Da Nang, a coastal city in central Vietnam, lies just north of Hoi An and serves as a key gateway to the region’s cultural and natural wonders. Known for its pristine beaches, including the famous My Khe Beach and its modern infrastructure, Da Nang is a blend of urban energy and natural beauty.
Marble Mountain – Ngũ Hành Sơn
The Marble Mountains are a stunning cluster of limestone and marble hills, dotted with caves, temples, pagodas and panoramic viewpoints. Their impressive scale is awe-inspiring, and no photograph can fully capture their beauty – it’s an experience that can only be truly felt in person. Exploring this natural wonder was exhilarating. If you plan to visit, be sure to wear sturdy footwear, as the marble stones can be quite slippery, especially on the steeper paths.
Several important temples and pagodas, offered us a glimpse into the region’s spiritual heritage. Some dating back to the 17th century and standing for:
- Linh Ung Pagoda: Mercy and Compassion
- Tam Thai Pagoda: Peace and Enlightenment
- Huyen Khong Cave Temple: Spiritual retreat and Reflexion
- Non Nuoc Pagoda: Spiritual practice and Contemplation
- Quan The Am Pagoda: Compassion and Care for all beings
These temples add a spiritual dimension to the Marble Mountains, making it a serene place for reflection and exploration.
Am Phu Cave – Hang Am Phu
Am Phu Cave, or Hang Am Phu, was a really intriguing site in the Marble Mountains. Known as the “Hell Cave”, it offered a dramatic and thought-provoking experience. The cave is decorated with haunting sculptures and displays, that depict scenes of hell and the afterlife, based on Vietnamese Buddhist beliefs.
These representations are meant to serve as a reminder of the consequences of one’s actions in life and the importance of living virtuously – as I have been told. A concept that might have worked on me, if the sculptures weren’t as… forget it, just take a look for yourself.
Monkey Mountain – Sơn Trà Peninsula
Monkey Mountain, known as Sơn Trà Peninsula, spoilt us with a panoramic view of the ocean and city, beautiful statues and mind blowing bonsais.
The main attraction however, were the golden-headed langurs, that roam the slopes, entertaining the tourists and giving the Mountain its name.
As impressive, as the 67 meters high statue of the Lady Buddha was, it was no competition for the captivating monkeys roaming around the area.
Ba Na Hills and French Village
Like most tourists, we too were drawn to the iconic Golden Bridge (Cầu Vàng) and decided to visit Ba Na Hills, along with the French Village (Làng Pháp). This village blends Vietnamese and French culture, with its cobblestone streets and European-inspired architecture. At least from what you could see through the thick fog.
The easiest way to reach it, was by taking the worlds longest single cable car.
Walking through the village felt surreal, almost like stepping into a scene from an obscure Disney movie. Although weirdly unforgettable, it was too pretentious for my taste and can easily be skipped – especially in those weather conditions.
Goodbye Da Nang
After meeting my sister, who is coming from the north, in Da Nang, it’s time to say goodbye.
But not after enjoying a Bánh Mì together.
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