Standing at the foot of Thuy Son mountain, looking up at 156 stone steps leading to the summit, you will surely pause for a second: trek up for the thrill or spend 15,000 VND on the elevator for comfort? I live nearby and have climbed up and down Marble Mountains countless times, so this post will help you decide quickly, without wasting time thinking at the ticket counter.
Two choices, two different experiences
Marble Mountains doesn’t force you to choose just one — you can absolutely take the elevator up and trek down, or vice versa. But if you only have time for one way, you need to know exactly what you are trading off.
Trekking: Free (included in the entrance fee), takes about 15-20 minutes depending on your health, passing by Vong Giang Dai and several small caves along the way. The steps are quite steep in the middle section, and the intense noon sun can be quite exhausting.
Elevator: 15,000 VND/one way or 30,000 VND round trip, taking less than 1 minute to reach the top. The elevator is located at the back of the mountain, near the side gate, not the main gate where you buy sightseeing tickets.
Actual Comparison
| Criteria | Trekking | Elevator |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | 15k (1 way) / 30k (round trip) |
| Time | 15-20 minutes | Under 1 minute |
| Effort | Requires physical strength, tiring in sun | Almost no effort |
| Scenery Experience | Pass through Vong Giang Dai, caves | Goes straight to top, misses points along the way |
Which one should you choose?
If you are traveling with elderly parents or young children, I recommend choosing the elevator up; 15k is not worth sacrificing the family’s health, especially during the hot midday heat. For groups of young, healthy people who want to fully enjoy the mountain scenery, just trek up—it’s both economical and offers more views.
Also, if you visit during the summer (May-August), Da Nang’s midday temperature can easily reach 35-38°C. Trekking can be very taxing then, so try to go early (before 9 AM) or choose the elevator to avoid the sun.
Local Tip
The trick I often tell my friends: take the elevator up first (to save energy from the start), then use your energy to visit Linh Ung Pagoda, Huyen Khong Cave, and other spots on the summit, then trek down. This way, you save effort for the hardest part (climbing up) and don’t miss the scenery because the way down is usually gentler than the way up.
A small note often overlooked: the elevator only operates from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, coinciding with the site’s opening hours, so you don’t have to worry about the elevator stopping if you arrive late but within hours.
Regardless of your choice, the Thuy Son entrance fee is still 40,000 VND/adult (10,000 VND for students), with the elevator being an additional cost if you wish. Visiting Marble Mountains is not difficult, just know what you prioritize: health, time, or a complete experience.