Experience Mua Cave Like a Pro: Best Time, Views, Photography Tips

For the best experience at Mua Cave, visit early in the morning to beat the crowds or at sunset for a beautiful view. If you want to see the lush green rice fields, the best time to go is from May to October. Check out our suggested itineraries that include Mua Cave with nearby attractions for a perfect discovery of Ninh Binh. Whether you’re interested in hiking or finding great photo spots, this guide has everything you need.

Interesting facts about why it is named Mua Cave (Dancing Cave) 

Mua Cave, also known as the “Dancing Cave,” gets its name from a local legend. The word “Mua” means “dance” in Vietnamese. According to the legend, this area was where King Tran would come to watch traditional dancing performances. The cave is said to have been a place where dancers entertained the king and his royal court.

As you approach the site, you’ll see something really amazing: a huge rock formation made of limestone shooting up from the fields where rice is grown. At the bottom of this mountain, there’s a simple cave entrance, with lots of plants and beautiful stone carvings around it. Inside the cave, there are a few small places for praying and some statues related to Buddhism, which gives you a peaceful moment before you start the exciting climb up the mountain.

The best month of the year to visit the Mua Caves viewpoint

The best time to visit Mua Caves depends on what you want to experience. Here’s an overview of what each season offers:

• Dry Season: From November to April, you’ll experience clear skies and comfortable temperatures. This period is excellent for photography and hiking, with favorable climbing conditions. While the landscape may not be as lush, the views remain spectacular.
• Rainy Season: May to October brings lush vegetation and occasional rain showers. This season offers vibrant greenery and misty, ethereal landscapes. However, be prepared for potential rain and slightly more challenging climbing conditions due to slippery steps.
• Rice Field Season: May to early June and September to October are ideal for witnessing lush green and yellow rice fields. During these months, the surrounding paddies are at their most vibrant, creating a stunning sea of green that stretches to the horizon.
• Lotus Season: June and July are perfect for lotus lovers. The nearby ponds burst into bloom with delicate pink flowers, adding an extra layer of beauty to the already picturesque landscape.

What time should you visit the Mua Caves viewpoint?

• Early morning (sunrise): This is the best time for cooler temperatures and softer light, perfect for photography. You’re likely to encounter fewer crowds, and watching the sunrise from the viewpoint is truly magical. The landscape gradually illuminates, offering a serene start to the day.
• Midday: Visiting during midday means stronger sunlight and higher temperatures. While the views are still impressive, the harsh light can make photography challenging. The climb can also be more strenuous in the heat. However, this time might suit your schedule better if you’re on a tight itinerary.
• Late afternoon (sunset): The warm, golden light of the setting sun creates stunning photo opportunities. The landscape is bathed in a beautiful glow, making for spectacular views. However, this is a popular time so you may encounter more fellow travelers.

Useful information you should know before visiting Mua Cave

Entrance fee: The entrance fee is approximately 100,000 VND (about USD 4) per person, which includes access to both the cave and the viewpoint.

Open hour: Open daily from 6 AM to 7 PM. It’s worth noting that the ticket office may close slightly earlier than the site itself, so it’s best to arrive at least an hour before closing time to ensure you have enough time to climb and enjoy the views.

Things you should bring: Comfortable footwear is essential for the climb, as the steps can be steep and uneven in places. It’s also advisable to bring plenty of water, especially during the hotter months, as the ascent can be quite strenuous. Sun protection, including sunscreen and a hat, is recommended as there’s limited shade on the climb.

Best viewpoints at Mua Caves

The main viewpoint of Mua Cave offers a sweeping 360-degree panorama of the surrounding landscape. To the north, you’ll see the winding Ngo Dong River cutting through lush rice paddies, creating a patchwork of green and blue.

One of the most popular spots at the top is a big dragon sculpture. This amazing stone creation looks like it’s coming out of the mountain itself, with its long, winding body stretching along the peak. Being next to the dragon not only gives you a great chance to take photos but also offers some of the best views of the countryside around.

On the other side of the peak, there’s another viewpoint that gives you a different but equally stunning view. From here, you can see the nearby Tam Coc boat pier and more of the rocky landscape around. This spot is usually less crowded than the main viewpoint, so it’s a quieter place for thinking and taking pictures.

For the most adventurous visitors, there’s a small path that leads to a rocky area with an even higher view. While this spot gives you amazing views, it’s not for people who are afraid of heights or aren’t comfortable with climbing.

Is Mua Cave difficult to climb?

The climb to the Mua Cave viewpoint involves ascending approximately 500 steps. While this may sound daunting, it’s manageable for most visitors with average fitness levels. The steps are steep in some sections and can be uneven, requiring careful footing.

The climb typically takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on your pace and how often you stop to rest or take photos. It’s perfectly acceptable, and even recommended, to take your time and enjoy the journey. There are several resting points along the way where you can catch your breath and admire the gradually expanding views.

While the climb can be challenging, especially in hot weather, the reward at the top is well worth the effort. Many visitors report a sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit, which only enhances the experience of taking in the breathtaking panoramic views.

How to get to the Mua Caves?

From city center

From the city center, it’s about a 10-kilometer journey that typically takes around 20-30 minutes by car or motorbike. Many visitors opt to rent a bicycle or motorbike to explore the area at their own pace, which can be a delightful way to soak in the rural scenery along the way.

From Hanoi

If you’re coming from Hanoi, you have several options. The most convenient is to book a tour that includes transportation and a visit to Mua Cave. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle bus to Ninh Binh city and then arrange local transportation to the site. For those who prefer more flexibility, renting a car with a driver for the day is another popular choice.

Once you’re near the site, you’ll find clear signage pointing you towards Mua Cave. The entrance is well-marked and easily accessible, with a spacious parking area available for vehicles.

How to fit Mua Cave (Hang Mua) into your ultimate itinerary?

Option 1: Hanoi to Ninh Binh 2 Days

• Day 1: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Trang An – Bai Dinh Pagoda

Depart from Hanoi in the morning, arriving in Ninh Binh by midday. Start your exploration with a serene boat tour through the stunning Trang An complex, marveling at the limestone karsts and hidden caves. In the afternoon, visit the impressive Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of the largest Buddhist complexes in Southeast Asia.

• Day 2: Biking tour – Bich Dong Pagoda – Mua Cave – Hanoi

Begin your day with a refreshing bicycle tour through the countryside, soaking in the rural charm of Ninh Binh. Visit the picturesque Bich Dong Pagoda, a three-tiered cave pagoda set against a limestone cliff. Next, make your way to Mua Cave for the highlight of your trip. Climb to the viewpoint, timing your ascent to catch the sunset if possible. Descend and refuel with lunch at a local restaurant then return to Hanoi.

>>> Find more details about the estimated price of this itinerary at Ninh Binh Private Tour 2 days

Option 2: Ninh Binh & Halong Bay 3 days

• Day 1: Hanoi – Bai Dinh – Tam Coc

Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through Tam Coc, often referred to as “Halong Bay on land.” Having lunch at a local restaurant. Then visit Mua Cave and climb to the viewpoint for the sunset if you’re up at midday.

Visit the ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda complex, then enjoy a peaceful boat ride through Tam Coc, often referred to as “Halong Bay on land.”

• Day 2: Ninh Binh – Overnight in Halong Bay cruise

We will pick you up at around 8 a.m. after breakfast so you can start your journey to the captivating Halong Bay. Board your overnight cruise and enjoy evening activities on the bay.

• Day 3: Halong Bay – Hanoi

Wake up to the stunning views of Halong Bay. Participate in morning activities like kayaking or visiting floating villages before returning to Hanoi in the afternoon.

Note: Above are some of our suggested itineraries including Mua Cave. As we offer Vietnam customized package tours, your trip can be tailor-made to match your travel preferences. To get the quote and detailed proposal, share with us your travel needs by filling out this form or email at [email protected].

The most famous attractions and activities near Mua Cave

Trang An Landscape Complex

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Trang An offers boat tours through a complex of limestone karsts, caves, and historical sites. The scenery here is truly spectacular, with each turn revealing new wonders. You can combine these two attractions in a single-day trip, often starting with Trang An in the morning and ending with sunset at Mua Cave.

• Distance to Mua Cave: ~4.3 km (~2.67 miles)
• Estimated time: 10 minutes by car or motorbike

Tam Coc

Often called “Halong Bay on land,” Tam Coc offers stunning boat rides through limestone karsts and rice paddies. The two-hour boat trip takes you through three natural caves and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

• Distance from Mua Cave: ~7.1 km (~4.4 miles)
• Estimated time: 15 minutes by car or motorbike

Both Trang An and Tam Coc offer boat tours. If you’re deciding between the two, I suggest checking out the travel guide comparing Ninh Binh boat tours based on scenery, prices, and more. It will help you plan the perfect trip.

Bich Dong Pagoda Complex

This ancient three-tiered cave pagoda is set against a limestone cliff, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance. The climb to the upper levels rewards visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding area.

• Distance from Mua Cave: ~7.3 km (~4.5 miles)
• Estimated time: 15 minutes by car or motorbike

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

For history buffs, a visit to the ancient capital of Vietnam is a must. While little remains of the original 10th-century structures, the rebuilt temples dedicated to the emperors of the Dinh and Le dynasties offer insight into Vietnam’s rich history.

• Distance from Mua Cave: ~8.8 km (~5.4 miles)
• Estimated time: 15-20 minutes by car or motorbike

Thung Nham Bird Park

This ecological area is a haven for bird enthusiasts. Home to numerous species of birds, the park offers boat tours through caves and to several islands where you can observe birds in their natural habitat.

• Distance from Mua Cave: ~11 km (~6.8 miles)
• Estimated time: 25-30 minutes by car or motorbike

Frequently asked questions

How high is the Mua Cave viewpoint?

The viewpoint at Mua Cave sits atop Ngoa Long Mountain, reaching a height of about 142 meters (465 feet) above sea level. While this might not sound particularly high, it’s enough to provide sweeping views over the flat delta landscape of Ninh Binh.

Should you see sunrise or sunset at Mua caves?

Both sunrise and sunset at Mua Cave offer unforgettable experiences, each with its own charm. Sunrise provides cooler temperatures for the climb and the magical experience of watching the landscape gradually come to life. It’s also typically less crowded. Sunset, on the other hand, bathes the landscape in warm, golden light, creating stunning photo opportunities. The choice often comes down to personal preference and how it fits into your overall itinerary. If possible, experiencing both can provide two uniquely beautiful perspectives on this remarkable landscape.

Whether you’re seeking the perfect sunrise shot, panoramic views, or an unforgettable hike, Mua Cave has it all. If you are looking for more trip ideas, check out our list of Vietnam tour packages with various duration from 3 weeks to day tours.