Ninh Binh,Vietnam
Mua Caves Magic: A true Gem in Ninh Binh's Scenic Haven
Nestled in the scenic region of Ninh Binh, Mua Caves, also known as Hang Mua, is a hidden gem that will leave you breathless. This enchanting attraction offers a blend of stunning limestone formations, lush greenery, and awe-inspiring panoramic views.
I arrived here on a taxi from Hanoi International Airport. I booked my hotel right at the bottom of the mountain. It's called Mua Caves Eco Lodge (Hang Mua). One of the perks of staying near the Mua Caves is that you receive free entry to both the caves and the lookout, which would normally cost 200,000 Vietnamese Dong. This is a fantastic bonus, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the area without any additional cost. The room I stayed in was absolutely beautiful and had the comfort of air conditioning.
So, if you're looking for an ideal location at the base of the mountain, with complimentary access to the caves and viewpoint, a scrumptious breakfast, and a gorgeous air-conditioned room, then staying here is an excellent choice.
After nearly 15 hours of traversing from the Southern Hemisphere's autumn to the hot and humid Hanoi in the Northern Hemisphere, one might assume that I would be completely drained of energy. But nope! All it took was a refreshing shower upon checking in, and I embarked on a journey to summit Hang Mua. It was a challenging hike up the top of the mountain.
Taken at the Lotus Pond right opposite where I stayed
The iconic 500-step stone staircase that winds its way up to the summit of Ngoa Long Mountain is totally worth it! Each step you take reveals a captivating view that beckons you to keep going. At the top you are rewarded with out of this world breath-taking views. Check it out.
I stayed up there until it got dark. On the way back, it started raining, but luckily I was prepared. I always carry a trusty rain jacket with me, tucked away in my backpack, along with water bottles.
Day 2 in Ninh Binh, Vietnam
The next morning, I woke up feeling refreshed and indulged in a delicious breakfast at my accommodation. With a satisfied stomach, I approached the hotel reception and inquired about renting scooters. They were more than happy to assist and swiftly arranged the scooters for me. I couldn't contain my excitement as I embarked on a thrilling adventure, zipping around the town on two wheels. Just a friendly reminder though, the roads can be a tad chaotic, so it's crucial to drive carefully. Surprisingly, amidst the hustle and bustle, there was an organized chaos that somehow made sense. As long as I avoided any foolish manoeuvres, I knew I'd be alright. Oh, and let's not forget, in Vietnam, they drive on the right side of the road.
Today, my destination was the magnificent Trang An Scenic Complex, where I was in for a treat – a three-hour boat ride awaited me. Luckily, it was only a short 10-15 minute journey from my hotel, as you can clearly see on the handy map I've provided for your convenience.
Picture this: a picturesque ride through stunning landscapes, gliding along tranquil waters, surrounded by majestic limestone karsts and lush greenery. The beauty of the scenery was simply breath-taking, leaving me in awe of nature's wonders.
I have a confession to make – I braved my way through a cave known as Dot Cave, and let me tell you, it was one hell of an experience. The journey through that cave took around 30 minutes, and to be honest, it scared the living daylights out of me. While I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the other two caves along our boat route, Dot Cave was a different story altogether.
Picture this: darkness enveloping every corner, mysterious twists and turns that seemed to stretch endlessly, and an eerie silence broken only by the occasional flutter of bats hanging upside down. It was an encounter that would make even the bravest souls think twice. If you have even the slightest touch of claustrophobia, my friend, I highly recommend avoiding route number 3 of the boat, which is the path we took. So, if you're up for an adventure, just make sure you're prepared for the enigmatic journey that awaits in Dot Cave, and perhaps opt for a different route if you're not fond of tight spaces.
Taken shortly after getting into the boat. It was a beautiful day for it. I could clearly see the fish in the river going past the boat every now and then as if passing just to say hello.
Just before entering Dot Cave, I arrived at this stunning temple. The water surrounding it was a mesmerizing shade of green, crystal clear and teeming with fish. You can even spot fish right behind me in this photo! Temple before the Dot Cave, I should have known. LOL. Pray for forgiveness before going through that cave.
Then, I arrived at another temple, and let me tell you, it was an absolute gem for capturing Instagram-worthy photos.
Along the way, I encountered some truly magical architecture that will undoubtedly leave you in awe.
From the beginning to the end, the three-hour boat ride was a journey of exploration, wonder, and appreciation for the natural and cultural marvels of Trang An. From the tranquil waters to the towering limestone karsts, every moment was filled with awe and wonder. It allowed me to connect with the beauty of Vietnam's landscapes, providing memories that will last a lifetime. Dot Cave was the one that tested my courage, an experience that I would never ever forget. But my day didn't end here as I started the scooter and went to the central area of the town and had lunch as I was starving. After lunch I could only cover two more places just before the dark.
This was a scenic spot and a shrine. It's actually a series of buildings, temples and caves that go up a considerable distance above the entrance. You get beautiful views from up on the top. It's called "Đầm sen Bích Động". I am sharing the coordinates just copy and paste that in your google maps.
20.217, 105.916
Tuyệt Tịnh Cốc (Động Am Tiên) - TF88, a breathtaking destination I reached from Ninh Binh main town. Oh gosh, what a beautiful journey it was to this magical place. Even in the photo you can feel the peace and tranquillity. Here are the coordinates for this place for you to copy and paste in the google maps.
20.282, 105.913
And that was the end of the day as fatigue washed over me after a day filled with riding and walking. I had a delightful dinner at my accommodation and simply unwound, taking in the mesmerizing views before drifting off to sleep.
The following day, I greeted the morning, relishing a delicious breakfast. After that, I returned the scooter and freshened up with a refreshing shower before checking out. It was time to embark on my journey to Cat Ba Island. I hailed a taxi, hopped on a bus, and then boarded a ferry, finally arriving at the island. Once there, I hopped into another taxi that whisked me away to my accommodation. Click on the Cat Ba Island the next orange button to know all about it.