Hang Mua: Sweeping Views of Ninh Binh from Limestone Heights

Plan your Trip to Hang Mua Viewpoint

No time to read the full article? No worries! Here are quick links to hotels, tours, and other services to help you start planning your trip right away! 

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Where to Stay: Booking.com is our go-to platform to search for amazing accommodations. Here are the top hotels in Ninh Binh near the Hang Mua Cave.

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Mid-Range

The Wooden Gate

Mid-Range

Halise Home and Retreat

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Hang Mua Tours: Viator and GetYourGuide are the best platforms to find tours and excursions to join in Ninh Binh. Here are some of the most popular tours to visit the Hang Mua Cave from Hanoi.

1. Small Group Full-Day Ninh Binh Tour
2. Mua Cave and Boat Tour
3. Ninh Binh Highlights Full-Day Tour

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Looking for a hassle-free trip from Hanoi? Book this comfortable van and arrive in Ninh Binh in no time!

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The Best Viewpoint in Ninh Binh 

Hang Mua, also known as Mua Cave, is one of Ninh Binh’s top attractions. While the caves at the base of the mountain are intriguing, it’s the sweeping views that truly steal the show.

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Perched 88 meters above the ground, the Hang Mua viewpoint treats you to breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of Ninh Binh. You can even spot the winding Ngo Dong River of Tam Coc below.

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The site also carries a fascinating legend. According to history, King Tran Thai Tong, the first emperor of the Tran Dynasty, built the Tai Vi Temple upon his return to Hoa Lu. During his visits to Hang Mua, he would watch traditional music and dance performances with his concubines. This earned the cave its name—Hang Mua, meaning "Dancing Cave" in Vietnamese.

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How to Get to Mua Cave Viewpoint

Getting to Hang Mua from Hanoi is straightforward. Located about 5 kilometers from Ninh Binh's center, it takes roughly two hours to reach by car.

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Here are the best ways to reach the Hang Mua viewpoint from Hanoi:

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Van: A comfortable and budget-friendly option. These 9- to 11-seat vans often stop at Tam Coc boat dock, but you can ask the driver to drop you off near Hang Mua’s entrance. Tickets cost around $11. Book your van here!

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Private Car: An ideal option for families or groups of friends, providing the flexibility to depart on your own schedule and the convenience of direct, comfortable travel. Prices start at $50. Book your car here!

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Read: 2 Days in Hanoi: Must-See Attractions

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Hang Mua Tour Options

Note: If you're already in Ninh Binh, visiting the viewpoint on your own is simple and doesn’t require a guide.

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There are numerous daily tours departing from Hanoi to Ninh Binh that include a stop at Hang Mua. These tours are a convenient choice if you're short on time or prefer a fully organized experience.

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Here are the best day tours from Hanoi to Ninh Binh:

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Hang Mua Hike Difficulty

The hike to the summit of Hang Mua is relatively easy and takes around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your fitness level.

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You’ll climb around 500 stone steps, carved directly into the rock. The stairs can be uneven, and some sections are steep and slippery, so watch your step. In some areas, there’s no handrail, so take extra care as you climb.

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Hang Mua Opening Hours & Entrance Fee

The Hang Mua viewpoint is open daily from 6am to 7pm. Tickets are 100,000 VND ($4) for adults, with free entry for children under 1 meter tall. No advance booking is required—just head to the small booth at the entrance to buy your ticket.

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Tip: Allow at least one hour to climb and fully appreciate the stunning views from the top.

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Where to Park

Park your bike right next to the ticket booth for less than a dollar! 

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The road leading to the cave is lined with stalls and souvenir shops displaying parking signs, and locals may wave you over to park on their property—some might even shout at you

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Many online reviews mention that individuals in what appear to be official uniforms might pressure you into paying a higher parking fee. Just ignore them and head straight to the ticket area.

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Since we visited early in the morning, we didn’t encounter anyone flagging us for parking.

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Best Month to Visit Hang Mua Cave

You can visit Mua Cave in Vietnam year-round, but the best time to go is from April to July. During these months, you'll enjoy the most breathtaking views of Ninh Binh and prime photography opportunities.

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In April, the rice fields are lush and green, while by late May to June, they turn a rich golden yellow during harvest season. If you're hoping to see the lotus ponds in bloom, plan your visit for July.

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Read: Best Time to Visit Vietnam

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Best Time to Visit to Avoid Crowds

Visiting during the off-season is a great way to avoid the crowds. However, if you’re aiming for those iconic views of Ninh Binh’s lush rice fields, timing is key.

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For the best experience, we recommend visiting in the morning at sunrise or in the late afternoon around sunset. These times allow you to enjoy the landscape in peace, without the tour groups arriving from Hanoi.

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If those hours don’t fit your schedule, wait until the tour crowds have dispersed before climbing to the viewpoints to fully take in the scenery.

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Read: Top Beautiful Places to Visit in Vietnam

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Hang Mua Viewpoints

The Hang Mua peak has two main spots to visit: the dragon statue and the pagoda. But throughout the area, you'll find plenty of stunning photo opportunities.

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Here are some of the top locations to capture those Instagram-worthy shots!

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Hang Mua Dragon

The lying dragon statue is the highest point on the viewpoint that you can climb. The path to the dragon is challenging, with sharp, jagged rocks and no barriers for protection. Space is limited, and when it gets busy, people may be moving in all directions. If you decide to climb, be extra cautious.

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Recently, a tourist slipped and got stuck (fortunately, unharmed). It’s not worth the risk when there are crowds, as you can enjoy the same view from the small pavilion at the bottom.

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Hang Mua Pagoda

The small pagoda sits on the northern part of Hang Mua mountain. There’s limited space at the top, so be cautious. From here, you'll mainly see rice fields and karst mountains.

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If you hike in the morning, the trail is shaded, making the climb more comfortable as you avoid direct sunlight.

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For an unforgettable collection of pagodas on limestone mountains, visit the Marble Mountains in Da Nang.

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Path Way Split

One of our favorite photo spots is looking down the stairs just before the path splits. The contrast of the green surroundings and the red flags lining the steps makes for a perfect shot!

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Halfway up, there's a small store located where the path splits. You can grab refreshing drinks and snacks to enjoy at the platform. A large fan outside the store often attracts people stopping for a much-needed cool-down!

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Platform 

Just before the final climb to the dragon statue, you'll find a large platform offering a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, including the Ngo Dong River, where boats travel along during the Tam Coc boat tours.

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The platform is spacious, with benches where you can sit and enjoy some snacks while taking in the view!

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Hang Mua Caves

Most visitors skip the cave and just head directly to the viewpoint, but if you have the time, there are two caves at the base of the mountain worth exploring. They also offer a peaceful escape from the crowds.

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For more cave adventures, head to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, home to many cave complexes, including the largest in the world—Son Doong Cave!

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Lily Pond Boardwalk

The boardwalk just before the steps belongs to the Eco Lodge hotel. It’s free to access and offers a fantastic photo spot, especially during lotus season in July. At this time, the area surrounding the pathway is blanketed in vibrant lotus flowers, providing a stunning backdrop for your pictures.

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Our Hang Mua Experience

We visited Hang Mua twice—once at the beginning of June during a heat wave, and again at the end of April.

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In June, we started our climb early, around 7am, when the shops on the complex were still closed. While there were a few people at the top and others coming down, it was still peaceful, allowing us to enjoy the views without feeling rushed. By the time we descended, more visitors were heading up, and the first vans and tour groups began to arrive around 8am. 

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When we returned in April, we climbed in the afternoon, around 1pm. The weather was cloudy, and the crowds were noticeably larger. Despite this, the climb was still manageable, with relatively light traffic. At the top, we did have to wait a bit, as there were queues at the main viewpoints.

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Find out about one of the most impressive viewpoints in Vietnam with our guide to Chieu Lau Thi Peak in Ha Giang Province.

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Where to Stay Near Hang Mua Viewpoint 

Looking for places to stay near Hang Mua? There are several great options, but here are some of the most popular accommodations you can book!

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Mid-Range

The Wooden Gate

Mid-Range

Halise Home and Retreat

Other Things to Do Near Hang Mua Viewpoint

After hiking to the Hang Mua viewpoint, continue on to the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex for a boat tour. This is one of the top things to do in Ninh Binh and is just a 10-minute drive away. 

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You can also check out Tam Coc, where you can take another popular boat tour. It's shorter than Trang An but still a fantastic option, especially for a sunset tour!

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Read More: Best Things to do in Ninh Binh

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Tips for Visiting Mua Cave Viewpoint

1. Start early. Beat the crowds from Hanoi and avoid the midday heat by arriving early.
2. Bring water. The shops at the bottom are usually closed in the early morning, so make sure to bring your own water.
3. Bring snacks. Take your time at the platform and enjoy a snack while soaking in the view before heading down.
4. Wear sturdy shoes. Especially if you're planning to climb to the dragon statue. The rocks in this area can be sharp, so be cautious.
5. Go slow and watch your step. There are no railings at the viewpoints, so take your time and be mindful of where you step.

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‍Are you ready for your Vietnam trip? Find out everything you need to know before visiting Vietnam for the first time!

We hope this information helps you plan your trip to Mua Cave in Ninh Binh. We had a wonderful time visiting this viewpoint and are sure you'll enjoy it just as much.

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For more limestone peaks and stunning views, take on the Ha Giang region with our 4-day Ha Giang Loop itinerary. Explore northern Vietnam’s most scenic spots, passing through local villages, vibrant markets, and diverse cultures from various ethnic minorities.

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Let us know if we’ve missed anything in the comments down below.