Mua Caves Ninh Binh is a renowned destination with its unique architecture, considered an unmissable stop when visiting Vietnam. Read this article to learn more important information when you come to this place!
Where is Mua Caves located?
→ 2 days 1 night Ninh Binh tour includes a visit to Mua Cave.
Address: Mua Caves is located in Khe Dau Ha village, Ninh Xuan commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province, approximately 10km from the center of Ninh Binh city.
Ticket price: 100,000 VND per person.
Mua Caves is a tourist destination situated in the heart of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. With its unique terrain of limestone mountains that have existed for millions of years, the special feature of Mua Caves lies in the pathway leading to the mountaintop, consisting of over 500 steps. As you ascend to the summit, the panoramic view of the mountains unfolds before your eyes. Because of this, in recent years, it has become a popular destination for domestic and international tourists visiting Ninh Binh, rivaling other attractions within the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.
Why is it called Mua Caves?
According to legend, in the past, Mua Caves was a place where the kings of the Tran dynasty, especially King Tran Thai Tong, often stopped by on their way back to Hoa Lu to establish the Thai Vi Temple, to enjoy the singing and dancing performances of the ancient royal court. Therefore, people named the cave “Mua Caves” and this name is still used to this day.
During the courageous battles of our ancestors in the journey to protect the homeland, they likened the foot of Mua Mountain to a mobile hospital, turning it into a place for first aid and shelter for many wounded soldiers while participating in combat.
Therefore, Mua Caves are not only one of the most romantic and emotional places in ancient Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, but also a ‘historical witness’ that has witnessed many fluctuations in the nation’s history during the process of building and defending the country.
Explore every nook and cranny of Mua Caves
Mua Caves is situated between Tam Coc and Trang An, which is why many people often combine visits to these three destinations in a one-day tour to explore Ninh Binh.
Mua Caves features a large bell-shaped cave, covering an area of approximately 800m2. From the base of the mountain, you can clearly observe the white stone steps leading to the summit. When viewed from above, Mua Caves resembles the Great Wall of China. Along the stairway, you’ll find intricately carved stone decorations depicting dragons or phoenixes, which are sharp and visually stunning.
After climbing to the intersection, you’ll encounter two pathways: one leading to the Ancient Tower and the other to the Dragon’s Head. Both are worth visiting, and many tourists take artistic photos at these locations.
The Ancient Tower proudly stands atop Mua Mountain, drawing visitors from all over who come to capture photos to share on social media.
Constructed in the architectural style of Buddhist stupas commonly found in countries like India, Thailand, and Laos. The tower’s design incorporates a square base symbolizing the earth, a round body representing water, sharp spires pointing upwards denoting fire, lattice representing wind, and the top symbolizing the void. The space at the top is expansive, offering panoramic views of the majestic Ninh Binh mountains.
The second pathway, known as Dragon’s Head, enables visitors to ascend to the mountain’s highest peak. Here, you can visit a statue of Avalokitesvara facing towards the land of Hoa Lu. Nearby, a dragon statue perches high. Capturing photos here requires navigating through sharp rocks, which can be hazardous as there are no protective railings, so climbers should exercise caution.
From this vantage point, you can enjoy sweeping views of Tam Coc – Bich Dong. Western visitors have praised this location for its beauty, comparing it to other high-altitude viewpoints in Vietnam such as Ma Pi Leng Pass (Ha Giang) and Lim Mong Pass (Yen Bai).
The best time to visit Mua Caves Ninh Binh
Mua Caves look beautiful in any season of the year, and you can visit at any time you prefer. However, visiting during spring and summer is recommended because it is less hot and tiring when climbing up.
Early morning or late afternoon around 4 PM is the best time to visit, as it is not too sunny, and you can also enjoy a beautiful sunset at Mua Caves.
Move to Mua Caves – Ninh Binh by which means is reasonable
The roads in Ninh Binh are very easy to navigate, as they are all flat. Mua Caves is approximately 10km from the city center, so it will take you around 15-20 minutes to get there. You can consider the following methods of transportation based on your personal needs:
Map for directions to Mua Caves
Moving to Mua Caves by motorbike:
For those who enjoy admiring roadside beauty, motorbikes are the top choice. In Ninh Binh, you can rent one at homestays or hotels, typically priced between 100,000 to 150,000 VND per day. Renting is straightforward—just present your ID card or passport along with a valid driver’s license
Moving by taxi:
If traveling with 3-4 people and seeking shade, taxis are a suitable option, with daily rental prices depending on destination. Xanh SM taxi service, available in Ninh Binh, allows easy booking via the app on your internet-connected phone. Using Xanh SM taxis is recommended for their fixed prices, avoiding potential overcharging situations.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when traveling to Hang Mua:
- Wear sports shoes for comfort: With over 500 high steps to climb, comfortable footwear is essential for ease of movement.
- Bring filtered water: Don’t forget to bring water to prevent dehydration and fatigue during your journey.
- Limit heavy items: Carrying heavy loads will increase fatigue during the climb.
- Exercise caution when taking photos at the peak: Due to the lack of protective walkways and the sharp terrain, be mindful of your surroundings.
