Your Guide to the Mua Caves and 500 Steps in Ninh Bình
Also known as Hang Mua, the Mua Caves site is one of the most popular attractions in Ninh Bình. Visit to hike to the top of a limestone karst, enjoy a lotus pond, and explore a cave. Along the way, you’ll see bits of history and Buddhist influence.
When to visit
This area is open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily. We highly recommend visiting as early as possible to beat the heat and crowds. We visited late in the evening, and it was hot, humid, and the 500 Steps were very crowded.
For more on what season to visit, check this section of our blog covering Ninh Bình.
Tickets
Tickets cost 100,000 VND per person, and there is parking next to the ticket booth. The tickets cover entry to see Mua Caves, the 500 Steps, and lotus pond. Inside the area are two cafes.
What to do there
500 Steps viewpoint
The 500 Steps lead to the summit of Hang Mua. The climb takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on crowds and fitness level. There are plenty of spots to stop and rest along the way.
At the top, you’ll find two main viewpoints. Both offer wide, 360-degree views of the limestone cliffs and rice fields below.
One viewpoint is known as Dragon Mountain. You can admire the dragon statue from a distance, climbing up to it is popular. To reach it, you’ll scramble over uneven rocks on narrow ledges. We made it to the dragon’s head before turning back due to a traffic jam. From this side, you can look down at the Tam Cốc boats rowing along the Ngô Đồng River.
The second viewpoint features Buddhist-style stupa and a statue of Avalokitesvara. The summit area with the stupa is smaller, and during busy hours, you’ll have to wait in line to reach it. From here, you’ll have a view of the lotus ponds.
Dragon Mountain in the background
Lotus pond
The lotus ponds at the Múa Caves are some of the largest in Ninh Bình. The flowers bloom from May to July, and although we visited in March, we still enjoyed walking the boardwalks and watching the fish jump in the water. You can also see lotus flowers in Tam Cốc, Bích Động, and Tràng An, but do not pick the flowers.
Mua Caves
During Vietnam’s resistance wars, the base of Mua Mountain was used as a mobile hospital to shelter and treat wounded soldiers.
Today, the 500 Steps is the main reason most people visit. You’ll pass the cafés, lotus field, and koi pond on the way to the cave. The cave itself is small, but it’s a quiet spot for a picnic.
What to bring with you
If you plan on hiking the 500 Steps, wear a good pair of walking shoes and breathable clothing. Find recommendations for both of these here. If it’s rained recently, the stairs can be slippery, and there are no hand rails.
Regardless of what you plan on seeing during your visit, bring water, and sun protection. The hike and lotus ponds are very exposed.
What to do next
Tràng An Rowboats
We highly recommend going on a rowboat ride in Tràng An. The more expensive ticket includes access to Khe Cốc Island which offers a quieter hike similar to the 500 Steps.
Tam Cốc
Tam Cốc offers a cheaper rowboat ride than Tràng An, with a similar experience floating on the Ngo Dong River in the area below the 500 Steps viewpoint.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Explore here to see historic temples surrounded by limestone mountains.
Bich Dong Pagoda
This is a stunning ancient temple built into the side of a limestone mountain. Visit early or late in the day to avoid crowds.
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