Da Nang, Marble Mountains & Hoi An: Lady Buddha, Coconut Jungle

Summary

Marble caves, basket boats & lanterns from Da Nang to Hoi An

You’ll start your day facing Da Nang’s towering Lady Buddha before climbing into cool caves at Marble Mountains and drifting through Cam Thanh Coconut Jungle by basket boat. End wandering Hoi An’s glowing lantern streets with local meals along the way—expect laughter, new flavors, maybe even a little bit of peace you weren’t looking for.

What’s the experience like?

I opened my eyes to the sound of scooters outside and the smell of incense—Da Nang mornings just have this energy. Our guide, Minh, showed up with a grin and a bottle of cold water (bless him), and we headed straight for Son Tra. I didn’t expect the Lady Buddha statue to be so tall—she sort of floats above everything, her face calm even though the wind was wild that day. Minh told us about the 21 little Buddhas carved into her robe, but honestly I was still distracted by the sea breeze and a monk chanting somewhere nearby. The air tasted salty.

Marble Mountains came next. There are a lot of steps (you can take an elevator if you want—I tried to be brave), and inside it’s cool and echoey. The caves smell faintly of wet stone, mixed with sandalwood from hidden shrines. Minh pointed out carvings I would’ve missed—he said some are hundreds of years old. We wandered through Non-Nuoc village after that; stone dust everywhere, old men chipping away at dragons and lions like it’s nothing special. Lunch was quick—rice noodles with pork and herbs I can’t name, but it hit the spot.

The Cam Thanh Coconut Jungle was quieter than I expected—just birds and the slap of water against our basket boat. Our rower laughed when I tried paddling; apparently there’s a trick to spinning in circles without looking like an idiot (I failed). She showed me how locals fish with nets—her hands moved so fast, flicking water everywhere. For a second it felt like time slowed down there in the green shade.

Hoi An glowed as dusk settled in. Lanterns everywhere—soft pinks, golds, deep blues—and people moving slow in the heat. We stopped at Phuc Kien Pagoda; incense thick in the air again. Minh led us through winding alleys past tailors calling out “hello!” in three languages (I waved back). Dinner was crispy cao lầu noodles at a tiny spot by the market—I still think about that smoky flavor sometimes when I’m hungry late at night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Da Nang and Hoi An highlights

• Drive to Son Tra Peninsula
• Visit Linh Ung Pagoda and Lady Buddha
• Drive to Marble Mountains
• Explore caves and Buddhist pagodas
• Visit Non-Nuoc Stone Carving Village
• Have lunch near Marble Mountains
• Drive to Cam Thanh Coconut Jungle
• Row basket boat and try fishing
• Drive to Hoi An Ancient Town
• Visit Phuc Kien Pagoda and Japanese Bridge
• Explore Phung Hung ancient house and museum
• Shop at Hoi An Central Market
• Walk around historic old town
• Enjoy local dinner in Hoi An
• Drive back to Da Nang

Top questions

How long does this Da Nang & Hoi An tour last?

The tour lasts one full day including pickup from Da Nang or Hoi An and return after dinner.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, both Vietnamese lunch and Hoi An local dinner are included in the tour price.

Are entrance fees for Marble Mountains covered?

Yes, all entrance fees including Marble Mountains are included.

Do you visit Lady Buddha on Son Tra Peninsula?

Yes, Lady Buddha at Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra is one of the first stops.

Is there hotel pickup for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is provided from Da Nang or Hoi An hotels.

Can you use an elevator at Marble Mountains?

An elevator is available for part of Marble Mountains for an extra fee.

What activities are included in Cam Thanh Coconut Jungle?

You’ll ride a basket boat and try traditional net fishing techniques with locals.

How much walking or climbing is involved?

You’ll climb stairs at Marble Mountains (elevator optional) and walk around Hoi An Old Town.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup by air-conditioned vehicle, all entrance fees for Lady Buddha, Marble Mountains and Hoi An sights, a hands-on basket boat ride in Cam Thanh Coconut Jungle with net fishing demo, plus both Vietnamese lunch and local dinner before returning after dark—with mineral water always handy along the way.