Am Phu Cave (Hell Cave) is a cave at the foot of Thuy Son in Da Nang’s Marble Mountains that recreates the Buddhist hell and heaven with statues and dramatic lighting. It is open daily from about 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the entrance fee is 20,000 VND (about ₹70), paid separately from the 40,000 VND (about ₹135) Marble Mountains ticket. A visit takes 30–45 minutes, or 2.5–3 hours if you combine it with the caves and pagodas at the top of Thuy Son.
Am Phu Cave location: base of Thuy Son (Water Mountain), Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son), Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street, Ngu Hanh Son Ward, Da Nang, about 8–9 km south-east of the city centre and 20 minutes from Hoi An. On Google Maps, search “Am Phu Cave” or “Động Âm Phủ”.
This Vietnamtour.in guide covers everything Indian travellers need to know about Am Phu Cave in 2026:
- What it is: a walk through the Buddhist underworld, with Diem Vuong (King of Hell) judging souls and scenes of punishment for different sins.
- History: part of the Marble Mountains, a sacred site since Cham times and a special national relic of Vietnam.
- Ticket and hours: 20,000 VND per adult, daily 7:00 AM–5:00 PM, cash only.
- Getting to the upper caves: elevator (15,000 VND one way) or stone stairs.
- Itineraries: a half-day Marble Mountains visit, or a full day combining Da Nang, the Marble Mountains and Hoi An.
| Quick facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Foot of Thuy Son, Marble Mountains, Da Nang |
| Opening hours | About 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily |
| Am Phu Cave entrance fee | 20,000 VND (₹70) per adult |
| Marble Mountains (Thuy Son) ticket | 40,000 VND (₹135) per adult |
| Elevator | 15,000 VND (₹50) one way |
| Children | Under 6 years free |
| Time needed | 30–45 minutes (cave only) |
What Is Inside Am Phu Cave?
Inside Am Phu Cave you walk down into a dark “underworld” of statues showing the judgement of souls and the punishments for different sins, then climb up towards a brighter “heaven” area.
The cave combines natural limestone chambers with statues and coloured lights that tell the Buddhist story of karma: good deeds lead to heaven, bad deeds to punishment in hell. It works as a moral lesson in stone rather than a purely geological cave.
The underworld journey
You enter across a small bridge symbolising the passage between the world of the living and the dead, then descend into the cave. Inside, statues show Diem Vuong judging souls and scenes of punishment, before steep steps lead up towards the light and a “heaven” area with views through openings in the rock.
Indian visitors will recognise the idea immediately: Diem Vuong plays the same role as Yamraj, who judges souls in Hindu tradition, and the cave’s hells mirror the idea of Naraka.
Highlights to look for
- The bridge at the entrance: the symbolic crossing into the underworld.
- Diem Vuong’s court: the King of Hell enthroned in judgement, one of the most photographed scenes.
- Punishment scenes: sinners punished according to their deeds, including scenes with a boiling cauldron and a tree of blades.
- Hungry ghosts: the Buddhist realm of hungry ghosts, similar to the idea of preta in Indian tradition.
- The climb to “heaven”: steep, narrow steps lead up to a lighter chamber, with natural light shining through the rock.
Am Phu Cave History and the Marble Mountains
Am Phu Cave history is tied to the Marble Mountains, sacred for centuries from Cham times through the Nguyen dynasty, and their caves sheltered revolutionary fighters during the war.
Cham origins and the five elements
The Cham people, whose Champa kingdom ruled central Vietnam for centuries and built My Son and Po Nagar, worshipped in the Marble Mountains’ caves long before Vietnamese Buddhist pagodas were built here. The five limestone mountains are named after the five elements of East Asian cosmology: Kim (Metal), Moc (Wood), Thuy (Water), Hoa (Fire) and Tho (Earth); the name Ngu Hanh Son is commonly credited to Emperor Minh Mang in the 19th century, who also supported temples on Thuy Son. Indian visitors may notice a parallel with the Panchabhuta, the five elements of Hindu thought.
The Marble Mountains were recognised as a special national relic of Vietnam in 2018.
Wartime use
During the American War, the caves of the Marble Mountains were used by revolutionary forces as hiding places and bases, right next to a large US airbase. This history adds another layer to a visit, alongside the cave’s religious meaning.
Am Phu Cave and the Caves of Thuy Son
Am Phu is the only cave on Thuy Son that needs a separate ticket; the other main caves are covered by the Marble Mountains ticket.
| Cave | Where | Key feature | Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Am Phu Cave | Foot of the mountain | Buddhist hell and heaven scenes | Separate, 20,000 VND |
| Huyen Khong Cave | Upper mountain | Huge chamber with light shafts and shrines | Main ticket |
| Van Thong Cave | Upper mountain | Narrow passage to a viewpoint | Main ticket |
| Tang Chon Cave | Upper mountain | Shrines and Buddha statues | Main ticket |
| Linh Nham Cave | Upper mountain | Small, quiet cave shrine | Main ticket |
Visit the Marble Mountains and Am Phu Cave in this order: Am Phu Cave first, as it is at ground level, then go up to the other caves by elevator or stairs. Read our full guide to the marble mountains for everything else on Thuy Son, or compare other vietnam caves.
Am Phu Cave vs Huyen Khong Cave
They are completely different. Am Phu is a story told through statues in dark chambers, while Huyen Khong is a vast natural chamber with sunlight streaming through openings in the roof onto Buddha statues. First-time visitors should see both in the same half day.
Am Phu Cave Opening Hours and Entrance Fee (2026)
Am Phu Cave is open from about 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day; the entrance fee is 20,000 VND (about ₹70) per adult, separate from the 40,000 VND Marble Mountains ticket.
Am Phu Cave entrance fee
The Thuy Son ticket (40,000 VND / ₹135 per adult) covers the upper caves, pagodas and paths, but not Am Phu Cave. Buy the Am Phu Cave ticket (20,000 VND / ₹70) separately at its entrance. Children under 6 enter free, and students may get reduced prices with ID.
Example cost for a family of four (2 adults + 2 children aged 8–12, all paying full price):
| Item | Per person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Thuy Son ticket | 40,000 VND | 160,000 VND (₹540) |
| Am Phu Cave ticket | 20,000 VND | 80,000 VND (₹270) |
| Elevator one way (optional) | 15,000 VND | 60,000 VND (₹205) |
| Total | 300,000 VND (about ₹1,015) |
Tickets are paid in VND cash; UPI does not work in Vietnam.
Best time to visit Am Phu Cave
Go early (7:00–9:00 AM) or late afternoon (after 3:00 PM) to avoid tour groups, which arrive mid-morning. The cave is cooler than outside, but the climb out can be humid. For the mountain paths and viewpoints, the dry months are best; see the best time to visit da nang for month-by-month weather.
Marble Mountains Elevator vs Stairs
After Am Phu Cave, take the elevator (15,000 VND one way) or climb the stone stairs to reach the pagodas and caves at the top of Thuy Son.
Elevator
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Fare | 15,000 VND (₹50) per trip |
| Hours | About 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Best for | Elderly visitors, young children, hot days |
The elevator takes you up the cliff to the upper area near Linh Ung Pagoda in less than a minute, which is ideal for elderly parents or anyone with knee problems.
Stairs
The stone stairway from the main gate takes about 15–20 minutes and passes viewpoints over the coast. It is steep in places and slippery when wet. A good plan for families is: Am Phu Cave first, then the elevator up, then walk down by the stairs.
Linh Ung Pagoda and the Upper Caves
At the top of Thuy Son you will find Linh Ung Pagoda, Huyen Khong Cave, Van Thong Cave and Tang Chon Cave, all covered by the main ticket.
Linh Ung Pagoda on Thuy Son
This active Buddhist pagoda has fine statues and incense-filled courtyards, and Indian visitors will recognise familiar mudras such as Abhaya (fearlessness) and Dhyana (meditation). Entry is free; cover shoulders and knees. Note that this is a different temple from the more famous linh ung pagoda on the Son Tra Peninsula, home to the 67-metre Lady Buddha statue.
Suggested visit order
- Am Phu Cave (about 40 minutes)
- Elevator up
- Linh Ung Pagoda (about 20 minutes)
- Huyen Khong Cave (about 30 minutes)
- Van Thong Cave and viewpoint (about 20 minutes)
- Tang Chon Cave (optional, about 15 minutes)
- Walk down by the stairs
Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village
Non Nuoc stone carving village, right next to the Marble Mountains, is the place to buy marble statues, including Ganesha and Buddha figures.
The village has carved stone for centuries, and its workshops line the streets around the mountains. Many sell Buddha statues, and some can carve Hindu deities such as Ganesha to order. Afterwards, relax at nearby non nuoc beach, a few minutes away.
What to buy
- Small Buddha or Ganesha statues: roughly 200,000–600,000 VND (₹680–2,050) for pieces under 20 cm.
- Incense holders: roughly 100,000–200,000 VND (₹340–680).
- Marble elephants and animals: from about 50,000 VND (₹170) for small figurines.
Prices are not fixed, so bargain and compare a few workshops. Large pieces are heavy; ask whether the shop can ship before buying anything big.
7 Things Indian Tourists Should Know Before Visiting Am Phu Cave
- Bring cash: ticket booths take VND cash only.
- Buy a separate ticket: the Marble Mountains ticket does not include Am Phu Cave.
- Wear good shoes: floors are uneven and the steps to the “heaven” section are steep and can be slippery.
- Bring a light: some sections are dim; a phone torch helps.
- Dress modestly at pagodas: cover shoulders and knees at Linh Ung Pagoda and other shrines.
- Young children: some statues are graphic and the cave is dark; think about whether it suits younger kids.
- Agree a meeting point: groups can get separated in the dark passages.
Plan Your Da Nang Trip
Am Phu Cave Da Nang trips fit easily into a half day between the city and Hoi An, and an Am Phu Cave tour usually also covers the rest of the Marble Mountains.
Combine your visit with the other top places to visit in danang, such as Ba Na Hills and the Dragon Bridge. Our da nang itineraries are part of almost every vietnam trip package, including private Marble Mountains, Am Phu Cave and Linh Ung Pagoda tours.
Tell us your travel dates, group size and departure city in India. A Vietnamtour.in travel expert will plan your Da Nang and Hoi An days, arrange a private car and English-speaking guide, and book vegetarian, Jain or Indian meals throughout your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Am Phu Cave
Where is Am Phu Cave in the Marble Mountains?
Am Phu Cave is at the foot of Thuy Son in the Marble Mountains, Ngu Hanh Son Ward, Da Nang, about 20 minutes’ drive from central Da Nang and 20 minutes from Hoi An.
What is the Am Phu Cave entrance fee in 2026?
20,000 VND (about ₹70) per adult, paid separately from the 40,000 VND Marble Mountains (Thuy Son) ticket. Children under 6 enter free.
Why is Am Phu Cave called Hell Cave?
“Am Phu” means the underworld in Vietnamese. The cave shows the Buddhist hell, with the King of Hell judging souls and scenes of punishment, which is why it is known as Hell Cave.
Is Am Phu Cave suitable for children?
It suits most children aged 8 and above. Younger children may find the dark chambers and graphic statues frightening, and the steep steps need care. Prams and wheelchairs cannot be used inside.
How long does a visit take?
About 30–45 minutes for the cave alone, 2.5–3 hours with the upper caves and pagodas, and around 4 hours if you add shopping at Non Nuoc village.
Can I visit Am Phu Cave without a guide?
Yes, you can walk through on your own. A guide is useful if you want to understand the stories behind the statues and the parallels with Hindu ideas of Yamraj and Naraka.
