Chan May or Tien Sa Port to Marble Mountain & Hoi An Tour

Summary

Private Shore Excursion: Marble Mountains, Lady Buddha & Hoi An

You’ll get picked up right at your cruise ship and spend the day exploring Marble Mountains’ caves and pagodas, marveling at Lady Buddha on Son Tra Peninsula, tasting real local food for lunch, and wandering Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets with someone who knows all the hidden corners.

What’s the experience like?

The air was already warm when we met our guide just outside the cruise terminal—he had a sign with our names and a grin that made us feel like old friends. The drive out of Chan May (or Tien Sa) port was smooth; you could see the green hills rolling by and little roadside stalls selling sugarcane juice. Our first stop was Marble Mountains. It’s not just one mountain but five, each named for an element: water, fire, wood, earth, metal. There’s a faint scent of incense as you climb the stone steps—locals still come here to pray at the pagodas tucked into caves. Our guide pointed out a spot where wounded soldiers once hid during the war; I never would’ve noticed it on my own. The view from the top? You’ll spot fishing boats bobbing in the distance and Da Nang city stretching out below.

Next up: Son Tra Peninsula. The Lady Buddha statue is impossible to miss—she towers over everything, facing the sea with this calm expression that somehow makes you want to stand a little straighter. We wandered around Linh Ung Pagoda for a bit; there’s always a breeze up here and you can hear bells ringing softly if you listen close. Each floor inside the statue has its own altar—our guide explained how every Buddha figure inside has its own story and meaning.

Lunch was at a local spot (I think it was called Ba Le Well), nothing fancy but packed with flavor—fresh herbs everywhere and that sweet chili sauce I still think about. Then we headed to Hoi An Ancient Town. Walking those lantern-lit streets feels like stepping into another time. Our guide led us through back alleys most tourists miss—past tailors working at tiny tables, past a woman selling white rose dumplings from a basket. We crossed the Japanese Bridge, peeked into an old merchant house, and even stopped at a marble carving workshop in Non Nuoc village where you can watch artisans shape stone by hand.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Marble Mountains & Lady Buddha

• Visit Marble Mountains and caves
• See Lady Buddha Statue at Linh Ung Pagoda
• Tour Hoi An Ancient Town sights

Top questions

How much walking is involved on this tour?

There are some steps at Marble Mountains and walking in Hoi An Old Town, but our pace is relaxed and there are plenty of breaks.

Will we be back in time for our cruise departure?

Yes—we always check your ship’s schedule ahead of time to make sure you’re back well before boarding.

Is lunch included? What kind of food do we get?

Lunch is included at a local restaurant; expect Vietnamese dishes with fresh herbs, rice noodles, grilled meats or tofu depending on your preference.

Can small children join this tour?

Absolutely! Infants and small kids can ride in strollers or prams during the tour.

What’s included

Your private car or minivan has strong A.C., bottled water is always handy in the heat, all entrance tickets are covered (Marble Mountain & Hoi An), plus you get an English-speaking guide who really knows their stuff—and lunch at a local spot is part of the deal too.