Marble Mountains & Hoi An Private Shore Excursion

Caves, pagodas and a thousand years of trade history in one port day

A private shore excursion from Chan May Port combines the Marble Mountains (five limestone and marble peaks named after the elements) with a guided walk through Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that served as Southeast Asia's busiest trading port until the 18th century. The tour includes entrance tickets, an English-speaking guide, lunch, and return to the ship at least an hour before departure. Moderate fitness is needed for the mountain climb and walking the old town's alleys.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Marble Mountains2h
2. Hoi An Ancient Town3h · entry included
3. My Khe Beach10m

Marble Mountains and Hoi An tour

• Visit Marble Mountains and explore caves
• See holy pagodas and mountain views
• Walk Hoi An Ancient Town with guide
• Stop at My Khe Beach on return
• Drive back to Chan May Port

The experience

The tour starts at the Marble Mountains, where five peaks rise from the coastal plain, each named for one of the five elements: metal, water, wood, fire and earth. You climb to explore natural caves that once sheltered Vietnamese soldiers and served as a field hospital during the war, then reach the summit for views across the city and ocean. A holy pagoda sits within the rock, and the marble village below shows local carvers at work on traditional handicrafts. The kind of detail that makes the mountains more than a scenic stop.

From there the route turns to Hoi An Ancient Town, where your guide walks you through streets that have stayed largely unchanged for centuries. You see the Japanese bridge, traditional merchant houses, a Chinese assembly hall, and the market, each one tied to the town's history as a major port where traders from Holland, Portugal, Japan and China once unloaded silk, gold and spices. The back alleys reveal how locals actually live in the old town, not just how it appears from the main streets. Lunch is a set menu of authentic Vietnamese dishes, included and served during the day.

On the return to Chan May Port, the route passes My Khe Beach, where US Marines landed during the war. The timing is built so you arrive back at the ship at least an hour before departure, which matters on a port day when every minute counts. An air-conditioned vehicle, experienced driver and bottled water travel with you throughout.

What’s included

• Entrance tickets to the Marble Mountains and Hoi An Ancient Town.
• professional English-speaking tour guide.
• authentic Vietnamese set menu lunch.
• modern air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver.
• bottled water and tissue.
• outside gate port fees for pickup and return to Chan May Port.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00, 08:00 and 09:00

Book up to18h before

AgesAdult (12 to 85 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tommy Shore Excursions

Is this one for you?Book this private tour if your ship's port day is tight. It covers both the Marble Mountains' caves and pagodas plus Hoi An's old town with a guide who paces the itinerary to get you back to the dock on time.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

12 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What are the five Marble Mountains named after?

The five peaks represent the five elements of the universe: metal, water, wood, fire and earth. Each mountain has its own name and character, and you climb to the summit of one to see the caves, pagoda and views across the city and ocean.

How much walking is involved in Hoi An Ancient Town?

The tour includes a walking tour through the old town where your guide shows you the Japanese bridge, traditional houses, a Chinese assembly Hall and the market. The back alleys add extra ground, so moderate fitness is needed. The walk is not a strenuous hike but it is sustained.

Will I have time to get back to the ship before it leaves?

Yes. The tour is timed so you return to Chan May Port at least one hour or more before your ship's departure, which gives a buffer for the drive back from Hoi An.

Is there a guide, and what language does he speak?

A professional English-speaking licensed tour guide leads the excursion and explains the history of the Marble Mountains, the caves and pagodas, and the buildings and trade routes of Hoi An Ancient Town.

What if I'm not fit enough to climb the Marble Mountains?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health because of the mountain climb and the walking involved. If you have concerns about fitness, discuss them with the operator before booking.