How to Discover Marble Mountains in Da Nang Vietnam in Fullest Ways
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Marble Mountains in Da Nang Vietnam (called “Ngũ Hành Sơn” in Vietnamese which means “Five Element Mountains”) are a must-see attraction which stimulates the fullest discovery of all amazing highlights. While some visitors question what five mountains are, others are interested in astonishing caves. If you’re about to see this tourist attraction, get to know it more via this post.
Top Facts about Marble Mountains in Da Nang
Marble Mountains is a group of five smaller mountains located in Ngu Hanh Son District, in the south of Da Nang City Vietnam. In local concepts, the mountains are named after 5 elements of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth.
The five mountains own grotto entrances and tunnels which stimulate the mountain climbing and discovery all year round. Especially, there find the Buddhist sanctuaries and Hindu grottoes that make this spot mysterious and sacred. The outstanding sites of interest are Huyen Khong Buddhist Grotto, Tam Thai Temple, Linh Ung Pagoda, etc. So, together with five hills for panoramic sightseeing, the Mountains also own caves, tunnels, and pagodas that turn it to be a famous pilgrimage site.
The place is recognizable for stone sculptures and stone-cutting crafts which are on sales at Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village nestled at the foot of Marble Mountains.
History of Marble Mountains Vietnam
There even exists an ancient folktale saying about the history of Marble Mountains Vietnam: Once upon a time, there was a dragon emerged from Non Nuoc Beach and laid an egg. It took a thousand days and a thousand nights till the egg was hatched out a gorgeous girl. The eggshell fragments were left on the beach and became the five enigmatic mountains.
Actually it was just a folktale, and in fact, the Mountains had been present even before the 17th-18th century with the historical towers left. The Cham remnants proved that the mountains were shelters of the Champa Kingdom. And, history said that it was named by Minh Mang King who connected the Mountains to the five basic elements of life: Mt. Metal (Kim Son), Mt. Plant (Moc Son), Mt. Water (Thuy Son), Mt. Fire (Hoa Son), and Mt. Soil (Tho Son). At that time, the mountainous regions were dedicated to the nobles and anchorites who came to practice meditation and built up sanctuaries.
How to get to Marble Mountains
“Ngu Hanh Son Mountains” are 8km south of city center, from which people drive across Han River Bridge to follow Ngo Quyen Street and Le Van Hien Street to turn onto Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street. Its opening hours are from 7:00 am to 5:30 PM. interestingly, guests can use the elevator to reach the high summit, and this service costs 15,000 VND/person/time.
Quick Understanding of Five Element Mountains
- Soil (Tho Son): This site was home to the Cham people. Nowadays, people can still find the Cham temple ruins which are less preserved and there are not many historical relics to see in this part of the destination.
- Water (Thuy Son): This is a sacred place attracting Buddhist anchorites who built the sanctuaries that amaze later generations. There you are marveled by the hundred-year-old pagodas and shrines in the grottoes, such as the fascinating Tam Thai Pagoda, Huyen Khong Pagoda, Hoa Nghiem, Van Thong, etc. Known for magnificence, these sites are often included in Marble Mountain Tour.
- Metal (Kim Son): It’s an awesome experience to stand on Mt. Water and use a telescope to watch Mt. Metal which looks like a giant bell leaning on Quan Am Pagoda. There lies the Quan Am Carven which urges the discovery of the bottle-shaped cave (with the small gateway and large body; the deeper you get inside, the larger the carven is). This hidden gem is measured 64m long, 7m high (at the tallest part), and 7m wide.
- Plant (Moc Son): Long ago, this side owned stunning majestic cliffs. However, due to the heavy exploitation, the mountain today looks similar to an old city wall which has long been deserted. Actually, there aren’t many plants on this spot.
- Fire (Kim Son): This Mountain preserves two historical pagodas of Linh Son Pagoda (with Huyen Vi Carven) and Pho Da Son Pagoda (with Pho Da Son Carven). The attractions on this side remain quiet and intact as the mountain slopes are steep and craggy.
Find Your Philosophy in Marble Mountains: Huyen Khong Cave and Hell Cave
Huyen Khong Cave can be translated to “Miracle Nothingness Cave” which owns the heavenly light moving through the natural masterpiece that enchants visitors. You will descend the staircase to reach the mouth of the cave and be marveled at giant Buddha statue sculpted into the cliff facing the gateway. That said, the image was made in 1960. Getting deeper into the cave, you will meet the ancient Trang Nghiem Pagoda, constructed in 1825, including three compartments: the central one is dedicated to worshipping Bodhisattva (the God will appear when you call for miracle help if facing danger), the left one is for worshipping Quan Cong, Quang Binh, and Chau Xuong (who represent Morality, Wisdom, and Loyalty), and the right one is for the Goddess who brings blessings to couples. During the Vietnam War, this heavenly-lighten Cave functioned as the surgery and medical place of the liberation army. Historical and legendary, this cave suggests a depiction of heaven on earth.
Hell Cave is opposite to what is described for Huyen Khong Cave, in both sense and appearance. If you’ve ever wondered what a hell might look like, then start a tour to this cave which is dark, humid, and fear-inducing. This spot is only suitable for thrill-seeking adventurers who will not be shocked at any creatures hiding behind darkness, the winding stairs, or the spooky sceneries. This cave is measured as 302m long, 40-50m high, with the indicatively crafted sculptures that deliver the core Buddhist concept: Karma – bad people will be painfully punished because of their sins in the past life, as everything has its consequences. Understanding this, the more moral and selfless people are, the wiser they will be and the more power they will get. Furthermore, if they keep practicing this ethics afterlife, they will perceive Sainthood.
Thousands of things have been changed since this region was noted as a tourist attraction in Da Nang Vietnam. Hence, the Marble Mountains today opens valuable opportunities for later generations to witness the panoramic cluster of five hills, the hidden grottoes, the sacred Buddhist sanctuaries inside the caves, the lessons on philosophy and history, and more. Visiting Marble Mountains Vietnam and touching the stone walls of the antique caves, you might feel the magic of inner peace and joy.
Video Clip Presents Marble Mountains Da Nang Vietnam
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