Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village, located at the base of the iconic Marble Mountains in Da Nang, is one of Vietnam’s oldest and most famous traditional craft villages. With a history spanning over 400 years, this village is renowned for its highly skilled artisans who transform raw marble and stone into intricate works of art. For visitors, it offers a fascinating, open-air gallery experience, providing a direct glimpse into a revered and enduring cultural heritage. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the village’s history, what to see, and practical tips for visitors.
Overview of Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village
Location
At the very foot of the majestic Marble Mountains, you will find a place that is a true living museum: the incredible Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village. This is not just a place to shop; it’s a vibrant community with nearly 500 family-run workshops, where the air buzzes with the gentle ‘tap-tap-tap’ of chisels on stone. This craft is so important to our culture that the village has been officially recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage Site—a title we are so proud of.
And here is the best part for you as a visitor: exploring this incredible village is completely free! There is no entrance ticket. You are welcome to just walk in, wander through the winding alleys, watch the talented artisans as they bring the stone to life, and admire the artistry that has been passed down from father to son for over 400 years. It’s a truly special and authentic experience.
Festival
If you are very, very lucky and your trip to Da Nang is in the springtime (usually around April), you might get to witness a truly special and authentic event: the ‘Gio To’ Festival at the Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village. This is the most important day of the year for the entire village. It is a beautiful ceremony where all the artisans gather to honor the founding master who first brought this incredible craft to their ancestors hundreds of years ago.
You will see the ancestral hall, which is nestled at the foot of one of the Marble Mountains, come alive with reverence. The air will be thick with the fragrant smoke of incense as the villagers make offerings and say their prayers. But it’s also a time of great community celebration! The festival is filled with lively activities, like traditional chess competitions and colourful performances of our classical Vietnamese opera, called ‘tuong’. To be there during this festival is a rare and beautiful opportunity to see the deep roots and the living, joyful soul of this historic craft village.
READ MORE: Exploring Marble Mountains Da Nang: Essential tips for Indian travelers
How to get there?
Getting to the beautiful Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village is incredibly easy! It’s located right at the foot of the famous Marble Mountains, so every driver in Da Nang knows exactly where it is.
From the city center, the most comfortable and convenient way to go is by taxi or Grab. It’s a simple and scenic 20-minute drive. For a modern and eco-friendly option, you can even book a green electric taxi from a company like Xanh SM through their app, which is a wonderful new service in our city!
For our visitors who are on a budget or want a more local experience, you can also easily take the local bus. Several routes pass right by the Marble Mountains, and you can just hop off and walk a few steps to the village entrance. It’s a very simple and affordable journey.
The History of Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village
The story of this village is a beautiful one. It began almost 400 years ago, when a talented artisan from our northern provinces came to this area. He discovered the beautiful marble stone from the mountains and realized its potential. He settled here and began to teach his craft to the local people.
For generations since then, the skills have been passed down from father to son, from mother to daughter. The entire village became a community of artists, and their fame for creating beautiful sculptures spread all over Vietnam and the world. Today, it is a recognized National Intangible Cultural Heritage, a true living treasure.
What to see and do?
When you visit the Non Nuoc village, you are not visiting a single museum. The entire area, with its dozens of family-run workshops and large showrooms, is the museum.
Watch the Artisans at work
This is the most fascinating part of the experience. You can walk along the streets and look directly into the open-air workshops. You will see the artisans, covered in a fine white dust, patiently and skillfully carving, sanding, and polishing the stone. You can witness the entire process, from a rough block of marble to a finished, detailed sculpture. It is incredible to see their focus and their talent up close.
Marvel at the finished sculptures
The village is like a giant sculpture garden. You will see hundreds, if not thousands, of finished statues on display. They range in all sizes, from small, hand-sized souvenirs to giant, life-sized statues that are several meters tall.
Explore the variety of art
The artistry here is incredibly diverse. You will see:
- Sacred statues: Magnificent and serene statues of the Buddha, of Quan Am (the Goddess of Mercy), and of powerful laughing Buddhas for good fortune.
- Mythical creatures: You will see majestic dragons, graceful unicorns, and powerful lions, all important symbols in our culture.
- Hindu Deities: And for my friends from India, you will see something very special. Because of the ancient Champa history in our region, you can also find beautiful statues of Hindu gods, especially Lord Shiva and Ganesha.
- Everyday items: It’s not just big statues! You will also find beautiful, practical items like marble chess sets, delicate jewelry boxes, and beautiful bracelets and necklaces made from polished stone beads.
READ MORE: Visiting Linh Ung Pagoda and its lady Buddha Statue
What to buy and how to do it?
This is the perfect place to buy a truly unique and high-quality souvenir.
- For small, portable gifts: The best things to buy for your luggage are the smaller items.
- Stone jewelry: A beautiful bracelet made of polished marble or a small, carved pendant is a wonderful and easy-to-carry gift.
- Small statues: You can find small, hand-sized statues of laughing Buddhas or animals that make for a lovely and meaningful souvenir.
- The big question: Can Indian visitors buy a large statue? Yes, you absolutely can! The shops here are very experienced in shipping their large, heavy statues all over the world, including to India. If you fall in love with a big, beautiful Ganesha or Buddha statue for your home, the shop will handle all the professional packing and international shipping for you.
Suggested 1-day itinerary in Non Nuoc Village
Start your morning at the Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village, watching the talented artisans bring stone to life. After that, spend a few hours exploring the magical, sacred caves and ancient pagodas of the Marble Mountains right next door.
Then, in the late afternoon, as the sun begins to get a little softer, continue your journey just a short drive away to the incredible Hoi An Ancient Town. As evening falls, this UNESCO World Heritage Site transforms into a fairytale. You can stroll through the narrow streets, which are all lit up by hundreds of colourful, glowing lanterns. You can visit the centuries-old temples and, for dinner, enjoy some delicious local food at a restaurant right by the beautiful Thu Bon River. It is a truly unforgettable day that takes you from ancient crafts to sacred caves and finally, to a magical, lantern-lit wonderland.
Essential tips for your visit
- Combine it with the Marble Mountains: The village is located right at the base of the mountains. The perfect plan is to spend 2-3 hours exploring the caves and pagodas of the mountain, and then spend another hour or so walking through the carving village afterwards.
- The gentle “No, Thank You”: The shopkeepers here can be very friendly, but also very persistent. They will invite you into their shops. If you are not interested in buying, it is perfectly okay to give a polite smile and a firm but friendly “No, thank you” (không, cảm ơn) and continue your walk.
- Bargaining is welcome: For any item you wish to buy, bargaining is expected. You can usually negotiate a good price, especially if you are buying a few items.
- Look for quality: Take a close look at the stone. The best quality marble from this area has beautiful, natural veins and a smooth, polished finish.
Conclusion
A visit to the Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village is a journey into the artistic soul of Da Nang. It is a rare opportunity to witness a 400-year-old tradition that is still alive and thriving today. Here, you will see more than just beautiful objects; you will see the patience, the skill, and the cultural pride of a community, all passed down through generations and lovingly carved into every single piece of stone. It is a truly special and authentic cultural experience.
