Mua Cave is one of the most stunning and scenic attractions in Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. Located at the foot of Mua Mountain, this cave offers a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape, especially the Tam Coc area, which is often called the “Halong Bay on land”. In this article, we will provide you with everything you need to know about Mua Cave, including its history, culture, beauty, and how to visit it.
What is Mua Cave and why is it worth visiting?
Mua Cave is a natural cave that was formed by the erosion of limestone over millions of years. The name Mua means “dancing” in Vietnamese, and it comes from a legend that says that the cave was once used as a place for the imperial maids to perform dances for the king during the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400).
The main attraction of Mua Cave is not the cave itself, but the view from the top of Mua Mountain, which can be reached by climbing 500 steps along a stone staircase that resembles the Great Wall of China.
How to get to Mua Cave from Hanoi and other places?
Mua Cave is located about 100 km south of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. There are several ways to get to Mua Cave from Hanoi and other places, depending on your budget, time, and preference. Here are some of the most common options:
By train: You can take a train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, which takes about 2 hours and costs around 100,000 VND (4.3 USD) per person. The train station in Ninh Binh is about 6 km from Mua Cave, so you will need to take a taxi, a motorbike, or a bicycle to get there.
By bus: You can take a bus from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, which takes about 2.5 hours and costs around 80,000 VND (3.4 USD) per person. The bus station in Ninh Binh is about 7 km from Mua Cave, so you will need to take a taxi, a motorbike, or a bicycle to get there.
By coach: You can take a coach from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, which takes about 3 hours and costs around 150,000 VND (6.5 USD) per person. The coach station in Ninh Binh is about 5 km from Mua Cave, so you will need to take a taxi, a motorbike, or a bicycle to get there.
By tour: You can join a tour from Hanoi to Mua Cave, which takes about a day and costs around 1,000,000 VND (43 USD) per person. This option includes transportation, entrance fees, lunch, and a guide.
What are the opening hours and entrance fee of Mua Cave?
Mua Cave is open every day from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. The entrance fee is 100,000 VND (4.3 USD) per person, which includes access to the cave and the mountain. You can buy your ticket at the gate or online.
What is the best time to visit Mua Cave?
The best time to visit Mua Cave depends on your preference and the weather. Generally, the best seasons to visit Mua Cave are spring (February to April) and autumn (September to November), when the temperature is mild, the sky is clear, and the rice fields are green or golden.
The best time of the day to visit Mua Cave is early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is not too strong, the crowds are not too large, and the light is perfect for photography. You can also catch the sunrise or the sunset from the top of Mua Mountain, which is a magical and romantic experience.
What to do and see in Mua Cave?
There are many things to do and see in Mua Cave, both inside and outside the cave. Here are some of the highlights:
Explore the cave: The cave is not very big, but it has some interesting features, such as stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations. You can also see some carvings and paintings on the walls, which depict the legend of the dancing maids. The cave is dark and damp, so you will need a flashlight and a good pair of shoes to explore it.
Climb the mountain: The mountain is the main attraction of Mua Cave, and it offers a rewarding and challenging hike. You will need to climb 500 steps along a stone staircase that winds up the mountain. You will also pass by some statues, temples, and gardens on the way up. The climb will take you about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your fitness level and pace.
Enjoy the view: The view from the top of the mountain is the most amazing and rewarding part of the visit. You will be able to see the whole Ninh Binh. You will see the rice fields, the rivers, the mountains, and the villages, as well as the Tam Coc area, which is famous for its karst formations and caves.
Have a picnic: Mua Cave is a great place to have a picnic, as it has a spacious and green area near the entrance, where you can relax and enjoy the nature. You can bring your own food and drinks, or buy them from the vendors nearby. You can also rent a mat or a chair for a small fee.
What to eat and drink near Mua Cave?
Ninh Binh is famous for its cuisine, which is rich and diverse, and reflects the culture and geography of the region. Some of the most popular and delicious dishes and drinks that you should not miss are goat meat, mountain snails and rice wine.
Where to stay near Mua Cave Ninh Binh?
If you want to stay near Mua Cave Ninh Binh, you have many options to choose from, depending on your budget, preference, and style. Some of the best places to stay near Mua Cave Ninh Binh are Mua Caves Ecolodge, Mua Caves Ecolodge, Tam Coc Garden and Tam Coc Rice Fields Resort.
What are the nearby attractions and activities to Mua Cave?
Mua Cave is not the only attraction in Ninh Binh Province, and there are many other places and things to do near Mua Cave that you can explore and enjoy. Here are some of the nearby attractions and activities that you can combine with your visit to Mua Cave:
1. Trang An:
Trang An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located about 7 km from Mua Cave, and it is one of the most beautiful and impressive landscapes in Vietnam. Trang An consists of a complex of limestone mountains, valleys, caves, and rivers, which create a stunning and diverse scenery. The boat tour lasts about 2 to 3 hours, and it costs around 200,000 VND (8.6 USD) per person.
2. Tam Coc:
Tam Coc is another UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located about 4 km from Mua Cave, and it is one of the most popular and attractive destinations in Ninh Binh. Tam Coc means “three caves” in Vietnamese, and it refers to the three caves (Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba) that are connected by the Ngo Dong River, which flows through the rice fields and the karst formations. The boat tour lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, and it costs around 150,000 VND (6.5 USD) per person.
3. Hoa Lu:
Hoa Lu is an ancient capital of Vietnam that is located about 10 km from Mua Cave, and it is one of the most historical and cultural sites in Ninh Binh. Hoa Lu is famous for its temples, monuments, and relics, which reflect the architecture, art, and religion of the period.
4. Bai Dinh Pagoda:
Bai Dinh Pagoda is a Buddhist complex that is located about 15 km from Mua Cave, and it is one of the largest and most impressive pagodas in Vietnam. Bai Dinh Pagoda consists of an old pagoda and a new pagoda, which cover an area of over 500 hectares. You can visit Bai Dinh Pagoda by bike, motorbike, or car, and it costs around 50,000 VND (2.2 USD) per person.
5. Van Long Nature Reserve:
Van Long Nature Reserve is a natural reserve that is located about 17 km from Mua Cave, and it is one of the most pristine and tranquil places in Ninh Binh. Van Long Nature Reserve consists of a large wetland area, surrounded by limestone mountains and forests, which create a diverse and rich ecosystem. The boat tour lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, and it costs around 60,000 VND (2.6 USD) per person.
Mua Cave Ninh Binh is a wonderful and worthwhile place to visit, and it will give you an unforgettable and rewarding experience. You will be able to explore the natural and cultural wonders of Ninh Binh, and enjoy the beauty and diversity of its landscape. You will also be able to learn about the history and legend of Mua Cave, and admire the magnificent view from the top of Mua Mountain. Mua Cave Ninh Binh is a hidden gem that you should not miss when you visit Vietnam.
We hope that this article has provided you with everything you need to know about Mua Cave Ninh Binh, and that it has inspired you to plan your trip and visit this amazing place.
