Rising above the Tam Coc rice valley, Ngoa Long Mountain (Hang Mua) is crowned by a stone dragon and offers the single most breathtaking panoramic view in Ninh Binh.
Hang Mua ("Dancing Cave") takes its name from legends of King Tran Thai Tong, who came here to watch royal dances in the cave below the mountain. Today, travellers come for the stone staircase — often called the "Great Wall of Ninh Binh" — that zigzags 486 steps up the spine of Ngoa Long Mountain.
From the summit beside the carved stone dragon and Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva tower, you can look straight down at tiny sampan boats gliding along the Ngo Dong River through Tam Coc’s rice fields on one side, and endless karst peaks stretching to the horizon on the other.
At the base of the mountain, wooden boardwalks wind through a giant lotus pond that blooms bright pink in summer.
Highlights of Hang Mua (Mua Cave & Dragon Peak)
- 486 carved stone steps along the mountain ridge
- 360-degree view over the Tam Coc river and rice paddies
- Iconic stone dragon sculpture along the summit crest
- Heart-shaped lotus pond boardwalk at the mountain base
Things to do
Climb to the Dragon Peak
Take your time ascending the stone steps to the twin viewpoints at the top of Ngoa Long Mountain.
Photograph the Tam Coc river from above
The left-hand fork of the staircase looks directly over the Ngo Dong River where Tam Coc boats pass below.
Stroll the Lotus Pond boardwalk
Walk the wooden path across the lotus lake at the foot of the cliff.
Plan your visit
How to get there
Located in Khe Dau Ha village, about 2.5 km from Tam Coc boat pier — a 10-minute drive by open-air Jeep or Limo.
Best time to visit
Afternoon (around 15:00–16:30) for warm golden light over the Tam Coc valley, or early morning before midday heat.
Local tips
Wear comfortable shoes with good grip — the stone steps near the top are uneven.
Bring a bottle of water for the climb.
Map
Questions about Hang Mua (Mua Cave & Dragon Peak)
How hard is the Hang Mua climb?
There are 486 stone steps and most visitors take 15–25 minutes to reach the top with photo stops along the way. Anyone with moderate fitness can do it at their own pace.
