The Marble Mountains are a cluster of five hills made of marble and limestone in Da Nang, Vietnam. They are named after the five elements: metal, water, wood, fire and earth. They are a popular tourist destination because of their natural beauty, historical significance and religious importance.
The Marble Mountains have many caves, tunnels and grottoes that contain Buddhist and Hindu statues and carvings. Some of the most famous ones are Huyen Khong, Tang Chon and Am Phu. You can also find temples, pagodas and shrines on the mountains, such as Tam Thai, Tu Tam and Linh Ung. The mountains offer a panoramic view of the city and the sea from their summits.
To visit the Marble Mountains, you need to buy a ticket at the entrance. The ticket costs 40,000 VND (about 1.7 USD) per person and includes access to Thuy Son (water mountain), the only one open to visitors. You can either take an elevator or climb 156 steps to reach the top of Thuy Son. The other four mountains are not accessible to tourists.
The Marble Mountains are open every day from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. You can also visit them at night from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM when they are illuminated with colorful lights.
The best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and the crowds.
To get to the Marble Mountains, you can take a bus, a taxi or a motorbike from Da Nang or Hoi An. The bus number 1 runs between Da Nang and Hoi An and stops near the entrance of the mountains. The bus fare is 20,000 VND (about 0.9 USD) per person. A taxi or a motorbike will cost more but will save you time.
Some tips for visiting the Marble Mountains are:
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes as you will have to walk and climb a lot.
- Bring water and snacks as there are not many options on the mountains.
- Respect the religious sites and do not touch or damage anything.
- Be careful of slippery steps and low ceilings in some caves.
- Watch out for monkeys that may try to steal your belongings.
You can also join a guided tour or a day trip that includes the Marble Mountains and other attractions in Da Nang or Hoi An. Some of the tours offer transportation, entrance fees, lunch and English-speaking guides. You can book them online or through your hotel.
The Marble Mountains are a must-see attraction in Vietnam that will impress you with their natural beauty, cultural heritage and spiritual atmosphere. They are a perfect place to explore, learn and enjoy.
