Lady Buddha Marble Mountains and Am Phu Cave Tour Hoi An
Overview
This shared tour visits the three best-known sights between Hoi An and Da Nang: the giant Lady Buddha at Linh Ung Pagoda, the Marble Mountains with their caves and pagodas, and Am Phu Cave. An English-speaking guide explains the history and legends, and the entrance fees to the Marble Mountains and Am Phu Cave are included in the morning and afternoon options. Choose a morning tour with lunch, an afternoon tour without lunch or a long day that adds My Son Sanctuary. It suits couples, families and first-time visitors.
Highlights
- Lady Buddha, the towering white statue above Da Nang bay
- Marble Mountains with caves, shrines and lookout points
- Am Phu Cave and its scenes of the Buddhist underworld
- English-speaking guide and air-conditioned transport
- Entrance fees for the Marble Mountains and Am Phu Cave included in the morning and afternoon options
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hoi An and Da Nang city centre
- Morning, afternoon and long-day options
Full Description
The Lady Buddha at Linh Ung Pagoda
The Lady Buddha is a white statue of the goddess of mercy, Quan The Am, that stands about 67 metres tall on the Son Tra Peninsula beside Linh Ung Pagoda. Completed in 2010, it faces the sea and is said to protect fishermen and the city. Many people search for a Lady Buddha Da Nang tour because the statue is visible from far along the coast, and the pagoda grounds add a peaceful stop with sea views.
Your guide explains the meaning of the statue, the story of the pagoda and the customs of visiting Vietnamese temples. Cover your shoulders and knees in the temple area, take your time on the terrace for photos of Da Nang bay and the beach below, and remember that Lady Buddha itself has no entrance fee. It is a comfortable first stop on the morning tour.
The Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son)
The Marble Mountains are five limestone and marble hills named after the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire and earth. The largest, Thuy Son, has stone steps, pagodas, caves and lookout points, and the surrounding village of Non Nuoc is known for its stone carvers. If you are asking whether the Marble Mountains are worth visiting, the answer for most travellers is yes, because they combine nature, religion and sweeping views in less than two hours.
Wear shoes with grip, as steps and cave floors can be slippery, and bring water. Huyen Khong Cave, a large cavern lit by shafts of sunlight with Buddhist statues, is the best-known spot. The entrance fee is included in your booking, so you can walk in with the guide. The best time to visit the Marble Mountains is in the morning, when it is cooler and quieter.
Am Phu Cave
Am Phu Cave lies on the Thuy Son mountain and is known as the cave of hell, because its carvings and statues depict the Buddhist layers of the underworld and the judgement of souls. Walking through, you see dramatic scenes of punishment and the path to rebirth, which your guide explains so the story becomes clear. It is dimly lit, cool inside and quite different from the pagodas above, which is why visitors often remember it best.
The cave has narrow stairs and low sections, so walk slowly and keep small children by the hand. Am Phu Cave tickets are included in this tour, saving you the trouble of buying them on site. Plan about 20 to 30 minutes here, and bring a light layer if you feel the cool air.
Choosing your option: morning, afternoon or long day
The morning tour, with a local lunch, starts around 7:45 and takes about four and a half hours, making it the most complete shared option. The afternoon tour starts around 13:45, takes the same time and does not include lunch, which suits travellers who prefer a late start. Pickups are from hotels in Hoi An and Da Nang city centre.
The long-day option departs from Da Nang city and adds My Son Sanctuary, an Apsara dance show, a rice paper making class, lunch and dinner in a local house, over about ten and a half hours. Which option you choose changes what is included, so read the details in the booking panel. It is best to book the morning option a day ahead.
Itinerary
- Hotel pickupCollected from your hotel in Hoi An or Da Nang city centre by air-conditioned van.
- Lady Buddha and Linh Ung PagodaAbout 45 minutes at the statue and pagoda with views of Da Nang bay.
- Marble MountainsWalk the steps, caves and pagodas of Thuy Son with your guide.
- Am Phu CaveExplore the cave of hell and its carvings, around 20 to 30 minutes.
- Local lunchIncluded in the morning option; not included in the afternoon option.
- Return to your hotelDropped at your hotel after about four and a half hours, or later on the long-day option.
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transport by air-conditioned van
- Entrance fees for Marble Mountains and Am Phu Cave
- English-speaking guide
- Bottled water
Not included
- Lunch
- Personal expenses
- Tips (optional)
Not suitable for
- People with mobility impairments, because of steps and uneven cave floors
- Travellers who cannot walk up and down stone stairs
- Anyone with severe claustrophobia in caves
Meeting point
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in all options, from hotels in Hoi An and Da Nang city centre. The morning tour starts around 7:45 and the afternoon tour around 13:45; the long-day option collects from Da Nang city centre. We confirm the exact time and place after booking, so keep your hotel name and room number ready.
Important information
- Wear comfortable shoes with grip for the steps and caves
- Cover your shoulders and knees when entering pagodas and temples
- Bring a hat, sunscreen and a little cash for tips and personal expenses
- Lunch is included only in the morning option and the long-day option
- The afternoon option does not include lunch
- Bottled water is included on the morning and afternoon options
- Lady Buddha has no entrance fee; Marble Mountains and Am Phu Cave fees are included
- The order of stops can change slightly with weather and traffic
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Lady Buddha and Marble Mountains tour cost?
The price depends on the option you choose. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, for adults and for children, after you pick your date.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. All options include hotel pickup and drop-off from hotels in Hoi An and Da Nang city centre, and we confirm your time after booking.
How long is the tour?
The morning and afternoon tours take about four and a half hours. The long-day option takes about ten and a half hours.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can join and have their own rate in the booking panel. There are steps and caves, so keep young children close.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing that covers shoulders and knees for the pagodas. Bring a hat, sunscreen and a little cash.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
If a date shows as available in the booking panel, you can book it. We recommend booking the morning option a day ahead.
What is the difference between the options?
The morning option includes lunch and the afternoon option does not. The long-day option adds My Son Sanctuary, a dance show, a rice paper class, lunch and dinner.
How many steps are there at the Marble Mountains?
There are many stone steps, so take your time and wear good shoes. Your guide chooses a route to suit the group.
Is the Lady Buddha statue worth visiting?
Yes, for the size of the statue, the views of Da Nang bay and the calm temple grounds, especially in the morning.
