Marble Mountains & Hoi An: Walking Tour, Night Market, Boat Ride

Summary

Hoi An’s lanterns glow as river breezes meet ancient stone

You’ll climb into cool caves on Marble Mountains with a local guide, then stroll Hoi An’s ancient lanes as lanterns flicker on. Drift along the river by sampan at dusk and taste night market snacks before your ride home. It’s not just sights — it’s small moments that stay with you.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it — I didn’t expect Marble Mountains to smell so much like incense and wet stone. Our guide, Minh, met us in Da Nang and right away started telling stories about the mountain’s five peaks (named after elements — I only remembered three). The elevator up Water Mountain felt oddly modern for such an old place. When we stepped into Tang Chon Cave, it was cool and echoey; you could hear every footstep bounce off the walls. Minh pointed out a spot that used to be a hospital during the war — hard to picture now with all the sunlight streaming through cracks above. There was this moment near Linh Ung Pagoda where you could see all the way to the sea, but honestly I kept staring at an old woman burning paper offerings by a tree. She smiled when she caught me looking.

The drive to Hoi An was short enough for a nap but I just watched scooters weaving past rice fields instead. Once we hit the Ancient Town, everything changed — yellow walls, wooden beams, lanterns everywhere. Minh led us through narrow alleys to the Japanese Covered Bridge (he called it “Chùa Cầu,” which I tried to say back; he laughed). Inside one of the old houses, there was this faint smell of tea leaves and wood polish. We stopped at Phuc Kien Assembly Hall too; all dragons and red columns. It felt busy but not rushed — kids darting between stalls, someone playing music on a stringed thing I couldn’t name.

My favorite part? The sampan boat ride at dusk. The river looked almost purple under all those floating lights from people’s lanterns. For maybe twenty minutes it was just water lapping against wood and distant chatter from the night market. After that we wandered among food stalls — sticky rice wrapped in banana leaf, grilled corn with chili salt (I burned my tongue). Minh left us there to eat or shop or just watch people for a while before heading back to our hotel in Da Nang. Still think about that view from the cave sometimes — weird what sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marble Mountains and Hoi An tour

• Pick up from hotel
• Transfer to Marble Mountain
• Take elevator up Water Mountain
• Visit Linh Ung Pagoda and tower
• Explore Tang Chon Cave and viewpoint
• Visit Huyen Khong cave
• Transfer to Hoi An ancient town
• Guided walking tour of old town
• Visit Phuc Kien Assembly Hall and Japanese Covered Bridge
• Explore cultural and historical museum
• Sampan boat cruise on small river
• Walk to lantern area and night market
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long does the Marble Mountains & Hoi An tour last?

The tour starts at 14:00 and finishes in the evening after visiting Hoi An Night Market and returning to your hotel.

Is hotel pickup included from both Da Nang and Hoi An?

Yes, hotel pickup is available from both Da Nang City and Hoi An City.

What sites are visited in Marble Mountains?

You’ll visit Water Mountain by elevator, Linh Ung Pagoda, Tang Chon Cave, Huyen Khong Cave, towers, pagodas, and viewpoints.

Do I need to pay extra for entrance tickets?

No, entrance tickets for Marble Mountain and Hoi An are included in your tour.

Is there a boat ride included in Hoi An?

Yes, a 20-minute sampan boat cruise along the river is part of the tour experience.

Are meals or dinner included?

Dinner is not included; you can choose to eat at the night market during free time.

How much walking is involved in Hoi An Ancient Town?

You’ll do a guided walking tour through main sites like Japanese Covered Bridge and assembly halls; moderate walking is required.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes; prams or strollers are allowed and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Da Nang or Hoi An, all entry fees for Marble Mountains and Hoi An Ancient Town, bottled water throughout the trip, private car or minivan with strong AC for transfers between sites, an English-speaking local guide who shares stories along the way, plus a sampan boat ride through Hoi An’s evening river scene before returning you safely back to your hotel.