Discover Am Phu Cave in Da Nang
If you’re visiting Da Nang, there’s one place I highly recommend you explore: Am Phu Cave, opened in 2006. Located at the foot of the famous Marble Mountains, it’s much more than just a tourist site. This cave immerses you in a fascinating world where spirituality and Buddhist myths intertwine.
On my first visit to Am Phu, I was struck by the unique atmosphere, especially in the sections depicting the levels of hell — but I’ll get into that in more detail later. Whether you’re passionate about culture, spirituality, or simply curious, this cave definitely deserves a spot on your itinerary.
In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know to make the most of this experience. Get ready, because we’re about to embark on a journey between heaven and hell!
Am Phu Cave in Da Nang: A Quick Overview
With its 300-meter length, Am Phu Cave is the longest natural cave in Da Nang. Located at the foot of Hon Thuy Son—known as the “Water Mountain” in English and the largest of the famous Marble Mountains—this cave is a fascinating blend of nature, history, and spirituality.
What makes it unique is not just its size or vast chambers but also its intriguing name. In Vietnamese, “Am Phu” literally means “Hell.”
According to popular explanations, the cave is deeply influenced by Buddhist culture and the theory of yin and yang, emphasizing that in human life and all things, there are always two opposing sides. Thus, while the top of Am Phu Cave features a path to Heaven, the base leads to Hell.
The History of Am Phu Cave
In the 19th century, King Minh Mang visited these mountains and, captivated by their grandeur, named one of them “Water Mountain” (Thuy Son), in connection with the theory of the five elements. Upon learning of the existence of Am Phu Cave, he ordered his soldiers to explore it. They attempted to enter using torches, but the cave’s depth and darkness thwarted their efforts.
Am Phu Cave also played a critical role during the Vietnam War. In 1968, it served as a refuge for Viet Cong fighters, who established a field hospital there to treat the wounded. To maintain the secrecy of this strategic location, the cave’s entrance was concealed, and it was only recently reopened to the public.
Where Is Am Phu Cave Located?
Am Phu Cave is located in the Ngu Hanh Son district, at the heart of the famous Marble Mountains in Da Nang. It is easily accessible from several key points in the region. If you’re starting from Da Nang’s city center, particularly the iconic Dragon Bridge, it’s just about 10 kilometers away. For those looking to combine this visit with a trip to the famous Lady Buddha statue on the Son Tra Peninsula, it’s approximately 15 kilometers.
If, like me, you live in or are staying in Hoi An, the cave is only about 20 kilometers from the old town. A private car or scooter ride will get you there quickly. No matter where you’re starting from, Am Phu Cave is a destination well worth the trip!
How to Get to Am Phu Cave
1. By Taxi or Private Car
From Da Nang city center, a taxi ride to the cave takes about 15 minutes. Taxis are widely available and use a meter to calculate fares, with an average cost of 150,000 VND for a one-way trip from the Dragon Bridge.
For a more flexible option, choose a private car. This allows you to visit multiple locations at your own pace. A round trip from Hoi An starts at 550,000 VND, depending on the vehicle size. To book, contact Hoi An Transport Service.
2. By Bus (From Da Nang)
• Public Bus (Line 2): This bus departs from Da Nang’s central bus station and stops at Non Nuoc Station (on Le Van Hien Street), close to the Marble Mountains. From there, walk along Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street to reach the cave entrance.
3. By Motorbike
Renting a motorbike is a cost-effective and practical option, especially if you want to explore the surrounding area. Rental prices range from 100,000 to 200,000 VND per day. Two main routes connect Da Nang to the cave:
• Le Van Hien Boulevard
• Vo Nguyen Giap Coastal Road (highly recommended for its stunning seaside views).
From Hoi An, take the coastal Lac Long Quan Road, which becomes Truong Sa Road as you approach Da Nang. Near the Marble Mountains, you’ll spot several stone sculpture shops—a sign that you’re almost there!
Parking at Am Phu Cave
Buses can park directly outside the cave, while motorbikes and bicycles must be parked at nearby private houses or shops. The parking fee is 10,000 VND.
No matter how you choose to get there, Am Phu Cave and the Marble Mountains are easily accessible and perfect for a day of exploration!
Opening Hours and Tips for Visiting Am Phu Cave
Am Phu Cave, like the Marble Mountains where it is located, is open daily from 7 AM to 5 PM, including weekends and Vietnamese public holidays.
To avoid crowds, I recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon. These times offer a quieter atmosphere to explore this unique site. Worried about the heat? No need—the cave’s interior remains naturally cool, even during the midday hours.
Tickets and Admission Fees for Am Phu Cave
Currently, the entrance fee for visiting Am Phu Cave is 20,000 VND, regardless of whether you are a local or a foreign visitor. This fee is separate from the 40,000 VND entrance ticket for the Marble Mountains. If you plan to explore both the cave and the Marble Mountains, budget a total of 60,000 VND per person.
Tickets for Am Phu Cave and the Marble Mountains are sold separately, so make sure you go to the correct ticket counter. The counter for Am Phu Cave is located to the left of the cave entrance. Since the cashiers may not speak much English, they often use a price chart to clearly display the costs. Once you have your ticket, it will be checked at the entrance, but this will be the only verification during your visit.
What to See and Do at Am Phu Cave
The Entrance to Am Phu
Am Phu Cave stands out with its impressive 300-meter length, making it the longest natural cave in Da Nang.
Right at the entrance, its majestic marble opening sets the tone for a journey blending Buddhist mythology and a mystical atmosphere. As you proceed, you’ll cross the Yin Yang Bridge (though the map mistakenly labels it as the “Ying Yang Bridge”). This bridge, adorned with statues of snakes and rats, symbolizes the transition from earthly existence to the afterlife. According to legend, those who misbehaved during their lives would fall into the river below—a powerful metaphor for karmic justice.
The Main Cave
After passing through the first cave, which is dedicated to a memorial honoring the heroic acts of the Viet Cong, you’ll arrive at Am Phu’s main chamber.
In the main hall, two paths await: one leads to Heaven, while the other, to the right, descends into Hell. Personally, I find the Hell section to be the most fascinating.
Hell and the 10 Kings
This area features the 10 Kings of Hell, who judge souls based on their earthly actions, deciding whether they will ascend to Heaven, descend to Hell, or return to Earth. Nearby, you’ll encounter statues of The Ox-Head and Horse-Face Guardians, who guide souls away from their families in preparation for judgment.
Visitors also have the chance to confess their sins and repent. A marble scale, known as the Judgment Scale, symbolically weighs your good and bad deeds. An adjacent steep stone staircase leads deeper into the Hell section, making this part of the cave both eerie and captivating.
The 18 Levels of Hell
Perhaps the most peculiar and intriguing part of the cave, the 18 Levels of Hell depict vivid scenes of human flaws and their corresponding punishments. Representations include penalties for behaviors such as disrespecting parents, theft, adultery, and gossiping. However, these graphic scenes may be too intense for children, so consider this before bringing them along.
The Path to Heaven
Another staircase leads to the cave’s highest point, nicknamed “Heaven” by the locals.
On your way up, you’ll encounter serene Buddha statues, evoking the tranquility of Nirvana. However, the climb is challenging—the steps are steep, especially if you’re wearing flip-flops, and you may need to use your hands for support. Extra caution is advised, particularly if you’re visiting with children.
As they say, “Heaven must be earned,” and the difficulty of the ascent seems to echo this sentiment. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a pleasant view of the surrounding area, though it doesn’t quite compare to the panoramic vista from Thuy Son Mountain, the tallest of the Marble Mountains.
My Opinion
Am Phu Cave is a nice addition to your visit to the Marble Mountains, though it’s not exactly a must-see. In other words, if you’ve already explored the Marble Mountains, it might not be worth going out of your way to visit.
That said, for a ticket price of just 20,000 VND, the cave is well worth the 20 to 30 minutes it takes to explore.
Living in Vietnam, I found the visit intriguing as it offers insight into the Vietnamese perspective on Buddhism and the afterlife. However, it’s important to note that the cave is quite touristy and has a somewhat quirky vibe.