Marble Mountains Vietnam: A Guide to the Stunning Caves, Temples & Hidden GemsIncludes FAQs & Exclusive Video Guides for Exploring Each Mountain!
If you’re visiting Da Nang, the Marble Mountains should be at the top of your list. This breathtaking cluster of five limestone and marble hills isn’t just a scenic spot—it’s a place packed with history, spirituality, and adventure. Each mountain has its unique charm, from hidden caves and ancient pagodas to panoramic viewpoints and legendary folklore.
But here’s the thing: most visitors only explore Water Mountain (Thuy Son) and completely miss out on the other four! In this guide, I’ll take you through all five mountains, showing you exactly what makes each one special. Plus, at the end, you’ll find FAQs and video walkthroughs to help you plan the perfect trip. Let’s dive in!
Watch our Water Mountain video showcasing its most stunning attractions
Overview
Located just south of Da Nang, Vietnam, the Marble Mountains are a cluster of five limestone hills, each named after the five natural elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. Over time, geological changes and sediment buildup gradually connected these once-isolated islands to the mainland, creating the unique landscape we see today.
1. Water Mountain (Thuy Son)
Water Mountain, or Thuy Son in Vietnamese, is the largest and most famous of the five Marble Mountains. This mountain is home to ancient temples and stunning caves. Some must-visit places here include: Am Phu Cave, Tang Chon Cave, Van Thong Cave, Huyen Khong Cave, Linh Ung Pagoda, Tam Thai Pagoda, and Heaven Gate.
Am Phu Cave
The entrance to Am Phu Cave—dark and mysterious.
Am Phu Cave is located near the base, next to the elevator. Its name, ‘Am Phu,’ translates to ‘hell’ in Vietnamese, and inside, you’ll find eerie carvings depicting the journey to the afterlife.
Linh Ung Pagoda
Linh Ung Pagoda – a spiritual gem in the Marble Mountains
At the foot of the mountain, you’ll climb 108 steps to reach Linh Ung Pagoda, a 200-year-old sacred site. This pagoda is a place where both locals and visitors come to pray for good fortune. In front of the temple, you’ll find a serene garden filled with colorful flowers, bonsai trees, dragon sculptures, and an impressive large Buddha statue.
Did you know that Da Nang is home to three pagodas with the same name, Linh Ung? One is on Son Tra Peninsula, another on Ba Na Hills, and the third is right here on this mountain. If you’re interested in exploring Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula, check out our comprehensive guide at the link below!
Linh Ung Pagoda: The Ultimate Guide for First-Time Travelers to Da Nang
Tang Chon Cave
Inside Tang Chon Cave
Tang Chon Cave is located behind Linh Ung Pagoda, accessible through natural stone gateways. Inside, you’ll find smaller chambers, each housing intricately carved statues. Notably, some of these sculptures date back to the 10th century and are remnants of the ancient Cham culture
Van Thong Cave
Van Thong Cave
After exploring Tang Chon Cave, you’ll reach Van Thong Cave. This cave is quite small and has some very narrow passages—so tight that only one person can squeeze through at a time. The path inside is steep and can be a bit of a challenge, but once you make it through, you’ll step into a peaceful open space with lovely views.
Huyen Khong Cave
Huyen Khong Cave
Huyen Khong Cave is often considered the most beautiful cave on this mountain. As you step inside, the first thing you’ll notice is a large Buddha statue sitting right across from the entrance. Sunlight streams in through an opening at the top, casting a soft, almost mystical glow over the cave. You’ll also find several shrines where visitors come to pray. During wartime, this cave served as a hiding place for soldiers.
Tam Thai Pagoda
Tam Thai Pagoda
Leaving Huyen Khong Cave, make your way to Tam Thai Pagoda, a historic temple dating back to the 17th century. This small yet charming pagoda showcases traditional Vietnamese Buddhist architecture and was once honored as a national temple by the king. The peaceful atmosphere here is truly special—you can hear the soft chime of temple bells, adding to the serenity of the space.
Heaven Gate
Linh Ung Pagoda – a spiritual gem in the Marble Mountains
Our final stop on this journey is Heaven Gate. To get there, you’ll follow a narrow path with stone steps, then climb over a short stretch of rugged rocks. But once you reach the top, it’s all worth it—the view stretches out to the coastline, and you can take in the fresh, cool breeze.
2. Metal Mountain (Kim Son)
Metal Mountain and its beautiful sights.
Kim Son Mountain has a distinctive bell-shaped form and is home to the well-known Quan Am Pagoda. One of its highlights is Quan Am Cave, a 70-meter-long cavern filled with fascinating rock formations. As you make your way through, you’ll see unique stalactites and stalagmites, each with its mysterious shape. At the very end of the cave, there’s a serene, crystal-clear pool of water.
3. Fire Mountain (Hoa Son)
Fire Mountain and its beautiful sights.
Fire Mountain sits next to Metal Mountain, right along the banks of the Co Co River. This mountain is home to Linh Son Pagoda, a peaceful temple. One of its main highlights is Huyen Vi Cave, a spacious and beautiful cavern.
4. Wood Mountain (Moc Son)
Wood Mountain
Unlike the other Marble Mountains, Wood Mountain has no temples or caves—just towering rock formations. Below, the local stone-carving village keeps ancient craftsmanship alive.
5. Earth Mountain (Tho Son)
Earth Mountain and its beautiful sights.
Earth Mountain is the lowest of the five Marble Mountains. At its base, you’ll find some small pagodas.
Which Marble Mountains are worth visiting? Here’s our honest advice
If you’re visiting the Marble Mountains, Water Mountain is the one you don’t want to miss. It’s the largest and most scenic of the five, packed with fascinating caves, temples, and beautiful viewpoints. We highly recommend starting your adventure here!
If you have extra time and want to explore further, head over to Metal and Fire Mountain. These two mountains sit next to each other and feature some hidden caves and beautiful pagodas worth checking out.
As for Wood Mountain and Earth Mountain, they don’t have as many attractions, so unless you’re really keen on seeing every mountain, you can probably skip them.
Watch our guided tour video of Metal, Fire, Wood, and Earth Mountains
Common FAQs
Marble Mountains Entrance Fee
Marble Mountains Opening Hours
Is Marble Mountain hard to climb?
Marble Mountains Dress Code
If I only have time for one, which Marble Mountain should I visit?
What are the must-see caves in Marble Mountain?
How much time do you need at Marble Mountains?
Is Marble Mountain closer to Da Nang or Hoi An?
What religion is the Marble Mountains?
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© 2024 vivavn.com
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