Do You Need to Be Fit to Visit Marble Mountains Vietnam? Here’s the Truth

Just south of Da Nang lies a cluster of five limestone and marble hills called the Marble Mountains Vietnam.

This attraction is only 15 minutes from the city center of Da Nang and is easy to reach.

I visited the Marble Mountains while staying in Da Nang for a month. After scouring the internet and Google reviews to figure out the cost, I began to see a pattern that the hike may be challenging, so I went to find out for myself.

There is a section of the mountain that you can see if you have mobility issues, however, you will miss most of the attraction if you are not physically fit.

Here is my detailed guide on visiting the Marble Mountains, and for you to decide if the climb is worth it!

What Are the Marble Mountains?

Located about 9 kilometers from Da Nang’s city center, the Marble Mountains Da Nang (also known as Marble Mountains Danang) are a group of five mountains named after the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth.

The main mountain you’ll explore is Thuy Son (Water Mountain). That’s where most of the caves, temples, and viewpoints are.

There are several viewpoints to explore within the five mountains, along with gardens, Buddhist sanctuaries, and shrines that are nestled into the caves and cliffs.

Quick Facts About Marble Mountains Vietnam

• Location: Google Maps
• Website: https://nguhanhson.org/
• Hours: 7 AM to 5:30 PM (Caves may close a little earlier)
• Cost: Total cost is approximately $3 USD. 20,000 VND (First Cave) + 15,000 VND (Elevator) + 40,000 VND (Mountain)
• Bring: Wear sneakers and bring water.
• Scooter Parking: You can negotiate with the parking attendant for a small fee
• How to Get There: You can drive yourself or hire a Grab car
• Duration: Depending on whether you make the climb to the viewpoint, two hours tops.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs or people with mobility issues

Extra Tips for Visiting the Marble Mountains

BRING CASH – this is the only way to pay for the tickets.

There are two ticket booths. One will be outside of the first cave (pictured above).

The second booth is near the elevator (to the right of the first cave) and this is where you will pay for the elevator and the mountains.

There is still more climbing after the elevator. However, if you have mobility issues, you can still see a temple and inside one of the smaller caves.

Once at the top of the elevator, pass a temple, and you will see small snack stands, along with toilets and a resting area.

At booth ticket booths, you will be handed free postcards. They give the same postcards at both locations, so opt to only take one set to save on paper.

How to Get to the Marble Mountains

From Da Nang, it is a quick 15-minute ride, you can either drive yourself on a scooter or call a Grab car.

From Hoi An, it is a 30-minute drive, and yes, Grab will take you that far.

It is easy to call a Grab from the base of the Marble Mountains, I waited about 3 minutes for mine to come.

How Hard Is It to Walk the Marble Mountains?

The first cave and the temple at the top of the elevator are easy to navigate.

The climb to one of the viewpoints is really difficult in the heat and high humidity.

Even if you take the elevator up, you’ll still face steep stone staircases, uneven paths, and narrow walkways.

This is the view from the top, so you can decide if you want to make the climb or not:

If you’re physically fit, you can do it all. Just be prepared to walk on very uneven stairs with no railing.

If you’re not in shape or have mobility issues, you can still enjoy two of the main caves without needing to climb to the top.

What to Expect Inside: Caves, Temples, and Gardens

The caves are cool (literally and figuratively), echoey, and filled with centuries-old Buddhist and Hindu statues.

Huyen Khong Cave is the most famous. It has beams of sunlight pouring through holes in the ceiling, spotlighting incense smoke and ancient altars.

Tang Chon Cave is deeper, darker, and has random staircases leading to hidden areas.

Outside, you’ll find temples built right into the cliffs. Some have bright red roofs, others are covered in moss and history.

I would suggest taking a tour of the Marble Mountains Vietnam to learn more about each area in depth.

My Favorite Spot: The Japanese (ish) Garden

Tucked between stairways and shrines, there’s a peaceful little garden that is quiet and shaded.

Stone sculptures and ornamental plants line the paths. It almost feels like a Japanese garden with a Vietnamese soul. It is peaceful, pretty, and a perfect break from the climb.

There is also a toilet in the back area of the garden and places to rest before making the steep climb back down the mountain.

There are signs about being quiet, as well as to dress modestly. If you do not have a sweater or pants, refrain from walking into the temple itself. These signs do not exist in the other areas of the Marble Mountains.

This spot doesn’t get as much attention as the caves or the viewpoint, but it should. It was my favorite place on the mountain.

Where Are the Toilets and Food Stalls?

There are three places to use the toilet, and two places to grab water and a snack at the Marble Mountains Da Nang.

Toilets at the base of the mountain are located just past the elevator entrance and at the end of the first set of food stalls. You need to take your shoes off to use this restroom.

At the top of the mountain, past the second set of food stalls, you will find more toilets. You can keep your shoes on for this one.

Inside the Japanese Garden, you will find a single stall hidden in the rear of the garden.

Best Time to Visit the Marble Mountains

Go early!!! It gets hot fast and crowded by mid-morning. I arrived at 8:30 AM and had the first cave almost to myself.

By the time I left at 10:30 am, the caves were very crowded, and there was a wait for the elevator.

Avoid weekends if you can. And bring sunscreen — there’s not much shade once you’re climbing around the peaks.

Map of Marble Mountains Vietnam

Above is the paper map to help you navigate your visit. There is also a physical map located at the top of the mountain.

Explore the cave at the mountain base first, then take the elevator up the mountain. There are several trails to follow to get to the viewpoints and hidden temples, and gardens.

After you make the longest climb to the viewpoint, you will be hot and tired.

Head to the Japanese Garden to cool off, and then you can either walk back down the mountain (using stairs) or pay 5000 VND to take the elevator back down.

Final Thoughts on the Marble Mountains Da Nang

The Marble Mountains are more than just a photo op—they’re a full-on experience. Yes, it’s a sweaty climb, but the caves, views, and peaceful garden moments make every step worth it.

Whether you explore the whole mountain or just a couple of caves, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve discovered something truly special. If you’re near Da Nang, don’t skip it!

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