Da Nang: Marble Mountains, Monkey Mountain & Lady Buddha Tour

Summary

Da Nang caves pagodas & city views with local stories and lunch

You’ll explore Da Nang’s Marble Mountains with a local guide, wander through mysterious Am Phu Cave, watch artisans carving marble statues by hand, then stand beneath the Lady Buddha on Monkey Mountain for sweeping city views before sharing lunch together—leaving you with more than just photos.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is our guide, Hien, waving from behind a cluster of scooters outside my hotel in Da Nang. She handed me a bottle of cold water and joked that I’d need it for “the caves with a heartbeat.” I didn’t really get it until we stepped into Marble Mountains—there was this cool dampness, almost like the walls were breathing. The incense from one of the pagodas drifted through the entrance, mixing with a whiff of sandalwood and something earthy. Hien pointed out carvings in the stone that locals had touched for luck; she tapped one gently and grinned, “For your journey.”

I tried to pronounce “Am Phu” as we ducked into the cave—Li laughed when I butchered it. Inside, it was half-shadow, half-statue; some corners glowed faintly from candles left by visitors. There were moments when everyone went quiet except for our footsteps echoing off ancient rock. It felt heavier than I expected (not in a bad way). We passed a small group of monks who nodded at us—one had this tiny smile that made me feel oddly welcome. Outside again, the sun hit hard and there was this sudden explosion of color from marble sculptures lined up by local artisans. I watched an old man chip away at a dragon’s tail—he barely looked up but gave us a little wave with his chisel.

Monkey Mountain came next. The drive curled up through green hills, windows down so you could hear cicadas buzzing somewhere deep in the trees. At Linh Ung Pagoda, the Lady Buddha statue was even taller than I’d pictured—she seemed to look right past us toward the sea. Hien told us how people come here to pray for calm seas or safe travels; someone left oranges at her feet as an offering. The view over Da Nang was hazy but beautiful—I still think about that stretch of blue coastline under her gaze.

Lunch was Quang noodles (I picked too many herbs, apparently) and crispy bánh xèo pancakes. Hien showed us how to wrap them up in rice paper—I failed spectacularly but ate everything anyway. On the ride back, everyone got quiet in that full-belly way. So yeah, if you want to see Da Nang’s Marble Mountains and Monkey Mountain with someone who knows every shortcut and story… this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Marble Mountains and Monkey Mountain

• Pick up at Hoi An hotel
• Depart to Da Nang city
• Pick up at Da Nang city hotel
• Explore Marble Mountains caves and sculptures
• Visit Sculpture village at mountain foot
• Visit Linh Ung Pagoda and Lady Buddha
• Enjoy lunch with local food in Da Nang
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long does this Marble Mountains & Monkey Mountain tour take?

The tour typically lasts half a day including pickup and lunch.

Is hotel pickup included for this Da Nang tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Hoi An or Da Nang city center.

What do you see inside Am Phu Cave?

You’ll see Buddhist statues, grottoes depicting good and evil, and candle-lit altars reflecting spiritual themes.

Is lunch provided on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is included—usually Quang noodles or Vietnamese pancakes if selected.

Are entry fees covered for Marble Mountains & Linh Ung Pagoda?

Yes, all entry fees are included in your booking.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but involves some walking and stairs.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Hoi An or Da Nang city center, entry fees for both Marble Mountains (including Am Phu Cave) and Linh Ung Pagoda on Monkey Mountain, bottled water throughout the trip, travel insurance coverage, plus a traditional Vietnamese lunch—either Quang noodles or bánh xèo pancakes—before heading back to your hotel relaxed and well-fed.