The Marble Mountains are a group of five limestone hills located in Ngu Hanh Son District, south of Da Nang city in Vietnam. The five mountains are named after the five elements: Kim (metal), Thuy (water), Moc (wood), Hoa (fire) and Tho (earth). All of the mountains have cave entrances and numerous tunnels, and it is possible to climb to the summit of Mount Thuy. Several Buddhist sanctuaries can also be found within the mountains, making this a tourist destination. The area is known for stone sculpture making and stone-cutting crafts.
History
The Marble Mountains were originally sacred sites worshipped by the Cham peoples of Central and Southern Vietnam. The Cham people were a Hindu people who ruled the region from the 7th to the 19th centuries. They built temples and shrines on the mountains, and the area became a major pilgrimage destination.
After the Cham people were conquered by the Vietnamese in the 19th century, the Marble Mountains fell into disrepair. However, in the 20th century, the Vietnamese government began to restore the mountains and develop them as a tourist destination. Today, the Marble Mountains are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vietnam.
Attractions
The Marble Mountains are home to a number of attractions, including:
- The Tam Thai Pagoda is the largest pagoda in the Marble Mountains. It was built in the 19th century and is dedicated to the three main Buddhas.
- The Linh Ung Pagoda is the most famous pagoda in the Marble Mountains. It was built in the 1960s and is home to a large statue of the Bodhisattva Quan Am.
- The Huyen Khong Cave is the largest cave in the Marble Mountains. It is home to a number of stalagmites and stalactites, as well as a number of Buddhist statues.
- The Tang Chon Cave is a smaller cave that is home to a number of Buddhist statues.
- The Marble Mountains Park is a large park that surrounds the Marble Mountains. It is a popular spot for picnics, hiking, and swimming.
How to Get There
The Marble Mountains are located about 9 kilometers south of Da Nang city. There are a number of ways to get there, including:
- By car: The Marble Mountains are well-signposted from Da Nang city. It takes about 15 minutes to drive there.
- By bus: There are a number of buses that run from Da Nang city to the Marble Mountains. The journey takes about 20 minutes.
- By taxi: Taxis are also a convenient way to get to the Marble Mountains. The journey takes about 15 minutes.
Tips for Visiting
- The Marble Mountains are best visited in the morning or late afternoon. The temperatures are cooler at these times, and the crowds are smaller.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen as the sun can be strong.
- Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the Marble Mountains.
- Be respectful of the religious sites in the Marble Mountains.
The Marble Mountains are a beautiful and fascinating place to visit. They offer a glimpse into the history and culture of Vietnam, and they are a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the country.