Joen and I decided to explore The Marble Mountains solo, and it was definitely worth the trip! This cluster of five limestone and marble hills is packed with history, beauty, and spirituality. Each mountain represents one of the five elements—Water, Fire, Metal, Wood, and Earth—but we spent our time exploring Thuy Son, or Water Mountain, which is the most popular peak. You’ll find breathtaking attractions like the Linh Ung Pagoda, the mystical Huyen Khong Cave, Am Phu Cave, and the impressive Xa Loi Tower. Every corner we turned felt like a blend of natural beauty and ancient spiritual significance.

A little history for you: The mountains have been a place of worship for centuries, and during the Vietnam War, they even served as hiding spots for soldiers. So while you're climbing up to those pagodas and shrines, you're walking through layers of history.

Practical details: Entry to Thuy Son costs around €1.50, which is a steal for what you get. If you don’t feel like taking the stairs, there’s an elevator for an extra €0.80. The visit takes around 2-3 hours if you want to really soak it all in. There aren’t any strict age requirements, but the caves can be a bit tricky to navigate, so keep that in mind if you're bringing kids. As for getting there, it’s an easy 20-minute drive from central Da Nang, and you can grab a taxi or rent a scooter.

For us, it was the perfect mix of adventure and peace. If you're into a cultural experience that blends natural beauty with history and spirituality, The Marble Mountains should be high on your list!