Hang Múa (Mua Cave) Viewpoint: Climbing the Dragon Mountain of Ninh Binh | Vietnam Purple Travel Guide

(map, reviews)

Entrance Fee: 100,000 VND per person at the time of writing

Opening Hours: 6am – 7pm daily

Hang Múa (also known as Mua Cave) is located in Khe Dau Ha Village, roughly 3 miles (5 km) south of Ninh Binh city. It sits within the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

History & Legend of Hang Múa (Mua Cave)

Despite being called ‘Hang Múa’ (meaning ‘Dancing Cave’), the site's popularity stems not from the cave itself, but from the majestic limestone peak above it. According to local legends, this area was where imperial concubines of King Trần would come to perform royal dances, giving the cave its poetic name. Some versions of the tale suggest that King Trần Nhân Tông, who later became a Zen Buddhist monk, visited this area during his retreat to the Vũ Lâm region in the 13th century.
Though the cave itself is modest in size, the mountain behind it, known to travelers as ‘Múa Mountain’, has become a symbol of Ninh Binh tourism. In recent years, Hang Múa has been developed as part of a larger eco-tourism site that blends natural beauty with cultural elements inspired by Vietnam’s royal and Buddhist traditions.

Why You Should Visit Hang Múa (Mua Cave)

Hang Múa is sometimes called ‘The Great Wall of Vietnam’, because of its iconic 500-step stone staircase that zigzags up the steep limestone mountain, flanked by dragon statues and stone railings that evoke ancient architecture. At the summit, visitors are rewarded with a 360-degree panoramic view over Tam Coc’s rice fields, winding rivers, limestone karsts, and lush valleys — arguably the best viewpoint in all of Ninh Binh.

Insider Tip: The rice fields that you see from the peak are the same rice fields that you had passed through if you had taken the Tam Cốc Boat Tour this morning.

Here are some photos that we took:

What to See at Hang Múa (Mua Cave)

• The Lotus Ponds Park
  After you paid your entrance, you walk through a park for about ¼ mile (400 m). To the right you will see lotus fields with birds. We recommend visiting the fields either at the beginning or the end of your visit.
  Here are some photos that we took:

  

  

• Hang Múa Cave
  After about 1/8 mile (200 m) of the walkway, on the left you will see stairs with dragons on either side. If you walk there, you will find the wide opening of Hang Múa Cave, which gave the entire complex its name.
  According to local lore, during the 13th century, King Trần Nhân Tông retreated to this tranquil valley and was entertained by imperial dancers in this very cave. The name ‘Hang Múa’, meaning ‘Dancing Cave’, reflects this royal connection to music, art, and leisure. This cave is about 50 ft (15 m) wide and 100 ft (30 m) long, and has a natural exit that lets in soft light and breeze. The cave is not very tall, so watch your head.
  Inside, the cave is quiet, cool, and empty, and the views from the back are nice. There is also a seating area, where you can relax in the quietness of nature.
  Here are some photos that we took:

  

  

• Tiger Cave (Động Hang Hổ)
  Near the end of the ¼ mile walkway, and right at the beginning of the 500 steps that go up Hang Múa Mountain is the tiny Tiger Cave. According to folklore, the cave once sheltered a fierce tiger that roamed the karst valleys, instilling both fear and reverence in the local villagers. Over time, the tiger became a symbolic guardian of the mountain, representing power, protection, and wild nature. Today, the cave is calm and empty, but its name preserves this legendary past.
  Here are some photos that we took:

  

  

• 500 Steps
  Begin your ascent up the iconic 500 stone steps, but do not rush. Take your time and be sure to stay hydrated, especially in the heat. About halfway up the climb, you will reach a fork in the path: the right-hand trail leads to a small pagoda perched on a narrow rocky outcrop, while the left-hand path is the main path which continues upward toward the summit, where a striking statue of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva stands proudly atop Dragon Mountain.
  As you approach the top, you will be greeted by your first panoramic viewpoint, offering a breathtaking glimpse of the Ngo Dong River snaking through the lush, valley floor far below. The dramatic contrast of water, rice fields, and limestone peaks makes this one of the most photogenic spots in all of Hang Múa, a personal favorite of ours for capturing unforgettable memories of Ninh Binh.
  Here are some photos that we took:

  

  
  

  

• Quan Âm Pavilion (Goddess of Mercy Shrine)
  At the summit of the main staircase, you will find a small Buddhist shrine dedicated to Quan Âm (Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva), the goddess of mercy and compassion.
  Quan Âm, also spelled Quán Thế Âm, is the Vietnamese name for Avalokiteśvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and Mercy in Mahāyāna Buddhism. She is one of the most beloved and widely worshiped figures in Vietnamese spiritual life, revered by Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike for her boundless compassion.
  Though Avalokiteśvara was originally depicted as male in early Indian Buddhism, in Vietnam (as well as China, Korea, and Japan), the figure gradually became feminized, and is now almost always represented as a gentle, maternal female figure, often wearing flowing white robes and a serene expression. This transformation reflects the Vietnamese people's association of Quan Âm with unconditional love, comfort, and spiritual refuge, much like a divine mother.
  Here are some photos that we took:

  

  

• The Dragon Statue and Peak
  Near the Quan Âm Pavilion you will see people climbing up the rocks to the very peak of the mountain. On top of these rocks you will find a massive stone dragon coiling along the mountain ridge. Be advised that this is not a marked or even maintained trail. If you absolutely need to climb up, be very careful – there are no safety rails and the rocks have deep and unforgiving spaces between them.
  Inspired by the Lý Dynasty’s artistic style, this dragon has become an iconic photo spot.
  In Vietnamese culture, the dragon (rồng) is a sacred and benevolent creature, vastly different from the fire-breathing monsters of Western myths. The dragon is a symbol of life-giving rain, prosperity, wisdom, strength, and protection. It is deeply associated with the emperors, who were once thought to be descendants of dragons, and it frequently appears in the architecture of royal palaces, temples, and dynastic art.
  The dragon also holds a cosmic significance, often representing the harmony between heaven and earth, and the power of natural forces, such as water, mountains, and wind. As Vietnam is a land of rivers and rice fields, the dragon plays a role in agricultural fertility and the spiritual health of the land.
  The dragon statue at Hang Múa is built in the traditional Lý or early Trần Dynasty style, characterized by:

  • A long, sinuous body undulating like ocean waves or rolling mountains

  • Large, bulging eyes and a wide mouth, open in a half-smile or roar

  • Stylized scales and cloud-like tendrils extending from its limbs or back

  • A flowing tail and intricate horns or antlers, common in Southeast Asian depictions

  The design is not just ornamental, it reflects a spiritual energy, often called ‘long khí’ (dragon energy), believed to enhance the sacredness of a site. The way the dragon follows the contours of the peak creates the impression that it is guarding the mountain, watching over the landscape and those who make the pilgrimage up the 500 steps.
  The dragon's position at the very top of Múa Mountain is symbolic in many ways:

  • Protector of the land: From this high vantage point, the dragon appears to shield the valleys and rivers below.

  • Spiritual climax: Reaching the dragon feels like the conclusion of a pilgrimage. The climb up the rugged steps is an allegory for spiritual growth, and arriving at the dragon is like standing beside wisdom and power.

  • Visual impact: The dragon is a major draw for photographers, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light bathes its stone scales in gold.

  Here are some photos that we took:

  

  

Travel Tips

• Bring water and wear sturdy shoes - the 500 steps are uneven, steep in places, and can be slippery when wet.

• Avoid midday visits when the sun is intense and the steps are crowded.

• Sunset and sunrise are the most popular times, but also the busiest — come early in the morning if you want solitude.

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.

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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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