Mua Cave in Ninh Binh

Mua Cave in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Mua Cave is one of the most iconic places in Vietnam not so much because of the cave but because of the 360-degrees panoramic view that Hang Mua viewpoint has to offer. Due to its peculiar rock formations, it’s called the Halong bay on land.

It’s located 6 km from the center of Tam Coc, so you can easily reach it by bike or on a scooter (~100.000 VND/day). Riding around Ninh Binh is much safer than in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh as there is not so much traffic and the roads are in general wide and in a good state. Biking in particular is very suitable as the region is completely flat. Once you reach the entrance, many locals will offer their surveillance service to you so you can leave the scooter/bike on their land in exchange for 10.000 VND. Otherwise you can argue with them and leave the vehicle in the middle of nowhere for free, at your own risk.

The opening hours are from 06:00 to 19:00 (it might vary) and the entrance fee is 100.000 VND (in cash). If you want some quietness and really enjoy the place, you should go early in the morning because it gets crowded from 08:30 until the sunset.

From the parking lot to the main viewpoint it takes about 15 minutes and 500 uneven and sometimes high steps. Halfway you will reach a junction in the path. The right one leads to a pagoda on the top of another viewpoint while the left one leads to the popular lookout. In addition to the huge rocky dragon that is guarding the top of the mountain, you will find sculptures of dragons along the stairs. From the top you will have an astonishing view of Ngo Dong river, karst mountains, rice and lotus fields, the village and a small pagoda.

Apart from the viewpoints, you can walk on wooden platforms on the lotus pond (location.). The cave is not the real reason to come here, if you really want to visit caves you can go to Phong Nha or do the boat trip near Trang An (also in Ninh Binh).

The landscape is incredible, it’s a must do