I climbed up only Thuy Son mountain (Water), since is considered the highest and main one. From its top you’ll be able to have a stunning panorama of its surroundings.
HOW TO GET THERE
If you are staying in Da Nang city, it’s very easy to get there by taxi as is not relatively expensive.
From Hoi An (my case), we hired a taxi through GRAB app. The best choice surely is by taxi or Grab, it’s very easy to spot taxi in the entrance of the mountain.
Uber is also a good choice, it’s working really nice in Vietnam with affordable rates. However, Grab offers the cheapest rates within Vietnam
Location: 2 Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Hoa Hai, Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang
EXPLORING AROUND
Once arrived, should get a entry ticket at 40,000 VND for adults
Opening Hours: Daily 07:00 – 17:30
If not taking the lift at 15,000 VND, the entry tickets may be purchased at the entrance near the stairs at ticketing office (Gate 2)
Climbing up the stairs, the first spot would be Xa Loi Tower (10) & Linh Ung Pagoda (12)
Continuing walking there are few caves at the beginning which I was not able to visit the due to the crowds (8 & 11) and also due to its slippery stairs (no shoes with good grip)
Further ahead is Tam Thai Pagoda (4) with a traditional design and beautiful gardens
Leaving behind Tam Thai Pagoda and turning right there is one of the most beautiful natural caves spotted: Huyen Khong cave (6)
The cave is quite huge but unfortunately is the main tourist spot and will be super crowded, making difficult to take nice photos of its interior
Leaving the cave, the next spot is Tam Ton Pagoda. Really beautiful with lots of flowers and gardens.
Between Tam Thai Pagoda (4) and Van Thong Cave (8) there is a path and stairs towards the top of the Mountain. Just following indications and stairs will take you to the top which is 100% recommended to do if you wanna enjoy of a stunning views of The Marble Mountains
To finish the visit, may have a look to Vong Giang Dai and climb its few stairs before getting out by Gate 1
The descending will take about 5-10 minutes through Gate 1. Once got out, turn left to reach the the Gate 1 and grab a taxi back to your hotel.
The neighborhood is plenty of statue/decoration shops and a couple of restaurants. There is nothing much to see around unless you are keen to visit the rest of Marble mountains
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