Marble Mountains, also known as Ngu Hanh Son in Vietnamese, are a group of five limestone peaks located 7 kilometers from downtown Da Nang. These karsts have been an important spiritual site for the people of Central Vietnam for centuries. The ancient Cham people revered the karsts, and the Vietnamese emperors and legendary generals have also visited the peaks, adding to their store of legends.

The Marble Mountains are home to a network of caves, tunnels, towers, and pagodas built by Mahayana Buddhists and the Nguyen Dynasty Kings. One of the best parts of touring Marble Mountain is seeing the striking pagodas that claim this elevated perch, including Linh Ung Pagoda, Xa Loi Tower, and Tam Thai Pagoda. The pagodas’ ornate roofs blend harmoniously with nature, and visitors are requested to wear modest clothing when touring Marble Mountains.

There are half a dozen large caves hidden away in the Marble Mountains, and many other small ones that are rarely visited. The caves are cool inside, with jungle plants and mossy walls creating an exotic atmosphere. Huyen Khong is the largest cave and was once used as a secret base and later a field hospital for Vietnamese revolutionaries. Its jaw-dropping size houses a massive stone Buddha and two shrines, one of which is dedicated to the god and goddess of match-making.

To explore the Marble Mountains, visitors should wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes and bring a sun hat and water. It’s best to visit in the morning at 7 am when the air is cool for climbing, and visitors can have the paths and pagodas all to themselves. The entrance fee is 40,000 VND, and the elevator fee is 15,000 VND. Visitors should avoid coming during the rainy season or in the hottest hours of the day.