Mua Cave: One of Tripadvisor’s #1 Picks in Ninh Binh
Mua Cave in Ninh Binh, also known as Hang Mua Viewpoint, is often called the “Great Wall of Vietnam”. Rising above the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex, it challenges travelers with nearly 500 stone steps carved into a limestone mountain. At the summit, you’re rewarded with sweeping views over Tam Coc’s rice fields and jagged karst peaks, an unforgettable sight at sunrise or during harvest season.
So, no Vietnam bucket list is complete without climbing the 500 steps of Mua Cave. This article will show you why this place is not overrated.
Written by Oliver PHUNG (Tour guide)
Updated on Oct 08, 2025
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Oliver Phung is a specialist in cultural tourism and trekking in the mountains of Northern Vietnam, with over 7 years of hands-on experience. Born and raised amidst the sounds of the kèn (a traditional instrument) and the songs of the Mông, Thái, Tay, and Dao ethnic communities, Oliver does not just have a passion for their history and culture, he lives it. For him, sharing the beauty of these traditions is not just a job, it's a way of life.
Drawing from his experience on hundreds of trekking trips and guided tours across routes from Ha Giang, Lao Cai to Cao Bang, Oliver offers an authentic and in-depth perspective.
Nestled in Khe Đầu Ha village, Ninh Xuân Commune, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Binh Province, Mua Cave (Hang Mua Viewpoint) lies at the foot of Ngoạ Long Mountain, right in the heart of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex (UNESCO). The cave is approximately 10 km from Ninh Binh city and just over 90 km south of Hanoi, a 2-hour drive under normal traffic conditions.
On the map, you’ll also see that Mua Cave is just a short distance from Tam Coc, often dubbed “Ha Long Bay on land” for its dramatic karst peaks and winding rivers. That proximity makes it incredibly easy to combine your visit with Tam Coc boat rides, Bích Động Pagoda, or Tràng An tours.
💡 Good to know:
In 2018, Hang Mua was voted the #1 destination in Ninh Binh by Tripadvisor.
In the rice field season, the landscape becomes poetic
Why “Hang Múa”?
The name Hang Mua literally means “Dancing Cave” in Vietnamese, with “hang” meaning cave and “múa” meaning dance. According to legend, King Tran Thai Tong in the 13th century often returned to Hoa Lu and visited this cave at the foot of Ngoa Long Mountain to watch his concubines and court ladies perform dances and songs. Since then, locals have called it the “Dancing Cave,” a name that has lasted until today and given the site its unique identity and charm.
Hang Mua today is a top destination in Ninh Binh
Beyond the legend, Mua Cave also carries historical significance. During Vietnam’s resistance wars, the cave area served as a makeshift hospital and shelter for wounded soldiers. This dual heritage of culture and history makes Mua Cave more than just a scenic viewpoint.
How to Get to Mua Cave
The easiest way to reach Mua Cave is by joining a Hanoi to Mua Cave tour, but there are also public transport options for budget travelers. Below are the main options with time and costs to help you choose the best transport to Mua Cave:
Join a Hanoi to Mua Cave Tour
Most convenient for first-time visitors. Tours include round-trip transport (bus or private car), an English-speaking guide, entrance tickets, and sometimes lunch.
Time: ~2–2.5 hours each way.
Cost: From $40–60 USD per person for a group tour; private tours cost more but offer flexibility.
Bonus: Most tours also combine Mua Cave with Tam Coc boat rides or Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.
Public Transport (Train or Bus)
Train: Hanoi to Ninh Binh takes 1.5–2 hours ($3–5). From the station, take a taxi/Grab (~$4–6) for the 10 km ride to Mua Cave.
Bus/Minivan: 2–2.5 hours from Giap Bat or My Dinh, fares ~$4–6. Tourist limousines (Dcar) are more comfortable (~$10–12).
⚠️ Travel Tip – Parking Scam Alert
If you rent a motorbike, you need to avoid this. Some locals wave tourists into fake parking lots before the entrance and charge extra. Ignore them and continue to the official parking lot at the ticket gate, which costs only 10,000–20,000 VND.
Entrance Fees and Hours
Mua Cave entrance fee 2025: 100,000 VND (~4 USD) per adult. Children under 1m tall can usually enter free of charge.
Hang Mua opening hours: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Entrance fee to Hang Mua
💡 Oliver’s advice
Keep your ticket: You may be asked to show it again before starting the climb.
Best time to visit: Early morning right after opening or late afternoon before closing. These times are quieter, cooler, and provide better light for photos.
Sunrise & Sunset: The official opening time is 6:00 AM, but during busy seasons the gates may open as early as 5:00 AM. The best way to catch sunrise is to stay at Hang Mua Ecolodge, located right at the foot of the mountain. Guests enjoy free entry and can climb outside normal hours. Sunset is equally spectacular but bring a flashlight for the way down.
Things to Do in Mua Cave
Conquering Ngoa Long Mountain (500 Steps)
The highlight of Mua Cave is the climb up Ngoa Long Mountain, also called the Lying Dragon Mountain. To reach the summit, you must tackle nearly 500 steep stone steps (officially 486). The path is lined with carvings of dragons, phoenixes, and other sacred animals, adding a touch of Vietnamese culture to the hike.
The railings are carved with images of dragons, adding an artistic and symbolic touch to the climb to the cave
The ascent usually takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on your pace, with a few rest spots along the way. At first, trees may block your view, but as you climb higher, the dramatic landscape of rice fields, rivers, and karst peaks slowly unfolds. The reward is one of the most famous panoramas in Vietnam: the winding Ngo Dong River cutting through golden paddies (May–June harvest) and limestone cliffs. Many travelers say the effort of climbing almost 500 steps is completely worth it.
The highest view of Mua cave
At the top, the trail splits into two viewpoints:
Dragon Statue Peak: The higher point with the iconic stone dragon statue, where you get sweeping 360° views over Tam Coc and Ninh Binh.
Pagoda Viewpoint: A slightly lower peak marked by a small pagoda. From here, you can photograph the dragon statue across the ridge and enjoy quieter space.
The spectacular scenery is a well-deserved reward after the effort of the ascent
💡 What to prepare?
Wear sturdy shoes: The stone steps can be slippery, especially after rain.
Bring water: There is little shade on the way up.
Stay safe with photos: The dragon ridge looks tempting, but it gets crowded and has no railings. Keep a safe distance when posing.
Allow 1.5–2 hours total for the experience: 30–45 minutes to climb, 20–30 minutes to descend, and plenty of time at the summit for photos and soaking up the view.
Note: This activity is not recommended for people with breathing or joint problems or for the elderly. In addition, during the ascent, don't forget to put on sports shoes, light clothes, and bring snacks and water to have enough energy for the way. You should avoid throwing away waste.
Exploring Hang Múa at the Foot: Caves & Lotus Pond
The Caves at the Foot of the Mountain
While most visitors head straight for the summit, do not miss the small caves at the foot of Hang Múa Mountain. There are two main caves: one located along the path up and another just to the left of the entrance. Though modest in size, they showcase the typical limestone formations of northern Vietnam, similar to those found in Ha Long Bay. Inside, the air is naturally cooler, making the caves a refreshing stop after your hike. Historically, this was also a place for traditional dances during the Trần dynasty, which gave Hang Múa its name, the “Dancing Cave”.
The Tiger Cave is located at the foot of Ngoa Long Mountain
The natural cave is to the left of the entrance path to Hang Mua
The Lotus Pond
Right by the entrance lies the Hang Múa Lotus Pond, spanning nearly 1 hectare. During the blooming season from May to July, it becomes a sea of pink and white lotus flowers, making it one of the most beautiful sights in Ninh Binh. The flowers open widest in the early morning light, so plan your visit then for the best photos.
Our travelers visit Ninh Binh during the lotus flower season
A charming bamboo bridge stretches across the pond, perfect for capturing iconic shots with the lotus backdrop. For an authentic touch, you can rent a traditional áo dài or Vietnamese dress on-site to make your photos even more memorable. This combination of natural beauty and cultural style makes the pond one of the best spots for Mua Cave photography.
Lotus flower is not only present in daily life, but it is also linked to national history, appearing in the
poetry, music, painting and architecture of Vietnam
This is when the rice paddies along the Ngo Dong River turn golden, creating the most iconic view from the top of Hang Múa. It is the best time to visit Mua Cave for photography, as the panorama of ripe fields contrasts beautifully with the limestone peaks.
Lotus season (June–July)
Right at the foot of Mua Cave lies the lotus pond, which bursts into pink and white blooms in early summer. Arrive in the morning when the flowers are fully open for magical shots. This period is perfect for those who love both landscape and cultural-style photography.
Cool, dry months (October–April)
From autumn to spring, the weather is mild and less humid, making the 500-step climb more comfortable. Clear skies from October to December offer excellent visibility, while January to March has cooler air and lush green scenery.
For first-time visitors, the easiest way to explore Hang Múa is to join a Ninh Binh day tour from Hanoi. These tours typically include round-trip transport, a local guide, entrance fees, and often combine Mua Cave, Tam Coc boat ride, and Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in one full-day experience. It is the most convenient option if you want to see the highlights of Ninh Binh in a single day without worrying about logistics.
Suggested 1-Day Mua Cave Itinerary
Morning: Depart from Hanoi and arrive at Mua Cave around mid-morning. Climb the nearly 500 stone steps of Ngoa Long Mountain for the panoramic views over Tam Coc. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or homestay.
Afternoon: Take a boat trip in Tam Coc, drifting along the Ngo Dong River through rice fields and limestone caves. Continue with a short visit to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, where you can discover the temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties. Return to Hanoi by evening.
This itinerary balances adventure, culture, and relaxation, making it one of the most popular choices among travelers. If you prefer a hassle-free option, you can check out our Ninh Binh day tour with Mua Cave and Tam Coc.
Explore more of our popular tours!
Other Attractions Near Mua Cave
If you have extra time in Ninh Binh, there are plenty of things to do near Mua Cave that can be combined into a one-day or two-day trip:
Famous for its scenic boat ride on the Ngo Dong River, passing through three natural caves and vast rice paddies. The karst scenery here is often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” making it a must after your Mua Cave hike. (Keyword: Tam Coc near Mua Cave)
A UNESCO-listed complex where you can enjoy a Trang An boat tour through dozens of caves, grottoes, and temples scattered across the limestone valleys. This is an alternative to Tam Coc if you want a longer, more varied river journey.
An ancient pagoda built into a mountain cliff, surrounded by lotus ponds. The short hike up offers peaceful views and a glimpse into Vietnam’s Buddhist heritage.
Hang Mua Ecolodge (4.5 ⭐, 2000+ Google reviews | 9.0/10 on Booking)
The ecolodge lies right at the foot of Hang Múa, surrounded by flower gardens and limestone cliffs. Guests enjoy the unique advantage of free and unlimited access to Mua Cave, making it the perfect choice for catching sunrise or sunset from the viewpoint. Rooms blend traditional Vietnamese décor with modern comforts, and the lodge also offers activities such as cooking classes, yoga, and cycling.
Hang Múa Ecolodge
Halise Home and Retreat (4.7 ⭐, 195 Google reviews | 9.3/10 on Booking)
Just a few minutes from Mua Cave, Halise is a peaceful homestay overlooking lotus ponds and karst peaks. Besides cozy bungalows, you can try camping under the stars in furnished tents. With yoga, meditation, and lotus tea workshops, it’s ideal for travelers seeking relaxation in nature.
Halise Home – A window into tranquillity
Tam Coc Friendly Homestay (4.6 ⭐, 600+ Google reviews | 9.2/10 on Booking)
A budget-friendly option in Tam Coc village (about 3 km from Mua Cave). Simple but clean rooms, warm hospitality, and free bicycles make it a great base for independent travelers exploring the area by bike.
Tam Coc Friendly Homestay
Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort (4.5 ⭐, 1500+ Google reviews | 8.9/10 on Booking)
Located in Tam Coc (3 km away), this 4-star property offers comfortable rooms, swimming pool, and spa services. Perfect for couples or families looking for more comfort while staying close to Mua Cave and other attractions.
We are convinced that this piece of news will help you glean and figure out the beauty and interesting things around here. To make your journey suitable and comfortable, we recommend booking a tour with a travel agency, which includes an English-speaking guide. It will also provide private transport, meals, and accommodation arrangements, leaving you worry-free. Call today to design your personalized holiday and enjoy memorable moments around Mua Cave!
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