Is the Marble Mountains in Da Nang Worth Visiting?

Planning a trip to Da Nang? You've likely heard of the famous Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn), one of the most iconic landmarks in Central Vietnam.

It's all over Instagram and TikTok for its thrilling rugged caves, magical beams of sunlight streaming through caves, and sweeping ocean panoramas. If you're into culture, you'll love the peaceful Buddhist temples on top of the mountain too!

That said, it's not for everyone. With steep steps and uneven paths, it's quite challenging for toddlers, seniors, or anyone with knee issues. It's also not wheelchair- or stroller-friendly.

To reach the main area, you need to climb 156 steep steps (as high as a 12-story building) or take an elevator. But after that, expect to navigate the rugged paths and stairways. Some caves, like Van Thong Cave, even require scrambling on all fours to get through!

Need to Know Before You Go

• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM); elevator stops at 5:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: 40,000 VND ($1.60), Am Phu Cave 20,000 VND ($0.80), elevator one-way 15,000 VND (~$0.60)
• Location: 2 Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Hoa Hai, Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang
• Duration: 3+ hours (including breaks and photos)
• Best Season to Visit: January–August for dry weather; September–December can bring heavy rain, which may close areas and make paths slippery.

A Quick and Memorable 3-4 Hour Tour of the Marble Mountains

Short on time? Here's how to experience the best of the Marble Mountains in just 3-4 hours—without feeling rushed.

Start at Am Phu Cave

Right by the parking lot, this cave is one of the most intense spots in the Marble Mountains. Inside, eerie statues and natural stalactites recreate haunting scenes from Buddhist hell. The last part of the close-to-vertical steps to get out of the cave is thrilling as well.

However, the imagery is pretty graphic, so it might not be the best for young kids. Besides, the narrow 40 cm-wide stairs are often wet and tricky to navigate, especially when crowded.

After visiting the cave, hop on the elevator to head up the main mountain, saving you some energy for the fun parts ahead.

Cultural Highlights at the Top: Xa Loi Tower, Linh Ung Pagoda, and Tang Chon Cave

Once you step off the elevator, you'll see Xa Loi Tower, a seven-story pagoda dedicated to Buddha and housing 200 Buddha statues. You can also enjoy amazing views of Da Nang and the coastline from the top. It gets crowded after 9 AM, so arrive early for a peaceful photo.

From here, take a short walk to Linh Ung Pagoda, one of three famous Linh Ung Pagodas in Da Nang. It's a great place to take in the local spiritual vibes.

Behind Linh Ung Pagoda, Tang Chon Cave is easy to miss, but it's worth checking out. You'll have to duck under a limestone arch to enter, and inside, you'll find towering rock formations, natural skylights, and lush trees growing inside the cave.

Picture-Perfect Moments: Vong Hai Dai and Huyen Khong Cave

From Linh Ung Pagoda, follow the stairs up to a crossroads. Turn left, and you'll reach Vong Hai Dai, a viewpoint overlooking the ocean. If you're looking for the sunset here, expect to walk down afterward as the elevator stops at 5:00 PM.

Then head to Huyen Khong Cave, the most photogenic spot. To catch the iconic "heavenly rays", visit between 9:00 and 11:00 AM when the sunlight beams through the cracks in the ceiling. Always packed with crowds, so get there early. Inside, a massive 4-meter-tall Buddha statue sits under a natural skylight, creating a magical effect when sunlight streams through as well.

Walk Down and Enjoy a Coffee Break

Instead of taking the elevator back down, try walking down via the west exit. This not only avoids elevator lines but lets you see more hidden caves and temples along the way. When you reach the base, stop by a café with panoramic views.

If you'd like to explore at a more relaxed pace, with a private guide and hassle-free transportation, check out our customized tours. We'll take care of the details so you can enjoy the best spots without worrying about crowds, transport, or ticketing.

How to Get to the Marble Mountains

Marble Mountains is located between Da Nang and Hoi An—about 20 minutes from Da Nang and 30-40 minutes from Hoi An. You could see the popular choices.

• Private Transfer: The Most Convenient Option

The most hassle-free way is a private transfer or a guided day tour (like ours). If taking a taxi, give the driver this address: 2 Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Hoa Hai, Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang. Expect to pay around $8-10 from Da Nang and $15 from Hoi An.

• Public Bus: The Cheapest but Least Reliable Option

The cheapest way is by bus, but there's no direct bus from Hoi An. From Da Nang, Bus No. 1, 11, or R16 stops near the entrance. Buses can be crowded and irregular, so this is best if you're flexible.

• Motorbike: Best for Adventurers

Renting a motorbike gives you freedom and great coastal views, but you must have an international driving permit.

What Else to Do Nearby

• For nature lovers, head to Son Tra Peninsula in the afternoon to spot wild monkeys (red-shanked douc langurs) in the forest and watch sunsets at less-beaten beaches.
• For culture & history buffs: add the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An's ancient town. Release the lanterns, go on a foodie adventure, and make your own handcrafts at local workshops.
• For Instagram-worthy shots, Ba Na Hills is the highlight, home to the iconic Golden Bridge.

Travel with Asia Highlights

Want a stress-free visit with a local expert? Our private guided tour ensures you get the most out of your experience—without the hassle of transportation, tickets, or planning. Let us handle the details while you focus on making memories.