Marble Mountain and Monkey Mountain Day Trip in Da Nang
Climb limestone steps into cave pagodas at Marble Mountain, then ride up Son Tra’s ridgeline for sweeping views of Da Nang and the Lady Buddha. This accessible half-day trip pairs light hiking with cultural stops and local craft villages.
The Experience
Before You Go
Wear grippy shoes
Many paths are stone steps and wet cave floors — closed-toe shoes with good traction reduce slips.
Hydrate early
Bring at least 1–2 liters of water; temperatures and stairs make this feel more strenuous than distance suggests.
Mind the monkeys
Do not feed or provoke macaques; keep bags closed and cameras on straps to avoid snatching incidents.
Time your visit
Arrive early morning to avoid crowds and midday heat at peak viewpoints and cave entrances.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Huyen Khong Cave — quieter shrine with cool light shafts
- •Non Nuoc stone-carving workshops at the base of Marble Mountain
Wildlife
- •Long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis)
- •Brahminy kite and other coastal raptors
Conservation Note
Son Tra’s forest is a protected area with active conservation to limit development; visitors are asked to stick to trails and avoid feeding wildlife to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Marble Mountain’s grottoes have been used as Buddhist and Hindu worship sites for centuries, and Non Nuoc’s marble workshops have produced stone art for over 300 years.
What to Bring
Sturdy walking shoesEssential
Good traction and ankle support help on stone steps and uneven cave floors.
1–2 L water bottleEssential
Hydration is crucial in hot, humid conditions and on stair climbs.
Sun hat and sunscreen
Open viewpoints and ridge walks expose you to strong sun.
Light rain jacket
Short, heavy showers can happen suddenly during the rainy season on Son Tra.
Common Questions
How difficult is the walk at Marble Mountain?
Marble Mountain involves many stone steps and some uneven cave floors but no technical climbing; most visitors with reasonable mobility complete the main viewpoints without special gear.
Are monkeys dangerous?
Long-tailed macaques are wild and can snatch food or loose items; keep distance, secure belongings, and avoid feeding them to reduce risk.
Is the Lady Buddha at Son Tra accessible?
Yes — Linh Ung Pagoda and the Lady Buddha are accessible by road with short walks around the complex and several viewpoints reachable without strenuous hiking.
Can this trip be done from Hoi An?
Yes — many tours pick up from Hoi An or Da Nang; travel time varies but tours typically return the same day to your hotel in Hoi An or Da Nang.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4–5 hours
Location
Da Nang, Da Nang
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Suitable for people with basic mobility who can climb multiple flights of stairs; moderate cardiovascular fitness recommended for heat and stairs.
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