Top Caves to Discover in The Marble Mountains Da Nang
Huyen Khong Cave – Light, Shadow & Sacred Stone
This is the crown of Da Nang Caves, and I assure you, Huyen Khong is like nothing you’ve ever experienced. Sunlight pours through five holes in the roof like outstretched Buddha fingers, casting divine beams that play across the stone floor. These beams fall across holy shrines to the Buddha statue, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, and goddesses Ngoc Phi and Loi Phi.
Locals here share stories of miracle pregnancies and holy match-making, and archaeologists uncovered remains estimated to belong to the Cham people. If you’re looking for a location where geology, history, and spirituality meet, you’ve just discovered it here in this stunning Cave in Da Nang.
Huyen Khong Cave (Source: danangprivatecar)
Am Phu Cave – Descent into the Buddhist Underworld
Hidden beneath the surface is a dark world, the magnificent Am Phu Cave, or Buddhist hell. The Da Nang Cave is not one to try if you are faint of heart! Walking along its meandering corridors, you’ll see spooky carvings and statues of karma, punishment, and redemption, based on Buddhist precepts.
During the American War, the Cavern was also a Vietcong hideout, its entryway secretly protected from air attacks. Now, it’s a somber reminder of the past and a potent spiritual place, providing travelers a unique combination of introspection and cultural immersion. Bring comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, and a sense of curiosity.
Am Phu Cave (Source: centralvietnamguide)
Van Thong Cave & Heaven Gate
Ideal for those pursuing legends and scenic vistas, Van Thong Cave is your climb. Da Nang’s tunnel-shaped Cave ascends through narrow stairways to the celestial Heaven Gate, the highest point that is able to be accessed in the Marble Mountains Da Nang.
At the top, the wind takes your soul over expansive views from the city center to the shining coastline. It’s a moment to capture in the early mornings, particularly if you are going to unwind afterwards at My Khe Beach Da Nang.
Van Thong Cave & Heaven Gate (Source: ecogreendanang)
Tang Chon Cave – The Five Chambers of Faith
Venture further into Tang Chon Cave, a maze of beauty hidden behind Linh Ung Pagoda. The five distinctive rooms of this Da Nang Cave each contain their own altar space and building craftsmanship. There are steep and narrow passageways in between, providing a sense of adventure to your pilgrimage. The locals see each room symbolizing one of the four elements: fire and water, wood, earth, and metal, and corresponding to the symbolic nature of the mountain.
Tang Chon Cave (Source: vinwonders)
Hoa Nghiem Cave – Echoes from the Past
Your journey starts within Hoa Nghiem Cave, the bow-arched entrance to Huyen Khong Cave. The holy area contains one of Da Nang’s earliest stone inscriptions, carved in the 17th century, with a mention of Hoi An for the first time. A beautiful Lady Buddha sculpture, added in the 1960s, adorns the entryway, greeting pilgrims and history lovers alike.
Not only does this Cavern enclose your entry into the Da Nang Cave complex, but it also secures it within layers of dynastic, Cham, and Buddhist history.
Hoa Nghiem Cave (Source: vietnamdiscovery)
Location & Ticket Details for Exploring the Da Nang Caves
All of these stunning Caves that are mentioned above Huyen Khong Cave, Am Phu Cave, Van Thong Cave, Tang Chon Cave, and Hoa Nghiem Cave are situated within the renowned Marble Mountains of Da Nang (Ngu Hanh Son), a mountain group revered as sacred just a short drive from the city center.
- Official Address: 81 Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street, Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang City, Vietnam
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily
Ticket Prices (Updated 2025)
Ticket Type
|
Price (VND)
|
Description
|
General Entrance to Marble Mountains
|
40,000 VND
|
Grants access to the main mountain (Thuy Son) including most Da Nang Caves
|
Elevator Ticket (one-way)
|
15,000 VND
|
Optional ticket for visitors who prefer not to climb 150+ stone steps
|
Am Phu Cave Entrance
|
40,000 VND
|
Sold separately at the Cave entrance – a deep dive into Buddhist underworld lore
|
Children Under 1.2m Height
|
Free
|
Must be accompanied by a guardian
|
1-Day Itinerary: Spiritual & Scenic Tour Through the Da Nang Cave and Coastal Highlights
7:30 AM – Hotel Pickup in Da Nang City
Let’s start our adventure. From our meeting point in the city center, our friendly local guide will guide us to the cradle of central Vietnam’s spirituality. On our journey south to Ngu Hanh Son, we’ll uncover the mythology of fire and water, the Cham people’s rich past, and the origins of the stunning Marble Mountains Da Nang.
8:00 AM – Explore the Sacred Da Nang Caves at Marble Mountains
Location: The Marble Mountains Da Nang (15-minute drive)
Activities Include:
- Huyen Khong Cave: A sacred chamber where sunlight streams through five holes in the ceiling, bathing the stone altar in light from above. Abode of the Buddha statue, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, and goddesses Ngoc Phi and Loi Phi.
- Tang Chon Cave: With five symbolic chambers corresponding to the five elements in Vietnamese cosmology.
- Am Phu Cave (ticket not included): The Buddhist underworld, images of karma, and once a Vietcong camp used during the war.
- Van Thong Cave & Heaven Gate: Ascend through this tunnel-shaped path to have a bird’s eye view of the city and ocean.
10:30 AM – Visit Linh Ung Pagoda & Tam Thai Pagoda
These revered pagodas rest serenely atop Thuy Son peak. Discover Vietnam’s Buddhist customs, the Lady Buddha’s legendary history, and the distinctive place these pagodas hold within local beliefs. These sites are perfect to link together your Cave tour with centuries of spiritual history.
12:00 PM – Lunch at a Local Vietnamese Restaurant
Location: Near Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street
Have a hearty lunch of regional specialties including the famous Da Nang’s mi Quang noodles, banh xeo crispy pancakes, and fresh seafood. A welcome rest before journeying onward.
1:30 PM – Relax at My Khe Beach Da Nang
Travel time: 10 minutes
Be amazed by the tropical beauty of My Khe Beach Da Nang, consistently listed among the most beautiful of Asia’s beaches. To swim, walk, or simply bask under a palm tree in My Khe is to experience the ideal location to look back at your morning through the Da Nang Caves.
2:45 PM – Visit Linh Ung Pagoda & Lady Buddha on Son Tra Peninsula
Travel time: 25 minutes along scenic coastal road (Hoang Sa)
See the giant Lady Buddha, Vietnam’s tallest, measuring 67 meters and presiding over the sea. It’s situated within Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula, a tranquil place of spiritual peace and beautiful vistas of Da Nang city and its coastline.
4:30 PM – Drive Back & Pass by Dragon Bridge
Travel time: 20 minutes
Along the way back to your accommodation, we drive across Dragon Bridge, a contemporary symbol bridging Da Nang’s history and modernity. The ideal end to a day of adventure and awe.
Linh Ung Pagoda (Source: vietnamplus)
Best Time to Visit the Da Nang Cave Wonders
January to August – Best Weather for Exploring
The best time to see the Da Nang Caves is from January to August, which is the time of the dry season.
- It is a sunny and dry day.
- You can walk safely through tunnels and ascend to Heaven Gate with no slippery paths.
- Sunlight filters through the ceiling of Huyen Khong Cave like “Buddha’s fingers" to produce excellent photo locations.
It’s a perfect time of year if you’re looking to pair a Cave tour with a leisure trip to My Khe Beach Da Nang, or tack it on to a day trip Da Nang itinerary that covers the Marble Mountains Da Nang and neighboring temples of Tam Thai Pagoda.
Lunar February – Join Spiritual Festivals
If you seek a more cultural and spiritual experience, consider a trip in Lunar February (which generally falls around March). During that time:
- Locals visit to pray in front of the Buddha figures within the Caves in the Marble Mountains.
- Temples such as Linh Ung Pagoda are also filled with incense, flowers, and classical music.
- The place is beautiful and teeming with life, perfect for travelers who are not content to see nature alone.
Travel Tips
- Early mornings are best to avoid heat and crowds. The Caves are quieter, cooler, and more peaceful.
- Following your Da Nang Cave activity, unwind at My Khe Beach Da Nang, a mere 10 minutes away.
- Want more? Go to Ba Na Hills later in the day to see the mountain scenery and the Golden Bridge.
- Finish your day by walking around Dragon Bridge in the city center in the evening.
Dragon Bridge (Source: premiervillagedanang)
How to Book with Impress Travel
If you’re ready to discover the Da Nang Cave’s secrets, explore the mystic beauty of the Marble Mountains Da Nang, or organize a comprehensive Da Nang itinerary filled with coastal and cultural highlights from My Khe Da Nang Beach to the golden bridge, you’ve just found the best. Impress Travel is a reputable local operator with years of experience in Southeast Asia and Vietnam that specializes in private, tailor-made tours that bring travelers closer to the true soul of a place. Your journey through the Da Nang Caves will be narrated by experts in Buddhist heritage and Vietnamese history, accompanied by stories that no guidebook will tell you. From holy ascensions in Huyen Khong Cave to serenity near the Lady Buddha, each step will leave unforgettable impressions.
To schedule your personalized trip or have a free consultation, just reach out to our helpful staff at Impress Travel. We answer promptly within 24 hours and will work out a just-for-you trip plan.
- Hanoi Head Office: 125 Hoang Ngan, 3rd Floor, Trung Hoa, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Phone/Zalo/WhatsApp: (+84) 912 379 189
- Email: info@impresstravel.com
- Website: www.impresstravel.com
Furthermore, we also have a branch in the south located in Ho Chi Minh City to better serve you. Whether you’re considering a day trip, a cultural multi-day trip, or a city center to Ba Na Hill scenic trip, our experts are here to make your trip meaningful, hassle-free, and most importantly, memorable.
Conclusion
Venturing into the Da Nang Cave is a trip into Vietnam’s holy underground realm where stone, light, and spirit intertwine. From the stunning halls of Huyen Khong Cave to the reverent trails of Phu Cave, each step unfurled the tales sculptured into time. Whether you pair the trip with a serene morning stroll along My Khe Beach Da Nang or a sacred detour to Linh Ung Pagoda, don’t miss adding this unforgettable adventure to your Da Nang itinerary. Let Marble Mountains Da Nang’s legendary lore lead you because the real soul of Cave Da Nang lies hidden below the surface.