Introduction
Coming to Ninh Binh, visitors cannot miss Mua Cave Viewpoint, one of the most beautiful sightseeing spots in Ninh Binh. Standing at the top of the mountain, visitors will admire the stunning scenery of the sacred land of Ninh Binh. So, what do you know about Mua Cave Viewpoint, Ninh Binh? If you plan to visit Ninh Binh and Mua Caves, this is definitely an article you should not miss. Let Ninh Binh Private Car provide you all the information you need about Mua Cave Viewpoint.
Geographical Location of Mua Cave
- Address: Khe Dau Ha Village, Ninh Xuan Commune, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Opening hours: 6:00 – 19:00
Mua Cave, Ninh Binh, is located on Ngoa Long Mountain, about 10km from Ninh Binh City and about 100km from Hanoi City. Mua Cave Viewpoint is shaped like a large bell, about 800m2 wide. From the foot of the mountain, you can see a row of white stone steps leading to the top of the mountain.
The number of steps is a total of 486 consecutive steps, like a miniature version of the Great Wall. The two sides of the steps are exquisitely decorated with dragon and phoenix drawings, showing the sculpture art of the Tran Dynasty, which is very sharp and beautiful.
History of Mua Cave Viewpoint
According to folklore, the name dates back to the Tran Dynasty. When King Tran Thai Tong returned to Hoa Lu to establish Thai Vi Temple, he often came to listen to the beautiful women and concubines dance and sing. Since then, this cave has been called Hang Mua.
Hang Mua is also one of the places with the strangest names in Vietnam. Not only that, the cave at the foot of Mua Mountain in ancient times was also a mobile hospital where wounded soldiers who participated in the war to protect the fatherland were treated and sheltered.
Best Time To Visit Hang Mua Viewpoint
Ninh Binh Rice Ripe Season
The best time of year for tourists to visit is during the ripe rice season in June at Ninh Binh Rice Field. When tourists conquer the top of Mua Mountain, they will see the entire Tam Coc and Trang An immersed in the brilliant yellow color of ripe rice.
The Summertime Season in Ninh Binh is ripe, which is also the weather most suitable for tourists who want to participate in outdoor activities. The yellow color of the Rice Fields in Ninh Binh, mixed with the green color of the mountains and forests, reflected in the tears of the Ngo Dong River, creates a beautiful scene.
Lotus Season in Ninh Binh
At the foot of Mua Mountain, visitors can see a large lotus pond known as Ngoa Long Lotus Pond. If visitors visit Mua Caves in Vietnam around June to July, it is the time when the lotus flowers are in full bloom. This is also a perfect time for visitors to admire the brilliant pink of the lotus flowers before conquering the mountain top.
If you have poor health and do not want to climb to the top of the mountain, going to Mua Cave Lotus Pond is enough to take beautiful photos. Visitors can rent traditional Vietnamese costumes, especially ancient costumes, to take pictures.
Ninh Binh In The Early Spring Days
In early spring, the weather in Ninh Binh is quite cool and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. This is a great time to travel and experience outdoor activities like Mua Cave Hike.
In addition, this is also the time when Ninh Binh nature puts on a fresh, vibrant beauty. The green rice fields and budding trees create an extremely poetic scene.
How to Get to Hang Mua from Hanoi?
Hanoi to Ninh Binh by Private Car
Traveling by private car is the best choice for tourists to consider when traveling to Mua Caves, Ninh Binh. Come to Ninh Binh by private vehicle, although expensive, about 60 USD for a trip, brings comfort and convenience.
Traveling from Hanoi to Ninh Binh by private car only takes 1.5 to 2 hours. And visitors can take the initiative themselves; you can decide when to move to the pick-up and drop-off locations.
Hanoi to Ninh Binh by Bus
If you don’t have a large budget for a private car, using a bus is a good way to get to Ninh Binh. Although you have to face many inconveniences and risks, such as pickpockets or cramped seats, the price will be much cheaper, only from 6 to 9 USD.
In addition, to catch the bus, visitors need to go to the bus station or the rest stop to catch the bus. Usually, visitors can go to Central Circus to catch the bus from Hanoi to Tam Coc, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Every hour, a bus will move from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hanoi to Ninh Binh by Train
If you want to experience something new, you can travel to Ninh Binh by train. You will go to Hanoi Railway to buy train tickets, the train ticket is only the same price as the bus ticket, from 6 to 9 USD.
On regular days, there are seven train routes for tourists from morning to evening. Tourists should note that whether traveling by bus or train, they must catch another bus to Mua Cave.
From Ninh Binh or Tam Coc to Mua Cave
In Ninh Binh, you are only about 5 to 10km from Mua Cave Viewpoint. You can rent a bicycle or motorbike from your homestay or hotel to travel to Mua Cave Viewpoint, Ninh Binh.
Mua Cave Viewpoint Ticket Price
The ticket price for Mua Cave is 100,000 VND/person. However, if you stay at Mua Caves Ecolodge, you will be free to visit Mua Cave with unlimited visits.
What to Do When Visiting Mua Cave Viewpoint?
Conquer 486 Steps
Mua Cave is a challenge for anyone who comes to visit, because to reach the highest position, visitors will have to conquer 486 steps stretching from the foot to the top of the mountain. If you are not healthy, you should not try this experience. But if you successfully conquer 486 steps, it will all be worth it when you reach the top of the mountain.
At the top of Mua Cave Viewpoint, visitors will see the whole Tam Coc – Trang An as if it were miniature in their eyes. The rice fields with brilliant yellow color stretch endlessly, like a shimmering silk strip flying in the wind. Looking towards the Ngo Dong River, visitors will see small bamboo boats drifting along the water.
Check in at the Mountain Top
After reaching the top of the mountain, visitors will see a tower right on top. Inside the tower is a shrine to Guan Yin, who will protect Ninh Binh from above. And that tower is the favorite check-in location for those who come here.
In addition, on top of the mountain, there is also a statue of an Asian dragon, which is the reason why the mountain is also called Mua Cave Dragon Mountain. This statue is a beautiful architectural work and has profound cultural and spiritual significance, contributing to the unique and attractive beauty of the Mua Mountain.
Watching Sunrise and Sunset
One of the most memorable experiences that visitors can have is watching the sunrise and sunset at Hang Mua. The ideal time to watch the sunrise is from 5 to 6 a.m., or from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. to watch the sunset.
When the sun passes through the mountain, it creates beautiful halos, and it will be a perfect spot for tourists to take stunning photos. However, the time of sunrise and sunset also differs depending on the season. If it is summer, the sun will rise early and set late. If it is winter, the sun will rise late and set early.
Viewing Lotus Lake at the Foot of the Mountain
If you visit Hang Mua around June to July, you will be lucky to see the beautiful lotus lake blooming with brilliant pink flowers. The green leaves and the pink of the lotus flowers create a stunning scene like a painting.
Conclusion
Whether you’re an intrepid traveler chasing panoramic views, a photographer in search of the perfect golden-hour shot, or a nature lover hoping to reconnect with the beauty of Vietnam’s countryside, Hang Múa Viewpoint delivers an unforgettable experience. The 486 steps may test your stamina, but the reward at the summit—sweeping vistas of Tam Cốc’s limestone karsts, tranquil rice paddies, and the winding Ngo Dong River—is nothing short of magical.
As the dragon watches over from its limestone perch, you’ll understand why Hang Múa is more than just a scenic spot—it’s a moment of reflection, serenity, and awe. Make sure to bring your camera, but don’t forget to pause and simply soak in the view. And that is, Ninh Binh Private Car wishes you the best time when visiting Ninh Binh, Mua Cave.
FAQs about Mua Cave Viewpoint
Where is Múa Cave located?
- In Khe Đầu Hạ village, Ninh Xuân commune, Hoa Lư district, Ninh Bình
- About 100 km from Hanoi and 5–7 km from Tam Cốc or Ninh Bình City
What are the opening hours?
- 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily
What’s the Mua Cave Viewpoint entrance fee?
- 100,000 VND per person (~$4 USD)
- Free if you’re staying at Múa Caves Ecolodge
- Children under 1m tall: Free
- Parking: 10,000–15,000 VND for motorbikes, 30,000 VND for cars
How many steps to the top?
- 486 stone steps lead to the summit of Ngọa Long Mountain
- The climb is steep but rewards you with panoramic views of Tam Cốc, Tràng An, and the rice fields below
What are the best photo spots?
- The dragon statue at the summit
- The Guan Yin pagoda
- The lotus pond at the base (especially during June–July when the flowers bloom)
When is the best time to visit Mua Cave Viewpoint?
- May–June: Golden rice fields and lotus blossoms
- Early spring (Feb–Mar): Cool weather and lush greenery
- Sunrise or sunset: For magical lighting and fewer crowds
What should I bring?
- Comfortable shoes for the climb
- Water and sunscreen
- Camera or phone with lots of storage!
- Optional: Traditional Vietnamese outfits for stunning photos at the lotus pond
Why is it called “Múa” Cave?
“Múa” means “dance” in Vietnamese. Legend says King Trần Thái Tông came here to watch royal dancers perform, giving the cave its name.