The Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn) sit between central Da Nang and Hoi An, and what most travellers come for are the limestone caves, Buddhist pagodas, stone staircases and viewpoints of Thuy Son — the Water Mountain. Allow 2–3 hours, wear shoes with grip, and go in the morning or another cooler part of the day.
This guide is about planning the visit. Forticket prices, the lift and what is in each cave, see our full Marble Mountains guide.
Are the Marble Mountains worth visiting?
If caves, temples and a climb to a view appeal to you, the Marble Mountains fit neatly into a half day in Da Nang. Almost everyone visits Thuy Son, where the route takes in Linh Ung Pagoda, Tam Thai Pagoda, the Xa Loi stupa, Huyen Khong Cave and the Vong Giang Dai viewpoint.
- Huyen Khong Cave:Daylight falls through an opening in the cave roof onto the rock walls — the most striking space on Thuy Son.
- Linh Ung and Tam Thai Pagodas:Active places of worship: keep your voice down and cover shoulders and knees.
- Viewpoints:In clear weather you can see across Da Nang, the coastline and the surrounding hills.
- Am Phu Cave (Hell Cave):On the south side of Thuy Son with its own separate ticket — add it if you have the time and energy.
Tickets, opening hours and the lift
The best way round Thuy Son
The easy route
Gate 2 → lift → Xa Loi stupa → Linh Ung Pagoda → Tang Chon Cave → Huyen Khong Cave.
The full route
Gate 2 → Linh Ung Pagoda → Huyen Khong Cave → Tam Thai Pagoda → Vong Giang Dai viewpoint → Gate 1.
Marble Mountains walking route
Gate 2 → Xa Loi stupa → Linh Ung Pagoda → Tang Chon Cave → Huyen Khong Cave → Tam Thai Pagoda.
How to get to the Marble Mountains
- Grab or taxi:Fine if the Marble Mountains are your only stop and you are not carrying much; you can book a ride back near the entrance.
- Lanytrip private car:Better if you are linking My Khe Beach, the Son Tra Peninsula or Hoi An on the same day, so you are not waiting for a new ride at every stop.
- Motorbike:The most flexible, but only if you are confident with local traffic, parking, the weather and your own riding experience.
What to combine it with
Half a day in Da Nang
Marble Mountains → My Khe Beach → the Dragon Bridge and Love Bridge.
On the way to Hoi An
Marble Mountains → Non Nước stone carving village → Hoi An Ancient Town.
A day along the coast
Linh Ung Pagoda on the Son Tra Peninsula → My Khe Beach → Marble Mountains → Hoi An.
Da Nang tours and transport
Da Nang to Hoi An day trip
See detailsLanytrip Da Nang airport transfers
See detailsLanytrip private car charter
See detailsFrequently asked questions
Are there a lot of stairs at the Marble Mountains?
Yes. Even if you take the lift, there are still plenty of stone steps between the caves, pagodas and viewpoints. Wear shoes with grip and pick your stops to match your energy.
Does one ticket cover both Thuy Son and Am Phu Cave?
No. They are ticketed separately. If time is short, prioritise the main Thuy Son route.
What time of day is most comfortable?
Mornings are usually cooler and better for climbing. In summer avoid the middle of the day, and after rain watch for slippery caves and steps.
Can I combine it with Hoi An on the same day?
Yes. The Marble Mountains are on the road from Da Nang to Hoi An, so the standard plan is the mountains in the morning and Hoi An in the afternoon or evening.
The short version
The Marble Mountains are not a place you photograph from outside — the point is the caves, pagodas and stepped paths on Thuy Son. Allow 2–3 hours, wear comfortable shoes, and use the lift and pick your stops to match your energy rather than trying to see it all.
Related guides in central Vietnam
These are the places most often combined with the Marble Mountains — useful if you are still filling out the route.
- Best Things to Do in Da Nang Top sights and 2–3 day itineraries
- Marble Mountains Walking Route Which caves to see and in what order
- Da Nang Dragon Bridge Guide Fire and water show times and the best viewing spots
- Hoi An Ancient Town Guide Tickets, sights, transport and the best season
- Da Nang to Hoi An Private car, Grab and shuttle bus compared
Last updated: 24 August 2026
