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Marble Mountains

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Marble Mountains, known in Vietnamese as Ngu Hanh Son, are a cluster of five limestone and marble hills located in the Ngu Hanh Son District, south of Da Nang city. The five peaks are named after the five essential elements of ancient oriental philosophy: Metal (Kim), Wood (Moc), Water (Thuy), Fire (Hoa), and Earth (Tho). Thuy Son, the Mountain of Water, is the largest and most significant, featuring a series of natural caves, grottoes, and intricate Buddhist pagodas dating back to the 19th century. One of the most famous sites is the Huyen Khong Cave, where sunlight streams through holes in the high ceiling to illuminate interior shrines and statues. Throughout history, the mountains have transitioned from Hindu sanctuaries under the Champa Kingdom to major Buddhist pilgrimage sites. During the Vietnam War, the caves were utilized by local forces as a secret hospital and command center. At the base of the mountains lies the Non Nuoc stone carving village, where local artisans have practiced traditional sculpture for over 400 years. Today, the site has visitors a blend of historical exploration, religious devotion, and wide-open views of the coastline.

Location: Vietnam
Top sights: Bảo tàng Phật giáo · Làng đá mỹ nghệ Non Nước · Marble Mountains Museum
Nearby: Da Nang (7 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	23	23	24	26	28	29	29	29	29	27	26	24
Rain mm	64	22	36	44	80	86	126	185	396	557	386	200

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Visitors are welcome to explore the caves, pagodas, and panoramic viewpoints scattered across these five famous limestone hills. Sturdy walking shoes are highly recommended due to the numerous uneven stone steps found throughout the complex.

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Typical hours

The site is usually open from early morning until late afternoon, seven days a week. It is highly advisable to arrive early in the day to beat both the large tourist crowds and the intense midday tropical heat.

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Photography

There are excellent opportunities for wide-open panoramic views of Da Nang city and intricate, atmospheric cave shrines. The low light inside the natural grottos may require a steady hand or a good low-light camera setting.

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Time needed

A standard visit typically requires about two to three hours to properly explore the main 'Water Mountain' and its hidden sanctuaries. Those interested in visiting all accessible peaks should allocate at least a half day.

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Combine with

You can easily combine this scenic excursion with a relaxing trip to the memorable beaches of Da Nang nearby. Alternatively, the appealing ancient town of Hoi An is just a short drive away along the easy on the eye coastal road.

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Getting there

The mountains are easily and affordably accessible by taxi, ride-hailing apps, or local bus from either Da Nang city center or Hoi An. Many local hotels also offer organized half-day tour packages including transportation.

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Insider tip

Consider taking the glass elevator up if you wish to skip the steep initial climb, but walking down the stairs is highly recommended. Buying marble souvenirs at the base requires friendly but firm haggling for the best price.

Geography

Coordinates

16.00600, 108.26400

Facts

The hills represent the elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth.
Mount Thuy Son is the highest peak at 106 meters altitude.
Tam Thai Pagoda was originally built in 1825 during the Nguyen Dynasty.
Huyen Khong Cave served as a military hospital during the war.
The area is home to over 600 stone carving workshops.
Climbing to the summit involves 156 ancient stone steps.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

My Khe Beach2 km · SWExplore →

Điện Bàn Đông Ward3 km · NEExplore →

Lady Buddha Da Nang4 km · NWExplore →

Sơn Trà Peninsula6 km · NWExplore →

Da Nang Port6 km · SWExplore →

Da Nang7 km · SExplore →

Japanese Covered Bridge8 km · NEExplore →

Trà Quế Vegetable Village10 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Marble Mountains (15)

Bảo tàng Phật giáo 🏛 museum

This specialized museum displays an extensive collection of ancient Buddhist statues, relics, and religious artifacts.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-17:00

Làng đá mỹ nghệ Non Nước 📍 landmark

Artisans in this traditional craft village carve intricate statues and jewelry from stone sourced near the Marble Mountains.

Marble Mountains Museum 🏛 museum

Located at the base of the peaks, this museum preserves artifacts and geological exhibits related to the Marble Mountains' history.

Mountain of Water 📍 landmark

Known locally as Thuy Son, this is the largest of the five peaks and features ancient caves holding Buddhist shrines.

My An Beach 🎡 recreation

Characterized by its fine white sand and gentle waves, this shoreline is a popular destination for sunbathing and water sports.

Non Nuoc Beach 📍 landmark

Stretching along the coast at the foot of the Marble Mountains, this scenic beach is famous for its clean sands and clear water.

To Quoc Ghi Cong 🏺 historical

This solemn war memorial honors the sacrifices of local soldiers with its inscribed stone stele.

Tân Trà Beach 🎡 recreation

This expansive stretch of sandy coast provides a quieter alternative to the city's more crowded central beaches.

Xanh Design DN Tiệm Cây và Nước 🎡 recreation

Integrating a cafe with a small collection of animals, this verdant space lets visitors relax among tropical plants and wildlife.

Perform Mountain pagoda ⛪ religious

Built into the rocky slopes of the mountain, this place of worship provides a serene environment for spiritual reflection.

Chùa Giác Hoàng Viên ⛪ religious

This traditional Vietnamese temple welcomes worshippers with its ornate gate and quiet courtyard shaded by mature trees.

Đền thờ Tiền Hiền làng Lổ Giang ⛪ religious

This solemn communal temple honors the founding ancestors who established the historical village of Lo Giang.

Chợ Miếu Bông 🎭 culture

A local marketplace near the Marble Mountains where vendors sell fresh produce and regional goods.

Chợ Khuê Mỹ 🎭 culture

A traditional market in the Khuê Mỹ ward near the Marble Mountains, known for daily groceries and local street food.

Chợ Hòa Xuân 🎭 culture

A bustling daily marketplace in the Hòa Xuân area, serving the local community near the Marble Mountains.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is there an elevator?

Yes, there is an elevator for a fee.

How many caves?

There are several caves to explore.

Is sturdy footwear needed?

Yes, the paths can be slippery.

How long is the visit?

Allow about 2 hours.

Is it family-friendly?

Yes, but be careful with small children near steps.

Marble Mountains: where is it located?

Marble Mountains is located in Vietnam.

Marble Mountains: what is there to see?

Highlights include Bảo tàng Phật giáo, Làng đá mỹ nghệ Non Nước, Marble Mountains Museum.

Marble Mountains: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.

Marble Mountains: why is it worth visiting?

The Marble Mountains, known in Vietnamese as Ngu Hanh Son, are a cluster of five limestone and marble hills located in the Ngu Hanh Son District, south of Da Nang city.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Marble Mountains

Best time to visit & climate