Ninh Binh is only a small city in Vietnam, but it contains a great tourist attraction.
The Ninh Binh province is attracting more and more visitors every year because of the famous Mua Caves located there. So, what exactly are these caves?
Though you might want to dive headfirst into exploring the caves, most people come for the panoramic views from the top of the mountain.
Viewpoint of Mua Caves
To get the full experience, you need to hike up on top of the caves and reach the Mua Caves viewpoint.
The top of the cliff overlooks the Ngo Dong river and limestone mountains all around. It is a view that is certainly worth the hike!
How to get to Mua Caves from Ninh Binh
Vietnam is a beautiful country with many picturesque places. The benefit of staying in Ninh Binh city is that the place is filled with local people rather than tourists. You can experience the Vietnamese way of life, even if you’re only staying for a few days. Finding a place to stay in Ninh Binh will be a piece of cake. There is no shortage of hotels in Vietnam! All are relatively low-cost, making for a budget-friendly vacation.
View outside a luxury hotel in Tam Coc
Those who are looking to disconnect from the world, and enjoy a moment of peace and serenity will love the Mua Caves Ecolodge (Hang Mua). The hotel is located in Hoa Lu district, surrounded by beautiful nature. The hotel has all the necessary amenities, free Wi-Fi, and even a bike rental, which will come in handy!
If you’re looking for an even more luxurious experience, you can stay at the Tam Coc Lion Kings Hotel & Resort.
For around $40 a night, you will get 5-star treatment, mountain views, authentic cuisine, an outdoor swimming pool, and spa facilities. The best part is, the hotel is located only a 5-minute walk from the Bich Dong pagoda.
Rice Fields and beautiful mountain landscapes in Ninh Binh,
Even though the region is surrounded by mountains, it’s very flat. The best mode of transportation is biking. You can rent a bike and go anywhere you want! To get to the caves, you need to bike to the Bich Dong pagoda. The pagoda marks the entrance to the caves and the hiking trail that leads all the way to the top.
What to expect from Mua Caves + Itinerary
Mua Caves are located about 6 km away from the center of Ninh Binh city. The easiest and fastest way to get to the caves is by taxi. It’ll only take 15 minutes. If you don’t mind a bit of physical exercise, you can bike there! It should take no longer than 30 minutes.
The entrance fee is 100,000 VND. Don’t be alarmed by the seemingly large number; it’s only a little more than $4! You can visit the caves from Monday to Friday, from 6 am to 7 pm.
Once you’ve arrived at the foot of the mountain, you can choose to go straight up into the mountains or to the left. If you go to the left, you will reach the spectacular Mua Caves.
Fun fact: Mua Cave is also known as the dancing cave in Vietnam. If you choose to hike all the way up to the viewpoint, you will reach the altar of Quan Am, or the Goddess of Mercy. Look to the west to see the Ngo Dong river.
Best time to visit Mua Caves
Mua Caves are open all year round, so you can visit them whenever you please.
The best time to go is between the months of November and April. That’s when it’s dry and cool, so you’ll avoid the rainy season. Imagine trying to hike up to the viewpoint when the humidity is at its peak!
Most people like to visit in the colder months, so try to avoid going in summer if you can. Summer in Vietnam is filled with vivid greens, but it’s far too hot to enjoy. If you’re not used to the heat, don’t attempt this trip in the summer months.
The caves are open from Monday to Friday, from 6 am to 7 pm.
We recommend you make your way to the viewpoint early in the morning or late at night. This way you can catch the sunrise or sunset from up there, and it’s definitely a sight for sore eyes! Waking up at 4 am to get there in time for the sunrise might be painful, but it’ll all be worth it when you’re watching the sun come up from the top of a mountain! Take this tip seriously if you want to take breathtaking pictures or just enjoy one of the most beautiful views you’ve ever experienced.
Sunset in the mountains
How long does it take to walk up to the viewpoint?
To get to the majestic view you’ve been promised, you need to hike up 500 steps! It will take you approximately 20 minutes to get all the way up to the viewpoint. It’s not a difficult hike, but rather a walk. You don’t have to be a fitness legend to get up there, it might just take you a bit longer if you’re not used to cardio. Those who are more athletic will get up the hill in 15 minutes or less.
The stairs are not in the best condition, so be careful and watch your step. The hike is not dangerous, but it’s always best to pay attention to the road. Some people can get dizzy after taking so many stairs, so take a break if you need one.
Best place to take photos
The obvious answer is – the viewpoint! Once you get to the top of the hill, you will reach the viewpoint. The Mountain View is picture-perfect (pun intended). Take as many photos as you need to remember this beautiful moment. The best part is, Mua Caves are still not overwhelmed with tourists, so your pictures will appear unique to your friends.
Another excellent idea for pictures is offered by Mua Caves Ecolodge, a hotel mentioned earlier in the blog. There is a swing with a view of classic Vietnamese rice paddies. Ask about it at the hotel and the staff will point you in the right direction. This might be a great experience to photograph or just enjoy with no technology in hand!
Nearby attractions and activities
Mua Caves are the most popular attraction in the area of Ninh Binh. People from all over the country visit the province specifically to see the wonderful view from the viewpoint above the caves. For someone who lives in Hanoi, that’s just a quick one-day trip. However, if you’re flying in from abroad, you probably want to see a lot more than one tourist attraction. Here are some other places you can see and things you can do in the area of Mua Caves!
Yen river with rowing boat harvesting waterlily in Ninh Binh, Vietnam
1.Tam Coc Bich Dong
Bich Dong is a beautiful temple located in the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple is like something out of a movie. All around it, you will see a lake with blooming lotus flowers. The top of Bich Dong boasts a breathtaking view of the surroundings.
To get to the Bich Dong temple, you need to go through a cave that is decorated with unique statues. If you’re going to visit the caves and their surrounding area, take a boat trip on the Ngo Dong river! There are boats leaving from Port Van Lam. You can buy the tickets to visit all three caves there; it’ll cost you no more than $20!
If you’re going to visit the Bich Dong temple, you might as well stay and look around the Trang An complex. The complex has a lot to offer in terms of nature and views. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, you won’t go back to the hotel for hours! Take note of the following caves: Light Cave, Dark Cave, Nau Ruou, Sinh Cave, and Ba Giot Cave. Visit them if you have the time.
2.Bai Dinh Pagoda
Bai Dinh pagoda is an important landmark for all of Asia. It boasts the biggest gold-plated Buddha image in all of Asia, the longest Arhat corridor in Asia, and the largest bronze in Southeast Asia!
It is not only a place of worship (though you are sure to enjoy it if you have a connection to religion), but it’s also an iconic monument and a love letter to ancient Asian architecture. Even if you don’t usually enjoy temples, it would be a shame to miss this one!
3.Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Before Hanoi came to power as the country’s capital city, there was the city of Hoa Lu. At the time, it made sense to appoint Hoa Lu the nation’s capital, as it was almost inaccessible due to the surrounding mountain ranges. Today, you can visit the ancient city of Hoa Lu on your voyage through Vietnam. The ancient citadel has a number of tourist attractions that are worth visiting. Dinh Tien Hoang temple, Le Dai Hanh temple, and Dinh Tien Hoang tomb are just a few of them.
Rowing boat Waiting for passengers at sunrise,Hoa Lu Tam Coc
The city has kept a lot of its cultural heritage from the days when it was still the nation’s capital. Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu to learn more about Vietnam’s history and understand the country’s culture.
Final words
The magic of Mua Caves and Ninh Binh cannot be put into words or translated through pictures. You have to go and see it for yourself! Experience the beauty of nature in northern Vietnam and draw power from the strong mountains protecting the province of Ninh Binh.
