Visiting Central Vietnam and want to get from Hoi An to Marble Mountains for an incredible day out of town? This guide’s got all the info you need, from transport options to costs and everything in between.
Just picture this: ancient temples sitting on top of huge limestone peaks, secret caves just waiting for you to explore, and killer views that you’ll love, and not only for taking great photos. The Marble Mountains are a can’t-miss spot near Hoi An, only 20 kilometers away.
But getting your travel plans sorted from Hoi An to the Marble Mountains can seem a bit tricky if it’s your first time in town.
Let’s get right into the main topic to make your trip to the Marble Mountains a breeze and make sure you have an epic time from start to finish.
Hoi An to Marble Mountains – Overview
In a rush? Here’s the quick scoop on getting to the Marble Mountains from Hoi An.
Best-Rated Tour
My Son Sanctuary and Marble Mountain Tour
- Fun and convenient way to visit
- Best tour from Hoi An & Da Nang
- See My Son and the Marble Mountains
Includes
- Entrance fees, bottle of water
- Expert guide and hotel transfers
- Countless memories to be made!
Where are the Marble Mountains?
The Marble Mountains are located in the south of Da Nang City. There’s a cluster of five limestone mountains about 7 kilometers from downtown Da Nang and about 19 km (11 miles) from Hoi An.
You can get there in only 30 minutes by car or motorbike. The road is pretty modern and straight, so it will be an easy drive whether you rent a motorbike or go on a day tour.
Taking a day to visit Marble Mountain tour is a great idea, as it’s one of the best activities to include in your Hoi An itinerary.
Is It Worth Visiting the Marble Mountains?
Absolutely! The Marble Mountains give you a fantastic mix of jaw-dropping scenery, a slice of history, and plenty of cool spots to check out.
From awesome views over Da Nang to caves filled with Buddhist statues, visiting the Marble Mountains is an experience you won’t forget. Trust me, you’ll love every minute of it.
Entrance Fees and Other Costs
The entrance fee to the Marble Mountains is a modest 40,000 VND per person, or only about US$1.5 per person. Also, in case you want to take the lift, it will cost you an additional 15,000 VND, or about US$0,80.
Lastly, visiting the caves outside the Marble Mountains cost an extra 20,000VND, or US$1. All in all, it will cost you about US$3 in total per person, excluding transportation, petrol, and parking fees.
Opening Hours and Best Time to Visit
The Marble Mountains are open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, so you have plenty of time to explore and still have some more to enjoy other activities in Da Nang.
If you want to beat the crowds and the heat, try to get there early, like between 7 and 8 AM. This way, you can enjoy the place more peacefully.
3 Ways to Get From Hoi An to Marble Mountains
There are several ways to get from Hoi An to the Marble Mountains – Joining a day tour from Hoi An, renting a motorbike, or booking a taxi.
The most convenient way is joining a day trip, which also combines a stop at Lady Buddha and My Son Sanctuary.
The cheapest option is to rent a motorbike for the day and drive yourself to the Marble Mountains, for less than $15 per day. However, I do not recommend driving a motorbike in Vietnam if you don’t have experience!
Lastly, booking a taxi from Hoi An is the cheapest option, as the driver will be waiting for you while you enjoy the landmark. Want to know more? Let’s go through the details.
Option 1: Join a Trip to the Marble Mountains
The top-pick to get from Hoi An to the Marble Mountains is to join a day trip. And unlike the day tours you’ll have back home, these are cheap!
Not only do you hit the Marble Mountains, but these tours also swing by the My Son Sanctuary and the Lady Buddha. My Son Sanctuary is a fascinating historical site where you can see ancient temples built by the Cham people way back in the 4th century.
But that’s not all – you’ll head to the Marble Mountains after that! These majestic limestone hills will take your breath away.
Explore the Am Phu Cave with its lofty vantage point and discover dimly-lit cave temples, pagodas, and breathtaking views of Da Nang.
The best part? Transportation and entrance fees are included, which makes your visit as smooth as it gets.
Option 2: Marble Mountain By Private Car
If you prefer a bit more comfort and flexibility, catching a taxi or using Grab (Asia’s answer to Uber) is a solid choice. The trip from Hoi An Old City only takes around 30 minutes, so you’ll be there in no time.
Taxis and Grabs are quite comfy, especially knowing that most drivers in Vietnam have modern, spotless cars. You can either book on the spot or pre-book online to secure your spot before you go.
Option 3: Renting a Motorbike
You can rent a motorbike to get to the Marble Mountains, which is a good alternative, and you have the freedom to explore at your own pace. Feel the breeze, take in the scenic routes, and make stops whenever something catches your eye.
Keep in mind though, like I mentioned earlier, riding a motorbike in Vietnam is not for the faint of heart and traffic conditions can be overwhelming. It’s a thrilling way to get around, but only if you’re confident in your riding skills.
Motorbike rentals in Vietnam are quite affordable, setting you back about 200,000 VND per day, which is less than $10, so it’s a good option if you know how to drive and if you travel on a budget.
What to Expect at The Marble Mountains
The Marble Mountain tour offers a plethora of highlights, and it’s some of the best places in Vietnam, with beautiful Thuy Son mountain, the serene Linh Ung Pagoda, and the mysterious caves and Heaven Gate.
Each of these attractions provides a unique insight into the natural beauty, spirituality, and cultural significance of the Marble Mountains.
Let’s discuss each section more in detail here below.
Thuy Son: The Largest and Most Beautiful Mountain
Thuy Son, the largest and most beautiful mountain in the Marble Mountains, boasts a harmonious blend of natural beauty, spirituality, and cultural significance. Its limestone cliffs are adorned with Buddhist and Hindu grottoes, adding to the mountain’s allure.
As you ascend to the summit, be prepared to be mesmerized by the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, city skyline, and poetic beaches.
Linh Ung Pagoda: Ancient Temple with Dharma Statues
Nestled within the Marble Mountains, the ancient Linh Ung Pagoda offers a serene atmosphere and an impressive collection of dharma statues. As you explore the pagoda, you’ll discover a system of statues, including three Buddhas, Manjushri Bodhisattva, and Bodhisattva Universal Worthy, among others.
The visit to Linh Ung Pagoda provides a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural significance of this sacred place.
Caves and Heaven Gate: Exploring the Natural Wonders
The Marble Mountains are home to numerous caves, including the Van Thong Caves, that offer a unique opportunity to explore their natural beauty and spiritual significance.
From the Heaven Cave to Huyen Khong, each cave houses Buddhist shrines, adding to the mystical allure of the Marble Mountains.
One of the most captivating natural attractions in the Marble Mountains is the Heaven Gate. This impressive natural archway boasts breathtaking views of the mountains and coastline, providing a stunning backdrop for unforgettable memories.
Conclusion – Hoi An to Marble Mountains
In conclusion, the Marble Mountains offer a captivating blend of natural beauty, spirituality, and cultural significance that should not be missed.
Whether you choose to explore the area by private car, join a guided tour, or embark on an adventurous motorbike journey, the Marble Mountains promise an unforgettable experience.
With a wealth of attractions, breathtaking views, and fascinating history, the Marble Mountains are an essential addition to any traveler’s itinerary. So gear up and get ready to discover the wonders of the Marble Mountains on your next adventure!
