Located in Ninh Binh province of Vietnam, Hang Mua is a natural complex home to a cave at the base and a viewpoint of the top of Karst mountain. Standing high at 100 m, the viewpoint at Hang Mua is the only natural observatory in Ninh Binh. This guide explains everything you need to know about Mua Caves and hiking to the viewpoint in detail. Sit back and enjoy reading the guide.
Complete Guide to Mua Caves or Hang Múa
Table of Contents
How To Reach Mua Caves?
Mua Caves is 7 Km from Ninh Binh and 5 Km from Tam Coc. No direct buses ply from either of these two places. Hence, the easiest way to reach the Mua Caves is to hop on a Grab taxi or rent a cycle or bike. Bicycles are more popular and preferred by travelers at Tam Coc than motorcycles. Many bicycle rentals are available at shops, and some homestays offer rental services. Opt for taxi services if you’re visiting as a group of people.
Network Availability
Viettel and Vinaphone have moderate connectivity at Mua Caves. An intermittent signal was observed while hiking.
Languages Spoken
Vietnamese is widely spoken in the region. Due to its importance as a tourist spot, some people also speak English.
Parking Availability
A small, limited parking space is available at the entrance to the cave, close to the ticket counter. You can park your two-wheelers and four-wheelers for free. Locals will stop you 100m before the entrance, dressing like security guards and directing you to park at the paid parking lot. You do not have to pay them; you can just carry on to the entrance gate.
Parking Fee: 5000 VND for cycles and 10,000 VND for motorcycles
Restroom Facilities
A restroom is available at the base or the hike starting point. Come prepared. There are no other restrooms available anywhere else along the route.
Related: Use these super helpful public restroom tips during your travels.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Hang Mua or Mua Caves is during the early morning hours. Usually, the caves are not very crowded during the opening time. During sunset, huge crowds will usually be gathered at the viewpoint at the top, which might make your experience less pleasant or enjoyable. Mua Caves can be visited throughout the year. You can see the scenic, lush green rice fields in April.
Entry Fee
100,000 VND for adults and children. Free for children below 1m in height.
Timings
6 AM – 6 PM, on all days
Where To Eat?
Many restaurants can be seen en route to the Hang Mua or Mua Caves. Small shops and dine-in restaurants are available inside the premises – only at the base. You can get some snacks and water before heading up. No restaurants or shops exist en route or at the top.
Where To Stay?
Hang Mua Ecolodge is a popular property located close to the Mua Caves. It has various amenities like restaurants, a spa, a swimming pool, etc. A more affordable option would be to stay at Tam Coc and commute from there. We stayed at AN Homestay at Tam Coc. Here are a few other recommendations.
- Tam Coc Village Bungalow ($)
- An’s Eco Garden Resort ($$)
- Fairy Mountain Retreat ($$)
- Tam Coc Holiday Hotel & Villa ($$)
- Amazing View Homestay ($$)
Did you know? Mua Caves are praised as the “Muse of Tam Coc,” “Queen of Trang An,” “The Great Wall of Vietnam,” and “Dancing Caves.”
Hang Mua or Mua Caves Hiking Details
Well-laid steps are constructed until the very end of the Mua Caves. You must climb about 486 of them to reach the small pagoda and the highest viewpoint at the top, where a massive dragon statue is erected. Some of the steps are uneven in height, so climb carefully. It takes roughly 30 minutes to reach the top.
The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of Tam Coc and the surrounding rice fields, mountains, and the Ngo Dong River. The rocks are sharp and uneven, and they are close to the dragon. Be very careful while stepping on them. You can spend as much time there as you want, provided you reach the caves early enough. After sunset, lights are lit along the staircases.
In addition to hiking the viewpoint at the top of the Mua mountain, you can visit Lời Ra Đầm Sen (Lotus Lake), Suời Ngọc Trai (Pearl Spring), a pond, and a cave at the base. Take a stroll and click pictures to your heart’s content at several spots decorated for visitors.
Important Things To Remember
- You do not require a guide to hike Hang Mua or Mua caves.
- Obey the warning signs of danger in the tourist area. Do not climb into forbidden places or restricted areas. Pay attention to the signposts and comply.
- Dress codes are not strictly followed. You can dress comfortably, including in shorts.
- The use of plastics and smoking is strictly prohibited. As a hiker, you must maintain cleanliness and not litter. Collect and bring back the waste and dispose of it in the proper dedicated bins.
Essential Things To Carry
- Ensure you carry at least 1 L of water per person.
- Carry some energy bars and snacks.
- Have your first aid kit handy.
- Cap, sunscreen & sunglasses are essential to protect yourself against the summer heat.
- Carry a poncho or raincoat in case of rain.
- Above all, ensure you wear comfortable shoes with good traction and grip.
Read the blog to know more about what we usually carry for day hikes.
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