Van Thong is the cave on Thuy Son known locally as the road to heaven: a narrow, tube-shaped chimney that rises about 40 metres from its mouth to an opening in the sky. The climb starts behind the altar to the Buddha Amitabha and squeezes between the rocks, one person at a time.
It is included in the main ticket and takes about 20 minutes. It suits agile adults and older children with an adult close by; it is not for anyone with limited mobility, a fear of tight spaces, or a large bag.
Climb it, or skip it, with a guide beside you
Our guides judge the chimney with you on the day and lead the way up if you decide to go.
★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 is Van Thong cave?
Van Thong sits on the path across Thuy Son between Linh Ung pagoda and Tam Thai pagoda. Just before it is Thien Phuoc Dia, an open-air hollow ringed by rock walls, which leads to a flat terrace and a short flight of steps up into the cave. Nearby is Thien Long, a deep pit you look into but cannot enter.
It fits naturally in the middle of the loop in the Marble Mountains itinerary, after the Vong Hai viewpoint and before Tam Thai.
How hard is the climb?
The first chamber is easy: a small shrine to the Buddha Amitabha. The chimney behind it is the challenge. It is dark in places, winding and uneven, and in the tightest sections only one person fits, so you use hands as well as feet and turn your body to squeeze through.
| Consider it if | Skip it if |
|---|---|
| You are comfortable scrambling with your hands | You have knee, hip or back problems |
| You can squeeze through narrow gaps | Tight, dark spaces make you anxious |
| You are wearing shoes with grip | You are in flip-flops or carrying a large bag |
| Children are about seven or older, with an adult | The rock is wet after rain |
With children, the guide to visiting with kids explains which parts of the hill suit which ages.
What is at the top?
The chimney ends at an opening in the rock high on the side of Thuy Son, with open air and a view over the hill and the surrounding land. It is a small reward in size and a large one in feeling: after the dark squeeze, you come out into light and wind.
Unsure whether to climb it?
Our guides know every cave on Thuy Son and will help you decide on the spot, with a licensed local guide and every ticket included.
Marble Mountains, Lady Buddha & the Stone Carvers5 hoursSee the tour →Marble Mountains, Lady Buddha & Hoi An by Lantern Light10 hoursSee the tour →Van Thong cave: quick answers
Is Van Thong cave hard to climb?
It is a short but tight scramble up a narrow rock chimney, dark in places and wide enough for one person. Agile adults manage it easily; anyone with limited mobility should skip it.
Is Van Thong cave included in the Marble Mountains ticket?
Yes. Van Thong is on Thuy Son and is covered by the main entry ticket.
How long does Van Thong cave take?
About 20 minutes, including the chimney climb up and back down.
Can children climb Van Thong cave?
Children from about seven usually can, with an adult close by. Younger children and anyone uneasy in tight, dark spaces are better off skipping it.
Every cave on the hill, at your pace
Choose your group size and the price covers the day: pickup, private car, licensed guide, every 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 →Details of the cave were checked against published local sources in September 2026; conditions change after heavy rain.