How to Get to the Marble Mountains from Da Nang and Hoi An

The Marble Mountains are located around 8km south of Da Nang city centre and 20km north of Hoi An. They’re easy to reach, with multiple transport options to choose from. 

By Grab

Grab is the easiest and most convenient way to get around in Da Nang. It works similarly to Uber and is the most popular ridesharing app in Vietnam. 

I’d recommend using Grab over a traditional taxi. While most taxis are reliable, unfortunately scams can occur, whereas Grab shows the price upfront, offers cashless payment and provides GPS tracking. 

From Da Nang: 15–20 mins and approximately 80,000 – 150,000 VND
From Hoi An: 30 mins and approximately 200,000 – 300,000 VND

Prices can vary depending on demand, time of day and traffic, but Grab shows the price upfront before you book.

By Motorbike or Scooter

If you’ve hired a motorbike or scooter during your time in Da Nang, this is a flexible way to visit the Marble Mountains. 

There is parking available nearby, and you can pay a small fee to local vendors to park in front of their shop.

By Tour

If you’d prefer not to organise transport yourself, you can book a tour to visit the Marble Mountains. Many tours also combine other nearby attractions like Son Tra Peninsula. 

I’ve included some recommended tour options below. 

For most travellers, taking a Grab is the easiest way to visit the Marble Mountains if you’re not joining a tour.

Marble Mountains Entrance Fee, Tickets and Opening Hours

The Marble Mountains entrance fee is 40,000 VND. There’s also the option to take the elevator instead of the stairs for an additional 15,000 VND.

There are two entrances: Gate 1 and Gate 2. You can purchase tickets at the kiosk at either gate. If you’re planning to take the elevator, you’ll need to use gate 2. 

I recommend bringing cash, as card payments weren’t available when I visited. 

The Marble Mountains are open daily from 7:00am to 5:30pm.

Best Things to See at the Marble Mountains

The Marble Mountains have a lot to explore, with a mix of pagodas, caves and viewpoints. Below are some of the highlights.

Tam Thai Pagoda

If you enter through Gate 1, Tam Thai Pagoda is one of the first temples you’ll come across. It’s a historic Buddhist pagoda built in a traditional Nguyen Dynasty style, with decorative dragon details on the roof and entrance.

Xa Loi Tower

If you’re taking the elevator up the mountain, Xa Loi Tower is one of the first structures you’ll see. It’s a seven storey tower that houses small Buddha statues. The seven levels are said to represent the seven steps Buddha took after he was born. 

Linh Ung Pagoda

Linh Ung Pagoda is one of the most well-known Buddhist temples in Da Nang. There are actually three Linh Ung pagodas in the city, but this is the oldest of the three and the oldest Buddhist site in the Marble Mountains.

Huyen Khong Cave 

Huyen Khong Cave is the largest cave in the Marble Mountains, with a massive chamber that reaches around 16 metres high. It’s also a sacred site, with temples and altars used for worship. 

The Highest Peak

The Highest Peak is worth the climb for incredible views over the city, coastline and surrounding mountains. It’s easily been the highlight of my visits. 

It’s worth mentioning there isn’t much shade, so it can get hot quickly at the top, especially in the middle of the day.

Stairways and Pathways

Take the time to appreciate the stairways and pathways throughout the Marble Mountains. There’s plenty to explore as you make your way between pagodas, caves and viewpoints. 

How Much Time Do You Need at the Marble Mountains

If you’re wondering how long to spend at the Marble Mountains, I’d recommend allowing at least 2–3 hours to explore at a comfortable pace and enjoy the climb. This gives you enough time to visit the main caves, pagodas and viewpoints without feeling rushed. 

If you’re short on time, it’s possible to see the highlights in around 1–1.5 hours, especially if you take the elevator part of the way up. 

If you need a break, you’ll find a rest area and toilet facilities near the top, along with a small stall selling cold drinks.

Best Time to Visit the Marble Mountains 

The best time to visit the Marble Mountains is early in the morning when the temperatures are cooler and there are fewer crowds. Climbing the stairs can get hot and sweaty, and it’s not very comfortable during the middle of the day, especially with limited shade. 

The mountain opens at 7:00am. I don’t always love an early start on holiday, but it’s worth getting out of bed early and arriving as close to opening time as possible. 

Alternatively, you could visit late afternoon, avoiding the hottest part of the day. 

The dry season, from February to August, generally offers the best weather to visit. If you do come during the rainy season, take care as the steps can be very slippery.

Tips for Visiting the Marble Mountains

These tips will help you make the most of your visit and avoid common mistakes. 

Wear comfortable shoes
There are a lot of steps, some of them uneven and slippery. I’d recommend wearing comfortable shoes with good grip. 

Visit early to avoid the heat 
It gets very hot and sweaty during the climb, so I’d recommend visiting as early in the morning as possible. The mountains open at 7:00am. 

Bring water 
You’ll be climbing and spending time in the sun, so it’s important to stay hydrated and bring water.

Wear a hat 
There’s not much shade at the Marble Mountains, especially at the highest peak, so a hat will make a big difference. 

Dress respectfully 
As there are temples and pagodas within the Marble Mountains, it’s respectful to dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees). Due to the heat, I’ve usually worn shorts and a singlet, but packed a sarong to cover up when needed. 

Check the map 
The Marble Mountains can feel like a bit of a maze with all the pathways and stairways. It’s worth checking the map to make sure you’re on the right path and don’t miss any of the main attractions. 

Bring cash 
I’d recommend bringing cash for tickets, parking or small purchases like drinks.

Best Marble Mountains Tours

While it’s easy to visit the Marble Mountains independently, booking a tour can be a convenient option if you’d prefer not to organise transport or you’d like a guided experience to learn more about the history and cultural significance of the mountains. 

Most tours are combined with other nearby attractions in Da Nang or Hoi An. These are some of the most popular and highly rated tour options:

From Da Nang:
Da Nang Marble Mountains & Linh Ung Pagoda Half-Day Tour
This half-day tour combines the Marble Mountains with a trip to Son Tra Peninsula with pick up from your hotel in Da Nang.

From Hoi An: 
Marble Mountains and Monkey Mountains Sunset Tour from Hoi An
If you’re staying in Hoi An and you want to visit the Marble Mountains in the afternoon, this is a great option.

Marble Mountains Map

The Marble Mountains can be a little confusing to navigate and you don’t want to miss any of the main attractions. You can use this map to help you navigate between the pagodas, caves and viewpoints.

Are the Marble Mountains Worth Visiting?

The Marble Mountains are absolutely worth adding to your Da Nang itinerary and are one of the highlights. 

What makes them unique is the combination of nature, culture and viewpoints all in one place. You’ll hike up the mountain, passing through various caves and pagodas, before being rewarded with panoramic views over Da Nang, the coastline and surrounding mountains. 

There’s a lot more to see than just mountains, it’s an experience that blends scenery, history and culture. 

For more of the best attractions in Da Nang, you can check out my guide on Things to do in Da Nang.

FAQ

Can you visit without a tour?

Yes, it’s easy to visit the Marble Mountains without a tour using Grab for transport. I’d also recommend taking a look at the map in advance to plan what you’d like to see.

Do I need to pre-book Marble Mountains tickets? 

There’s no need to pre-book your entrance tickets if you’re visiting independently, you can purchase them at the ticket kiosk on arrival. However, if you’re planning to join a guided tour, it’s best to book in advance for your preferred date.

How long do you need at the Marble Mountains?

I’d recommend allowing 2–3 hours to explore the Marble Mountains. If you’re short on time, it’s possible to see the main highlights in around 1 – 1.5 hours, although you’ll miss a lot of the smaller caves and temples. 

Are the Marble Mountains difficult to climb? 

There are a lot of stairs, so a moderate level of fitness is required. While there is an elevator available, there are still a lot of steps throughout the site, so it may be difficult to explore if you have limited mobility.

Is the elevator worth it? 

If you want to avoid the initial climb or you’re visiting during the hottest part of the day, the 15,000 VND elevator is a worthwhile option. You’ll still need to climb some stairs, but it reduces the overall effort.