How to Visit Mua Cave & Hang Mua Viewpoint in Ninh Binh
The Mua Cave is one of the best attractions in Ninh Binh, so you should add it to your Vietnam Itinerary. Although the caves are worth a visit, most people come to Hang Mua for the dragon statue and the iconic pagoda viewpoint.
Wondering how to visit Hang Mua Viewpoint? Ninh Binh or Tam Coc is the best base for visiting the Mua Caves Dragon. Plan to spend at least 2 hours exploring the caves and enjoy the stunning landscape from the viewpoints.
This ultimate guide to visiting Mua Caves includes the best time to visit, how to get there, practical information, and the entrance fee.
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Where is Mua Cave?
Hang Mua Viewpoint is located 6 km from Ninh Binh, near Tam Coc in Vietnam.
How to Get to Hang Mua Viewpoint
To get to Mua Cave Viewpoint, you first need to get to Ninh Binh, Vietnam. Most people come to Ninh Binh from Hanoi or Halong Bay.
The distance between Ninh Binh and Hanoi is about 95 km, which is 1.5-3 hours, depending on traffic and mode of transport. We have a detailed post on how to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh with all the information you need.
Good to know
There are no direct flights from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, as Ninh Binh has no airport.
Book this top-rated Ninh Binh full-day tour from Hanoi via GetYourGuide or Viator.
Are you spending limited time in Vietnam but want to make the most of your visit? For the ultimate experience, book a 3-day Ninh Binh & Halong Bay Luxury 5-Star Cruise HERE.
How to Visit Mua Caves, Ninh Binh
The best way to get to Hang Mua Viewpoint is to rent a motorbike and drive yourself. Motorbike rental prices range between 100.000 and 150.000 VND (4-6 USD) per day.
Hang Mua can be reached in approximately 10 minutes by scooter from Tam Coc (Ninh Binh). After arriving at the parking lot, you will climb about 500 steps up to the viewpoint, which takes 15-20 minutes to reach. Before you reach the Hang Mua Cave Viewpoint, the path splits in two, offering the best panorama of the landscape on the right and an impressive stone dragon statue on the left.
Climb to the dragon statue at your own risk! To get to the dragon, you have to get over sharp and slippery rocks, which is very dangerous if you slip. Wear closed hiking shoes and lightweight, quick-dry clothes.
See also → Things to Do on Cat Ba Island
During our visit, the weather was foggy. But if you visit in good weather, you can enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view of the lush green paddy fields and limestone mountains.
Spend at least 2 hours exploring the site, and visit the Hang Mua Big Pagoda, Tiger Cave, and Lotus Pond. Then, combine your visit with Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Bich Dong Pagoda, and Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.
TIP
Arrive as early as possible to avoid the crowds.
Mua Cave Parking
Beware of scammers! Do not pay more than 10.000 VND (0.40 USD) for parking.
Mua Cave Opening Hours
The Hang Mua is open daily from 6 AM to 7 PM.
Mua Cave Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to the Mua Caves is 100.000 VND (4 USD) per person.
When you stay at Mua Caves Ecolodge, you get free access to the Hang Mua Viewpoint so you can visit before the crowds at sunrise.
Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh has a humid subtropical climate, and the average temperature is 23.5°C all year round. However, the best time to visit Ninh Binh is from November to April, when the weather is cool and dry.
The rainy season runs from May to October. August is the wettest month, and July is the hottest.
Where to Stay in Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh City has some resorts, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.
Best hotels in Ninh Binh, Vietnam
- Mid-Range: Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort
- Budget: An’s Eco Garden Resort or Tam Coc Holiday Hotel & Villa
TIP
Alternatively, stay in the small village of Tam Coc, which offers a more authentic Vietnamese atmosphere.
We hope you found our guide to Mua Cave useful and will inspire you to visit Vietnam. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Ferry/Transfer – 12Go
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