The Marble Mountains elevator runs from Gate 2, beside Am Phu cave, to the terrace by the Xa Loi tower, just above Linh Ung pagoda. It replaces the 108-step east stairway and costs 15,000 VND (~$1) per ride, so up and down is two tickets.
It does not take you to the caves or the viewpoints: from the top, Huyen Khong, Van Thong and the viewpoints are all reached on foot by stone steps. The elevator stops around 17:00 and can close during heavy storms.
Elevator tickets already in the price
Our tours start at Gate 2 with the elevator paid for, so the first climb of the morning is done sitting down.
★Marble Mountains, Lady Buddha & the Stone CarversThe Marble Mountains caves at the hour the light comes in, the Lady Buddha on Son Tra and a working Non Nuoc carving yard, with your own guide and car. · 5 hoursSee the tour →Marble Mountains, Lady Buddha & Hoi An by Lantern LightSon Tra, the Marble Mountains caves and a Non Nuoc carving yard in the morning, then Hoi An old town and a boat on the Thu Bon as the lanterns come on. · 10 hoursSee the tour →Where does the elevator go?
The elevator starts at Gate 2 on Huyen Tran Cong Chua, next to the entrance to Am Phu cave, and rises to the upper terrace by the Xa Loi tower. From there a flight of steps leads down to Linh Ung pagoda and Tang Chon cave behind it.
The other stairway, 156 steps from Gate 1 up to Tam Thai pagoda, has no elevator. If you start at Gate 1 you climb; if you want the lift, ask your driver for Gate 2. Getting to the Marble Mountains explains the two gates.
How much does the elevator cost, and when does it run?
| Detail | Answer |
|---|---|
| Price | 15,000 VND (~$1) per ride, one way |
| Up and down | Two tickets |
| Where to buy | At Gate 2 for the ride up; at the booth by the Xa Loi tower for the ride down |
| Last rides | Around 17:00, when the ticket booths close |
| Closures | Can stop during heavy storms |
The elevator ticket is separate from the mountain ticket. The tickets and opening hours cover both, along with Am Phu cave.
How much climbing is left after the elevator?
Most of it. The elevator saves one stairway, but Thuy Son is a network of stone steps: down to Linh Ung pagoda, up to the Vong Hai viewpoint, across the hill past Van Thong cave to Tam Thai pagoda, and down into Huyen Khong. The full loop in the Marble Mountains itinerary still means a few hundred steps.
For older travellers or anyone who struggles with stairs, the elevator makes a short visit possible rather than making the whole hill easy; the limited mobility guide suggests what to see.
Should you take it up, down or both?
Up is the usual choice: it saves the steepest effort at the start, when you want your energy for the caves. Walking down the 156-step western stairway to Gate 1 at the end of the loop is easier than climbing it, and it means one elevator ticket instead of two.
Take it both ways with children who tire easily or with anyone for whom going down steep steps is harder than going up. In the late afternoon, check the time: after the elevator stops, the stairs are the only way down.
Would you rather not think about tickets and gates?
Our tours include the elevator, the mountain and Am Phu cave, with a licensed local guide choosing the route.
Marble Mountains, Lady Buddha & the Stone Carvers5 hoursSee the tour →Marble Mountains, Lady Buddha & Hoi An by Lantern Light10 hoursSee the tour →Marble Mountains elevator: quick answers
How much is the Marble Mountains elevator?
The elevator costs 15,000 VND (~$1) per ride. Each direction is a separate ticket, so going up and coming down by elevator costs two tickets.
Does the elevator go to the top of the Marble Mountains?
No. It reaches the terrace by the Xa Loi tower, above Linh Ung pagoda. The caves, the viewpoints and the summit are still reached by stone steps.
Where is the elevator at the Marble Mountains?
At Gate 2 on Huyen Tran Cong Chua, next to the entrance to Am Phu cave. Gate 1, the stairway gate, has no elevator.
What time does the Marble Mountains elevator close?
Around 17:00, together with the ticket booths. It can also stop during heavy storms.
Start the morning with the lift already paid
Choose your group size and the price covers the day: pickup, private car, licensed guide, the elevator, every other ticket and water. Free to cancel until 3 days before.
★Marble Mountains, Lady Buddha & the Stone CarversThe Marble Mountains caves at the hour the light comes in, the Lady Buddha on Son Tra and a working Non Nuoc carving yard, with your own guide and car. · 5 hoursfrom$39/ person›
Choose your group size · price is the group totalSolo traveller$135BOOK →2 guests$140BOOK →3 guests$150BOOK →4 guests$155BOOK →See the full tour page →Marble Mountains, Lady Buddha & Hoi An by Lantern LightSon Tra, the Marble Mountains caves and a Non Nuoc carving yard in the morning, then Hoi An old town and a boat on the Thu Bon as the lanterns come on. · 10 hoursfrom$89/ person›
Choose your group size · price is the group totalSolo traveller$265BOOK →2 guests$295BOOK →3 guests$325BOOK →4 guests$355BOOK →See the full tour page →Elevator location, hours and price were checked in September 2026; the price shown is pulled from our booking system.