Hang Mua Ninh Binh: Tour It Right and Stay on Budget

Legend of Mua Cave 

Mua Cave is a place with a strange name, associated with a legend from ancient times. According to legend, when King Tran Thai Tong returned to Hoa Lu, he often went to the cave under this mountain to listen to the court ladies and beauties singing and dancing. Therefore, the people called this place Hang Mua. Hang Mua in English is called Mua Caves Ecolodge.

In addition, Mua Cave in Ninh Binh is also a place associated with the history of the nation. During the wars to defend the country, the foot of Dragon Moutain was also a "mobile hospital", a place for the treatment and shelter of wounded soldiers participating in the war.

Nowadays, Hang Mua is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the stunning natural beauty of Ninh Binh, Vietnam. Stand at the top of a towering limestone mountain, Hang Mua offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, making it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. 

But with its growing popularity, it's important to plan your trip carefully to avoid crowds and ensure a memorable experience. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you plan a tour to Hang Mua right and stay on budget.

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Choose the Right Time to Visit

• Mua Caves opening hours 2023: Mua Caves are open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day of the year.
• Mua Caves Entrance Fee 2023: The entrance fee to Mua Caves is 100,000 VND (approximately $4 USD).

However, if you stay in Mua Cave Ecolodge, you can walk around Mua Cave at night and no need to pay the entrance fee.

Hang Mua - Dragon Mountain can be visited all year round. However, you can enhance your experience if visit Mua Cave during this special period:

• Lunar New Year (January - March): this is the national holiday in Vietnam. Therefore, you will see special decorations and learn about the culture and customs of Vietnam. 
• The rice season in Hang Mua - Tam Coc: From Mua Cave, you can see a big picture of the river and rice fields. If you travel during the rice time, it might be better. That’s why the golden season attracts many tourists. After local farmers harvest the rice, the scenery looks 

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How to Get to Mua Cave 

It’s easy to reach Mua Cave from Hanoi or the surrounding areas. Let’s look at the table for more details:  

If you travel from Hanoi, you can take a bus or van to Hang Mua Ninh Binh. All Ninh Binh tour packages include Hanoi - Ninh Binh transfer. If you already reach Ninh Binh, Mua Cave is located about 10 kilometres from the city centre. There are various ways to move around Ninh Binh. You can rent a motorbike, a private car or even take a bike to slowly enjoy the countryside atmosphere. One thing to consider, watch out for parking scams. It’s advisable to ask for the price before purchasing any services/products. 

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Stay inside or Outside Mua Cave? 

If you plan for more than 1 day in Ninh Binh to explore the area, you might wonder where to stay. There are many accommodations in Mua Cave, from budget-friendly to luxurious hotels. Just pay attention to their location. Hang Mua Ecolodge Hotel stay in the Mua Cave Complex while others stay outside. The room rate of Hang Mua Ecolodge might be higher than others. However, if you stay outside, you need to walk quite long or need transport to Mua Cave. 

List of Hotels and Homestay near Mua Cave 

What hotels are near Mua Caves? If you plan to hotels & homestays near Mua Cave, you can also choose to stay in the Tam Coc area. It’s also convenient to discover the nearby attractions such as Tam Coc boat trip. See the suggestions below: 

1. Hang Mua Ecolodge
2. Hang Mua Family Homestay
3. Ninh Binh Rustic
4. Tam Coc Luxury Homestay
5. Liberty Hall Tam Coc Hotel & Villa
6. Tam Coc Mr. Loa Homestay
7. Hang Mua Family Homestay
8. Tam Coc Holiday Hotel
9. Tam Coc Serene Bungalow
10. Tam Coc Legend Hotel

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What to do at the Mua Caves

Mua Caves provides travellers with a variety of experiential services to explore the characteristic land of Ninh Binh: Here are some things you can do at the Mua Caves:

Hike to the top of Mua Cave

This is a must-do for any visitor to the Mua Caves. The hike is about 500 steps, but it is well worth it for the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. From the top, you can see the Tam Coc River, the Trang An Grottoes, and the Ngoa Long Mountain.

Explore the Mua Cave

The Mua Cave is a small cave that is located at the base of the mountain. The cave is not very well known, so it is usually not crowded. Inside the cave, you can see stalactites, stalagmites, and other cave formations.

Visit The heart-shaped lotus lake 

Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of this unique pathway, dotted with vibrant pink and white water lilies. As you meander along the tranquil waters, capture enchanting photos that will surely become cherished memories.

Climbing the famous dragon

On the highest top of Mua Cave, you will see a stone dragon lying on the mountain. Every visitor is interested in this. Don’t forget to capture this moment. 

Stay on Budget with Local Food Options

Ninh Binh has a variety of delicious and affordable local food options. You can order from your homestay owners for local foods. They will prepare for you with excellent taste and affordable price. 

Also, here are some of the best restaurants near Mua Caves that are known for their delicious cuisine, excellent service, and beautiful ambience:

1. Monalisa Bar & Restaurant
2. Lac Hong Restaurant
3. An Khang Banh Mi and Drinks
4. Chu’s House Tam Coc
5. Brick Coffee Shop
6. Dao Phuket Bar
7. Tam Coc Lantern Restaurant
8. Ninh Binh Garden Restaurant
9. Tam Coc Rice Paddy Restaurant
10. Chookie's Hideaway
11. Curry King Indian Restaurant
12. Bao Anh Restaurant

In conclusion, exploring Hang Mua in Ninh Binh can be a compelling experience. By following the tips you can make the most of your visit to Hang Mua and still stay on budget. 
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We also offer several tours to Mua Cave Ninh Binh for small groups to enhance the travel experience. 

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