Marble Mountain

Marble Mountain is amazing. Halfway to Da Nang and six kilometres away from Hoi An (seven from Da Nang). Lionel and I rent a motorcycle whilst the girls spoil themselves with girly stuff. The road hugs the coastline and the view of blue sky, green sea and white sand is gorgeous. But I digress.


If I understand the ticket-lady correctly, the mountain consists of five parts, each coinciding with one of the five elements, with water having the highest peak. The climb up to the peak is an adventure itself. After climbing the few flights of steps up from the entrance, you'll encounter what's called Van Thong cave. There's really nothing in it. But if you explore as far back as possible, you'll find that where the cave seems to have fallen in on itself, there's a small hole through the ceiling - small enough for a person to climb through. Beyond that, you'll find the trail which will lead you to God's seat and the stunning view at the summit.


Marble Mountain doesn't just end with the view at the top. The mountain itself conceals a network of caves, home to a small number of impressive Buddhist statues reminiscent of the cave sculptures at Dazu. They lack the elaborate style of the Tang dynasty but within these silent caves lit only by shafts of light streaming in through holes in the mountain wall, the simplicity and austerity command respect and encourage meditation. When I say 'explore the mountain', I *mean* explore the mountain.