Nestled in Ninh Binh, a province rich in ancient capital history spanning a thousand years, Hang Mua Cave emerges as an unmissable gem within the Trang An heritage site. More than just a cave, it’s a unique architectural complex, often likened to the miniature “Great Wall of Vietnam.” From Ninh Binh’s highest natural viewpoint, Hang Mua has evolved into a captivating eco-tourism attraction, drawing visitors with its majestic, poetic beauty and unforgettable experiences. Join “Travel the World” as we delve into Hang Mua Ninh Binh in detail below, helping you plan a complete and memorable adventure.
Hang Mua Ninh Binh, an attractive tourist destination with unique architecture
Hang Mua Cave Ninh Binh: The Emerald Gem of the Ancient Capital
Hang Mua is located in Khe Dau Ha village, Ninh Xuan commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. This location is not only easily accessible from Ninh Binh city (about 10km) and Hanoi (about 100km) but also close to other famous tourist attractions such as Trang An, Tam Coc, and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. This makes it an ideal addition to your Ninh Binh exploration itinerary.
What makes Hang Mua special is its ancient limestone mountain system, dating back millions of years, creating a magnificent and majestic natural setting. Upon arrival, you’ll be amazed by the pristine, awe-inspiring beauty of the mountains, harmonizing with the poetic charm of the Tam Coc valley and the winding Ngo Dong River.
Standing atop Mua Mountain, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Tam Coc valley in the golden ripeness of rice harvest season, a truly beautiful and peaceful countryside scene. The Ngo Dong River, like a soft silk ribbon, flows gently around the limestone mountains, creating a picturesque landscape that captivates the heart.
Panoramic view of Tam Coc valley from the top of Hang Mua Ninh Binh
Exploring Hang Mua’s Beauty: A Journey from Base to Ngoa Long Peak
To fully appreciate the beauty of Hang Mua, your journey begins by conquering nearly 500 stone steps leading to the summit of Ngoa Long Mountain (or Crouching Dragon Mountain). This is the most unique highlight of Hang Mua, often referred to as the “Miniature Great Wall”.
Both sides of the stone steps are adorned with intricately carved dragon and phoenix statues, imbued with the essence of ancient Vietnamese architecture. As you ascend, the scenery becomes increasingly majestic and breathtaking. The stone steps winding along the mountainside guide you closer to Ngoa Long peak, home to the imposing stone dragon statue, the symbol of Hang Mua.
Ngoa Long Peak is not only the highest point of Hang Mua but also an ideal spot to admire the entire tourist area and surrounding region. From here, you can marvel at the beauty of the Tam Coc valley, the Ngo Dong River, the vast green rice fields, and the charming little villages nestled at the foot of the mountains. Especially during the harvest season, the view from Ngoa Long Peak becomes even more vibrant and enchanting.
In addition to the stone dragon statue, Ngoa Long Peak also features an ancient pavilion, where you can take a break, relax, and enjoy the fresh, cool mountain air. It’s also a perfect check-in spot to capture memorable moments during your Hang Mua exploration.
Ngoa Long Peak Hang Mua, home to the majestic stone dragon statue and ancient pavilion
Best Time to Visit Hang Mua: Tips for Choosing the Ideal Season
Ninh Binh is known as a year-round tourist destination, and Hang Mua also possesses unique beauty in each season. Depending on your preferences and desired experiences, you can choose the most suitable time to visit Hang Mua.
Spring (January – March Lunar Calendar): The weather is warm and pleasant, flowers bloom, and trees sprout new buds. This is an ideal time to enjoy the fresh air, admire the vibrant natural scenery, and participate in traditional festivals in Ninh Binh. Standing on Hang Mua peak in spring, you’ll feel the vitality and energy of nature.
Summer (April – June Lunar Calendar): Summer is when Hang Mua becomes most vibrant and captivating. Golden rice fields stretch out at the foot of the mountains, creating a stunning and poetic landscape. Especially in June – July, the Hang Mua lotus pond begins to bloom, displaying its brilliant pink hues, attracting many visitors to admire and take photos. Summer is also a great time to immerse yourself in the green space of the lotus pond and enjoy the gentle fragrance of lotus flowers.
Hang Mua lotus pond in brilliant summer
Autumn (July – September Lunar Calendar): The weather is cool and pleasant, the air is fresh and peaceful. Autumn in Hang Mua brings a gentle, romantic beauty with green trees gradually turning yellow. This is an ideal time for hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying the tranquil and relaxing atmosphere of the mountains.
Winter (October – December Lunar Calendar): Winter in Hang Mua carries a contemplative, mystical beauty. Misty clouds cover the mountains, creating a dreamy and poetic scene. Although the weather can be cold, this is an ideal time to experience a quiet, deserted Hang Mua and feel its unique beauty in winter.
Hang Mua in winter with contemplative beauty
Getting to Hang Mua: Detailed Directions from Hanoi and Neighboring Provinces
Traveling to Hang Mua Ninh Binh is quite convenient and easy, with various transportation options to choose from based on your preferences and personal conditions.
Private vehicles (car, motorbike):
- From Hanoi:
- Car: Take the Phap Van – Cau Gie highway to the Liem Tuyen interchange, turn onto National Highway 1A, then continue to road 477 and turn right, drive about 5km to Hang Mua.
- Motorbike: Follow National Highway 1A through Ha Nam province, to road 477 then turn right and drive about 5km to Hang Mua.
Traveling by private vehicle gives you flexibility in terms of time and itinerary, and allows you to explore more destinations along the way. The road to Hang Mua is quite easy to navigate and well-signposted; you can easily find your way using map applications on your phone.
Limousine Bus:
Limousine bus is a popular and convenient option for travelers from Hanoi wanting to reach Ninh Binh, especially Hang Mua. Limousine buses are typically high-quality, offer good service, pick up and drop off passengers directly at Hang Mua, do not pick up passengers along the way, and travel quickly on the highway.
Coach Bus:
Coach bus is the most cost-effective means of transportation to Ninh Binh. You can catch a coach bus from bus stations in Hanoi such as Giap Bat bus station or My Dinh bus station. However, coach buses usually stop at Ninh Binh bus station, and you will need to take a taxi or motorbike taxi to reach Hang Mua (about 10km).
Road to Hang Mua Ninh Binh by motorbike
Accommodation at Hang Mua: Experience Luxurious Relaxation Amidst Nature
Hang Mua is not only a tourist attraction but also a high-class eco-resort called Hang Mua Ecolodge. It offers a variety of room types and amenities to meet all visitor needs.
Hang Mua Ecolodge has 7 different room types, from basic Superior rooms to luxurious Villas, each uniquely designed, close to nature, and providing privacy and comfort for guests. Rooms are fully equipped with modern amenities, and have private balconies or patios overlooking lush gardens or majestic mountains.
A special feature of Hang Mua Ecolodge is the use of natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and reed in the design, creating a warm and nature-friendly space. The resort also has a swimming pool, restaurant, spa, and other amenities, offering guests a complete and memorable resort experience.
When staying at Hang Mua Ecolodge, guests receive complimentary admission tickets to Hang Mua, a special perk for resort guests.
Hang Mua Ecolodge, a luxurious resort in Ninh Binh
Hang Mua Cuisine: Savoring the Rich Flavors of Ninh Binh
Visiting Hang Mua Ninh Binh not only allows you to admire the majestic natural beauty but also provides the opportunity to enjoy famous Ninh Binh specialties, especially dishes made from mountain goat and burnt rice.
Ninh Binh Mountain Goat: Mountain goat is a renowned specialty of Ninh Binh, naturally raised on limestone mountains. Ninh Binh mountain goat meat has a distinctive delicious flavor, is lean, and low in fat. Mountain goat dishes are prepared in various ways such as goat salad, grilled goat, steamed goat, stir-fried goat, goat blood pudding, etc.
Ninh Binh Burnt Rice (Com Chay): Burnt rice is a rustic dish that carries the distinct flavor of Ninh Binh homeland. Burnt rice is made from cooked rice, fried to a crisp, and served with a rich sauce and pork floss. The crispy, nutty burnt rice, combined with the savory sauce, creates an unforgettable taste.
In addition, you can also enjoy other Ninh Binh specialties such as Yen Mac fermented pork roll, Gia Vien shrimp paste, Kim Son rice wine, etc. In the Hang Mua tourist area and surrounding areas, there are many restaurants and eateries serving Ninh Binh specialties and other European and Asian dishes, catering to the diverse culinary needs of visitors.
Ninh Binh mountain goat meat, a famous specialty of the ancient capital region
Hang Mua Travel Tips: Helpful Advice for a Complete Trip
To have a complete and memorable trip to Hang Mua Ninh Binh, keep in mind some of the following tips:
- Prepare suitable attire: Choose comfortable, neat clothing that is easy to move around in for hiking and sightseeing. Wear sneakers or flat shoes for easy movement on stone steps.
- Bring a camera/phone: Hang Mua has many beautiful spots for taking photos. Make sure to fully charge your batteries and have enough memory to capture every moment.
- Sunscreen, hat: Ninh Binh weather can be quite sunny and hot in summer, so bring sunscreen and a hat to protect your skin from the sun.
- Drinking water: Hiking can be tiring, so bring enough drinking water to rehydrate.
- Cash: Although many places in Ninh Binh accept card payments, it’s still a good idea to bring some cash for small expenses or souvenir purchases.
- Maintain general hygiene: Do not litter, and preserve the green and clean natural landscape at Hang Mua.
- Purchase entrance tickets: The current entrance ticket price to Hang Mua is 100,000 VND/adult. You can buy tickets directly at the ticket counter at the tourist area entrance.
Ninh Binh burnt rice, a snack loved by many tourists
Conclusion
Hang Mua Ninh Binh is an attractive and unmissable tourist destination when you visit the ancient capital region. With the majestic beauty of the mountains, the poetic charm of the Tam Coc valley, and unique experiences from conquering Ngoa Long Peak to enjoying local cuisine, Hang Mua is sure to offer you an exciting and memorable exploration journey. Come to Hang Mua to feel the beauty of the “Miniature Great Wall” in the heart of Ninh Binh and discover the wonderful things this place has to offer.