Mua Cave, or Hang Mua Viewpoint in Ninh Binh, is situated on the Ngoa Long Hung Vi mountain (the Majestic Crouching Dragon mountain), approximately 10km from the city center of Ninh Binh and 100 km from the capital city of Hanoi. It is one of the tourist destinations located in the heart of Trang An - a renowned World Heritage site.

Surrounded by many famous tourist spots in Ninh Binh such as Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An, Tam Coc, Hoa Lu, etc. Hang Mua Viewpoint in Ninh Binh still possesses its own distinctive and prominent beauty.

To admire the majestic natural scenery and the vast golden rice fields in Tam Coc, you need to reach the summit of Ngoa Long mountain, overcoming nearly 500 stone steps, with dragon and phoenix bas-reliefs on both sides of the staircase. But trust us, once you’ve reached the top, it will all be worth it. 

Hang Mua Viewpoint and Mua Cave in Ninh Binh 

During the time of the Tran dynasty, when the capital was in Hoa Lu, a king built the Thai Vi Temple to honor the heroes Tran Hung Dao and Tran Quang Khai. It is said that during its construction, the king enjoyed watching the dance and song performances of royal servants, accompanied by his concubines and officials. This gave Mua Cave its name (Mua meaning dance in Vietnamese). There are actually two Hang Mua viewpoints in Ninh Binh : a Dragon viewpoint, facing towards a Bodhisattva statue, and a Pagoda viewpoint.

Upon stepping into the cave entrance, visitors will perceive a magnificent space with stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes adorning the cave walls. On the left side of the cave's heart is the Ngoc Trai stream with its formations of myriad stalactites. In front of the cave entrance is a lotus pond, emitting a fragrant aroma that adds to the charming atmosphere.

Next to the cave is the “stairway to heaven”, the pathway leading up to the summit of Ngoa Long Mountain. The path to the top of the mountain is constructed based on the architecture of the “Great Wall of China”. The sides of the steps are elaborately adorned with finely carved dragon and phoenix motifs in the style of Tran Dynasty art. 

At the halfway point, the staircase splits, offering two different pathways. The one on the left leads to the Dragon Viewpoint on the higher peak. The one on the right, leads to the Pagoda Viewpoint, where the view is different and somewhat less impressive, but you’ll have an easier climb. We highly recommend taking the left path. The reward for your efforts is a panoramic view of the amazing rice fields, karst mountains, the lotus pond and the Ngo Dong River. You’ll then understand why the ancient kings chose Hoa Lu to make the capital of Vietnam.
 

When to visit Hang Mua Viewpoint in Ninh Binh 

You should travel to Hang Mua Viewpoint in Ninh Binh around the period from mid-May to June to admire the beautifully golden rice fields. The weather in these months is nicer, sunny but not too sunny, and the temperature is cool, suitable for trekking and mountain climbing.

If you prefer tranquility and avoiding crowds, we recommend going in the early months of the year. The area will be less crowded, since everyone is going to want to capture photos during rice harvesting season. There are also many traditional festivals and activities around January for those interested.

How to get to Hang Mua Viewpoint in  Ninh Binh 

Hang Mua Viewpoint in Ninh Binh is just less than 100km from the capital city of Hanoi, located in Thon Khe, Dau Ha, Ninh Xuan Commune, Hoa Lu District. The ancient capital of Hoa Lu is accessible with a less than 2-hour car ride from Hanoi. You also have multiple other choices like:

By Bus

There are currently bus routes from Hanoi to Ninh Binh with a travel time of just 2 hours. However, the drawback is that the bus will only stop at Ninh Binh bus station. To reach Hang Mua Viewpoint in Ninh Binh, you'll need to take a xe ôm or a taxi for a fare ranging from 50,000 VND to 100,000 VND per trip.

By Motorbike

Among transportation options, the motorbike is probably the most optimal one as it provides more independence and is less costly. From National Highway 1A towards Ninh Binh, turn left towards Trang An or Bich Dong, then follow along road 491C to reach Hang Mua.

If you don't have a motorbike, here are some places where you can rent one at a reasonable price:

1. From Mr. Manh

Specializing in motorbike rentals, the prices here are only 100,000 VND per day. With a diverse range of vehicles, the shop has received many positive reviews for the quality of the bikes and customer service. To rent a motorbike, you just need to leave your ID card.

Address: 800 Tran Hung Dao Street, Tan Thanh, Ninh Binh. 

2. From Mr. Hoang

There are multiple brands to choose from with prices ranging from 90.000 - 190.000 / bike / day. 

Contact: 0917 457 797 – 0904 232 341 (Anh Hoang).

Address: Tuan Cao, Ninh Thang Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh.

By Train

There is also the option of taking a train to Hang Mua Viewpoint in Ninh Binh. You don't need to worry about the train taking too much time because currently a train ride from Hanoi train station to Ninh Binh only takes 2 hours. Once you arrive at the Ninh Binh station you can take a taxi or a xe ôm, or rent a bike and drive to your desired destination.

Where to stay when visiting Hang Mua Viewpoint in Ninh Binh 

The complex also offers accommodation services at Hang Mua Ecolodge, situated on site. But if you want a more convenient place near shops and restaurants around town then we wouldn’t recommend the Ecolodge. 

There are plenty of hotels and homestays near Hang Mua Viewpoint in Ninh Binh; here are some suggestions:

1. Tam Coc Family Hotel

   - 3 stars

   - Price: From 450,000 VND/night.

   - Address: Team 3, Tam Coc Street, Ninh Hai Ward, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh.

2. Tam Coc Westlake Homestay

   - Price: From 400,000 VND/night.

   - Address: Ninh Hai Ward, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh.

3. Nguyen Shack

   - Price: 500,000 VND/night.

   - Address: Hang Mua Cave, Thon Khe Dau Ha, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh.

Helpful tips in Ninh Binh 

There is going to be a bunch of people trying to get you to pay extra for parking. Don’t fall for this, parking is free inside Mua Cave Ecolodge! There is also a much cheaper parking spot next to the main entrance. 

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes! Take your time when climbing; bring a snack and a water bottle because you’re gonna be needing them. You can also buy them at one of the kiosks at Hang Mua in Ninh Binh.

Go to the toilet beforehand, you wouldn’t want to be half way through and having to go to the bottom then back again, would you?

Expect a lot of visitors also being there with you, you can go a bit earlier in the morning, though, to avoid a crowd, it’s nicer as well because it’s not too sunny!

More about Ninh Binh

=> Ninh Binh Day Tour