Hiking to the highest peak at Hang Mua Viewpoint (also known as Mua Cave) is one of the best things to do in Ninh Binh!
The cave itself is not that spectacular but it’s the incredible 360-degree views from the Hang Mua viewpoint that make this a very popular place to visit.
I have put together this complete guide to Hang Mua Cave hike and its viewpoint, including how to get there, how much it costs, countless Mua Cave photos, and what to expect when you arrive.
QUICK ANSWERS: HANG MUA VIEWPOINT
Before I dive into more details about Hang Mua Peak, here are some quick answers to the most frequently asked questions.
WHERE IS HANG MUA VIEWPOINT?
Mua Cave Viewpoint is located 5 km north of Tam Coc Village Center in the Ninh Binh region.
Click here to see the location on Google maps.
Getting around Tam Coc is really simple as you can do so on foot, on a bicycle, or rent a scooter from your choice of half a dozen rental shops in the center of town.
It’s approximately a 10-minute ride on a scooter from the town center to reach the entrance to Mua Cave Viewpoint.
A scooter rental costs around 100,000 VND per day, or you can rent a bicycle which costs half the price.
HOW MUCH IS HANG MUA CAVE VIEWPOINT ENTRANCE FEE?
When you arrive at Mua Cave Ninh Binh, there is a ticket office next to the parking lot and you will have to pay a 100,000 VND Hang Mua entry fee.
WHAT ARE HANG MUA VIEWPOINT OPENING HOURS?
The Mua Cave opening hours are Monday to Friday from 6 am to 7 pm.
I arrived in the dark at around 5 am so I could hike to the Hang Mua viewpoint in time for sunrise.
On that note, I highly recommend visiting for sunrise or sunset – I guarantee you won’t regret it!
BEST DAY TRIP TO NINH BINH
WHAT TO EXPECT AT HANG MUA CAVES VIETNAM
Follow the path right down to the end and you will reach the foot of the mountain. There is a path leading to the left and one path leading straight up the mountainside.
Take the path to the left if you want to check out the cave itself, otherwise, you can head straight up the mountain to the Hang Mua viewpoint.
The hike only takes around 15 minutes from bottom to top depending on your fitness level.
There are around 500 stairs in total that ascend very steeply up the mountainside.
At the halfway point, you will come to a fork in the trail, the path to the right leads to one of the pagodas on a narrow rocky outcrop and the path to the left leads to the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva statue on dragon mountain.
Personally, I quickly ascended the path to the right to check out pagoda number one and then I raced back over to the much higher peak next to the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva statue for the sunrise.
HANG MUA VIEWPOINT
As you near the top of the mountain, you’ll come to the first incredible viewpoint with a spectacular sight of the Ngo Dong River below that cuts its way around the towering mountains in the south-facing valley.
This was by far my favorite spot to take photos at Hang Mua Vietnam!
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Continue the hike up a little further till you reach the top and the second viewpoint.
The locals call this spot ‘dragon mountain’ as you will see an ornate dragon built from stone that spreads across the ridge at the peak.
There is also a statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva underneath a sheltered pagoda that is surrounded by incense and food offerings.
I was lucky enough to have the entire Hung Mua mountain to myself as I sat and watched the sunrise in complete awe.
As the light got brighter I decided to launch my drone and take photos of the pagodas and the surrounding landscapes.
Must Read: Things To Do In Ninh Binh
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The best time to visit Mua Caves Ninh Binh is early in the morning around 6 am before the crowds arrive or you can visit in the late afternoon as it is a great location to watch the sunset over the valley.
It can be visited year-round, though between the months of November to April it’s mostly dry and cool, and when most people tend to visit.
May to October sees plenty of rainfall and hot humid days.
The rainy season, in my opinion, is the best time to visit the Ninh Binh region as there are fewer tourists and the landscapes are vividly green, which also means better views from Hang Mua caves.
Must Read: 4 Week Vietnam Itinerary
HOW TO GET TO NINH BINH?
There are buses that operate frequently on a daily basis from Hanoi to Ninh Binh and the journey takes around 2.5 hours.
You can search for all bus connections on the 12Go Asia website and book online to get the best rates.
Alternatively, you can pre-book a shared mini-van transfer between Hanoi and Ninh Binh for only $6 USD.
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WHERE TO STAY NEAR MUA CAVE VIETNAM?
Ninh Binh is the closest town to Mua Cave Vietnam and has hundreds of accommodations to choose from.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend before or after Mua Cave Hanoi.
LUXURY: EMERALDA RESORT
Emeralda Resort is the best luxury accommodation in Ninh Binh!
Located on the edge of a beautiful nature reserve featuring 3 swimming pools, 2 restaurants, a bar, a fitness center, a sauna, a spa, and free wifi.
The spacious, villa-style rooms are fitted with wooden decor, a large balcony with stunning views, flat-screen TV, a minibar, and a private bathroom.
Emeralda Resort is recommended for couples, families, or friends.
MID RANGE: KING KONG HOMESTAY
King King Homestay is the best value-pick accommodation in Ninh Binh, featuring a swimming pool, well-kept gardens, a shared lounge, a terrace, free wifi, and a 24-hour front desk.
Choose from a double room, king room, or deluxe family room, each with air conditioning, a wardrobe, a seating area, pool views, and a private bathroom.
Guests can also enjoy an à la carte breakfast.
BUDGET: GREEN MOUNTAIN HOMESTAY
Green Mountain Homestay is the best budget accommodation in Ninh Binh, centrally located to all the tourist attractions.
The property has a restaurant with à la carte breakfast available daily, a swimming pool, shared lounge, and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and mountain views.
Choose from either a dorm room or a private double room, each of which has air conditioning and free wifi.
It’s the perfect place to stay in for solo travelers, couples, or a group of friends on a budget.
For More Options, Search On Booking.com
WHAT TO PACK FOR NINH BINH
When visiting Ninh Binh, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you.
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Portable PowerBank
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FINAL THOUGHTS – HANG MUA CAVE VIEWPOINT
I hope you enjoyed reading this article about Ninh Binh Mua Caves and if you have any questions, please drop me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations about Hang Mua hike to our awesome community.
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THANKS FOR READING
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How long is the hike to MUA cave?
Check out this 0.7-mile out-and-back trail near Huyện Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 24 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.
How many steps are there in the MUA caves?
Mua Cave is one of the most attractive destinations in Ninh Binh area. After climbing about 500 steps, you will see a very spectacular scenery, overlooking the rocky mountains, rivers, fields, bamboo boats.
How long does it take to go through Crystal Cave?
Visiting Crystal Cave Because of fragile formations, the only way to visit the cave is on a guided tour. Tours are suitable for all ages. If you decide to see the cave, plan on spending about half a day traveling to the cave, walking to the entrance, and taking the 50-minute tour.
Is Mua Caves worth visiting?
Is A Visit To Mua Cave Ninh Binh Worth Your Time & Effort? Absolutely, without a doubt ! Take my word for it. Mua Caves offer one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Ninh Binh, a destination celebrated as a mixed natural & cultural UNESCO heritage for its breathtaking landscapes & cultural values in Vietnam.