Exploring the Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) – Da Nang’s Sacred Peaks
The Marble Mountains, known in Vietnamese as Ngu Hanh Son (Five Element Mountains), stand as one of Da Nang’s most iconic natural and spiritual destinations. This cluster of five towering marble and limestone peaks is named after the five elements—Kim (Metal), Moc (Wood), Thuy (Water), Hoa (Fire), and Tho (Earth). Positioned between Da Nang City and Hoi An, the mountains offer visitors a unique combination of natural beauty, ancient Buddhist pilgrimage sites, and panoramic views of the coast.
Travelers should plan to spend at least two to three hours actively exploring the main attraction, Thuy Son (Water Mountain), the only peak accessible to the public.
I. Essential Visitor Information and Access
Planning your visit ensures a smooth and rewarding experience.
Location: The mountains are located in the Ngu Hanh Son District, situated just 8-10 kilometers south of Da Nang city center, making the site a perfect half-day trip.
Opening Hours: The complex is typically open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Entrance Fee (Thuy Son Mountain): You pay a standard entrance fee of approximately 40,000 VND per adult to access the main mountain. Children under 6 years old enter free of charge.
Elevator Fee (Optional): Visitors can skip the initial 156-step climb by taking a glass elevator. Consequently, you must pay an additional fee of about 15,000 VND per person for a one-way trip. We recommend taking the elevator up and walking the stairs down to experience both the views and the shrines along the pathway.
Dress Code: You must wear modest clothing covering your shoulders and knees, as you enter sacred Buddhist temples and pagodas throughout the mountain.
II. The Main Attractions: Caves and Pagodas
The Marble Mountains distinguish themselves through a network of natural caves and man-made sanctuaries carved directly into the rock.
Huyen Khong Cave: This enormous, naturally lit grotto is the most impressive site. Sunlight streams through a large opening, illuminating ancient Buddhist shrines and statues, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Therefore, visitors find this a deeply serene and photogenic location.
Am Phu Cave (Hell Cave): Located at the mountain’s base, this separate cave requires an extra ticket (approximately 20,000 VND). Inside, you traverse a path depicting Buddhist and folk scenes of heaven and hell, offering a unique, if sometimes dark, cultural experience.
Tam Thai Pagoda and Linh Ung Pagoda: Centuries-old pagodas dot the mountain slopes. Visitors actively explore these serene temples, which house remarkable statues and serve as important centers for local Buddhist practice.
Vong Giang Dai Viewpoint: From the summit of Thuy Son, you access several viewpoints, including Vong Giang Dai. This platform provides sweeping, 360-degree vistas of the Da Nang coastline, Non Nuoc Beach, and the surrounding countryside.
III. Culture and Local Industry
The mountains have historically supplied marble, giving rise to a renowned local industry.
Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village: Located right at the foot of the Marble Mountains, this village is famed for its craftsmanship. Here, artisans carve intricate marble statues, ranging from small souvenirs to massive Buddha figures. Furthermore, they source the marble from quarries in the nearby Quang Nam Province, as stone extraction from the mountains themselves is now restricted. Thus, you can purchase a beautiful, authentic souvenir and support the local community.
