If you want to enjoy one of the best views in Ninh Binh — and probably of much of your entire trip to Vietnam — rest assured that Mua Cave, one of the main spots around Tam Coc, belongs on your list.
These days the site has grown into a small tourist complex, with modern structures — ponds and walkways — that sit harmoniously in the landscape. Ironically, of the whole complex, the cave itself is the least interesting part for most visitors.
What really draws travelers here from all over the world are the breathtaking views over the area, waiting at the top of a steep stairway.
And we can promise you this: the place will test your legs on the way up. You’ll sweat plenty conquering the 486 steps between you and the summit, but the reward is worth every drop of effort.
Almost at the top, the path splits in two: the right branch leads to a small tower, the left to a dragon sculpture.
In this post
What to do at Mua Cave
The main attraction, as you can imagine, is the view from the top — but the grounds are quite large and constantly evolving, and there are several things to do inside:
1. Visit the cave
Because although we tourists are far more interested in the summit, at the foot of the stairway you’ll find the cave that gives the place its name. It’s nothing special, honestly, but it’s worth a few minutes to walk through.
2. Explore the grounds
On our last visit to Ninh Binh, a huge spike-shaped boardwalk had been built over a beautiful pond filled with lotus flowers and other aquatic plants. The walkway, made entirely of wood, is a lovely place for a stroll and some photos.
You’ll also find other structures and artificial gardens within the grounds — a little curious for the setting, it must be said.
3. Instagram away at the tower
One of the two main spots at the top of Hang Mua is the tower — a pretty little structure that delights Instagrammers and travelers alike.
It’s very common to find girls in traditional Vietnamese dress posing for photos here, along with couples in full wedding attire taking their classic wedding shots — no small feat considering the climb to get there.
4. Watch the sunset or sunrise at the Dragon peak
The left branch of the climb takes you to the very top of Mua Cave, where you’ll find a small resting spot and an enormous dragon set among the rocks.
If you visit Hang Mua at sunset, watch out for the crowds up here — at certain moments we’ve felt genuinely hemmed in by the number of people squeezing between the jagged rocks, with barely any room and a drop on either side.
Just find a good spot and take in the sunset with the Ngo Dong river at your feet, the rice fields and the karst peaks all around you — simply wonderful.
If you climb at sunrise, the downside is the early alarm — but in exchange you’ll find very few people and views every bit as marvelous.
Where is Mua Cave and how to get there
Mua Cave sits in the village of Khe Dau Ha on the outskirts of Tam Coc, a few kilometers from Ninh Binh city and about 90 km from Hanoi.
You can easily reach it from Tam Coc on a short bicycle ride, or from Ninh Binh by renting a motorbike or taking a taxi.
On arrival, various locals will wave you toward their parking spots. The normal price is 5,000 VND for a bicycle and 10,000 VND for a motorbike — haggle if they ask for more, or find another spot.
If you’re short on time and coming from Hanoi, your best bet is booking a day tour that covers several places in the area.
Don’t forget to check this post, where we explain all the different ways to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh to visit Mua Cave.
Mua Cave: entrance fee and opening hours
The entrance fee for Mua Cave is 100,000 VND per person (~US$3.80). It’s not the cheapest around, but we promise it’s worth it.
Open daily from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Why is it called Hang Mua?
Legend has it that when King Tran came to the nearby imperial capital of Hoa Lu, he would stop at this cave to enjoy and stage dance performances with his imperial maidens.
Over time, the place became associated with those dances — hence its current name: Hang Múa, literally “the dancing cave”.
When is the best time to visit Mua Cave and Tam Coc?
The views here are superb at any time of year, but the best moment to visit Mua Cave is around the rice harvest, which happens several times a year in this remarkably fertile corner of Vietnam.
In both May and September the landscape reaches peak lushness, with the paddies turning gold — so those are highly recommended windows for a visit. Just keep in mind that rain is also possible (especially in September).
✔️ Information reviewed and last updated on January 17, 2026
