Mua Cave

Mua Cave is a famous tourist attraction located in the core of the Trang An Landscape Complex.

Although it is called “a cave,” the main reason that draws travelers to Mua Cave is the two famous and beautiful natural viewpoints on the top of Mua Mountain.

To reach these viewpoints, you need to climb 486 steps on the “Great Wall” path—a stone staircase with dragons carved alongside. But the journey will be well worth it. Two famous peaks, respectively named Ngoa Long (Dragon) Peak and Stupa Peak, offer different panoramic views of the Ngo Dong River and Tam Coc area.

How to get to Mua Cave from Hanoi

The most popular way to get to Mua Cave from Hanoi is by day trip. These tours will offer a full package, visiting not only Mua Cave but also other famous attractions in the area, such as Tam Coc or Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.

If you plan to travel on your own, you could choose to get to Mua Cave by either limousine or train.

A limousine departs every hour daily from Hanoi and could drop you off at Mua Cave after a 2-hour ride. Vexere offers various schedules, with prices ranging from 250,000 VND to 300,000 VND per person.

Mua Cave is also only a 15-minute taxi ride from Ninh Binh train station. From Hanoi, you could take various trains from morning to afternoon. Tickets could be booked via the Vietnam Railways official website, starting at 112,000 VND per person for soft seating in an air-conditioned coach.

Best time to visit Mua Cave

The best time to see Mua Cave’s scenery is from May to June. During that time, the rice paddy fields in the Ngo Dong River bloom, transforming the area into a romantic yellow hue. Additionally, lotuses will cover the pond at the foot of Mua during this time. However, you could expect extremely hot weather (up to 31 °C).

October to December is also a great time to visit Mua Cave in terms of weather. The average temperature is around 28 °C and the area enjoy a cool weather, clear skies, and no intense sun or heavy rain.

Avoid getting there during the afternoon (15:00~16:00), since this is the time tour groups from Hanoi arrive in Mua and the place could be really crowded.

Highlights

The two viewpoints

As you make your way along the 486 stone-step staircase to the peak of Mua Cave, you will come across a fork separating the stairs into two: Turning to the left to get to Ngoa Long (Lying Dragon) Peak or to the right to visit Stupa Peak.

Ngoa Long Peak is Mua Cave’s highest peak. Reaching the peak rewards you with the majestic sight of a white dragon statue facing the Buddha statue of Quan Am (Goddess of Mercy). From the top of Ngoa Long, you’ll have an amazing view of the Ngo Dong River and the entire Tam Coc area.

Turning right from the fork will take you to Stupa Peak. Lower than Ngoa Long, this peak is an alternative if you don’t want to climb too high. On top of the peak is a Buddhist stupa, standing above a magnificent view of Ninh Binh countryside, its rice field, and the lotus pond surrounding Mua Mountain.

The real Mua Cave

Right at the foot of Mua Mountain, you can visit its real cave, also known as Hoang Ho (Tiger) Cave. It’s quite small, with a low stone ceiling. Inside the cave, there’s a statue of the God of the Tiger, the area’s guardian.

Where to stay

Hang Mua Ecolodge is located right inside the Mua Cave area. It is designed in the style of a bungalow, surrounded by a lotus pond and rice field. All of the rooms are designed in a cozy wooden style, offering a warm feeling of Ninh Binh’s countryside. The Ecolodge is also equipped with other extra facilities, such as two restaurants, a spa, a sauna, and an outdoor swimming pool.

If you don’t want to spend too much on accommodation, Hang Mua FamilyHomestay is a more budget-friendly option. Only 500 meters from Mua Cave, this local homestay includes 6 bungalows and 3 private rooms. More than that, the homestay also has an outdoor pool for relaxing.

FAQs

1. Is it okay to use drones in Mua Cave?

Yes, it would be no problem. Besides, if you don’t have your own drone, Mua Cave has equipped itself with an automated drone system as well.
When visitors want to use a drone, simply scan the QR code, and the drone will automatically take off and capture the clearest photos, taking on the entire view of the area.

2. What is the “Golden Hour” for photos in Mua Cave ?

It would be from 17:00 to 17:30.