[2025 Hoa Lu District Attraction] Travel Guide for Hang Múa Natural Cave (Updated Jul)

#vietnam Hang Múa Caves, located in Ninh Bình, Vietnam, is a popular tourist attraction. Here are some highlights: Natural Beauty: The caves are surrounded by lush rice fields and magnificent limestone mountains. Caves: The Hang Múa (Mua cave) is a short passage under a rocky mountain. The caves themselves are cool, but not spectacular. Viewpoint: What makes the Mua Caves a go-to place is the walk to the top for the view. It’s only around five hundred stairs but so worth it! Location: Hang Múa Caves is situated near the Lying Dragon Mountain area, a region often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land” that lies approximately 100km south of Hanoi and 200km southwest of Ha Long.

#vietnamtrip If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram and seen breathtaking photos of travelers standing on a dragon-shaped stone staircase with endless rice paddies below, chances are you’ve already seen Hang Múa. What most people don’t realize is that this viewpoint is just one part of the magic surrounding Ninh Bình, often called the “Halong Bay on land.” When I planned my trip to Vietnam, I knew I didn’t want to miss this area. Booking my flights and hotels with #tripcom made the journey effortless, leaving me free to enjoy the adventure of exploring one of the most underrated destinations in Southeast Asia. Hang Múa translates to “Dancing Cave,” but it’s not the cave that draws travelers, as it’s the view from the top. After climbing nearly 500 stone steps (yes, your legs will feel it!), you’re rewarded with panoramic views over lush rice fields, the winding Ngô Đồng River, and towering limestone cliffs. At sunrise or sunset, the scenery turns golden, and the dragon sculpture at the summit makes you feel like you’re standing on the edge of a mythical world.

Climbing Núi Ngọa Long, or Lying Dragon Mountain, was one of the highlights of our trip to Ninh Bình. Be prepared—it’s a bit of a physical challenge, especially under the hot sun, but every step is worth it once you reach the top. The ascent involves about 500 steep stone steps, winding through dramatic limestone cliffs. Thankfully, you can take your time going up, and there are small makeshift drink stalls along the way offering cold water, coconuts, and other refreshments. Prices are understandably a bit higher due to the location, but very welcome when you need a break. Once at the summit, you’re rewarded with unmatched panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, rice fields, and winding rivers of Tam Cốc. The iconic dragon statue perched along the ridge adds to the charm and provides an incredible photo opportunity. It’s no surprise why this place is often called the “Great Wall of Vietnam.” Whether you’re into hiking, photography, or just soaking in nature’s beauty, Núi Ngọa Long is a must-visit. Just don’t forget your hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water! #summervacay #NuiNgoaLong #LyingDragonMountain #NinhBinhViews #TamCoc #VietnamTravel #StairwayToViews #ScenicHike #DragonMountain #HangMuaViewpoint #HiddenGemsVietnam #vietnam #vietnamtrip #ninhbinh #ninhbinhtrip

📍Address: Trang An (Di Sản Tràng An) => if you search on google map, I recommend searching for the phrase in the bracket. About 2 hour drive from Hanoi. Car parking fee applied at the area (but I don't remember the price... sorry 🥲) 💰Entrance/Boat tour price: 150,000vnd (about £14-15 depends on the currency exchange rate). This will cover you to choose 1 from 4 boat routes. ✨️Suggested boat route: Depends on your purpose, route 1 is more of a culture route. it is the longest route and takes you through many temples and caves. You will also have a chance to get off the boat to climb abit through the mountains (not all to the top) to reach an old temple. Route 3 and 4 are shorter but more for nice photos and Instagram post. I went for route 1 this time, it's a nice route for culture explore (but of course I didn't get chance to take the iconic Instagram photo) I haven't tried route 2 yet... If you have please comment 😊 🏖️Time to go: I went around March, which is the off-peak time for holiday. The weather is nice, and I went in in the morning so it's not too sunny. The weather is cool with nice breeze. 📍Adjacent area that worth visiting: Hoa Lu old town and if you still have time then try Tam Coc Bich Dong 📸Photo spots: anywhere along the boat tour route, the sceneries are stunning 🍴Food to try: Duc De Restaurant (there are 2 branches in Ninh Binh) => suitable for family meal lunch or dinner. Recommend to try their steam goat meat and scorched rice with special soup (I dont think they have English menu but we can all use google translate :v) Mien Luon ba Phan (Miến Lươn bà Phấn): I recommend try the phrase in bracket for correct location on google map. breakfast restaurant but open kinna all day from 5am to 8pm. only has 3 options of eel glass noodle, eel eggnoodle or eel porridge, all are delicious, I prefer eel porridge. regular bowl is 60,000vnd (about £1.75) and large bowl is 80,000 (about £2.5) We went for a day trip so I couldn't recommend accommodation

🏞️ 6 Tips for Enjoying Hangmua 1. Visit early in the morning → The best time to visit Hangmua is early in the morning. There are few tourists, and the morning sunlight shining on the mountains and rice fields is fantastic. In particular, the sunrise from the top is a sight not to be missed. 2. Wear comfortable shoes → Hangmua has a trekking course that goes up stairs, so it is important to wear comfortable sneakers. You will sweat while climbing the 500 or so stairs to the top, so you need to prepare well. 3. Enjoy the stairs slowly → When climbing the stairs, don't rush and go up slowly. There are points where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery here and there, so it is important to take a break and enjoy it. 4. Enjoy the scenery at the top → The 360-degree view that unfolds when you reach the top is truly amazing. You can see the mountain peaks with floating clouds, the green rice fields, and the calm river in the distance at a glance, so take your time and enjoy the scenery. 5. Taste local food → After visiting Hang Mua, it is also a good experience to enjoy local food nearby. Try traditional Vietnamese food such as ‘Banh Trung’ or ‘Banh Mi’. It will relieve travel fatigue and let you feel the local culture. 6. Photo tips → If you want to capture the symbolic landscape of Hang Mua, take a picture from the top. You can take a great picture especially if you take a picture of the landscape with the large statue in the background. It is especially beautiful on a cloudy morning. #HawaiiFlightEvent

The view from the top of Hangmuah was breathtakingly beautiful. The river flowed leisurely between the endless green rice paddies, and the limestone mountains surrounding it like a folding screen completed the magnificent natural landscape. The wind blew coolly, and when looking down, people looked like ants because it was so high up, but in that silence, my heart felt more at ease. The sweaty climb up the stairs was hard, but the moment at the top was a reward that made me forget everything. I felt humbled in front of nature, and I was deeply moved that I was a small part of it. #HawaiiFlightEvent

Must-Visit Attractions 1. Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex – Peaceful boat ride through limestone caves and lush valleys. 2. Bai Dinh Pagoda – Vietnam’s largest Buddhist temple with stunning statues and hilltop views. 3. Mua Cave (Hang Múa) – Climb 400+ steps for panoramic views of rice fields and rivers. Must-Try Food 1. Nhà hàng Thăng Long – Try the local specialty, grilled mountain goat (Dê Núi). 2. Cơm Cháy Ninh Bình – Crispy rice served with savory stews from local vendors. 3. Duc Dung Restaurant – Eel vermicelli soup (Miến Lươn), a rich and flavorful dish. Accommodation Recommended Area: Tam Coc Area – peaceful and close to attractions. Hotel: Tam Coc Garden Resort Address: Hai Nham Hamlet, Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Photo Spots 1. Mua Cave Viewpoint – Iconic view over rivers and rice fields. 2. Trang An Boat Ride – Dreamy cave passage shots. 3. Bai Dinh Pagoda – Striking temple courtyard during golden hour. Tips Start early to avoid crowds, bring cash, wear good shoes, and stay hydrated. Biking between attractions is a fun option! #ninhbinh #vietnam #onedaytrip

When you arrive in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, there are 4 famous tourist attractions. Tam Coc, Trang An, Hang Mua, Bai Dinh Temple. Usually, you have to take public transportation or rent a scooter to get to other tourist attractions, but you can walk to Hang Mua. These are photos I took while walking. The roads in downtown Ninh Binh are wider and in good condition compared to other cities. It is a quiet city, so it is a good place to ride a scooter. It takes an hour and 30 minutes to walk from downtown to Hang Mua. And if you walk for about 40 minutes, you can see the countryside as shown in the photo. Hang Mua is a place to go to see the observatory rather than the cave. If you climb the numerous stone steps, you will reach the top. From here, you can see the city of Ninh Binh if you look straight ahead, and you can see part of the Tam Coc landscape if you look back. I recommend going to Hang Mua before visiting Tam Coc or Trang An. #HawaiiFlightEvent

yes, we almost didn't go Mua Cave itself! we just followed the crowd to climb up the stairs to the top, not realizing that it is not mua cave! - the lotus ponds are very #instagrammable - the view from the mountain top is very nice - yes, the climbing worth it! Mua Cave is about 100m beside and at least 90% of the visitors did not go there. I understand why because it is underwhelming comparively. #muacave #muacaves #ninhbinh #cave

#favouriteitinerary Just got to witness the stunning Hang Múa Cave in Ninh Binh and WOW, it’s like stepping into another world 😍✨ The views from the top are insane, I can’t even describe how breathtaking it is 😭 If you’re ever in Vietnam, you NEED to climb those stairs and take in the epic scenery. It’s all about that adventure, and this place is the ultimate vibe 🌍🔥 #HangMúaCave #NinhBinhAdventures #TravelGoals #Wanderlust #NatureVibes #AdventureTime #EpicViews #BucketList

After nearly 500 steps to the top of the mountain, you can admire the entire natural beauty of the Tam Coc area. Standing on the top of the mountain, you cannot help but be overwhelmed by the vast space of mountains and forests.

#favouriteitinerary I started my morning hike up Hang Mua as the sky slowly brightened. The climb was challenging, but reaching the top just in time for sunrise made it all worthwhile. Golden light spread over Tam Coc’s limestone peaks, creating a breathtaking view. The cool breeze and peaceful atmosphere made it a perfect start to the day. 📍Address: Hang Mua, Ninh Binh Difficulty: 4/10 Average time to reach the peak: 30 minutes #sunrise #hike

Day trip from Hanoi to ninh minh. Beautiful old city to visit. The river boat is a must.

#AugustDestinations2024 #100TravelWays #NaturalLandscapes I think it's a must do if you're in the area. I recommend going early to avoid the crowds. You can see two peaks, one higher and better than the other. There are 500 steps leading to the top of the highest point, all of varying sizes and heights, making the climb a fun, sweaty affair. The view from the top was amazing and worth it as we rushed to see the sunset

Hang Mua Cave This place has a lot of stairs and steep slopes, making your legs very tired. However, the scenery is magnificent. The pagoda at the top of the mountain is particularly impressive. At the highest peak, there is a dragon sculpture, and from there, you can overlook Tam Coc. On the way down from the summit, there is a lotus field near the exit, giving you the feeling of being in a paradise. It's a great spot for taking photos, so make sure to come down before it gets too late. There are many mosquitoes, so it's advisable to bring mosquito repellent.

I'm over 50 and skinny, but I finished climbing the right peak of Hangmu Cave~~ I didn't get to the left dragon~~ but the view is amazing. It was better than I thought Don't be afraid and try it

This is Hang Mua in Ninh Binh, a small city next to Hanoi. It is difficult to climb, but the view is incomparable. You can see everything and come down in about an hour, so I recommend everyone to go there at least once.

Hang Mua Cave in Ninh Binh, located 2 hours away from Hanoi! Since it is close to Hanoi, many people visit it as a day trip. There are many tourist attractions in Ninh Binh, but the best one is Hang Mua, where you can see a 360-degree view of the beautiful natural scenery! It is a bit difficult because you have to climb 500 steep stairs,,, but it is worth it! On the other hand, it is better to avoid the time when the sunlight is the strongest. I recommend going early in the morning or at sunset, but I personally recommend going early in the morning because it is located in a place where the sunset is well hidden. How to get there Apply for a tour or rent a motorbike Entrance fee 100,000 dong Time 6:00 or 7:00 am - 7:00 pm #Vietnam travel #Hot place #Vietnam Ninh Binh #Ninh Binh

Mua Cave is a very popular scenic spot that is very famous all over the world. You will be amazed that such a view exists!! To reach the top, you have to climb 500 stone steps. These steps are a real pain for visitors. First of all, each step is high, the angle increases as you go up, and it is quite difficult if it rains as it is slippery... However, once you reach the top, a magnificent view awaits. The actual summit is a rocky area, so it is quite dangerous, but it is crowded with people taking photos to commemorate their summit. Even in bad weather with drizzle, the view was amazing.