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Vietnam is home to a wealth of natural wonders, including long, idyllic coastlines, pristine forests, and majestic caves. Among these highlights, Mua caves Vietnam in Ninh Binh is a must-see destination for adventure seekers in 2024. Located in the “Halong Bay on land,” Mua caves Vietnam offers visitors an unforgettable experience that combines majestic scenery, rich history, and exciting exploration.
Mua Caves Vietnam location and entry fee
Mua Caves is situated in the Nho Quan District of Ninh Binh Province, about 90 kilometers (56 miles) south of Hanoi. It is no coincidence that Mua Cave is known as the “Ha Long Bay on land” of Vietnam. Mua Caves Vietnam is located in a large karst limestone block, surrounded by a green river, with lush rice fields on both sides. Visitors will be truly amazed by the beauty of the golden rice fields leading to the cave during harvest season.
There are many ways to get to Mua Cave, of which traveling by bus or private car to Ninh Binh is the most popular. Currently, the entrance fee is 100,000 VND (about 4 USD) for adults and free for children under 1 meter. Mua Caves Vietnam is open from 6am to 7pm every day, but opening hours may change on major holidays, so check in advance if you’re planning to visit during these days.
What to do in Mua Caves Vietnam?
The Mua Caves Vietnam offers a wide range of activities and experiences that cater to different interests and adventure levels. Here are some of the highlights:
Admire the breathtaking view from Mua Caves
The main attraction of Mua Caves is the hike to the summit, where you’ll find some of the most incredible panoramic views in Vietnam. To reach the top, you will have to climb nearly 500 stone steps on limestone mountains. The climb is quite winding but completely worth it for the stunning views of the rice fields, rivers and surrounding landscape.
From the top, you’ll have a clear view of Tam Coc’s rice paddies and river below. If you’re visiting during the rice planting or harvest seasons (typically in May and late September), the fields are an impressive mix of green and golden hues. Even outside of these times, the landscape is awe-inspiring, with winding rivers and lush greenery. These sights are so amazing, they’ll stick with you long after you’ve left.
Take stunning photos at The Buddhist Tower
Upon reaching the mountain’s peak, head right for a striking spot to snap some photos. Interestingly, there’s a tower known as the “Check-in Tower” here. The tower’s design is in Buddhist style, typical of Buddhist countries like Vietnam. The square base of the tower represents Earth, the round top represents Water, the pointed parts represent the element of Fire, and the roof represents the power of Wind.
Carved on the walls of this petite tower is the image of Nghê, a creature inspired by both the dog and the lion, embodying Vietnam’s local spirit. Unlike China’s Lân, which symbolizes war, Nghê represents peace and protection. Due to its popularity, there might be a queue for check-in photos. If you want to take beautiful photos, be patient and wait for your turn to take photos to avoid jostling and pushing.
But be cautious; if you’re too late, you might miss the chance for a snapshot. So, if you’re eager to capture this natural beauty or craving that divine check-in photo, it’s best to arrive early to avoid waiting!
>>Vietnam Travel Guide: Essential Tips for Your Journey—discover more here!
Enjoy sunrise and sunset at Mua Caves Vietnam
Missing out on experiencing sunrise and sunset atop the mountain would surely be a regret. The ideal spot for sun-watching is by a stone dragon, near the highest peak. This is somewhat risky as visitors have to find a place to stand on natural rock ledges.
However, to immerse yourself in the enchanting scenery amidst the majestic nature at Hang Mua is not easy. The attraction of the beautiful sunrise and sunset here is increasingly popular, followed by a large number of visitors, creating a crowded scene at the ideal viewing spots. Because there are many people with the same purpose, visitors need to be careful to ensure safety and fully enjoy this wonderful moment.
Despite the difficulties of moving on cramped terrain, the appeal of the impressive sunrise and sunset on the top of Hang Mua is always captivating. For many visitors, this experience offers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the magical beauty of nature, leaving a deep impression in their hearts and creating a desire to return. The peaceful moments at Hang Mua make them want to come back again to enjoy the peaceful and unique scenery that this place brings.
Best time to visit Mua Caves Vietnam
Visitors can visit Mua Caves Vietnam at any time of the year. Normally, the period from November to April is the time when most visitors come to visit Mua Cave. During this time, the weather in Ninh Binh is usually cool and dry, ideal for exploring inside the cave and the majestic natural landscape outside the cave.
From May to October, the lush green landscape and rich vegetation attract many nature lovers. This is the rainy season in Ninh Binh, with heavy rains and higher temperatures, but at the same time, the vegetation grows strongly, creating a lush green picture for outdoor adventures.
If you want to admire the ripe rice season, visit between May and June. This is when the rice fields on both sides of the river turn golden yellow. Standing from the top of the cave to look down or taking a boat to the cave helps visitors admire this beautiful scene.
>> Read more: The Best Time to See Vietnam – Vietnam Travel Guide 2024
Check out Asia Encounter’s tour to explore the natural beauty of Vietnam here:
Tips for your trip to Mua Caves Vietnam
Here are some tips for visiting the Mua Caves Vietnam you should know:
- Visit early or late – Visit Mua caves Vietnam early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and heat. You can catch a beautiful sunrise or sunset at the top.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring water – The climb is steep with 500 steps; stay hydrated and wear sturdy shoes.
- Pack sun protection – Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses as there’s little shade on the stairs.
- Check the weather – Aim for dry days; rainy weather makes the climb slippery and reduces visibility.
- Carry cash – Entrance fees (around 100,000 VND) and refreshments are cash-only.
- Stay safe – The top has narrow ledges; take photos carefully and avoid risky spots.
- Comfortable clothing – There are many steps to climb, so comfortable clothing is preferred. However, for beautiful photos, you can rent costumes at the top of the mountain to take photos to check in.
- Explore the surroundings – After climbing the mountain, visit other nearby attractions such as Tam Coc and Trang An. In the summer, you can visit the ripe rice fields or blooming lotus ponds.
In conclusion, Mua Caves Vietnam is a must-see destination in 2024, offering visitors a glimpse of Vietnam’s majestic nature. Hang Mua deserves to be on any traveler’s 2024 travel plan! Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone looking for a different kind of experience, be sure to add this special destination to your 2024 travel plans.
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To fully experience the magic of Hang Mua, book a tour with Asia Encounter, a leading travel company specializing in unique adventures across Vietnam. With Asia Encounter’s expert guides, you will not only marvel at the natural beauty but also explore the cultural heritage through visits to places like Bai Dinh Pagoda and Trang An Complex. This unique experience showcases Vietnam’s finest natural treasures. Don’t miss out on this amazing journey to discover Hang Mua Vietnam with Asia Encounter in 2024.