Why Mua Cave Should Be on Your Vietnam Bucket List?

Mua Cave, a hallmark of the terrestrial Halong Bay known as Tam Coc, forms part of the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its natural and cultural significance. The area, adorned with limestone mountains, presents a grandeur that is both majestic and eternal.

It does not matter how many years since your first visit, its beauty has not changed to this very day. This can’t be denied since more and more visitors choose Mua Cave (Hang Mua – Vietnamese name) for their short holidays while being in the north of Viet Nam. For those who have not experienced it yet, read on and get the most complete information for you about access, entrance fee, opening hours, best season to visit, and some tips on activities to do during your visit.

Written by Oliver PHUNG (Local expert)Updated on 14-01-2025

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Table of contents

Where is Mua Cave?
Entrance Fees and Hours
Things to Do in Mua Cave
Recommended Itinerary for Mua Cave
How to Get There?
When is the best time to visit?
Best Hotels near Mua Cave for Your Stay in Ninh Binh

Where is Mua Cave?

Mua Cave is in the Hoa Lu District of Ninh Binh Province (also popularly known as Inland Halong Bay). This site is only about 10 km away from the center of the city, Ninh Binh, and around 100 km from Hanoi. It takes about 2 hours to travel from Hanoi to Hang Mua either by bus or motorbike.

Mua Cave view point — *In the rice field season, the landscape becomes poetic*

>>> Good To Know: Mua Cave or Hang Mua, as it is so called in Vietnam, translates to "cave of dance." The word is a combination of "hang" for "cave" and "múa" for "dance." The name comes from ancient history. A king in the Middle Ages would return to this ancient capital, Hoa Lu, where he built a temple, and would frequent this site to listen to the dances and songs by the palace women and courtesans. That is why the king called it Hang Múa-the beauty of the landscape, coupled with the tranquility of the place, drew him to it. In addition, Mua Cave is an important site in the history of this place because this is where health care was also taken care of, as well as being a shelter for the soldiers wounded in the battle defending the country.

Entrance Fees and Hours

Entrance Fee: 100,000 VND per adult. Children under 1 meter tall enter for free.
Opening Hours: Open daily from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience and cooler weather. When do you plan to go?

👋👉 Scroll left/right/up/down with the 360-degree panoramic image

Things to Do in Mua Cave

Conquer the top of the mountain

The main attraction of Mua Cave is the summit of Ngọa Long Mountain, which stands at 200 meters. To reach the top, you will climb 486 steep steps. Along the way, there are resting spots where you can pause. The ramps lining the path are carved with intricate designs depicting sacred animals like dragons, phoenixes, and eagles, showcasing elements of Vietnamese culture.

mua cave climb dragon view — *The railings are carved with images of dragons, adding an artistic and symbolic touch to the climb to the cave*

At the base of the trail, dense vegetation may obscure the view, but as you ascend, the landscape becomes more visible. From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Mua Cave - Tam Coc area. Looking southwest, the Ngo Dong River winds through rice fields and limestone formations, creating a breathtaking scene.

If you visit between May and June, when the rice is ripe, the golden paddies along the river shine in the sunlight, offering a stunning natural display. This rewarding view makes the effort of climbing almost 500 steps worthwhile.

The entire trip takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on your pace. Allocate 30 to 45 minutes to ascend, 20 to 30 minutes to descend, and 30 to 60 minutes to enjoy the view and capture photos.

Mua Cave is a popular viewpoint for visitors — *The spectacular scenery is a well-deserved reward after the effort of the ascent*

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.

Visit the caves at the foot of the mountain

To reach the Mua Caves, climb Múa Mountain and locate the two main caves. One is along the path to the top, and the other is to the left of the entrance. While most tourists focus on the summit, these caves are a must-visit if you are interested in geology or nature.

*The Tiger Cave is located at the foot of Ngoa Long Mountain*

The caves, though simple in form, showcase millions of years of history and represent the typical features of Vietnam's limestone mountains. If you have seen the limestone formations in Halong Bay, you will notice similar characteristics here.

Inside the caves, the limestone structure maintains a cooler temperature, offering a refreshing spot to relax after your hike to the top. Historically, these caves served as spaces for traditional dances and songs during feudal times, symbolizing the harmony between nature and culture. They also hold historical significance as part of the region's resistance against the Mongolian forces.

*The natural cave is to the left of the entrance path to Hang Mua*

Visit the Mua Cave Lotus Pond

The Hang Mua Lotus Pond is right next to the entrance of the Hang Mua Caves and spans approximately 1 hectare, featuring pink and white lotuses. The pond is at its best during the blooming season from May to July.

*Our travelers visit Ninh Binh during the lotus flower season*

What makes this spot unique is that the lotuses bloom most vibrantly in the early morning sunlight and begin to fade as the day progresses. To experience the pond’s full beauty, visit in the morning when the flowers are at their peak. This is the perfect time to admire the serene natural scenery and capture memorable photos.

The image of the 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. — *The image of the 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*

>>> Read More: Best Spots to Catch Lotus Flowers in Vietnam

Places near Mua Cave

Near Mua Cave, several attractions in Ninh Binh are worth visiting:

Tam Coc (2-3 km southwest of Mua Cave): Take a boat trip along the Ngo Dong River to explore three stunning caves surrounded by limestone mountains and unique stalactites. The peaceful river, dramatic landscapes, and serene atmosphere make this experience unforgettable.
Bich Dong Temple (2 km from Tam Coc): This ancient temple, built into the mountain, combines dry and wet caves with beautiful views of rivers and mountains. Explore its impressive architecture, learn about local culture, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital (10 km north of Mua Cave): Visit this historic site to learn about Vietnam's early dynasties. Hoa Lu honors King Đinh Tiên Hoàng and King Lê Đại Hành, offering a glimpse into the country's history from over 1,000 years ago.

>>> You might want to check out:

Recommended Itinerary for Mua Cave

While in Mua Cave, we suggest you also discover other must-see sites nearby. This is an itinerary that many of our travelers love, for a busy day full of discoveries!

Morning:

Arrival in Mua Cave
Climb Mount Mua (or Mount Ngoa Long) for spectacular views
Lunch in a local setting

Afternoon:

Boat trip to Tam Coc, to explore the beautiful caverns and landscapes
Visit the ancient capital Hoa Lu, a place steeped in history
Return or departure at the end of the day

How to Get There?

To get to Hang Mua from Hanoi, you can use one of these means of transport.

Train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

The journey takes about 1 hour and a half to 2 hours. In Ninh Binh, you can take a taxi or a bus to go to Mua Cave.

By private car

The most convenient option is to use your own car, allowing you to travel directly from Hanoi to Mua Cave without switching vehicles. Alternatively, book a tour with a local agency. This typically includes a private car, meals, and a guide who will provide detailed information about the attractions, making your trip smoother and more enjoyable.

When is the best time to visit?

Early Spring (January - March): Enjoy cool temperatures of 20-25°C, perfect for outdoor activities and climbing. This period features lush green trees and fresh air, making it ideal for exploration.
Ripe Rice Paddy Season (May - June): Witness the golden rice fields along the Ngo Dong River at their most beautiful. This is the best time for photography and scenic boat rides.
Lotus Bloom Season (June - July): Visit the lotus pond at the foot of Mua Cave Mountain when pink and white lotuses are in full bloom, creating a stunning view.
Autumn (September - December): Take advantage of the pleasant climate for hiking the steps of Mua Cave. Although mist may sometimes limit the view of Tam Coc, the cooler weather makes the climb more comfortable.

Best Hotels near Mua Cave for Your Stay in Ninh Binh

Hang Múa Ecolodge

4.5 ⭐ (2011 Google reviews)
9.0/10 (312 reviews on Booking)

📍 Address: Khê Hạ, Ninh Xuân, Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình, Vietnam

The ecolodge which is located very close to Mua Cave, is surrounded by a perfect atmosphere of green gardens with pathways full of flowers all around, drawing one's sight toward magnificent limestone mountains. After a tiring looking day, you can return home to relax in rooms that fuse together a traditional Vietnamese feel with modern comforts. Drink your coffee, looking at Tam Coc Valley. The other activities organized by the ecolodge include cooking classes and biking as well as outdoor yoga.

Halise home and retreat

4.7 ⭐ (195 Google Reviews)
9.3/10 (427 reviews on Booking)

📍 Address: Ninh Thắng, Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình, Vietnam

At Halise, every window frames the view of a lotus pond and mountains, an idyllic sight, making the atmosphere peaceful and quiet. It is within a stone's throw of Hang Mua for touring this famous site. Besides bungalows, you may want to choose the experience of camping under stars from furnished tents. Halise Home is also a wellness home that practices yoga and meditation and offers lotus tea workshops for anything related to nature and serenity immersion.

*Halise Home – A window into tranquillity*

>>> Don't miss out: Best Hotels in Ninh Binh!

Our Final Words

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!