Mua Cave

Hang Mua offers visitors a poetic and peaceful space, very suitable for photography enthusiasts. Let’s explore the beauty of Mua Cave with the Origin Vietnam team through the article below!

1. Where is Mua Cave?

Mua Cave is part of the core area of ​​Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, located in Khe Dau Ha village, Ninh Xuan commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. Mua Cave is located about 6 km southwest of Ninh Binh city, about 97 km south of Hanoi city center and about 123 km from Noi Bai airport – Hanoi.

2. How is Mua Cave Unique?

Mua Cave is located at the foot of Mua Mountain, shaped like a large upside-down bell, about 800 square meters wide. This place is considered a miniature “Great Wall” of Vietnam. The highlight is the system of beautiful and majestic stone steps leading to the top of the mountain, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural scenery and immense ripe rice fields.

Ngoa Long Peak is the highest and most beautiful place. To reach the top, visitors must conquer nearly 500 stone steps. Each step has its own magic, creating beautiful photo angles with majestic scenery and natural green patches. On both sides of the steps are majestic ancient dragon and phoenix reliefs. All create a beautiful natural landscape, attracting millions of visitors here every year.

3. When is the best time to travel to Mua Cave?

Hang Mua, Ninh Binh province in Northern Vietnam, is located in a humid subtropical climate zone with four distinct seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter. The best time for tourists to choose to go to Mua Cave is in Spring and Summer.

3.1. Travel to Mua Cave in Spring

Spring, from January to April, is the time chosen by many tourists to visit Mua Cave, Ninh Binh. The weather at this time is cool, slightly chilly and has little rain, very suitable for tourists to admire the beauty of the green rice fields and participate in the unique festivals in Ninh Binh.

3.2. Travel to Mua Cave in the Summer

Summer is from April to July, the weather is usually quite hot, but still pleasant for tourists to travel to Ninh Binh. This time is very suitable to come here to admire the scenery and take pictures with the vast golden rice fields or the lotus ponds blooming, showing off their brilliant colors.

4. How to get to Mua Cave?

4.1. Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh city

4.1.1. Travel by bus

Buses are the means of transportation to Ninh Binh chosen by many tourists from the North and North Central Vietnam. There are many bus companies from Hanoi to Ninh Binh every day with different schedules.

If departing from Hanoi, visitors can buy tickets at major bus stations: My Dinh bus station, Giap Bat bus station, Nuoc Ngam bus station to Ninh Binh bus station. Travel time between the two provinces is about more than 1 hour. Some reputable bus companies that visitors can refer to: Hai Thang, Anh Vu, Thuy Duong, Hoang Thin, Anh Dong…

4.1.2. Traveling by train

Ninh Binh is a province with the North-South railway running through it, so visitors can easily buy tickets and get here by train. The travel time is quite long due to having to go through many stations, but it can help visitors save money and experience a new feeling when taking the train.

For visitors departing from Hanoi, tickets can be purchased at Hanoi station with many trains at different times of the day. Trains from Hanoi passing through Ninh Binh: SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7 and SE19.

4.1.3. Travel by motorbike or personal car

Traveling by motorbike or private car is suitable for tourists who love to explore, this will definitely be the perfect choice. This form of transportation will help tourists be proactive about time, freely enjoy the beautiful scenery during the Ninh Binh travel journey.

For tourists traveling by motorbike, departing from Hanoi city center, go straight along Highway 1A to the South. It takes about 2 hours to reach the tourist destinations in Ninh Binh. Tourists traveling by motorbike should wear helmets and bring all necessary documents when participating in traffic.

For tourists traveling by private car, departing from Hanoi city center, follow Giai Phong street, pass Giap Bat bus station, turn and go straight on CT01 Hanoi – Ninh Binh highway. Travel time is about 1 hour 30 minutes to reach the tourist attractions in Ninh Binh.

4.1.4. Travel by plane

Ninh Binh is a province without an airport, so tourists from far away who want to travel here by air must buy tickets to Noi Bai International Airport – Hanoi.

Tourists buy tickets from their place of residence to Noi Bai airport by buying tickets online or at the ticket counter. Then, tourists choose means of transportation such as buses, motorbikes, cars to get to Ninh Binh.

4.2. Travel from Ninh Binh city to Mua Cave

Tourists from far away, traveling to Ninh Binh by bus or train can use the self-drive motorbike rental service to move freely or rent a taxi. Some reputable motorbike rental shops for tourists to refer to: Duc Anh, Duc Thang, Viet Dung… Tourists can go from Ninh Binh city to Mua Cave by the following ways:

• Tourists depart from Ninh Binh city, follow National Highway 1A about 800m south, then turn right onto Tue Tinh street. Then, go straight for about 1.7km, then turn left onto Nguyen Huu An street, go straight for about 400m, then turn right and continue 2km through Ninh Tien => Hoang Son => Sao Khe river bridge to arrive.
• Tourists depart from Ninh Binh city, follow National Highway 1A to the South about 2.1km, then turn right and go another 1.4km, turn right onto DT491. Then, go straight for 1km, then turn left at intersection No. 1, continue for 1.5km through Hoang Son => Sao Khe River Bridge to arrive.

5. Interesting experiences in Mua Cave

5.1.  Conquer 486 steps at Mua Cave

Coming to Mua Cave, visitors will have to conquer 486 stone steps if they want to reach the top of Ngoa Long mountain. Standing at the top of the mountain, visitors can admire the impressive panoramic view of Ninh Binh and in the distance are the vast, lush rice fields.

The stone steps are intricately carved with unique and interesting dragon and phoenix motifs. Along the way is the wild and majestic natural scenery of rocky mountains, visitors can freely take photos throughout the journey.

In addition, at Mua Cave, there are pavilions or stone benches placed along the journey. Visitors can rest here and look far away, admire the whole beautiful scenery in the fresh, airy space and take pictures to keep unforgettable memories here.

5.2. Watching sunrise and sunset at Mua Cave

One of the memorable experiences that visitors should not miss is watching the sunrise and sunset at Mua Cave. This place is also considered one of the most ideal places to watch the sunrise and sunset in Vietnam today. The ideal time to watch the sunrise is from 5am to 6am or from 5pm to 6pm to watch the sunset.

Standing on the top of Ngoa Long Mountain, visitors can immerse themselves in nature, admire the brilliant golden rays of sunlight and the image of the sun peeking out from behind the majestic high mountains. Along with that is the beautiful natural scenery and the airy, fresh space, making this experience increasingly popular with many visitors.

5.3. Take photos with the brilliant lotus pond

Mua Cave becomes most brilliant and romantic in the summer, when the lotus season begins to bloom. Standing out among the deep green of the lotus leaves are lotus flowers blooming with bright white and pink colors, spreading across the entire area, creating a beautiful picture, attracting anyone who visits.

Visitors can walk around the lotus pond or sit on a boat to immerse themselves in the lotus pond and breathe in the fresh air and scent of lotus flowers. In addition, there is a wooden bridge along the lotus pond so visitors can easily take pictures with beautiful lotus flowers.

6. Enjoy specialties at Mua Cave

During a trip to Mua Cave, visitors can enjoy the extremely rich traditional specialties of Ninh Binh. Let’s learn about the specialties here!

6.1. Eel salad

The eel salad is considered one of the best local specialties. After being cleaned, the fish is marinated with spices such as ginger, lemongrass, and dried onions. The fish salad is served with raw vegetables such as star fruit, figs, chili, herbs, and sweet and sour sauce.

When eating, the fish has a sweet taste, mixed with the sour taste of vinegar, the spicy taste of ginger and the rich taste of roasted sticky rice combined with the slightly astringent taste of vegetables, making the dish unique and leaving an impression on visitors.

6.2. Crispy rice

When coming to Ninh Binh, tourists will see burnt rice sold at every tourist spot in the province. Ninh Binh burnt rice is elaborately prepared by mixing two types of dry rice and sticky rice together. Then, the rice is fried until it expands evenly, becomes crispy, golden and spongy, adding a little salty pork floss and special spices.

In particular, burnt rice brings a delicious, crispy, fatty flavor and the salty taste of shrimp paste. If you have the opportunity to travel to Ninh Binh, you should enjoy this burnt rice specialty or buy it as a gift for family and friends.

6.3. Mountain goat meat

Goats in Ninh Binh are raised naturally on the mountain slopes, so the meat is very firm, moderately soft, not too tough and has a characteristic aroma. What creates the special flavor of Ninh Binh mountain goat dishes are the traditional spices of the people here.

There are many dishes made from goat meat for visitors to enjoy such as: raw goat with lemon, stir-fried goat, grilled goat, grilled goat, burnt rice with goat sauce, goat cooked with plum wine, steamed goat, stewed goat, goat hot pot… Visitors can eat with raw vegetables, ginger soy sauce to enhance the flavor and sweetness of mountain goat meat.

6.4. Mountain snail

Mountain snails, also known as rock snails, are a famous specialty dish in Ninh Binh. The snail meat has a traditional medicinal taste because this type of snail often eats forest leaves and medicinal leaves, creating a unique flavor.

Mountain snails are prepared by boiling, steaming or stir-frying with fresh bamboo shoots, tamarind, lemongrass and chili and dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce. Snails have a delicious taste and many health benefits. Therefore, mountain snails are an extremely interesting specialty for tourists to try and buy as gifts.

7. Accommodation when traveling to Mua Cave

7.1. Hotels and motels in Mua Cave

For the convenience of long-term trips to Mua Cave. We have compiled the most prestigious and quality hotels and motels for visitors to refer to:

• Tam Coc Family Hotel. Address: Team 3, Tam Coc, Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Tam Coc Dream Hotel. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Nam Hoa Hotel. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Valatco Hotel. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• August Hotel. Address: Cau Vom, Ninh Thang, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Nam Hoa Hotel. Address: Tam Coc Tourist Area, Bich Dong, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Tam Coc Hotel. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• The Long Hotel. Address: Tam Coc Tourist Area, Bich Dong, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Yen Nhi Hotel. Address: Ninh Thang, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Duc Tuan Hotel. Address: Van Lam Village, Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Lang Viet Co – Co Vien Lau. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Thang Loi Motel. Address: 66 QL1A, Ninh My, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh

7.2. Beautiful Homestays in Mua Cave

For tourists who love nature and plants, choosing a homestay is the most suitable choice. Origin Vietnam has compiled a list of Homestays with beautiful views, quality and amenities for tourists to refer to:

• Nguyen Shack. Address: Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Ninh Binh Panorama Homestay. Address: Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Sierra Homestay. Address: Xuan Thanh, Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Tam Coc Westlake Homestay. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Ninh Binh Valley Homestay. Address: Dong Cung, Khe Ha, Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Tam Coc Mountain Lake Homestay. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Ham Rong Homestay. Address: Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Tam Coc Smile Homestay. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Tam Coc Mountain View Homestay. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Limestone View Homestay. Address: Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Independence Bamboo Homestay. Address: 479 B, Truong Yen, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Tam Coc River View Homestay. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Lotus Field Homestay. Address: Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Ninh Binh Greenland Homestay. Address: Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Hoa Lu Backpacker Homestay. Address: Trang An, Truong Yen, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh

8. Some notes when traveling to Mua Cave

To have a complete, economical and wonderful trip to Hoa Lu – Ninh Binh, visitors should note some useful travel experiences below:

• Mua Cave is an outdoor tourist destination, so visitors should prepare hats, sunscreen and other personal belongings to protect themselves.
• Check the weather forecast before departure to avoid going on rainy and stormy days, which may affect your trip.
• Visitors should wear comfortable clothes and sneakers to be able to conquer the stone steps.
• Bring water and snacks to fuel your journey.
• You should book hotels, motels, and homestays at least 2 weeks before your trip to have more options and avoid running out of rooms.
• Bring full identification documents for convenience when checking in for flights, checking into hotels, and renting cars.
• While traveling, you should pay attention to protecting public property and not littering at tourist attractions.

9. Places to visit near Mua Cave

In addition to Mua Cave, visitors can visit other famous tourist attractions located in Trang An Scenic Complex such as:

• Trang An Eco-tourism Area. Address: Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Bai Dinh Pagoda. Address: Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh
• Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Address: Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Thung Nham Bird Garden. Address: Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Tam Coc – Bich Dong. Address: Dam Khe village, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh

Mua Cave possesses a poetic and peaceful landscape, along with a system of white stone steps leading to the majestic Ngoa Long mountain top. This place is always one of the favorite destinations for many tourists. If you have the opportunity to visit Ninh Binh, come to Mua Cave to discover the unique features of this place!

So if you still have any concerns or questions about your tour Vietnam to Mua Cave, please contact Origin Vietnam – the leading tour operator in Vietnam. With a team of enthusiastic and experienced consultants, we will help you have the most interesting and fulfilling journey.