Are The Marble Mountains in Vietnam Worth Visiting?

We hadn't planned to visit the Marble Mountains in Danang during our two-week trip around Vietnam, but they were included in our Hai Van Pass day trip from Hue to Hoi An, so we thought, why not? We were so pleased we had the chance to go because the Marble Mountains are undoubtedly worth visiting and must-see attraction in Southeast Asia.

In this review, I share what you will see when visiting the Marble Mountains of Danang, how they were transformed into this magical sculpture park, how to get to them by public transport or on a tour and why they need to be added to your Vietnam travel itinerary.

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Is Marble Mountain Worth Visiting in Vietnam?

Without a doubt, if you are visiting central Vietnam, the Marble Mountains in Danang are worth visiting and must feature high on your travel itinerary. It is unbelievable to have the chance to see how caves, statues, altars, and pagodas have been carved out of a mountain range.

When we arrived at the mountains, with the thermometer peaking at 30 degrees, I asked our driver what time he wanted us back in the car. "Take however long you want," was his reply.  

I wasn't sure it would take us long to look at some statues and a few carvings, but I was wrong; it is an incredible place with lots to see.

At every turn, a new sight awaited us, and the thought of the centuries it must have taken to turn these mountains into a place of such religious beauty was truly astounding.

History Of Marble Mountains Vietnam

The Marble Mountains consist of 5 marble and limestone Element Mountains: Water Mountain (Thuy), Wood Mountain (Moc), Metal Mountain (Kim), Earth Mountain (Tho), and Fire Mountain (Hoa).

Inside the caves are temples with shrines and statues dedicated to Buddhism and Hinduism. There are also places to worship.

In the 9th century, the Cham Dynasty used the mountains as a pilgrimage place. Following the decline of the Cham Dynasty, the Vietnamese King Minh Mang called the mountains Ngu Hanh Son - the Five Element Mountains.

During the Vietnamese/French colonial period, the mountains were renamed after French geologists realised the mountains were comprised of marble.

In recent times, the mountains were used as a guerilla base during the Vietnam/American War.

Marble and stone were extracted from the mountains for sculpting. Marble mining in Vietnam is now banned, and marble is imported from China.

Getting to the Marble Mountains

The Marble Mountains are in the Non-Nuoc Stone Carving village centre, 8 km south of Da Nang city centre. You can watch the stonemasons at work, sculpting vast marble slabs and even have a statue delivered to your home address if you so desire!

Marble Mountain is a great day trip from Da Nang and Hoi An. There are loads of Marble Mountain Tours to book.

If you are travelling from Hue as we were, it may be included in your itinerary; if not, ask your driver to include a stop at the Marble Mountains. We visited them during our road transfer from Hue to Hoi An.

If you prefer to visit alone, hop on a local bus from Da Nang. Numbers 1, 11, or R16 go to the entrance of the Marble Mountains.

Here are some recommended tours, which include a visit to the Marble Mountains:

Da Nang: Marble Mountains, Lady Buddha and Am Phu Cave Tour - 1474 Reviews / 4.5 Stars.

Hoi An: Lady Buddha, Marble Mountains and Am Phu Cave Tour - 53 Reviews / 5 Stars.

Hoi An: My Son and Marble Mountains Tour - 94 Reviews / 4.5 Stars.

Hue to Hoi An by bus: Hai Van Pass, Lang Co, Marble Mountain - 14 Reviews / 4.5 Stars.

How Much Is The Marble Mountain Entrance Fee?

We ascended the mountain by escalator, a quicker and less exhausting route than the 157 steps. Entry to the mountains costs 40,000 VND, and the escalator costs an additional 15,000 VND. The mountains are open from 7:00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. all year round.

How Long Should I Stay in the Marble Mountains?

If you want to enjoy the mountains slowly, I would say 2-3 hours, allowing time to stop for a drink or something to eat. Water and coconut vendors line some of the pathways, giving a glimpse of hope to tourists who have arrived without their own refreshments.

Crowds flock to the mountains, so don't expect peace and tranquillity. However, we arrived on a busy April afternoon and still found areas to enjoy solitude.

Marble Mountain Dress Code

Believe me when I say it is hot and humid in the mountains, so drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Ensure you have footwear with a good grip, as the pathways inside the caves are slippery. Wear flowing cotton garments that will hopefully keep you cool.

Our Story of The Green Jade Buddha

We had to walk through the various stalls selling green jade marble to reach the mountain's entrance.

Stopping at one, we admired a small jade Buddha no larger than a thumbnail. The stall-holder said she would give us a reasonable price, but we weren't sure we even wanted it.

We promised that if we decided to buy, we would return to her. She laughed and looked at us, unconvinced. I guess she had probably heard this said many times before.

We spent about two hours in the mountains and eventually returned through the market stalls to find our driver.

We had decided we did want the jade Buddha during our time in the mountains, so we looked for the lady from whom we had promised to return.

It was like finding a needle in a haystack, but eventually, she saw us, called us over and gave us a really "good price" because we had kept our promise to return!

One small jade Buddha now sits on a windowsill in England, reminding us of a memorable trip to the Marble Mountains in Vietnam.

Marble Mountains Photographs

Pagodas are located all around the mountains.

Quan Am's statue represents the bodhisattva of compassion, a deity on the path to enlightenment. In pagodas and on home altars, followers of the Buddhist religion look to her for guidance, protection, and fertility.

Be sure to visit the stunning Huyen Khong Cave while in the mountains.

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