ℹ️ Information – Mua Caves
🚶 How to get to Mua Caves
☀️ When to visit Mua Caves
🏡 Where to stay there
❓ FAQ + Tips for Mua Caves
🎫 Photos of Mua Caves
Mua Caves (Hang Múa) – one of the most attractive tourist places in Ninh Binh.
-
- Recently, one of the most attractive tourist spots near Hanoi – Ninh Binh and its karst surroundings. There are many beautiful tourist spots around Ninh Binh town, mostly in Trang An Scenic Complex. One of these places in this complex are the Mua Caves (Hang Múa) and its peak/mountain from which is a fascinating view to the nearby surroundings.
-
- This is one of the most visited places in the area that you should not miss. There are about 500 steps on the 2 peaks and viewpoints. The highest viewpoint is the Lying Dragon Mountain (Núi Ngoạ Long) with its Stone statue of Quan Am (The Goddess of Mercy), this is also a populr selfie spot in Ninh Binh.
Hang Múa (Hang = cave, Múa = dancing) – the name from the old time story.
-
- Why this place is called Mua Caves? Hang Mua = Dancing cave. The name of this place was taken from a folk tales saying that the King Tran came to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital to establish Thai Vi temple (about 1 km from the Mua Peak), and often went to the cave below the peak to hear the beautiful female singers singing and dancing.
How to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh? ➜
-
- So the local people called this place Hang Mua (Dancing cave) after this story. Lying Dragon Mountain (Núi Ngoạ Long) – there is a lying dragon on the top of Mua Peak, a popular selfie spot. The stairs are bordered by the imitation of the Great Wall of China.
The best way how to get to Mua Caves (Hang Mua) is to travel by motorbike/bicycle.
-
- How to get to Mua Caves? Mua Caves are about 100 km from Hanoi and only about 7 km from the Ninh Binh Railway Station. You probably come to Ninh Binh (by bus or train), you can book your bus or train tickets online. The entire neighborhood of Ninh Binh lies in the lowland so it is easy to move there.
-
- The best way is to rent a motorbike or bicycle, it is a cheap way of transport and travel in this area on your own. You can also take a taxi from Ninh Binh to Mua Caves. The other points of interest near the Mua Caves include Tam Coc, Bich Dong Pagoda, Trang An complex, Hoa Lu. So, it is a good idea to prepare a small itinerary.
1. Travel by motorbike/bicycle in Ninh Binh (the best, cheap option)
2. Travel with a tourist agency from Hanoi
3. Travel by local taxi in Ninh Binh
Book your train / bus tickets from Hanoi to Ninh Binh + Schedule:
(you can change your departure and arrival, eg. Hanoi to Mua Caves, Hanoi to Tam Coc…)
What is the best time to visit Mua Caves (Hang Mua) in Ninh Binh?
-
- You can visit the Mua Caves – Hang Mua throughout the year. The most beautiful pictures are in the summer or in the period before rice harvesting in the area of Ninh Binh. Opening time of Mua Caves is from 7am – 5pm. Rice harvest season is from September – October, these months are very good for visiting this area.
Book accommodation in Ninh Binh ➜
-
- Winter time can be very cold and also rainy, so prepare some light warm clothes. Below there is a current weather in Mua Caves/Ninh Binh. Foggy and rainy weather is not a good idea for visitng Mua Peak, the stairs are steep and visibility will be limited. Read this article: Weather in Ninh Binh.
1. Skip the misty, foggy, rainy weather
2. September > October – Rice harvest season
What about accommodation in Mua Caves? Where to stay in Ninh Binh?
-
- Ninh Binh and its surroundings offers many accommodation options. You can find there various hotels, resorts, guesthouses, hostels, bungalows and eco-houses. A lot of accommodation is also available in the Trang An Scenic Complex, Tam Coc, but also a short walk to Mua Caves. The advantage is that you are housed within the reach of nature and karst sceneries. Choose from these accommodation options:
Accommodation at the Mua Caves (Hang Mua):
▶️ Mua Caves Ecolodge
▶️ Nguyn Shack Ninh Binh
▶️ Chez Beo Homestay
Accommodation in Trang An Scenic Complex:
▶️ Trang An Farm Stay
▶️ Trang An Retreat
▶️ Hoalu Eco Homestay
▶️ Buffalo Eco Garden
▶️ Ham Rong Homestay
▶️ Trang An River View Homestay
▶️ Trang An Eco Homestay
▶️ Green Mountain Homestay
Accommdation in Tam Coc:
▶️ Tam Coc Vitoria Hotel
▶️ Tam Coc Bamboo Homestay
▶️ Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel And Resort
▶️ Tam Coc Bungalow
▶️ Thanh Dat Homestay
▶️ Tam Coc Palm House
❓ FAQ + TIPS – Mua Caves (Hang Mua) in Ninh Binh:
1. How to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh / Hang Mua?
-
- Book your bus/train e-tickets from Hanoi to Ninh Binh on Baolau or 12go.asia.
- You can travel by bus or train. There are also some comfortable limousines, vans from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. It takes about 2-3 hours by bus or train and tickets are cheap. You can book also bus/van from Hanoi to Mua Caves on Baolau.
2. Where are the Mua Caves (Hang Mua)?
-
- Mua Caves (Hang Mua) are about 100 km from Hanoi in Ninh Binh and about 7 km from Ninh Binh Railway Station. Mua Caves are the part of the Trang An Scenic Complex, one ofthe most visited and amazing tourist places in Ninh Binh.
3. How to get from Ninh Binh town to Mua Caves?
-
- The best option is to rent a motorbike or bicycle. You can also take a taxi from Ninh Binh to Mua Caves.
4. How many steps has the Mua Peak/mountain?
-
- Mua Peak (Viewpoint) has about 500 steps. Hiking on the Lying Dragon Mountain is quite steep but not so hard.
5. When is the best time to visit Mua Caves?
-
- Theoretically, you can visit the Mua Caves throughout the year. The best time to visit Mua Caves is in the summer-autumn months. In September – October there is a harvest rice season in Ninh Binh.
6. What is the opening time of the Mua Caves?
-
- The opening time of the Mua Caves (Hang Mua) is Monday to Sunday – 7 am – 17 pm.
7. Is it possible to stay at the Mua Caves? Is there some accommodation?
-
- Yes, you can accommodate right at the Mua Caves, eg. you can try Mua Caves Ecolodge (Hang Mua) or Nguyen Shack – Ninh Binh. You will find a lot of accommodation options (local homestays, hotels, bungalows) in Tam Coc, Trang An Scenic Complex, Hoa Lu a few kilometres from Mua Caves and easily accessible by motorbike/bicycle.
8. How much is the ticket to the Mua Caves?
-
- Price of the ticket to Mua Caves is about 100 000 VND/pp (4-5 Usd, it can change).
9. It is necessary to have your tourist guide to Mua Caves?
-
- No, it is not necessary to have your tourist guide to Mua Caves. A lot of interesting places in Ninh Binh you can visit alone. Rent a motorbike/scooter or bicycle and you can move there very easily.
10. Is there a parking lot for motorbikes at the Mua Caves?
-
- Yes, there is a parking lot for motorbikes right at the entrance to the Mua Caves, tickets costs about 10 000 VND (0,5 Usd). There are also some parking lots of local people in front of the entrance of Mua Caves.
11. It is possible to buy some food at the Mua Caves?
-
- Yes, at the Mua Caves you can buy some food, snacks, drink… There are various small restaurants of local people in front of the Mua Caves.
12. How to go to Ninh Binh from Noi Bai Airport?
-
- Traveling from Noi Bai Airport to Ninh Binh offers a range of transportation options to suit every traveler’s preferences. Whether you opt for the economical convenience of buses, the comfort of private taxis, or the adventurous combination of bus and train travel, your journey promises to be filled with excitement and memorable experiences awaiting you in the stunning landscapes of Ninh Binh.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Vietnam ➜
Mua Caves (Hang Múa) – Information:
-
- Location: Ninh Binh (Hoa Lư district) – Vietnam
- How far is it: About 7 km from Ninh Binh town (100 km from Hanoi)
- Ticket: 100 000 VND (about 5 USD, buy tickets at the spot)
- Tourist attraction: Viewpoint, Cave (+Trang An Complex)
- How to get there: Motorbike, Bicycle, Taxi
- How to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh: Train or bus
- How to get from Hanoi to Trang An: Limousine or minivan
- Opening time: Sun – Sat (6:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
Mua Caves (Hang Mua) in Ninh Binh – Photos:
| Mua Caves: Nature’s Staircase to Ninh Binh’s Beauty | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Geological Marvel: |
Mua Caves are a geological wonder nestled in the Ninh Binh province of Vietnam. These caves are famous for their distinctively shaped karst formations and are often referred to as the „Hang Mua“ or „Dancing Cave“ due to their captivating limestone peaks that resemble dancers in motion. |
| 2. Panoramic Views: |
One of the highlights of Mua Caves is the panoramic view that awaits visitors at the summit. To reach the viewpoint, visitors must climb a steep, stone staircase with nearly 500 steps. The climb is challenging but immensely rewarding, as it offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding Tam Coc landscape. |
| 3. Connection to the Legend of the Great Wall: |
The staircase leading to the viewpoint is sometimes referred to as the „Great Wall of Vietnam“ due to its resemblance to the Great Wall of China. The stairs are lined with dramatic dragon-shaped handrails, and the journey to the top evokes a sense of embarking on a majestic adventure. |
| 4. Charming Dragon Statues: |
The dragon motif is a recurring theme at Mua Caves. Throughout the site, you’ll encounter enchanting dragon statues and intricate dragon carvings that add to the mystical atmosphere. The dragon is a symbol of power, prosperity, and good fortune in Vietnamese culture. |
| 5. Spiritual Significance: |
Mua Caves also hold spiritual importance. At the top of the stairs, you’ll find a small pagoda dedicated to Quan Am, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Visitors often take a moment to offer prayers and pay respects to this compassionate deity while taking in the awe-inspiring views. |
| 6. Popular Photography Spot: |
Mua Caves are a favorite destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts. The unique geological formations, along with the panoramic backdrop of Tam Coc’s winding river and lush rice fields, make it a haven for capturing stunning images of the Vietnamese countryside. |
| 7. Sunset Magic: |
One of the most enchanting experiences at Mua Caves is witnessing the sunset from the summit. The changing colors of the sky, combined with the silhouette of the karst formations and the tranquil river below, create a magical and unforgettable moment for those who make the climb in the late afternoon. |
| 8. Cultural Significance: |
The local culture around Mua Caves is deeply intertwined with traditional Vietnamese customs and celebrations. The site often hosts festivals and events, such as the Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn Festival), where locals and visitors come together to partake in cultural performances, dances, and communal festivities. |
| 9. Environmental Preservation: |
Efforts have been made to preserve the natural beauty of Mua Caves and its surroundings. Conservationists and the local community are committed to maintaining the ecological balance and ensuring that this unique landscape remains pristine for future generations to enjoy. |
| 10. Visitor’s Paradise: |
Mua Caves offer an unforgettable experience for visitors. Whether it’s the exhilarating climb, the breathtaking views, or the cultural richness, the caves are a paradise for those seeking adventure, spirituality, and a deeper connection to the beauty of Vietnam’s natural landscape. |
Saigon to Ha Long｜Sapa to CatBa｜Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai｜N.Trang to HoiAn｜Ha Long Bay｜Danang to Ninh Binh｜Hue to NinhBinh｜Ma Pi Leng