The Marble Mountains — Attraction in Đà Nẵng

Be wary of scams as some others have suggested.

By being foreign, you may think that friendliness and hospitality is a common human trait but beware, these are facades.

Before turning on the street we pulled up alongside a cute older Vietnamese lady who greeted us with a smile, asking where we were from and if we were visiting Marble Mountain today—“her home”.

Of course we both turned down the street—nearing the entrance she chaperoned us towards her shop opposite the entrance (I’ll attach a photo). She willed us to leave our scooter with her, imploring us to go and enjoy the mountain and that our scooter will be safe for when we return. More on this later.

We pay for our tickets and ascend the stairs (our newfound host had told us that being young and fit we wouldn’t need the elevator). We noticed foreigners ignoring signs saying to remove footwear before entering the first temple, moments later indulged in seeing a old Vietnamese lady scold and slander them for being inconsiderate idiots.

The first cave we entered we had a very animated man bark very obvious directions as to the flow of the cave (where to go—when there’s clearly one direction). He almost tried to usher people along, although at the time there really wasn’t that many people so I didn’t understand his hustle. Despite this, near the exit, he had the audacity to take off his hat in a sign for charity? I told him I gave all my money to the person who issued our tickets—as that was the price to be here. He seemed beside himself that I said no (in the local tongue mind you), almost showing signs of distress as he moaned and borderline wailed while sulking ahead of us towards to entrance to the cave.

Nevertheless we begin our ascent. One of the caves we entered required some hands-on climbing to get into, on the way out my partner reached for a bolt that had been screwed into the wall—unfortunately for her it had a really sharp edge, cutting her finger.

We approached the area where some have mentioned the locals sell drinks all the while throwing their plastic into the caves behind them. We asked for a serviette so as to wipe the blood away only to be told— “you pay!”. Oh the humanity!

We continue on, blood dripping from finger, to a rather large cave where we bare witness to holier-than-thou tourists pretending to ascend to greatness in a sliver of light that has pierced the cave roof. A range of theatrics from corny to cringe.

On our venture towards the exit, we follow a sign to a pagoda, instead finding ourselves in somewhat of a surreal Japanese garden—with wind chimes, serenity and a view we didn’t expect. Continuing towards this supposed pagoda we realise we hadn’t seen anyone be that tourist or local in a while, eventually popping out a side road on the other side of the mountain. Turns out you didn’t have to pay to enter at all?

Now to return to our scooter, and despite my gut saying there’s a scam on the horizon, my heart really wanted it to be a wholesome exchange of local and tourist. Should have gone with the gut.

We were given wet wipes on arrival (needed) then insisted upon that we take a walk around the old ladies shop (filled with mass produced marble and stone miniatures). We didn’t want anything, but felt like we owed it to her to at least browse. You begin to feel a pressure to buy, with the attentiveness of the shopkeepers. When we hinted at maybe buying the smallest cat figurine, we were quoted 700,000 dong.

Laughable.

We left. Attached is a Google maps photo of the shop from the street—beware of the bucket hat. As for the mountain, as some have mentioned the rubbish is a turn off, but there’s a great cave to see and if you’re up for some cardio, a mountain to climb with views...

Self-exploration guide of the mountains with map included.

Visited: July 2025 · Self-guided · 3 hours · Walked from Gate 1 (no elevator)

Things to note: Ask your taxi to drop you at Gate 1, stress this a few times as they would most likely drop you at parking.

“Technically” the place opens at 7am, but you can come early and it’s an entire mountain to yourself. We went a bit before 7 but by the halfway mark the mountains were swarmed with tourists. The earlier you go, the better.

Guide:

If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys real exploration and hidden gems, skip the elevator and start your journey from Gate 1 on the left side of the Marble Mountains (Thuy Son/Water Mountain). The elevator is a classic tourist trap, crowded, and realistically it doesn’t even take you to the top, you miss half the experience.

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🗺️ Here’s the route I followed (left to right):

Start at Gate 1 • Walk in and climb up the stone steps near the Vong Giang Dai Viewpoint (#14). It’s a beautiful, shaded climb with the reward of sweeping views of the countryside, very few people start here, so it’s quiet.

Pagodas and Caves Combo • Make your way through: • Tam Ton Pagodas (#13 & #12) – peaceful, with fewer tourists and lots of birdsong. • Tam Thai Pagoda (#11) – historically significant, well-maintained. • Then go down into Van Thong Cave (#5) – small but photogenic, with a shaft of light from above.

Head to the Summit • Climb up toward Thien Thai Peak (#8) – highest viewpoint in the complex. Not many people go all the way up because of the steepness, but it’s worth it for the views and breeze. • On the way down, stop at: • Relaxation area (#7) – shaded benches for a breather • Huyen Khong Cave (#10) – my personal favorite. Sunlight filters through the ceiling, and there’s incense, altars, and a mystical vibe that’s hard to describe.

The Core Area • Am Phu Cave (#15) – the largest and most atmospheric cave, with eerie lighting and Buddhist hell-inspired sculptures. It’s easy to miss if you use the elevator, but don’t skip this—go deep and follow the stairs up and through to the exit tunnel. • Stop by Xa Loi Tower (#1) and Linh Ung Pagoda (#2) – nice spots for a rest and photos. • Tang Chon Cave (#3) and Linh Nham Cave (#6) are along the path and worth a peek.

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💡 Final Tips: • No need for a guide – the map signs and numbered markers are clear. • Sturdy shoes are a must – the stairs are steep and uneven in parts. • Come early – I arrived before 8 AM and had most sites to myself. • Bring water. • Dress modestly – you’re visiting pagodas and sacred caves.

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⏱️ How long?

Took me about 3 hours to fully explore, with plenty of stops for views and photos. The loop is well laid out if you start from Gate 1 and...

If you’re planning to visit Marble Mountains in Da Nang, here’s a detailed breakdown from someone who just survived it (barely, haha).

Start your trip by visiting Am Phu Cave – it’s located separately at the bottom of the mountains (not inside the main complex). You’ll need to pay an extra 20,000 VND per person, but trust me, it’s totally worth it – one of the most beautiful and atmospheric caves in the area.

Take a taxi to Gate 2 – that’s where the elevator is, and where you’ll find the entrance to Am Phu Cave. After exploring it, you can buy the main entrance ticket for 40,000 VND per person, and an elevator ticket for 15,000 VND (this is one-way – going up). No need to buy the return ticket now – if you’re too tired later, you can get one at the top, right next to the elevator.

Once you’re up, you’ll find tons of stunning spots, but my personal top 3 are: Heaven Gates – You can get there either by crawling through the Van Thong Cave (more challenging, but fun!), or skip the cave and follow the stairs – just look for the sign on the left. The Highest Peak – A long and tough climb, but the view? Absolutely insane. There’s barely anyone up there, so it’s just you, nature, and a perfect photo/meditation spot. Totally worth the sweat. Am Phu Cave – As I mentioned, it’s not part of the main trail, but don’t skip it. It’s got a cool hell-and-heaven vibe and incredible statues. One of the most unique caves I’ve seen.

Important Tips: • Arrive early enough – the site closes at 5:30 PM, and the elevator stops running then too. We came at 2:00 PM, saw everything, and were down by 5:10 PM. • Bring water and snacks – food and drinks at the top are double the price (small water bottle is 20,000 VND). • Wear a hat and sunscreen – the sun’s brutal, and the stairs will make you feel like you’re melting. • Wear good sneakers – you’ll be climbing, crawling, and slipping your way around. Seriously, the stairs and caves can be slippery. • Bring cash – only cash accepted at the top if you want to buy water or snacks.

Avoid bringing: • Cameras or large equipment – high chance of damage, especially if you’re going through narrow, rocky caves. • Backpacks or large bags – just don’t. You’ll regret it. Stick to phone, cash, and water.

Final thoughts: This place is absolutely worth visiting – it’s beautiful, spiritual, and unique. But it’s not an easy stroll in the park. It’s a physical challenge with constant climbs and stairs. You’ll sweat, you’ll curse, and you’ll love it. Just be prepared to leave all your energy there.

Have a great hike and good luck...