Let's explore the natural beauty of The Marble Mountain & Son Tra Peninsula, learn more about Vietnamese belief & war history in Am Phu Cave, touch the local fishing life at My Khe Beach in our tour to Da Nang.
QUICK DETAILS
| Trip style: private half day tour
Trip length: 4.5 - 5 hours Distance: 60 - 80 km (round trip) Pick-up & drop-off: door to door Note: An extra charge for clients whose accommodation is much far away from the center of Hoi An or Da Nang (details when booking processed) Suggested departure time: 07:30 & 13:00 What to expect: deep culture and war history, amazing view of natural caves and local life Fitness code: average level required, no wheelchair accessible, not for any one with claustrophobia issues Price from: $US 35 per person Half price: 05-09 years of age Free of charge: under 05 years of age Book now - Pay later: No charge for cancellation 24 hours prior to tour date |
DESCRIPTION
1. The Marble Mountain & Son Tra Peninsula Details
1.1. The Marble Mountain – Blend of Nature and Cultures
The Marble Mountain is a group of five smaller limestone mountains in Da Nang.
Thousands of years ago, the whole site was half submerged in sea water; making it a scene of Ha Long Bay.
When the sea receded, the many caves came out; the Hindu Cham Vietnam made them the sacred religious temples from many centuries ago.
After the 15th centuries, the Vietnamese took over The Marble Mountain and they converted the Hindu temples into Buddhist and Taoist ones.
During the resistance wars, the Vietnamese revolutionaries turned some of the caves into a secret base and a field hospital.
1.2. Son Tra Peninsula – The best Da Nang city view
Aka Monkey Mountain, Son Tra used to be an island in the sea. After 1500 AD, however, the silts from the Han River and the sands from the ocean created a thin strip connecting the island with the mainland.
Son Tra Peninsula not only functions as a big screen to protect Da Nang from tropical typhoons but also a watch tower to the sea and city.
The French, and Americans later, built their military base at the peak with the height of 693 meters above sea level. They called the site Monkey Mountain due to the specific type of animals they saw here.
Nowadays, Son Tra Peninsula is the home to the World's second biggest statue of Goddess of Mercy or Lady Buddha. She is believed the savior of the fish men in the sea and the protector of Da Nang.
1.3. My Khe Beach – One of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches
Connecting The Marble Mountain and Son Tra Peninsula is a 10 kilometer long sandy strip of coastline called My Khe Beach. During the war, the beach was a popular recreation site for military personnel.
In 1965, the US built The Marble Mountain Air Facility to house the increasing number of American troops and aircraft to Vietnam.
Today, the drive along the beach brings to you a familiar feeling of Miami or Bondi Beach. However, one making My Khe stand out from other beaches is the visibility of local fishing life.
2. The Marble Mountain Tour Details
2.1. Tour Itinerary
Firstly, our guide and driver meet you at your hotel to start The Marble Mountain, Am Phu Cave & Son Tra Peninsula | Private Tour
After 30 minute drive, you arrive at Am Phu Cave or the Hades’ Cave. You will get amazed how big and impressive the cave is after getting through the narrow passage
Then you head out and take the lift to get the panoramic view of the Marble Mountain. Following is Buddhist Tower of Xa Loi, Tang Chon Cave and Linh Ung Pagoda
Next, you hike up for a couple of hundred steps to venture the biggest and must-see Van Thong Cave
You also have the chance to see how local artisans create huge sculptures and decorative pieces at a well-known marble workshop (if interested)
After that, we stop by My Khe Beach to learn about interesting local fishing life and their cult of worshipping whales and dolphins
Lastly, you will enjoy the beauty of giant statue of Lady Buddha and its surrounding landscape before drive back to your hotel where the tour ends.
2.2. Tour Price & How to book
The price varies by the number of participants in your group.
Please submit the "BOOK NOW" form, we shall return to you shortly with proposal and cost.
And feel free to contact us via our Email, Whatsapp if you have any questions.
2.3. Inclusions
Air conditioned car or minivan
Experienced English speaking guide
Bottle of water
Entrance fees (one - way elevator ticket)
2.4. Exclusions
Travel insurance
Tipping and gratuities
Other personal fees and meals
3. The Marble Mountain Travel Tips
3.1. Dress Code
Having clothes that cover your shoulders and knees is advisable as we are visiting religious sites at The Marble Mountain.
In addition, due to the humidity and heat, we highly suggest you to wear breathable outfit and insect repellent.
3.2. Weather Protection
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses for the summer; and umbrella, raincoat, windbreaker for the winter.
3.3. Shoes for the Marble Mountain
Because you are taking uphill and downhill a lot on old marble built steps which are uneven and slippery, please wear really good shoes.
In closing, Vietnam Friendly Travel highly recommend you to take The Marble Mountain, Am Phu Cave & Son Tra Peninsula | Private Half Day Tour as it is the perfect way to explore Da Nang.
