The Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn) in Da Nang are a cluster of five dramatic limestone and marble peaks representing the five essential elements of ancient Eastern philosophy: Water (Thủy), Metal (Kim), Wood (Mộc), Fire (Hỏa), and Earth (Thổ). Located just 10 kilometers south of Da Nang city center and 18 kilometers (25 minutes) north of the Bay Mau Coconut Basket Boat Tour at Làng Dừa Xanh for a basket boat ride in Cam Thanh, the Marble Mountains serve as the premier halfway landmark between Da Nang and Hoi An. A standard visit takes 1.5 to 2.0 hours, allowing travelers to explore natural limestone caverns (such as Huyen Khong Cave and Am Phu Cave), visit historic Buddhist shrines, and admire coastal panoramas from the summit. Combining a morning cave exploration at the Marble Mountains with an afternoon basket boat and crab fishing tour in Cam Thanh is widely considered the #1 day trip in Central Vietnam. As a local tour director at Làng Dừa Xanh who regularly coordinates combined regional itineraries, I have written this comprehensive visitor guide detailing ticket prices, cave highlights, temple etiquette, and seamless travel directions to our coconut forest pier.
Marble Mountains & Cam Thanh Tour Summary
| Parameter | Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn) | Bay Mau Coconut Forest (Làng Dừa Xanh) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang | Van Lang Hamlet, Cam Thanh Ward, Hoi An |
| Distance Between Them | 18 Kilometers (approx. 25-minute drive via Truong Sa Road) | |
| Recommended Time | 1.5 to 2.0 Hours | 1.0 to 1.5 Hours |
| Standard Entry Fee | 40,000 VND (~$1.60 USD) + 15,000 VND elevator | 90,000 VND (~$3.60 USD) full tour ticket |
| Operating Hours | 07:00 AM – 05:30 PM (Daily) | 07:00 AM – 06:00 PM (Daily) |
| Primary Activities | Cave exploring, temple shrines, stone carving | Basket boat paddling, spinning show, crab fishing |
| Physical Difficulty | Moderate (Stone stairs & cave climbing) | Easy (Gentle seated river cruise) |
Top Sights & Caves to Explore at Marble Mountains
The main accessible mountain is Water Mountain (Thủy Sơn), which houses the site’s most famous spiritual and geological landmarks:
1. Huyen Khong Cave (The Sunlit Cathedral Cave)
Exploring the sacred cave pagodas is often combined with other mountain sights like our Ba Na Hills to Hoi An day tour. Natural skylights in the high cavern ceiling allow dramatic beams of sunlight to illuminate the large stone Buddha carved directly into the rear cliff face. The cave was historically used as a secret wartime field hospital and shelter.
2. Am Phu Cave (The Hell Cave)
Located at the base of the mountain with a separate entrance (20,000 VND ticket), Am Phu Cave represents the Buddhist afterlife. Walk through subterranean tunnels depicting mythological karmic judgment before ascending toward a light-filled upper cavern symbolizing heaven.
3. Linh Ung Pagoda & Tam Thai Pagoda
Built in the 19th century under Emperor Minh Mang, these ancient Buddhist temples feature ornate ceramic roof dragons, peaceful bonsai courtyards, and ancient stone stupas surrounded by jungle foliage.
4. Vong Giang Dai Viewpoint (River Gazebo)
Climb to this elevated stone pavilion for panoramic views overlooking the Truong Giang and Thu Bon river deltas, lush rice paddies, and the surrounding four sister mountains.
2026 Ticket Pricing & Opening Hours
| Ticket Category | Price in VND | Price in USD (Approx.) | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Mountain (Thủy Sơn) Admission | 40,000 VND / Adult | ~$1.60 USD | Full access to main temples, trails, and Huyen Khong Cave |
| Glass Elevator Pass (Optional) | 15,000 VND / One-Way | ~$0.60 USD | Bypasses the first 156 stone steps to the main temple plaza |
| Am Phu Cave Admission | 20,000 VND / Person | ~$0.80 USD | Entry to the subterranean Hell Cave exhibition at mountain base |
| Child Ticket (Students / Under 6 yrs) | 10,000 VND / Person | ~$0.40 USD | Reduced admission for children |
Operating Hours: 07:00 AM to 05:30 PM daily (including weekends and public holidays).
Looking for an optimized full-day excursion connecting multiple sights? Review our popular Da Nang to Hoi An 1-day itinerary for seamless timing.
How to Travel from Marble Mountains to Làng Dừa Xanh (18 km)
The journey from the Marble Mountains to our private coconut forest dock in Cam Thanh takes only 25 minutes along a direct, modern coastal road:
- [Marble Mountains Base] ➔ [Truong Sa Coastal Boulevard (12 km)] ➔ [Lac Long Quan Street (3 km)] ➔ [Turn Left onto Tran Nhan Tong Street (3 km)] ➔ [Làng Dừa Xanh Dock in Van Lang Hamlet]
Transport Options for This Leg:
- Private Car Day Charter: Your driver waits at the Marble Mountains parking lot while you climb and drives you straight to Làng Dừa Xanh.
- Grab Car: A 4-seater Grab from Marble Mountains to Cam Thanh costs between 190,000 and 240,000 VND (~$8.00–$10.00 USD).
- Motorbike / Scooter: A scenic 25-minute cruise along the flat coastal highway with free parking at our pier.
The Ultimate Half-Day Central Vietnam Itinerary
Combine mountain caves, river nature, and cultural dining into a seamless 5-hour excursion:
- 08:30 AM: Depart Da Nang hotel or My Khe Beach resort.
- 09:00 – 11:00 AM: Explore the Marble Mountains, Huyen Khong Cave, and stone carving workshops.
- 11:00 – 11:30 AM: Scenic 25-minute coastal drive south to Cam Thanh.
- 11:30 AM – 01:00 PM: Coconut Basket Boat Tour at Làng Dừa Xanh. Enjoy peaceful mangrove paddling, purple crab fishing, and the live boat spinning show.
- 01:00 – 02:15 PM: Savor authentic crispy pancakes (Bánh Xèo) and fresh spring rolls at our riverside dining pavilion before heading into Hoi An Ancient Town.
4 Practical Tips for Visiting Marble Mountains
- Footwear: Wear sturdy sneakers or closed-toe walking shoes. The marble steps can be polished smooth and slippery, especially inside damp caves.
- Temple Dress Code: Because the caves contain active Buddhist sanctuaries, shoulders and knees must be respectfully covered. Shawls are available for purchase at the base.
- Avoid Midday Heat: Climb between 07:30 AM and 09:30 AM or after 03:30 PM to avoid the intense tropical midday heat.
- Beware of Stone Shop Touts: Some shopkeepers near the parking area offer free parking in exchange for high-pressure sales pitches in their marble sculpture showrooms. Use designated municipal parking lots (5,000–10,000 VND).
Seamless Booking with Làng Dừa Xanh
Experience both regional icons without logistical hassle:
- Private Round-Trip Day Charter: Door-to-door hotel pickup in Da Nang with standby service at Marble Mountains and Cam Thanh.
- Direct 90,000 VND Tour Tickets: Official pricing at our private river pier in Van Lang Hamlet.
- Complimentary Luggage Storage: Secure storage for your backpacks while you enjoy your basket boat tour.
- Zero Upfront Deposit: Reserve your date on WhatsApp (+84 905 936 985) and pay upon arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can elderly visitors or toddlers visit the Marble Mountains?
Yes. Elderly visitors can take the glass elevator to the main temple plateau, which provides access to Linh Ung Pagoda and basic viewpoints without climbing the initial 156 steep steps.
How far are the Marble Mountains from Da Nang International Airport?
The Marble Mountains are located 10 km south of Da Nang Airport, approximately a 20-minute drive by car or Grab taxi.
Can we store luggage at the Marble Mountains?
Official luggage storage at Marble Mountains is limited. If you book a private car transfer through Làng Dừa Xanh, your luggage remains locked and safe in the vehicle with your driver.
Is photography allowed inside Huyen Khong Cave?
Yes, photography is permitted throughout all caves and temple courtyards. Flash photography should be avoided near active praying altars.
