Da Nang & Hoi An shore excursion: Marble Mountains, ancient town

Marble Mountains hold five caves and a pagoda built into limestone cliffs named after the elements.

This shore excursion from Tien Sa or Chan May port combines Marble Mountains and Hoi An's UNESCO-listed old town in a single afternoon, with private or shared transport, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees and lunch included. The tour is timed to return you to the ship one hour before departure. Moderate fitness is needed for climbing the mountain. Children from age 5 are welcome when accompanied by an adult.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Dragon Bridge20m · entry included
2. Marble Mountains1h 30m · entry included
3. Hoi An Ancient Town1h 30m · entry included
4. Japanese Covered Bridge20m · entry included

Visit Da Nang and Hoi An highlights

• Pick up from Tien Sa or Chan May Port
• Stop at Dragon Bridge for photos
• Explore Marble Mountains and caves
• Visit traditional marble handicraft village
• Guided walking tour of Hoi An ancient town
• See Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Free time for shopping in Hoi An
• Return to ship one hour before departure

The experience

Your guide meets you at the port and drives you first to the Dragon Bridge, Da Nang's modern steel landmark, for photos and a view of the city. From there you head to Marble Mountains, five limestone and marble hills named after the five elements: Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth. You'll climb into the natural caves, some of which sheltered a hospital for wounded soldiers during the war, and visit the holy pagoda at the summit. On the way down, you can stop at a family marble-carving workshop to watch artisans at work on traditional handicrafts.

After Marble Mountains, the drive takes you to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage town that has stood largely unchanged for centuries. Your guide leads a walking tour through the old town, explaining the history and architecture of the Japanese Covered Bridge (Hoi An's symbol), a traditional house, a Chinese Assembly Hall, the cultural museum and the central market. You'll have free time to explore the back alleys and shop in the town's small stores. Lunch at a local restaurant with authentic Vietnamese food is included partway through the day.

The itinerary is built around your ship's schedule: your guide confirms pickup and drop-off times when you book to ensure you're back at the port with an hour to spare before departure. Transport is by private car or minivan for smaller groups, or a bus with a safe driver for larger parties. Cold water and tissues are provided throughout the day.

What’s included

• Private car or minivan (for smaller groups) or bus with a safe driver.
• entrance tickets to Marble Mountains and Hoi An.
• lunch at a local restaurant with authentic food.
• professional English-speaking guide throughout.
• cold water and tissues.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 to 90 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyNot for heart conditions

Operated by My Son Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're arriving by cruise ship and have a free afternoon in port. The fixed schedule is built around your ship's departure time, so all three sites (Dragon Bridge, Marble Mountains and Hoi An) fit inside a single shore excursion without you having to arrange transport or worry about getting back late.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is inside Marble Mountains that I'll explore?

Marble Mountains hold natural caves that once served as a hospital during the war, plus a holy pagoda at the summit. You'll climb through the caves and up to the peak, where you get sweeping views of Da Nang city and the ocean below.

How much walking and climbing is involved in this tour?

The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. You'll climb the Marble Mountains to reach the pagoda and caves, and walk through Hoi An's old town on a guided tour of its streets and alleyways. The itinerary is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What will I see on the walking tour of Hoi An?

The guided walk takes you to the Japanese Covered Bridge (the town's most recognizable landmark), a traditional Vietnamese house, a Chinese Assembly Hall, a cultural and historical museum, and the central market. Your guide explains the history and architectural details of each site as you go.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food will it be?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant with authentic Vietnamese food is included in the tour price. It's served partway through the day to fuel you for the rest of the itinerary.

How does the tour work with my ship's departure time?

When you book, provide your preferred pickup and drop-off times so the guide can coordinate with your ship's schedule. The tour is designed to get you back to the port one hour before your ship leaves, giving you a buffer for any delays.