Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village: Where marble becomes masterpiece

1. Quick facts about Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village

1.1. Address & entrance fee

Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village sits at the foot of the Marble Mountains in Da Nang, within Ngu Hanh Son Ward (formerly Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District). Surrounded by limestone hills, the village blends natural beauty with deep roots. Not just a scenic stop, it is a living museum of traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship.

Home to nearly 500 workshops, the village buzzes with the sound of chisels and saws. These workshops cluster along winding alleys, forming the largest and most vibrant craft village in Da Nang. In 2014, Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village was officially recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage Site, honoring its rich history and vital role in preserving stone carving traditions. 

Best of all, tourists can explore Non Nuoc Stone Village free of charge. There is no entrance fee - just walk in, watch the artisans at work, and take in the artistry that has been passed down for generations here.

1.2. History 

The history of Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village stretches back to the late 1600s, when a skilled craftsman named Huynh Ba Quat brought the art of stone carving from Thanh Hoa to what is now Da Nang. In its early days, the village’s stonework was modest - tools and household items like mortars, millstones, and tombstones - crafted to meet everyday needs. 

As time passed, the craft evolved from practical necessity into artistic expression. By the 19th century, under the Nguyen Dynasty, the village’s reputation began to soar. Royal commissions for palaces, temples, and tombs brought prestige to the local artisans. Some were even granted official court titles, and many were sent to work on imperial projects across the country.

Originally, the artisans sourced marble from the five peaks of the Marble Mountains, prized for its varied colors and smooth texture. When local quarrying was banned in the 1990s to preserve the mountains, stones had to be brought in from other provinces across the country. The artisans then adapted to new materials such as quartz, limestone, and cat’s eye, each adding new dimensions to their creations. 

Today, Non Nuoc is not just a place where stones are shaped - it is where traditions are kept alive. Generations of artisans have passed down their skills, continuing a near-400-year legacy. Their works - statues, monuments, and steles - stand not only in local temples but across Vietnam, carrying the spirit of the stone village into the future.

1.3. Festival

On the 16th day of the 3rd lunar month (around April), Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village comes alive with reverence during the annual “Gio To” Festival. This important day honors the founding master of the craft. The ceremony takes place at the ancestral hall nestled at the foot of Moc Son Mountain, where villagers gather to pay tribute with incense, offerings, and prayers.

The event has been held in various forms since 1986, and it was officially elevated to a full festival in 2018. Today, it blends deep roots with community celebrations. Beyond the rituals, the festival includes lively activities like chess competitions, “tuong” (classical Vietnamese opera) performances, and artisanal showcases. 

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2. Top things to do when visiting Non Nuoc Stone Village

2.1. Observe the stone carving process

One of the most engaging experiences at Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village is watching the artisans in action. As you stroll through narrow alleys along the streets of Huyen Tran Cong Chua and Nguyen Duy Trinh, the village hums with life - chisels tapping, grinders buzzing, and marble dust floating in the air. Everywhere you look, the artisans are hard at work, shaping raw stones into stunning creations. 

The process begins with rough shaping, where the basic form - or “phoi” - is carved out. Then, with remarkable precision, the craftsmen etch in fine details: flowing robes, intricate patterns, or expressive faces. The final stage is polishing, where each surface is smoothed and brought to a gleaming finish.

What makes it all so captivating is the spirit behind the work. Many artisans are continuing family traditions passed down for generations. Drawing influence from both Vietnamese and Cham cultures, they breathe life into every piece. Watching them work is not just a lesson in craftsmanship - it’s a glimpse into heritage.

2.2. Shop for unique stone products

This centuries-old village offers an incredible variety of handcrafted stone products, blending artistic tradition with modern creativity. From simple tools to elaborate sculptures, every item tells a story. The artisans work with a wide range of materials, including limestone, marble, sandstone, quartz, and even rare stones like cat’s eye and tiger’s eye. Their creations span ten major categories: statues, human and animal figures, abstract art, furniture, lights, bathtubs, vases, and steles. Large sculptures often find their way to temples or estates, but the village also caters to tourists looking for compact souvenirs.

If you are wondering what to buy in Da Nang as a keepsake, popular items include marble bracelets, rings, pendants, incense holders, and small figures.

2.3. Explore nearby attractions

While visiting Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village, take time to explore these nearby attractions:

• Museum of Non Nuoc Stone Carving Memory: This museum offers a deeper dive into the history and evolution of the craft. It showcases masterful works by generations of artisans, along with tools, photos, and documents that tell the story of how a humble village became Vietnam’s capital for stone carving.
• Marble Mountains: Rising dramatically behind the village, the Marble Mountains are a cluster of five limestone hills, each named after an element - Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. This area is rich in history, with sacred caves, ancient inscriptions, and a network of temples - 14 in total.
• Non Nuoc Beach: Non Nuoc Beach offers a tranquil escape with soft, white sand and calm, turquoise water. It’s a perfect place to relax after a day of exploring stone workshops and mountain trails. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, or simply watch local fishermen at work in the early morning.

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3. Tips for visiting Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village

3.1. Transportation

Getting to Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village from central Da Nang is simple. From the Dragon Bridge, head east, then turn right onto Ngo Quyen Street. Keep going straight onto Ngu Hanh Son Street, then Le Van Hien Street. The entire trip takes around 20 minutes by taxi.

For a comfortable, eco-friendly ride, consider booking an electric taxi of Xanh SM - the leading newest green transport service in Da Nang. Xanh SM taxis can be easily booked via its mobile app, offering transparent pricing and excellent service.

Alternatively, you can take the bus. Hop on either Bus 02 or 11, which run through major parts of the city and stop at Le Van Hien Street, just a short walk away from the village.

3.2. Suggested 1-day itinerary

For a full day of cultural discovery, begin your journey in Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village, then explore the sacred caves and pagodas of Thuy Son Mountain. In the late afternoon, continue your trip to Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just 30 kilometers away from Da Nang. In Hoi An, you can stroll through lantern-lit streets, visit centuries-old temples, and enjoy local food along the Thu Bon River.

Alternatively, you can head to VinWonders Nam Hoi An, a modern amusement park that blends entertainment with culture. From thrilling games and wildlife safaris to folk art performances, VinWonders Nam Hoi An offers vibrant experiences for both kids and adults. To complete your day, treat yourself to a luxurious stay at Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An, where relaxation meets elegance in a peaceful coastal setting.

Book tickets of VinWonders Nam Hoi An

Book rooms in Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An

3.3. Notes

Before visiting Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village, keep these tips in mind:

• Check the weather: Da Nang’s weather can be somewhat unpredictable. Avoid the rainy season for a better experience.
• Make enough time: The village is home to many workshops that will take some time to explore fully.
• Ask and negotiate: If you’re interested in purchasing a piece, don’t hesitate to ask about the price and politely negotiate. Always inspect the product for quality.
• Be respectful: Ask for permission before taking photos inside the workshops.
• Join the experience: If available, try a carving demo or short workshop for a hands-on look into the craft.

Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village is not just a tourist stop - it is a living museum of heritage. At the foot of the Marble Mountains, this centuries-old craft has thrived in the hands of modern artisans who sculpt stones into art. Whether you are an art aficionado, culture seeker, or souvenir hunter, this stone village in Da Nang delivers a glimpse into Vietnam’s cultural soul - one carved masterpiece at a time.