Mua Cave and the viewpoint above Tam Coc
Mua Cave, also called Hang Mua, is a mountain climb with a long staircase, a pagoda near the top and a wide view of Tam Coc, the river and the rice fields. The name suggests a cave, but most people come for the view from the Ngoa Long mountain, not for a cave visit.
The viewpoint is close to Tam Coc, so many day tours put it before or after the boat ride. If you want to keep your legs fresh, do the climb first thing in the morning.
Our picks: Mua Cave tours
Only the easy rider tour names a Mua Cave hike in its inclusions. The two Hanoi tours list fees, lunch and vehicle but not the stops, so ask the provider before you book.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide and Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Ninh Binh day tour with boat and guide
- Entrance fee and boat fee
- Lunch
- Bottled water
About 8 to 9 hours with a professional English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned vehicle.
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8-hour Ninh Binh day trip with lunch
- Lunch
- All fees and taxes
- Air-conditioned vehicle
A shorter day of about 8 hours. The inclusions do not list the stops, so ask the provider what is visited.
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Easy rider ride with kayaking and Mua Cave hike
- Local friendly Easy Rider
- Kayaking experience
- Mua Cave hiking
About 4.5 hours with a stop at Thai Vi Temple and a panoramic viewpoint; all entrance fees are included.
Check availability →Tours that include Mua Cave
A half-day easy rider trip with kayaking and the Mua climb, a day tour with the entrance fee and boat fee, and a full-day trip where the Mua stop depends on the product description.
The climb to the viewpoint
What to expect on the stairs.
The path climbs the Ngoa Long mountain on stone steps. The regional tourism office describes 486 steps, while the national tourism portal speaks of 500, so treat the number as roughly 500. The climb is a real workout. Bring water, wear shoes with a good grip, and take breaks at the small platforms. Do not assume the stairs are suited to limited mobility, and ask on site if you need to know more.
At the top you look over Tam Coc, the river and the fields. Mua cave tickets include the climb, and the view is the reason to go.
Ticket price 2026
What the official list says.
The official price list of 27 February 2026 gives VND 150,000 for visitors over 1 m and free entry under 1 m. An older operator page from 2022 still shows VND 100,000, but it is out of date, so use the 2026 figure for your budget. If your child is exactly 1 m tall, ask at the desk. Car parking and any other charges may be extra.
Opening hours
Go early, and confirm on the day.
An operator page dated 2022 listed 05:30 to 19:30 in summer and 06:00 to 19:00 in winter. That is old information, so confirm the hours locally. Early morning is cooler and quieter, and late afternoon gives softer light on the valley. Rain makes the steps slippery, so plan a spare day if the weather is wet.
The view over Tam Coc
Rice colour by season.
From the top you see the bends of the Ngo Dong river and the fields around it. In May and early June the rice turns golden, which is the most photographed time. The exact week shifts from season to season, so treat it as a window, not a promise. In other months the fields are green or filled with water.
Combining Mua Cave with Tam Coc
One area, one day.
The most common plan is the Mua climb in the morning, lunch and then the boat ride on the Ngo Dong; see the Tam Coc and Bich Dong page. Day tours from Hanoi often add Hoa Lu, described on our Hoa Lu page. Our Ninh Binh itinerary shows how to spread these stops over two or three days.
Hiking in Ninh Binh
Other walks in the region.
For hiking in Ninh Binh, Mua Cave is the shortest and busiest option. For a longer day on forest trails, look at Cuc Phuong National Park on the nature page, and check the local status of any trail before you plan it. You can also go by bike instead of on foot, as described under cycling and motorbike.
Frequently asked questions
How many steps are there to the top?
The regional tourism office describes 486 stone steps and the national tourism portal 500, so plan for a long climb.
How much does Mua Cave cost?
VND 150,000 for adults according to the official list of 27 February 2026. Children under 1 m go free.
Is there a cave to visit?
The place is known for its viewpoint and pagoda. Do not expect a large cave interior, and ask on site if you want to know what is open.
Can I do Mua Cave and the Tam Coc boat in one day?
Yes. They are close together, and many tours combine them.