Climbing Mua Cave in Ninh Binh: Vietnam’s Best Viewpoint

Introduction

Mua Cave, or Hang Múa, is one of the most visited spots in Ninh Binh—and for good reason. The cave itself is small and easy to overlook if you’re not paying attention, but the real draw here is the climb up to the viewpoint on Dragon Mountain.

From the top, you get sweeping views over Tam Coc’s winding river and rice fields, with limestone cliffs stretching out in every direction. On a clear day, you can even spot the Tam Coc boat route below, which makes the experience feel like seeing the region from two perspectives—first from the water, then from above.

The climb is about 500 steps and can feel tough in the heat, but the reward at the top is one of the most iconic panoramas in all of Vietnam. Just don’t expect to have it to yourself—Mua Cave is popular with both local and international travelers, so the viewpoints are usually busy. Still, it’s absolutely worth the effort and one of the highlights of Ninh Binh.

Read: Best Things to do in Ninh Binh Tam Coc

Why visit?

Mua Cave is all about the climb and the view that comes with it. From the top of Dragon Mountain, you can see the Tam Coc river winding through golden or green rice fields (depending on the season), with limestone cliffs rising all around. It’s the kind of landscape that gives Ninh Binh its nickname, “Ha Long Bay on land.”

What makes it special is the perspective. After exploring the region by boat at Tam Coc or Trang An, climbing up here lets you see the same landscape from above. Watching the small sampan boats gliding along the river from the viewpoint was one of our favorite moments.

Yes, it’s popular and you’ll rarely be alone at the top, but the view is still breathtaking. You get an aerial view without needing a drone.

Here are all your accommodation options in Tam Coc

How to get there

Mua Cave (Hang Múa) is only a few kilometers from Tam Coc, which makes it one of the easiest sights to reach in Ninh Binh. From Tam Coc town, it’s about a 10–15 minute ride by scooter, bicycle, or taxi. We went by scooter, which gave us the flexibility to stop along the way, but bicycles are also a nice option if you want to ride slowly through the countryside.

If you’re staying in Ninh Binh city, the cave is about 5 kilometers away, so a short taxi or motorbike ride will get you there. From Hanoi, Mua Cave is often included on day tours that also stop at Trang An or Hoa Lu, but it’s just as easy to visit on your own by train or bus to Ninh Binh and arrange local transport once you arrive.

Along the street leading to the entrance, you’ll find many people trying to get you to park at their place. Be sure to drive until the end of the street where you will find another private parking lot where most people leave their scooters and bicycles.

Parking is cheap—usually 10,000 VND for a motorbike and 5,000 VND for a bicycle.

From the parking area, it’s just a short walk past the lotus pond and into the complex, where the 500 steps up to the viewpoint begin.

When to visit

Mua Cave is open year-round, but the experience changes with the seasons and the time of day.

• Spring (March to May): This is one of the best times to climb, with temperatures around 22–30°C (72–86°F). The fields around Tam Coc turn green, the lotus pond at the base begins to bloom, and the skies are usually clear.
• Summer (June to August): Expect hot and humid days, often 30–36°C (86–97°F), with sudden rain showers. Climbing the 500 steps under the midday sun can be exhausting, but this is when the lotus pond is at its most beautiful, usually in June and July.
• Autumn (September to November): Another great time to visit. Temperatures cool to 24–30°C (75–86°F), and the rice fields shift to golden tones if you come at the right moment. The air feels clearer, making the views even sharper.
• Winter (December to February): Cooler and sometimes misty, with temperatures between 15–20°C (59–68°F). The mist can make the climb feel magical, but don’t expect vibrant rice fields during this season.

Tip: Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Midday is not only hot but also crowded. Sunrise and sunset add extra magic to the views, though sunset tends to draw the biggest crowds.

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

How to Visit

Visiting Mua Cave is straightforward, but it’s good to know what to expect. After paying the entrance fee, you walk through the grounds, past a lotus pond that looks stunning when the flowers are in bloom. From there, the famous climb begins—about 500 stone steps winding their way up Dragon Mountain.

The climb is steep in sections, and on hot days it can feel tough, but it’s manageable if you take your time. Bring water and wear good shoes, especially if it has rained, as the stones can get slippery. Along the way, there are a few small rest spots where you can pause and enjoy the view.

At the top, the path splits into two directions. One leads to the stone dragon statue perched above the mountain, which is the most popular viewpoint and usually the busiest. The other takes you to a small pagoda on a slightly lower peak, which is often less crowded but still offers sweeping views over Tam Coc and the surrounding karst cliffs.

The cave itself is small and easy to miss—it’s tucked at the bottom of the mountain near the entrance. Most visitors come for the climb and the panorama rather than the cave, but it’s worth poking your head inside if you want to see where the site gets its name.

Expect to share the views with plenty of other travelers, especially during sunset. It’s not the place for solitude, but the landscape makes it worth it.

Tip: Don’t forget to bring a good camera, such as the SONY A7 — it makes all the difference for capturing those unforgettable moments.

Tickets & Opening Hours

Entrance to Mua Cave costs 100,000 VND per person (around 4 €). The ticket includes access to the cave, the lotus pond, and the climb up Dragon Mountain for the viewpoints.

The site is open daily from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, which means you can catch both sunrise and sunset if you plan well. Sunrise tends to be quieter, while sunset is the busiest time of day, as it’s the most popular moment for photos.

Parking is extra and usually costs around 10,000 VND for motorbikes and 5,000 VND for bicycles, with several lots near the entrance.

Tours from Hanoi that include Ninh Binh, Bai Dinh/Hoa Lu, Trang An, & Mua Cave Tour cost 40€ per person. Tours from Ninh Binh that include Hoa Lu, Bai Dinh, Trang An, & Mua Cave Tour cost 23€ per person.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Is it Worth It?

Yes—Mua Cave is one of those places that absolutely deserves the hype. The cave itself is small and easy to miss, but the climb up Dragon Mountain gives you the best panoramic view in Ninh Binh. Seeing the Tam Coc river winding through rice fields from above, with the limestone cliffs stretching into the horizon, is something you won’t forget.

That being said, you won’t have it to yourself. The viewpoints get crowded, especially at sunset when everyone scrambles for the best photo spot by the dragon statue. Even so, the scale of the landscape makes it worth sharing the space.

For us, Mua Cave was a cool change from the boat trips we had done in Tam Coc and Trang An. After seeing Ninh Binh from the water, climbing up here gave us the other side of the story—from above. The climb can be hot and tiring, but it’s short enough to be doable for most travelers, and the reward at the top makes every step worth it.

Travel Tips

• Go early or late: Sunrise is the quietest time, while sunset is the most beautiful but also the busiest. If you want good light without too many people, aim for early morning.
• Bring water: The climb is short but steep, and in the heat it can feel tougher than expected. Buy a bottle before you enter or bring your own.
• Wear proper shoes: The stone steps can be slippery, especially after rain, so flip-flops aren’t the best choice. Trainers or sandals with grip will make the climb safer.
• Lotus pond season: If you visit in June or July, don’t miss the lotus pond at the base—it’s in full bloom and makes the walk to the steps even more scenic.
• Parking: There are both official and private parking areas near the entrance. Expect to pay around 10,000 VND for a scooter or 5,000 VND for a bicycle.
• Be patient at the top: The dragon viewpoint is the most popular spot, and everyone wants the same photo. If you wait a little, you’ll usually get your turn for a clear shot.
• Don’t forget the other path: Most people climb straight to the dragon, but the pagoda on the other peak is quieter and offers amazing views as well.

Read: Best Things to do in Ninh Binh Tam Coc

Where to stay

When it comes to staying in Tam Coc, you’ll find plenty of options that fit all styles and budgets. From homestays in the middle of the rice fields to eco-lodges with pools, the atmosphere here is calm and surrounded by nature. If you only plan to stay a night or two, it’s best to be close to the Tam Coc town center so you can easily walk or bike to restaurants and boat tours. But if you want to relax and wake up with rice paddies at your doorstep, look for something just outside of town.

• (€): Tam Coc Wonderland Bungalow: A cozy and affordable place with bungalows set among the rice fields. You can rent bikes here, and the staff is super welcoming.
• (€€): Halise Home and Retreat Ninh Binh: A mid-range guesthouse with clean, comfortable rooms and a lovely family-run atmosphere. Great if you want something authentic but with a bit more comfort.
• (€€€): Tam Coc Garden Resort: One of the most beautiful stays in the area. Surrounded by gardens and paddies, with a pool and stylish rooms, this is the spot to treat yourself and enjoy a peaceful escape.

Here are all your accommodation options in Tam Coc