Comparing Am Tiem Cave and Mua Cave: Which Should You Prioritize?
Ninh Binh is home to a diversity of karst mountains and caves. Each has different features to explore. However, because there are many options to choose from, it’s hard to decide which one is your preference. In just one or two days, you don’t have enough time for all the highlights. Apart from the choice between Bai Dinh Pagoda or Hoa Lu Temple, Tam Coc vs. Trang An, almost tourist wonder between Mua Cave - The Dragon Moutain or Am Tiem Cave - Tuyet Tinh Coc. Both offer mountain hiking, panoramic views and cave exploration but have their unique characteristics. In this article, we compare Mua Cave and Am Tiem Cave in several aspects: things to do, attractions to see, ticket price and the travel time, so that you can make your own decision.
Location of Mua Cave and Am Tiem Cave
Both Mua Cave and Am Tiem Cave are located in Ninh Binh, Vietnam. If you are in Hanoi, they are around 100 kilometres south. You can get there by car or motorbike via the Hanoi - Ninh Binh Expressway.
How far Mua Cave is from other nearby attractions:
- Trang An Landscape Complex: 4,5 kilometres
- Tam Coc: 4 kilometers
- Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: 9 kilometres
- Bich Dong Pagoda: 7 kilometers
- Thung Nham Bird Garden: 10 kilometers
- Cuc Phuong National Park: 40 kilometres
- Bai Dinh Pagoda: 16 kilometres
Mua Cave is located in the centre of Ninh Binh, close to both Trang An and Tam Coc. So you have more choice when to Mua Cave. Although it is closer to other sites compared to Am Tiem Cave, you must use transport to reach this place. The route from the main road to Mua Cave gate is also narrow and you need to go through a small village. In high peak season, there’s potential for traffic jams here.
How far Am Tiem Cave is from other nearby attractions:
- Trang An Landscape Complex: 5 kilometres
- Tam Coc: 14 kilometers
- Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: 300 meters (Very close, you can walk from Hoa Lu to Am Tiem
- Bich Dong Pagoda: 17 kilometers
- Thung Nham Bird Garden: 20 kilometers
- Cuc Phuong National Park: 30 kilometres
- Bai Dinh Pagoda: 10 kilometres
It’s seen that Am Tiem Cave is so close to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, so you can combine your trip to Hoa Lu Temple with a visit to Am Tiem Cave and Trang An boat trip. It allows you to have more time for each site and a shorter travel distance. On the other hand, Am Tiem Cave is quite far from other attractions like Tam Coc boat ride, Cuc Phuong Park, or Thung Nham Bird Valley.
Mountain Hiking and View
Mua Cave Hike & View
The main draw is the incredible viewpoint overlooking the Tam Coc area, which can be reached after climbing 500 stone steps.
The hike itself is relatively short, taking most people around 15 minutes to complete. However, it can be challenging, especially in hot weather, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water. The reward at the top is worth the effort, as you'll be treated to stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding rice paddies, mountains, and Ngo Dong River.
You also see a lying dragon on the top of the highest peak here.
Compared to Am Tiem Cave, Mua Cave requires more time and effort to reach the top. The interesting is that you can see 1 peak, one is Tower Peak and one is Dragon Peak.
Am Tiem Cave Hike & View
There are about 200 stone steps leading up to the cave entrance. The steps are a moderate height and manageable for most visitors. When you reach the Top, you will see a big bell in front of a cave.
You go inside, there is a small well inside the cave. Different from Mua Cave, which is located under the foot of the mountain, Am Tiem Cave is on the peak and you can easily reach there.
Open Hour and Ticket Price
Mua Cave Opening Time and Tickets
- Mua Cave is opening hours: 6:00 AM
- Mua Cave closing time: 7:00 PM
- Mua Cave entrance fee: 100.000 VND/adult
You pay an extra money to rent clothes here. Many shops have colourful clothes for those who love taking pictures.
Am Tiem Cave Opening Time and Ticket
- The entrance fee is 50,000 VND/adult.
- Opening time: 8 AM - 6 PM
You pay an extra fee to rent a bike or a horse carriage around the large pond or a boat on the pond.
How long to visit Mua Cave vs Am Tiem Cave
How Long at Mua Cave
The time you spend at Mua Cave depends on several factors. The climb to the viewpoint involves 500 steps, taking most people 15 minutes. If you're not as fit, it might take longer. You will soak in the breathtaking panoramic views from the top. This could take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on how many photos you want to capture. An additional 30 minutes is needed if you want to delve into the cave itself. While not extensive, it offers interesting sights. Therefore, approximately 2 hours at Mua Cave should be great.
Mua Cave Ninh Binh: A Complete Guide for a day trip from Hanoi
How Long At Am Tiem Cave?
The amount of time you spend at Am Tien Cave will depend on your pace and interest. Normally, 15-20 minutes for the short boat ride across the lake. Around 30 minutes to explore the cave formations and Am Tien Pagoda inside, 15-30 minutes to enjoy the scenic views from outside the cave. This can extend longer if you're capturing photos. Total Time will be about 1-1.5 hours here.
A full guide for Am Tiem Cave Ninh Binh: A must-see spot near Hanoi
If you're looking for a less adventurous and unique cave experience, prioritize Am Tien Cave. If you want stunning views and don't mind a challenging climb, prioritize Mua Cave. Or if you have enough time, consider visiting both! They are located relatively close to each other in Ninh Binh and can be part of a day trip.
Overall, deciding between Am Tien Cave and Mua Cave depends on what you prefer in your travel experience. From a quick comparison above, hope we help you decide and well plan your journey.
Suggested schedule to Mua Cave in a day tour:
Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi
Hoa Lu - Mua Cave - Tam Coc - Bike - Swimming with Sunset Party
See day tours to Am Tiem Cave:
Hoa lu - Tuyet Tinh Coc- Trang An
Hoa Lu - Tuyet Tinh Coc - Tam Coc - Bich Dong
Tour for both Mua Cave & Am Tiem Cave
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