Morning Small Group to Marble Mountains – Am Phu Cave – Monkey Mountain

Setting out on a captivating morning adventure, this small group tour invites travelers to uncover the natural and cultural wonders of central Vietnam. From the dramatic landscapes of the Marble Mountains to the serene spirituality of Am Phu Cave and the grandeur of Monkey Mountain, this excursion promises a well-rounded experience. Led by knowledgeable guides, you will explore the region’s rich heritage, discovering hidden gems and awe-inspiring vistas. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely exploration or a more active adventure, this tour caters to diverse interests, ensuring an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of this captivating destination.

Key Points

• This small group morning tour from Hoi An explores the Marble Mountains, Am Phu Cave, and Monkey Mountain with an English-speaking guide.
• The tour includes 146 steps to the Xa Loi Tower and 136 steps to the cave system, with an optional elevator for the first 146 steps.
• Highlights of the tour include the intricate cave system, the spiritual atmosphere of Am Phu Cave, and the impressive Lady Buddha statue on Monkey Mountain.
• The tour includes transportation, lunch, entrance fees, bottled water, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
• The tour is not recommended for those with back problems or pregnant travelers, and has a maximum group size of 12 participants.

Tour Overview

This small group morning tour from Hoi An takes travelers to explore the Marble Mountains, Am Phu Cave, and Monkey Mountain, providing an in-depth look at some of the region’s top natural and cultural attractions.

With 425 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, the tour is led by an English-speaking guide who brings the sites to life.

Highlights include climbing 146 steps to reach the Xa Loi Tower and 136 steps to access the cave system within the Marble Mountains, as well as visiting the largest Lady Buddha statue in Vietnam atop Monkey Mountain.

Guests can opt to take the elevator for the first 146 steps.

The tour includes lunch, entrance fees, transportation, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Inclusions

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation, a provided lunch featuring Vietnamese local cuisine, and entrance fees to the Marble Mountains and Am Phu Cave.

Bottled water is also included throughout the day. Visitors don’t have to worry about any additional costs for these core inclusions.

The tour also provides hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless experience.

For those interested in exploring the Marble Mountains, there’s an option to use an elevator for the first 146 steps, though this comes at an additional cost.

Tour Highlights

Visitors can explore the Marble Mountains, featuring 146 steps up to the first stop at Xa Loi Tower and 136 additional steps to the cave system, with an option to use an elevator for the initial 146 steps at an additional cost.

The tour also takes guests to the iconic Am Phu Cave and the renowned Monkey Mountain, home to the largest Lady Buddha statue in Vietnam. Bonsai gardens can be admired behind this grand statue.

The tour highlights include:

1. Discovering the intricate cave system and scenic viewpoints within the Marble Mountains.
2. Taking in the spiritual atmosphere of the Am Phu Cave.
3. Marveling at the impressive Lady Buddha statue and the serene bonsai gardens on Monkey Mountain.

Tour Details

The tour has a maximum group size of 12 travelers and provides confirmation at the time of booking. It isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems or pregnant travelers.

The tour starts at 7:30 AM, with pickup from hotels in Hoi An city, Son Tra District of Da Nang, or beachside locations from Hoi An to Monkey Mountains.

Ticket redemption takes place at the Marble Mountains, located at 81 Huỳnh Trân Công Chúa, Hòa Hải, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Đà Nẵng. Travelers should expect to climb 146 steps to reach the first stop, Xa Loi Tower, and 136 steps to reach the second stop, the cave system. An elevator is available for the first 146 steps, but at an additional cost.

Meeting and Pickup

Tour participants get picked up from hotels in Hoi An city, Son Tra District of Da Nang, or beachside locations from Hoi An to Monkey Mountains.

The tour starts at 7:30 AM, with ticket redemption taking place at the Marble Mountains located at 81 Huỳnh Trần Công Chúa, Hòa Hải, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Đà Nẵng. This meeting point ensures a seamless start to the tour, allowing participants to begin their journey to the Marble Mountains, Am Phu Cave, and Monkey Mountain.

The tour’s early departure time maximizes sightseeing opportunities and avoids crowds, while the convenient pickup locations cater to travelers staying in various parts of the region.

1. Centralized meeting point at the Marble Mountains for efficient ticket redemption.
2. Pickup locations accommodate participants from Hoi An and Da Nang areas.
3. Early 7:30 AM start time optimizes the tour experience.

Marble Mountains

From the meeting point at the Marble Mountains, participants embark on the first leg of the tour, exploring this stunning natural wonder. The Marble Mountains consist of five limestone and marble hills, each named after one of the five elements – Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. Visitors can take on the 146 steps up to the Xa Loi Tower, or opt for the elevator at their own expense. Inside, they’ll discover the Am Phu Cave system, with its intricate rock formations and Buddhist sanctuaries. Those up for the challenge can climb an additional 136 steps to reach the second stop.

Marble Mountains	Height	Steps	Difficulty
Xa Loi Tower	146 ft	146	Moderate
Cave System	136 ft	136	Challenging
Elevator	–	–	Easy
Bonsai Gardens	–	–	Easy

Am Phu Cave

After exploring the Marble Mountains, the group descends into the captivating Am Phu Cave, a unique subterranean world carved into the limestone hills. Guided through the intricate network of chambers and passageways, visitors marvel at the awe-inspiring rock formations, which take on the shapes of mythical creatures and sacred Buddhist motifs.

The cave offers a profound spiritual experience, with several key highlights:

1. The ‘Gate of Heaven’ entrance, which symbolizes the passage from the mortal world to the realm of the divine.

2. The serene Buddha statues nestled within the cave, emanating a sense of tranquility and enlightenment.

3. The stunning natural lighting that filters through the cave, creating a mesmerizing and almost ethereal atmosphere.

Monkey Mountain

The tour then takes travelers to the iconic Monkey Mountain, home to the largest Lady Buddha statue in Vietnam, which stands as a serene and powerful symbol overlooking the lush landscape.

Visitors can explore the bonsai gardens behind the Lady Buddha, admiring the intricate and well-maintained plants.

The tour also provides an opportunity to gaze upon the stunning views from the mountaintop, where the panoramic vistas of the surrounding region are truly breathtaking.

Whether you’re seeking spiritual enlightenment or simply a chance to learn about the natural beauty of Vietnam, Monkey Mountain is a must-see destination on this comprehensive tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Limit on the Number of People per Group?

The tour has a maximum group size of 12 travelers. This ensures a small, intimate group experience and allows the guide to provide personalized attention to each participant throughout the tour.

Can I Request a Specific Pickup Location Outside the Listed Areas?

Guests can request a specific pickup location outside the listed areas, but this may incur an additional fee. The tour operator will accommodate these requests if possible, though the standard pickup locations are Hoi An city, Son Tra District of Da Nang, and beachside locations.

Is There an Option to Skip the Cave Visit if I Have Claustrophobia?

Yes, guests with claustrophobia can opt to skip the cave visit. The tour operator offers flexibility, allowing visitors to focus on the other attractions like the Marble Mountains and Monkey Mountain if they prefer to avoid the cave.

Can I Choose to Explore the Marble Mountains on My Own Instead of With a Guide?

Travelers can explore the Marble Mountains on their own instead of with a guide. This allows more flexibility and independence, though a guide can provide valuable insights. Visitors should check if self-guided entrance tickets are available.

Is There an Additional Charge for Using the Elevator at the Marble Mountains?

Yes, there is an additional charge for using the elevator at the Marble Mountains. The tour overview states that the option to use the elevator for the first 146 steps is "at own expense."

Recap

This small group tour offers a comprehensive morning experience exploring the Marble Mountains, Am Phu Cave, and Monkey Mountain.

With an English-speaking guide, transportation, and lunch included, it’s an accessible and efficient way to see these top sights around Hoi An.

The tour’s highlights like the cave system, viewpoints, and Lady Buddha statue provide a memorable introduction to the region’s natural and cultural attractions.