Top Da Nang Caves & Marble Mountain Tours

As a travel-loving couple on our Vietnam tour, we couldn’t wait to explore Da Nang’s famous cave network. On our first morning, we hopped on our scooter from Hoi An and rolled through the early light toward the Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son), a cluster of five limestone hills just outside town.

We arrived at dawn and paid the 40,000 VND entrance fee (around $1.50) each. An elevator ride (15,000 VND extra) went part way up, but we decided to stretch our legs on the stone steps for cool morning air.
Before beginning the climb, we lathered on sunscreen, grabbed water bottles, and made sure to dress modestly for the sacred sites (as signposted, visitors are asked to cover shoulders/knees and remove shoes at the temple doors). The day was shaping up to be hot, so a 7 AM start was perfect - locals say the paths and pagodas are almost empty then.

Once inside the Marble Mountains, it felt like stepping into a hidden spiritual world. Stalagmites and ferns draped the cave mouths, and guardian statues welcomed us as we descended into darkness. The largest and most famous cavern is Huyền Không (Heaven) Cave, buried in Thuy Son (Water Mountain). Here a huge skylight in the ceiling bathes the chamber in sunbeams. It truly is “Instagrammable” - the light shafts feel magical, spotlighting an enormous stone Buddha and altars below. (Wanderlust Ale’s guide even noted that it was once a secret revolutionary base and field hospital, which adds to the mystique.) We spent a quiet half-hour here taking in the cool air - the cave floor was slightly muddy from dripping water, so we watched our step. 
Nearby, Hoa Nghiêm Cave (at the entrance of Huyền Không) has a 400-year-old Lady Buddha statue standing guard.

Just a short walk away at ground level is Am Phu (Hell) Cave, a much tighter, claustrophobic shaft in the mountain’s base. The sign said “Hell,” and it lived up to the name - the interior was very wet and muggy, with water constantly dripping off the ceiling. We had to go single-file through narrow passages, and the floor was slippery in spots (there are “CAUTION: Slippery Steps” signs posted).
Be prepared: there’s no air circulation and you get pretty humid after a few minutes. We were glad we had headlamps and sturdy shoes. The effort was worth it for a quick thrill - after about 20-30 minutes inside (that’s generally enough time for Am Phu), we popped back into daylight, laughed off our damp clothes, and headed up.

From there we spread out to explore all the other caves tucked around the hilltops. On Kim Sơn (Metal Mountain) behind the Linh Ung pagoda we found Động Tàng Chơn (Tang Chon Cave). Its entrance is low, so we ducked under a green tiled arch to enter - legend has it monks once meditated here. Inside the big chamber, we discovered a quaint temple with three altars and (just off to the side) two white marble statues of men playing Chinese chess. It was like stumbling into a secret garden of stone, and the cool shade was a welcome break from the sun. We did notice a steep path leading further up the mountain from Tang Chon; it looked thrilling but very unsafe (locals advised most visitors to skip that and use the main stairs back by Tam Thai Pagoda).

Venturing back toward Water Mountain, we passed through Vạn Thọ (Van Thong) Cave, which is actually a passageway tunnel (it means “Way to Heaven”). Two natural stone arches form the entrance, and you can climb up through here between the peaks. It felt like a short jungle jaunt, and indeed there was even a small refreshment stand halfway through (we sipped a cold drink at a picnic table among the roots). Nearby, hidden behind Tam Thái Pagoda’s little yard, is Linh Nham Cave - a tiny grotto with a lone altar and a “God of Heaven” statue brought from Huyền Không. We only peeked in for a minute (the climb is small, just a few steps) but it was charming.

On Kim Sơn again we also checked out Quan Âm Cave, discovered in the mid-20th century. This one was very dark; we needed our flashlights to walk in, and indeed there was a gentle stream at the back where devotees wash their faces. It gave a mystical vibe, though the damp trail back out reminded us to watch our step. Finally, we climbed up Hỏa Sơn (Fire Mountain) to find Huyền Vi Cave. A king named it in the 1820s and monks later widened the entrance, but it’s still a little cave packed with Buddha statues. Best of all, it’s free to enter - all you need is energy to climb the many steps up Fire Mountain (we were panting a bit, but the payoff was more shrines and great views of Da Nang).

Topping off the visit, we strolled among the pagodas sprinkled on the hills. Linh Ứng Pagoda at the base has an ornate gate and lotus ponds, and up on Water Mountain the Tam Thái complex is peaceful. (Remember: take off your hat and shoes when entering any temple area!) One notable shrine is Trang Nghiêm Tự, built under a natural cave at Huyền Không, which holds the Goddess of Matchmaking - quite fitting for two lovebirds like us. Each temple courtyard offered photo ops. For example, we snapped this shot of the intricate rooftops of Tam Thái Pagoda high on the hillside.

Practical Tips for Cave Adventurers

• Hours & Fees: The Marble Mountains site is open daily roughly 7:00 AM-5:30 PM. Plan on spending at least 2-3 hours (we took about that long) if you want to see several caves and pagodas. Entry is 40,000 VND per adult, and if you want to skip some stairs you can pay another 15,000 VND each way for the outdoor elevator. Am Phu (Hell) Cave is an extra ticket of about 40k VND too. A helpful tip: most visitors recommend exploring in the early morning to beat the crowds and afternoon heat. We arrived at the opening and practically had the place to ourselves at first.

• Getting There: You can reach the Marble Mountains by scooter, taxi or Grab from Da Nang or nearby Hoi An. We rented scooters (around 120-150k VND/day with helmets) which was easy since the mountains are only about 8-10 km from Da Nang center. GrabBike moto-taxis are very cheap (around 20-30k VND per way) and can drop you at the ticket booth. There’s a parking lot by the base (10k VND for motorbike parking).

• What to Pack/Wear: Dress in cool, modest clothing for temple visits - think light cotton that covers shoulders/knees. Wear sturdy walking shoes or sneakers (flip-flops are risky on uneven steps). Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen) for the outdoor climbs, and carry water bottles - we finished a couple bottles each. A small daypack will hold your gear. If you plan to explore the darker caves (like Am Phu or Quan Âm), consider a headlamp or flashlight. We found our phone lights helpful in the dim tunnels.

• Accessibility & Safety: The elevator helps folks with limited mobility reach part of the way up Thủy Sơn, but many of the cave paths and pagodas still require climbing stairs. Families: young children might be fine if carried or using the lift, but watch toddlers closely on stairs and in caves (some entrances are low or wet). As one TripAdvisor note warned, “some of the caves are really tricky to get in with kids!” (we found people on Reddit echoing this). Always hold the railings, step carefully on wet stone, and leave sacred items and plants untouched. If rain is likely, reconsider visiting - the trails can get slippery and Huyền Không’s floor can flood.

• Best Time to Visit: To avoid crowds and stifling afternoon heat, aim for early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon. The entrance and caves stay relatively cool inside, but the sun along the open staircases can be intense by noon. We saw tour groups arrive after lunch, so by 3 PM the caverns were calmer. Also note the region’s rainy season (Sep-Jan) can close the site during heavy downpours, so check weather and plan accordingly.

• Extra Notes: Parking is available for a small fee (around 5-10k VND for bikes). ATMs are at the ticket booth if you need cash. No large lockers: we stowed our valuables in our locked scooter bag. We were advised not to litter or carve on the rock - treat the temples and caves with respect. And try the fruit smoothie stand at the base after - it hit the spot!

FAQ

• Are the Marble Mountains worth visiting? Absolutely. It’s a unique combination of natural beauty and spiritual heritage just outside Da Nang. The climb is not too intense and the caves (especially Huyền Không) are fascinating. You can easily spend 2 hours or more here, and most visitors find it a highlight. As one tour guide quipped, it’s “part historical treasure, part natural wonder, part spiritual setting, and totally beautiful”.

• What is Hell Cave (Am Phu) and is it separate? Am Phu is a large, cooler cave at the foot of the Marble Mountains, nicknamed “Hell” Cave. It requires a separate ticket (about 40k VND). Unlike the lofty mountain caves, Am Phu is narrow and wet - a quick adventure on ground level. If you’re pressed for time, you could skip it (some travelers suggest exploring the other caves instead). But if you have time, it’s definitely worth a peek for the eerie atmosphere.

• How do I get to the Marble Mountains? From Da Nang or Hoi An, you can take a taxi/Grab or ride a motorbike. We recommend GrabBike (moto-taxi) if you don’t rent a scooter - the fare was under 50k VND from Hoi An. Parking near the entrance is plentiful for bikes or cars (for a small fee). The site is well-signed off the main coastal road (TL602). If you use public transport, ask for a bus toward Hoi An and get off at the “Ngu Hanh Son” stop.

• When should we visit to beat the crowds? Early morning or late afternoon are best. The park opens around 7 AM; at opening time we practically had the hills to ourselves. By midday tour buses start arriving, especially on weekends. We avoided lunchtime (11 AM-2 PM) as it was very hot and busy. Also, sunset from the top is beautiful if you have energy (plus fewer people then).

• Is Marble Mountains wheelchair/kid friendly? It’s partially accessible. There’s an elevator that takes you up the first tier (including to Linh Ứng Pagoda), but after that most caves require steps. Kids and seniors can still enjoy many spots - for example, the big pagodas and gardens - but beware narrow cave entrances (some young children might need help crouching through). For a relaxed tour, families often take the elevator up, visit the main pagodas and one or two big caves, then ride down, skipping the more strenuous paths.

• Are pets allowed in the caves? By local custom, pets (and hats or shoes) should stay outside the sacred temple/cave interiors. We didn’t see any animals inside.

Each cave visit felt like uncovering a little secret of Da Nang - from the echoing chambers of Huyền Không to the misty hush of Hell Cave. With this guide, we hope your trip to Da Nang’s caves will be just as memorable (and maybe a bit more comfortable) as ours was. Safe travels and happy exploring!

Note: In case you are in Danang for an extra day then we recommend you should plan a visit to Bac My An market also, it will be worth it!