We rented a motorbike to get to Ngu Hanh Son better known as the Marble Mountains. In fact, this isn't just a nickname - the mountains are truly made of marble.
The village at the foot of the mountains is tightly packed with workshops where the sound of hammering and chiseling can be heard. Enormous marble statues spill onto the streets making the village look like a fantastical wonderland of sorts. But that's just the beginning of this venture in the Marble Mountains of Vietnam.
NGU HANH SON - THE MARBLE MOUNTAINS OF VIETNAM
There are five mountains only one of which is open to the public (the entrance fee is less than $1). Two options are available to reach the top: either by walking up several winding flights of stone steps or by taking a very modern, glass tubular elevator which looks totally out of place against the naturally lush marble mountain. I strongly recommend taking the stairs because the walk up is full of surprises.
Out of nowhere there seemed to be yet another pretty pagoda looming over us. There were several Buddhist sanctuaries scattered all over the mountain each with its own distinct style. At times, I felt like I was trespassing but the monks were very welcoming if not tolerant.
There was also a Buddhist temple carved out in one of the caves. The grounds were spotless with lush vegetation growing everywhere. And to finish off, the view from the top of an adjacent marble mountain and of the town below was equally worthy of a few pictures.
Ngu Hanh Son is so much more than just about marble. It's a spectacular site with something wonderful unexpected at every turn!
Have you been to the Marble Mountains of Vietnam?
18 Responses
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Parenthood and Passports
We are visiting Vietnam this summer! I have just started researching places to visit. This place looks really cool (except that elevator… it’s gotta go!)
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
haha…..agreed the elevator is killing the vibe! Enjoy Vietnam – it’s a wonderful country.
Claire Summers
I don’t know how I have never heard of this place before. It looks like a really interesting place to visit. That final image of it from a distance is great. Can’t believe that its just there in the middle of all of the houses. Its somewhere I will make sure I add to my itinerary.
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
Not many people know about it – glad you’re adding it to your itinerary! 🙂
Kathy James
I really enjoyed Hoi An and my visit to Marble mountain. We hiked up it back in 2010. Amazing views from the top. Thanks for sharing.