Marble Mountains: A stunning natural wonder in Danang

Explore the breathtaking Marble Mountains in Danang, a stunning natural wonder that boasts magnificent caves, temples, and pagodas. With its unique landscape and historical significance, Marble Mountains is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Danang. In this blog post, Vietnam Teaching Jobs (VTJ) will share the fascinating history, breathtaking beauty, and practical tips for visiting the Marble Mountains.

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Marble Mountains Danang at a glance

Location of Marble Mountains

Marble Mountains is a popular tourist destination located in Vietnam

Location: 81 Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Hoa Hai ward, Ngu Hanh Son district, Danang city

Marble Mountains is a popular tourist destination located in Vietnam, about 8 kilometers away from the city center. It is a collection of five limestone peaks situated on the route of Hue Imperial Citadel – Marble Mountains – Hoi An Ancient Town – My Son Sanctuary. This location is favorable for tourists as it provides easy access to many other famous heritage sites in the Central Region.

The Marble Mountains offer visitors a unique experience as they are a blend of natural beauty and man-made marvels. The mountains are named after the natural marble that can be found within them, and they offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

The five peaks of the Marble Mountains each have a unique name and are associated with one of the five basic elements – metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Visitors can explore the caves and tunnels within the mountains, which have been carved over time by erosion and the hands of skilled craftsmen. These caves also house various Buddhist shrines and temples, providing a spiritual experience for those who visit.

The location of the Marble Mountains in Danang makes it a popular destination for tourists looking to explore the Central Region of Vietnam. It is easily accessible and provides a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, sightseeing, and cultural exploration. The nearby heritage sites also offer visitors the opportunity to delve deeper into Vietnam’s rich history and culture.

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The historical story behind the name “Marble Mountains”

Marble Mountains, located in Danang, Vietnam, has a rich and fascinating history

Marble Mountains, located in Danang, Vietnam, has a rich and fascinating history. According to Cham legend, a dragon once flew to Non Nuoc beach and laid an egg. After a long period of time, the egg hatched and a beautiful girl emerged. The eggshell was then broken into five pieces, which became the five magical mountains that we see today.

In 1825, Emperor Minh Mang gave the mountain complex its official name, Marble Mountains or “Ngu Hanh Son” in Vietnamese. Each of the five mountains was named after one of the five elements of Eastern philosophy – metal, water, fire, wood, and earth. These names have remained unchanged over time, and the Marble Mountains have become a popular natural attraction with numerous majestic peaks, caves, and temples.

Throughout history, the Marble Mountains have played a significant role in the cultural and spiritual practices of the local people. The mountains are home to many sacred Buddhist shrines and temples, which were constructed by skilled craftsmen and artisans. The caves and tunnels within the mountains were also used as a place of refuge during times of war and conflict.

In more recent times, Marble Mountains has become a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the caves and tunnels within the mountains, admire the spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, and learn about the cultural and historical significance of this unique location.

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How much is the Marble Mountains Entrance Fee?

Opening hours: 7.00 a.m. – 5.30 p.m.

The entrance fee for Marble Mountains is quite low. If visitors do not want to climb Water Mountain, you can choose to go up by elevator, which costs an extra fee of 15,000 VND/person/trip. Besides, if you need a guide to lead the tour and explain the history and structure of Marble Mountains, you can take a guided tour which costs 50,000 VND/group.

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Must-see attractions in Marble Mountains Danang

1. Linh Ung Pagoda

Linh Ung Pagoda is an impressive and significant destination located in the Marble Mountains

Linh Ung Pagoda is an impressive and significant destination located on the eastern side of Water Mountain, within the Marble Mountains area in Danang, Vietnam. With a history of over 200 years, the pagoda is a popular attraction for those who seek spiritual solace or want to worship Buddha.

The most prominent features of Linh Ung Pagoda are the 10-meter tall Buddha statue and the Xa Loi Tower. The tower was built in 1997 and stands at an impressive height of 28 meters, with seven floors and 200 Buddha, Bodhisattva, and Arhat statues inside. It is home to the largest number of stone statues in Vietnam.

The pagoda’s serene and peaceful environment, coupled with its rich cultural heritage, makes it an unmissable destination for visitors to the Marble Mountains. The pagoda’s architecture is a blend of traditional Vietnamese and modern styles, reflecting the unique history and cultural significance of the site.

Visitors can spend time exploring the pagoda, admiring the intricate designs and carvings, and taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The Buddha statue, in particular, is a striking sight that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

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2. The five Marble Mountains

Marble Mountains is a cluster of five limestone peaks located 8 kilometers away from the city center of Danang, Vietnam

Marble Mountains is a cluster of five limestone peaks located 8 kilometers away from the city center of Danang, Vietnam. Each of the five mountains has its own unique features and attractions, making it an exciting and memorable destination for visitors.

Moc Son, also known as Wood Mountain, is home to a special Co Mu Stone that resembles a human figure. This mountain is surrounded by lush greenery, giving visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature while exploring its many caves and tunnels.

Tho Son, or Earth Mountain, is the longest and lowest mountain of the five. It offers visitors the opportunity to witness some of the most magnificent views of the surrounding landscape and visit various ancient temples and pagodas.

Hoa Son, or Fire Mountain, is home to two other mountains and features many unique and fascinating caves and tunnels. It offers visitors a chance to explore the cultural and historical significance of the site while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Thuy Son, or Water Mountain, is the largest and most beautiful mountain of the five. It is famous for its stunning views of the surrounding landscape, ancient pagodas, and intricate caves and tunnels.

Finally, Kim Son, or Metal Mountain, is home to the famous Quan The Am Pagoda, which has been standing for more than 200 years. The pagoda is renowned for its impressive architecture and rich cultural heritage, making it an important destination within the Marble Mountains area.

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3. Huyen Khong Cave

Huyen Khong Cave is one of the largest and most magnificent caves in the Marble Mountains area

Huyen Khong Cave is one of the largest and most magnificent caves in the Marble Mountains area. The cave boasts a unique structure that allows sunlight to shine through from the top of the cave, creating breathtaking scenery on the Buddha statue inside. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the cave while exploring its historical significance.

Located outside the cave are two small temples: Chua Tien temple and Thuong Ngan temple. These temples are popular among visitors who come to pray for health and wealth and to seek spiritual peace.

During the wars, Huyen Khong Cave played an important role in the military strategies of local revolutionary officers. Later, it was transformed into a field hospital to treat injured soldiers. As a result, the cave holds great historical significance and is an important destination for visitors interested in Vietnam’s past.

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4. Am Phu Cave

Am Phu Cave is one of the largest caves in the Marble Mountains area

Am Phu Cave is one of the largest caves in the Marble Mountains area and is the complete opposite of Huyen Khong Cave. The name “Am Phu” means “Hell” and the cave illustrates the concept of Buddhist hell – the fate of those who commit wrongdoing in their lifetime. According to Buddhist beliefs, individuals who continuously engage in bad behavior will end up in hell instead of paradise after death.

The cave is filled with dark, humid, and eerie features that depict the various punishments that wrongdoers would face. The purpose of Am Phu Cave is to remind people to live their lives properly and avoid committing wrongdoing.

If you are seeking a challenge for your bravery and mentality, a visit to Am Phu Cave is highly recommended. The cave is not for the faint of heart, but it is a unique and memorable experience for those who dare to venture inside.

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5. Tam Thai Pagoda

Tam Thai Pagoda, an ancient pagoda built during the Le Dynasty, is located on Water Mountain

Tam Thai Pagoda, an ancient pagoda built during the Le Dynasty in the 17th century, is located on Water Mountain surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Its entrance features a 3-door gate, with the middle gate reserved for monks and the left and right gates for men and women, respectively, according to Buddhist tradition. Tam Thai Pagoda has undergone many renovations over the years and is recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Heritage Site. It has become a popular spiritual destination for Buddhists seeking to connect with their faith.

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Before you go

When visiting Marble Mountains, there are several things to keep in mind. First, the roads in the mountains can be slippery and require a lot of walking and climbing, so it is important to wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes and be cautious when walking. If you have elderly members in your group, it is recommended to take the elevator to Water Mountain to save energy and avoid the slippery road.

To fully appreciate the beauty and historical value of Marble Mountains, it is suggested to hire a guide who can provide insights and information about the site. Additionally, when touring Marble Mountains, visitors should wear modest clothing out of respect for the important spiritual and pilgrimage site. Before entering any pagodas, it is also important to remove shoes and hats.

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Lastly, don’t forget to buy souvenirs and sophisticated stones as gifts after visiting Marble Mountains Danang. It is a great way to support the local economy and bring a piece of the experience back home. Be sure to also bring a sun hat and water as the climb can be tiring, especially in hot weather.