Visit the Marble Mountains on a day or half-day trip from Da Nang or Hoi An. Or, stop by as part of a sightseeing journey to or from Hue further north. Most tours focus on the caves, particularly Am Phu Cave, with its gory representation of Buddhist Hell, and the bomb-damaged Huyen Khong Cave. But, you also can rock climb and rappel and hike the 150 steps to the summit of Thủy Sơn, the largest of the mountains. A glass elevator will take you partway up Thủy Sơn for an extra fee.
Many Marble Mountains tours include nearby attractions, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of My Son, the coastal road Hai Van Pass, the Linh Ung Pagoda in Tra Son (home to a Lady Buddha statue), or the Golden Bridge.
The Marble Mountains are a must for photographers and Instagrammers.
Stairs and winding pathways connect the various grottos and caves. Wear practical shoes.
Despite the glass elevator on Thủy Sơn, the Marble Mountains are a challenging destination for travelers who rely on wheelchairs or strollers.
The Marble Mountains lie inland in central Vietnam, about 27 miles (44 kilometers) east of Da Nang. They’re about a 1-hour drive from Da Nang and a 2-hour drive from Hoi An. Public buses aren’t a practical option unless you speak Vietnamese, so most travelers join an organized tour that includes other attractions in the Da Nang area.
The Marble Mountains are open from early morning until late afternoon, seven days a week. Plan to visit early or late in the day to beat the worst of the heat and the crowds, and try to avoid weekends and the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday.
Non Nước village is dedicated to the fine art of marble carving, although locals have stopped chipping away at the mountains and now import marble from China. Sculptures can make great souvenirs, but look out for fakes molded from marble powder and/or resin. Real marble will feel solid when shaken and be cold to the touch. As always, be prepared to haggle over price.