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
Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village, located at the foot of the Marble Mountains, has been recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2014. It serves as a major handicraft hub with nearly 500–600 family-run workshops. Visitors are warmly welcomed to explore the village free of charge and learn about its 400-year-old craftsmanship tradition.
A visit to the Marble Mountains also offers deeper insight into the origin of the marble that has shaped this historic village.
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. The story began with Huynh Ba Quat, a talented artisan from Thanh Hoa Province. He settled at the Marble Mountains in the late 17th to early 18th century and passed down his stone-carving skills to the local people, laying the foundation for the village’s enduring craft tradition.
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.
Notably, the stone-carving craft flourished during the Nguyen Dynasty, when many skilled artisans from the village were granted the royal title of Ninth-Rank Mandarins to work on imperial projects. This stands as a testament to the exceptional mastery and prestige of Non Nuoc’s craftsmen.
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.
The carving process includes initial shaping (rough sculpting) followed by detailed refinement, using a combination of traditional hand tools such as chisels and carving blades, together with modern machinery imported from Japan, Taiwan, and Germany.
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.
- Champa Influence and Religious Figures: Ganesha and Shiva: Especially for Indian visitors, you’ll discover artworks deeply influenced by the ancient Champa civilization. Alongside Buddha statues, local artisans also craft representations of Hindu deities such as Lord Shiva and Ganesha. These creations beautifully illustrate the cultural fusion between Cham and Vietnamese traditions, offering a meaningful connection for travelers from India.
- 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.
- Material Sources: Originally, marble was quarried locally from the Marble Mountains themselves. However, mining has been prohibited since 1990 to preserve the natural landscape. Today, artisans use materials sourced from other provinces – such as white stone from Nghe An and marble from Yen Bai – as well as imported Onyx from Pakistan, ensuring both sustainability and diversity in craftsmanship.
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.
Vietnam Story: Elevating Your Visit to Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village
To make your visit to Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village truly complete, a customized journey is the perfect choice. That’s where Vietnam Story – a premium travel brand by the renowned Indochina Travel Group, specializing in Indian travelers – becomes your most trusted companion.
Vietnam Story doesn’t just offer generic sightseeing tours. We craft meaningful experiences that connect you with the authentic cultural essence of Vietnam. With our tours, you can enjoy:
- Cultural & Heritage Journey: Discover the 400-year legacy of Non Nuoc Village beyond mere sightseeing. Witness talented artisans breathing life into marble sculptures and uncover the village’s deep historical roots. Each itinerary is thoughtfully curated to reflect the cultural interests and travel habits of Indian guests.
- Tailor-Made Experiences: Whether you want to pair your visit with exploring the mystical caves and sacred pagodas of Marble Mountains in the morning, or continue to Hoi An Ancient Town in the evening to enjoy its lantern-lit charm, Vietnam Story designs personalized itineraries that perfectly balance sightseeing, relaxation, and authentic culinary discovery – all suited to your preferences.
- Quality & Comfort: We ensure a safe and comfortable journey, with high-quality transportation partners (including Xanh SM Green Electric Taxis), knowledgeable local guides, and full assistance throughout your trip. If you fall in love with a marble statue – be it a Ganesha or Buddha sculpture – our team can even help arrange professional packing and international shipping.
Vietnam Story is committed to delivering Authentic Encounters and superior service quality. Let us handle every detail – from convenient transfers (just 20 minutes from Da Nang city center) to creating a truly memorable cultural experience.
Plan your unforgettable journey today!
- Hotline: +84 911 868 609
- Email: booking@vietnamstory.in