We spent a few nights in the Hang Mua Ecolodge in Ninh Binh, so we wrote an extensive guide with everything you need to know about Mua Caves viewpoints, including how to get there, the best time to visit, entrance fee, what to expect when you get there, best photo spots, and more!
About Mua Caves
Mua Caves or Hang Mua is the name for the two famous viewpoints in Ninh Binh, the dragon, and the pagoda.
Climbing the 88 meters high Mua Caves viewpoint is one of the best things to do in Ninh Binh as this is one of the highest accessible points in the area, offering a fantastic 360 panoramic view of Ninh Binh.
Hang Mua, meaning dance or dancing cave, is an actual cave, but it’s the viewpoints above the cave that are the main attraction.
And no, it’s definitely not a hidden gem, as some may call it (daily tours go here from Hanoi), but itโs absolutely worth visiting. ๐
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Ninh Binh is known as “Ha Long Bay on land” because of many beautiful limestone karsts all around the area, similar to those in Ha Long Bay.
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How to reach Mua Caves Viewpoints?
Itโs important to know that Mua Caves Viewpoints are located inside the same named resort complex called Mua Caves Ecolodge or Hang Mua Ecolodge in Ninh Binh.
So, once you pass the entrance, you need to walk through a super-decorated resort area to get to the path that leads to the viewpoints. Itโs something that many travel guides forget to mention.
There are many photo spots there if you enjoy this kind of thing. If not, you can just skip that part and walk straight to the viewpoint.
Travel tip: If you stay in Mua Caves Ecolodge, you donโt have to pay for an entrance fee to the Mua Caves viewpoints, and you can climb it whenever and as many times as you want.
We stayed inside the ecolodge for a few nights and visited the viewpoints for both sunrise and sunset.
To reach the top of Mua Caves Viewpoints in Ninh Binh, you must climb around 500 stairs. Itโs a bit of a challenge as the stairs are uneven. Theyโre made of stone, so they can also get slippery, especially after rain, so watch out for that!
The climb to the top of Mua Caves viewpoints should take you around 20 minutes, depending on your fitness level.
What are the different viewpoints at Hang Mua
The path splits halfway and leads to two different viewpoints. The two viewpoints of Hang Mua are the dragon viewpoint and the so-called pagoda viewpoint.
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1. Pagoda Viewpoint
If you turn right on the first split in the path, youโll reach the lower viewpoint, the pagoda.
The Pagoda viewpoint area at Hang Mua is pretty small, and thereโs not much to do here besides taking photos of the so-called pagoda (it’s not a pagoda). However, you get a nice view of the dragon’s viewpoint.
If you visit the pagoda viewpoint during a busy time, youโll have to wait on the stairs leading up as thereโs not enough space for people to be at the viewpoint and take photos simultaneously.
Yes, itโs that small. So if you want to take photos, be prepared to wait in line.
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2. Dragon Viewpoint
When you turn left, where the path splits, youโll reach the Dragon Viewpoint, the highest viewpoint in Ninh Binh, offering a mesmerizing view.
The Dragon Viewpoint is the most popular spot in Mua Caves, and you can enjoy both a sunrise and sunset there.
If youโre brave enough, you can climb all around the dragon statue. However, we didnโt expect that the dragon statue is actually built on top of sharp rocks and that thereโs no railing around for safety. So be careful!
And if you donโt want to climb the dragon, thereโs a small area below it from where you can safely enjoy the view.
But if youโre not scared of heights and you trust yourself enough, give it a go. ๐
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Where are the caves at Mua Caves?
You might notice that the attractionโs name is Mua Caves, and even though it’s not at all popular for its caves, they are there.
However, we donโt think the caves at Hang Mua are actually worth visiting, especially considering Vietnam has so many fascinating caves.
Apparently, there are 2 caves under the Mua Caves viewpoints, but we only found and visited Tiger Cave.
However, if you decide to visit, it may take only 10 minutes of your time, so this one is on you!
Should you visit Mua Caves viewpoints for sunrise or sunset?
Mua Caves viewpoints are a great spot for sunrise and sunset.
We highly recommend visiting Mua Caves viewpoints for sunrise, as at that time of the day, the light will be the nicest, and it won’t be too hot yet.
Sunrise can be seen behind the so-called pagoda viewpoint and sunset behind the dragon.
And visiting Mua Caves viewpoints for sunrise also means fewer crowds, as the daily tours from Hanoi don’t arrive that early.
Either way, donโt expect to be alone there, especially as the area isnโt as big, and it’s one of the most popular spots in Ninh Binh and part of most, if not all, tour packages.
Best photo spots at Mua Caves viewpoints
Mua Caves complex offers endless photo opportunities, but there are 6 main spots for taking the best photos.
- Dragon Viewpoint
- Just before the Dragon, overlooking the Tam Coc boat ride
- The halfway point where the path splits
- Pagoda viewpoint
- Drone perspective
- Lotus pond
1. Dragon Viewpoint
You can walk all around the dragon, but be careful as the rocks below it are sharp, and there’s no railing anywhere around. We wouldn’t recommend this to someone scared of heights.
From the Dragon viewpoint, you can also get this famous angle of Ninh Binh with the “pagoda” viewpoint and scenery behind it.
2. Just before the Dragon, overlooking the Tam Coc boat ride
The photo where everyone sits on the fence while overlooking the Tam Coc valley is taken right here.
However, someone was taking photos at that exact spot during our visit, so we just went a few meters above it and got the same view.
3. The halfway point where the path splits
We actually forgot to take a photo here, but if you want a low-angle of Pagoda viewpoint, you can take it from the halfway point.
4. Pagoda viewpoint
5. Drone perspective
If you have a drone, this is a perfect opportunity to use it!
Just please be mindful of the people around you.
6. Lotus pond
The Lotus pond at Hang Mua is especially amazing from April to late July when it’s lotus blooming season.
But keep in mind that this spot will also be crowded, even at sunrise. And that lotus flowers are closed early morning and in the harsh sun.
While the lotus pond is technically not a part of the viewpoints, it is part of the complex, and itโs especially beautiful with blooming lotus flowers.
2023 UPDATE: The boardwalk on the lotus pond at Mua Caves complex is no longer shaped like a heart!
What are the opening hours of Mua Caves?
Mua Caves viewpoints are open every day, Monday to Sunday, from 6 am to 7 pm.
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What is the entrance fee for visiting Mua Caves viewpoints?
The entrance fee for Mua Caves (Hang Mua viewpoints) is 100.000 VND or around $4,2, bought at the ticket office right next to the parking lot at the entrance to Hang Mua Ecolodge.
Do you need to book a ticket for Mua Caves in advance?
You donโt need to book a ticket to Mua Caves viewpoints in advance, but if youโd like to stay at Mua Cave Ecolodge, itโs advisable to book your stay in advance. It’s a popular place and gets sold out quickly.
What is the best time to visit Mua Caves viewpoints?
Mua Caves (Hang Mua) is an all-year-round destination, and the best time to visit is during the lotus blooming season at the beginning of April.
It’s when Ninh Binh is especially beautiful because of the many lotus ponds full of flowers all around Ninh Binh and in the one big pond next to Hang Mua Ecolodge.
Thatโs why itโs such a trendy spot for Vietnamese as well, as itโs the perfect photo setting.
The best time to visit Mua Caves viewpoints to see the green rice fields is in March, April, and August, and to see yellow rice fields, in May or October, just before the harvest.
What to pack and wear for hiking the Mua Caves viewpoints?
If youโre visiting Mua Caves in the summer months, make sure to apply plenty of sun cream as thereโs not much shade at the viewpoints.
Wear something lightweight and breathable for your Mua Caves viewpoint hike, as the humidity and heat can be quite unbearable.
A perfect photo prop and sun protection for hiking Mua Caves viewpoints is the famous Vietnamese conical hat – โnon laโ, the perfect thing to take with you! And itโs a great souvenir as well.
We hiked the Mua Caves viewpoints in July at sunrise, and even before the sun was up, it was already 30+ degrees Celsius. That’s why we also recommend a small microfiber towel, as you may sweat a lot. It was a lifesaver for us!
If youโre visiting Mua Caves in the winter months, make sure to take something with long sleeves and definitely long pants, as mornings and evenings may be a bit chilly.
And, of course, donโt forget to take a camera to capture the beautiful scenery!
Tips for visiting Mua Caves viewpoints
How to visit
You can easily visit Mua Caves by yourself or as a part of an organized tour.
Here are some tours we recommend:
Parking at Hang Mua Ecolodge
If you plan to drive to Mua Caves by yourself, keep in mind that locals might try to stop you from driving to the end of the road and try to get you to park at their place for a higher fee.
They might even lie that you canโt drive further. Donโt fall for that, and keep driving straight until the entrance to Hang Mua (Mua Caves) Ecolodge. There you can park your motorbike or bicycle at the official parking for a small fee of about 10000 VND (it used to be free).
Mid-2021, they built a new road leading towards Mua Caves Ecolodge & Viewpoint. Before that, it was a very bumpy ride for a few minutes.
Staying in the Ecolodge
The viewpoints are situated inside an ecolodge with the same name. There are plenty of other photogenic spots in the complex, a lotus pond with a boardwalk (it used to be heart-shaped, but now it’s something different), and thereโs also a restaurant and a cafe if you want to refresh yourself.
If you stay at Hang Mua Ecolodge, you can enter the viewpoints whenever you want without purchasing a ticket, and you get access to their swimming pool.
Renting photo props
If you love taking photos, you can even borrow photogenic dresses and costumes and some other photo props from one of many shops in that area.
Buying water and refreshments
There is a small stand halfway on the hike that sells water. However, be prepared to pay a bit more than usual there (makes sense).
And, of course, there are stalls with water and other refreshments in the complex.
Are Mua Caves viewpoints worth visiting?
Mua Caves or Hang Mua viewpoints are absolutely worth visiting as they offer mesmerizing 360 views of the Ninh Binh area, the Tam Coc boat ride route, and surrounding rice fields and lotus ponds.
Even though Hang Mua can get super crowded, the views are worth it. And it’s a “nice” exercise, especially on a hot summer day.
How to get to Mua Caves from Ninh Binh?
The easiest way to get to Mua Caves from Tam Coc, Trang An, or any other area in the tourist part of Ninh Binh is by motorbike or bicycle, and if you’re staying in the city, by taxi or Grab car.
Where to stay near Mua Caves?
Ninh Binh is a top-rated tourist destination, so there are plenty of accommodations for you to choose from. From simple homestays to above-water homestays or those surrounded by rice fields, as well as hotels and even resorts.
Klook.comWe can highly recommend Ha Lan Homestay, very close to Hang Mua. We were there two times in the span of a year, staying there for one month and a half in total! There are only a few rooms, so it shouldn’t be too packed even in high season. However, the rooms have everything you need, and they even built a big pool in 2021!
Also, we stayed for a few nights at Hang Mua Ecolodge, which is the perfect place to stay, because Mua Caves viewpoints are located inside the ecolodge area. You can hike in the morning for sunrise and don’t need to pay for the ticket as you’re staying there. Also, they have a nice pool where you can cool off after the hike.
Where to eat near Mau Caves viewpoints?
1990 Restaurant was our favorite place to eat near the Mua Caves viewpoints. It’s a small family-owned restaurant where we ate the best tofu with tomato sauce!
They closed shortly during the pandemic, but now they are open again. So make your way over there and order some delicious Dau Hu Sot Ca Chua (tofu tomato) with rice and some morning glory (with garlic, of course).
And there are a few restaurants right on the road leading towards Hang Mua Ecolodge, one of them being the high-reviewed Monalisa Bar & Restaurant, with supposedly really good wood-fired pizzas and burgers.
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How to get to Ninh Binh?
Ninh Binh is located in the north of Vietnam, and getting there is quite easy, as it’s just a 100km or 1-hour drive south of Hanoi. Daily buses, trains, and private cars go between Hanoi and Ninh Binh.
Tour
Since Ninh Binh is easy to reach from Hanoi, many daily tours are going from Hanoi, with most departing from Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Different tours visit different spots in Ninh Binh, but most of them visit at least: Tam Coc/Trang An, Hang Mua, and Hoa Lu.
Bus
Taking a bus or a limousine/van is the best way to get to Ninh Binh, as they are the most common mode of transport and the most reliable and fastest. In addition, the prices are great, and you can get one for as low as 130.000 VND ($5.5). Many limousine companies also drop you off at your hotel/homestay but check beforehand. Taxis in the city are affordable, and there’s also Grab.
Another option is the local bus, which is much cheaper, but honestly, the van is your best bet.
Train
Ninh Binh’s train station is not the biggest and most equipped one, but it still is a significant source of arriving tourists, and trains pass by regularly. The first time we came to Ninh Binh, it was from Hue by train.
We always suggest trains for longer drives where possible, so if you’re coming from the south, opting for the train is a great option.
It takes 2 hours from Hanoi to Ninh Binh by train and costs around 150.000 VND ($6.5) for the soft seat and 200.000 VND ($8.5) for a bed in the cabin.
You can book tickets online or book directly at the train station or Vietnam Railway’s official website.
Private transport/taxi
Private transport is also possible between Hanoi and Ninh Binh, and a private car or taxi will cost you around 1.200.000 VND ($52).
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Motorbike
Going by motorbike to Ninh Binh is very easy, and if you’re coming from Hanoi, you just drive south for 2 hours (100km).
Daily motorbike rental in Hanoi costs upwards of 100.000 VND ($4.5) for semi-automatic bikes, around 150.000 VND ($6.5) for automatic, and 400.000 ($20) for dirt bikes like the Honda XR 150.
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6 Responses
Hi there! Love your guide to Hang Mua. I’m so excited to be going there this spring. Where can I find those shops that rent out the dresses, ao dai and/or non la hat? Do they allow rental for the whole day if I want to take it to multiple locations?
Hi Tova! Thank you so much!
The shops are in the Hang Mua complex once you enter the property. And they are also on the road leading towards the entrance.
Not sure about Ao Dai being available, but it is possible. And not sure about the duration of the rental.
We’ll ask our contact there and come back with an answer soon!
Hi Tova, we just got a response from our contact at Hang Mua.
You can rent Ao Dai and other dresses in front of Hang Mua in many stores. The price for renting the dresses will be between 100.000 and 150.000 VND ($4 – $6) per day and you should be able to take them elsewhere too.
We hope this helps ๐
Hello! Sorry about the delay, just got back from some winter travels ๐
Thank you so much for inquiring about this. It’s really helpful to know what I should expect for a reasonable rental price and duration based on recent info. Looking forward to it!
Hello
May i know whether hike to mua cave is kids friendly? For 8 years old boy?
What do you think?
Thanks
Hi ๐
8-year-old kids should be fine hiking Mua Caves. ๐ Some stairs are a bit higher/uneven, but it’s a safe path.
Have fun!