Marble Mountains, Am Phu Cave & Monkey Mountain Sunset Tour

Summary

Marble caves, Am Phu’s underworld & Lady Buddha at dusk

You’ll walk through marble caves near Da Nang with a local guide, explore the shadowy depths of Am Phu Cave, and stand beneath Lady Buddha as sunset colors sweep over Monkey Mountain. Expect hotel pickup, entry fees covered, and stories you’ll remember long after you’re back home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the light changed inside Marble Mountains—one moment we were blinking in the sun, then suddenly it was all cool stone and incense smoke. Our guide, Hien, pointed out carvings I’d have missed (I still can’t tell which ones are Buddhist and which are Hindu), and she laughed when I tried to pronounce “Ngu Hanh Son.” The steps are no joke—my legs burned a little—but you can take the elevator if you want. There’s something about touching the stone walls that makes you feel small, in a good way.

I didn’t expect Am Phu Cave to be so eerie. It really does feel like stepping into some old story—dim lanterns, echoes bouncing off wet rock, statues of demons peeking from corners. Hien told us local kids used to dare each other to go deeper; I can see why. The air smelled damp and earthy. At one point someone’s phone flashlight flickered out and we all just stopped for a second—not scared exactly, but weirdly quiet. You know?

After that it was a quick drive up to Monkey Mountain. The Lady Buddha statue is massive—like 67 meters tall—and there were monks tending bonsai gardens below her feet. The breeze up there felt different: salty from the sea and kind of sweet from all the flowers. We watched the sun drop behind Da Nang city, everything turning gold for a few minutes before fading out. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Marble Mountains and Monkey Mountain

• Pick up from hotel at 13:30-14:00
• Visit Marble Mountains and learn religions
• Walk through Am Phu Cave
• Transfer to Monkey Mountain
• See Lady Buddha statue and garden
• Enjoy sunset at Son Tra peninsula
• Return to hotel at 18:00

Top questions

How many steps are there at Marble Mountains?

There are 146 steps to Xa Loi Tower and another 136 steps to reach the cave system. An elevator is available for the first 146 steps (extra cost).

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup by minivan is included in your day trip from Da Nang or Hoi An.

How long does the tour last?

The tour runs from about 1:30 PM to 6:00 PM, including all three destinations.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes, all entrance fees for Marble Mountains and other sites are included in your booking.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No lunch is provided; however, bottled water is included during your trip.

Can infants join this tour?

Yes, infants can join and may ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult’s lap.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour involves climbing stairs at Marble Mountains; an elevator is available for part of it but not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What should I bring for this day trip?

Comfortable walking shoes and maybe a light jacket if you get chilly in caves—the air can feel damp inside Am Phu Cave.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup by air-conditioned minivan, entry tickets for Marble Mountains and all sites visited along the way, bottled water to keep you going between stops, plus guidance from an English-speaking local who knows every twist of these caves before dropping you back at your hotel after sunset.