10 Reasons to Stay in Mua Cave Ecolodge, Ninh Binh

Visiting Vietnam? If you’re looking for interesting places to experience on your trip, you might want to check this resort called “Mua Cave Ecolodge,” tucked in a corner of the karst mountains in Ninh Binh. It’s a good reason to head south of Hanoi on its own and a perfect base to explore the beautiful scenery, charming countryside life, and UNESCO World Heritage sites in the area. You can probably already tell from my photos below that I really enjoyed my stay there.

Here are the top 10 highlights of my experience at Mua Cave Ecolodge that you might want to know about for your next adventure to Ninh Binh:

1. This amazing sunset view

The dragon at the peak of Mua Cave viewpoint

Massive limestone mountains and the winding river at Tam Coc

The Mua Cave viewpoint is a must-visit for any trip to Ninh Binh. Here, you can get panoramic views overlooking the karst landscapes. One side overlooks the winding river at Tam Coc. The other affords a view of lush rice fields. Staying at the ecolodge means you can enjoy these scenic views freely at your own leisure.

2. Waking up to this view

View from the lily-filled pond in front of my cottage

The scenery at dawn was equally amazing! You may enjoy it without the hike, or take your morning jog to the mountaintop for a fulfilling view of the sunrise.

3. Your own Tonkin-village inspired cottage

The cottages

Cute wooden swing

This small resort offers 6 very homey and cozy cottages built in rural architectural style. They are a modern take of traditional Tonkin village houses found at the countrysides of Northern Vietnam.

4. These countryside views

Charming view of rice fields and ducks near the entrance gate

The lone duck that didn’t float away when I came too close

A small shrine and the view point

Blooming rice paddies almost ready for harvest

Keeping true to an authentic Tonkin village, the ecolodge is surrounded by vast rice paddies, cultivated by local farmers. You can enjoy the views above by taking a short walk from the entrance gate or a glimpse of it from your private terrace.

5. Convenient location to explore Ninh Binh

Exploring Ninh Binh’s amazing countryside by bicycle

Tour boats along scenic river at Tam Coc

Dinh Tien Hoang Temple at Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel

Trang An riverside, at dusk

Mua Cave Ecolodge was an excellent base to explore Ninh Binh. Although it was tucked in one corner of the Mua Mountains, away from the main tourist areas, it sat in the middle of Tam Coc and Trang An, two major tourist spots in Ninh Binh. This made things easier on my DIY bicycle tour of the area. They also have motorcycle taxis and cars on call if you want to go to the city center, or organize your own tour in addition to packaged tours that you can book at the reception desk.

6. Stay in comfort

My bed and room for three days at Mua Caves Eco Lodge

Bedside desk

Coffee and tea maker

My room, facing the TV

The cottages are quite spacious inside. All are air-conditioned, have WIFI internet access, and are well-appointed for a comfortable stay. Prices are exceptional value considering the amenities of the room and the gorgeous location.

7. This refreshing view from the shower

View of nature from the bathroom window in my room.

This definitely made my stay a lot more memorable. In case you’re wondering, the glass window faces a closed-off rock cliff.

8. Their unique restaurant, outside a cave

Dinner at the Mua Cave Eco Lodge’s restaurant, found outside a cave

Delicious goat meat dish

Goat blood soup in vibrant sanguine-red

Goat blood soup, for three

Morning view at the restaurant

Hang But Buddha Cave

Inside the cave

The food was delicious too. Don’t leave without trying their goat meat. Ninh Binh is famous in Vietnam for this local dish. You may also get a bowl of goat blood soup here if you’re feeling adventurous.

9. Scenic views and more caves around the property

Scenic view of the Mua Mountains from a tranquil pond

Pagoda at the mountaintop

Dong Hoang Ho – Tiger Cave

Base of the steps leading to the viewpoint

Mua Caves Eco Lodge (bottom right) and Ninh Binh city center (back)

The ecolodge is part of a complex that includes the viewpoint, several caves, and landscaped gardens. It’s a scenic and peaceful area where you can unwind and enjoy the rural atmosphere.

10. The friendly local welcome

Reception building at Mua Caves Eco Lodge

Welcome tea

Reception lounge

When on the road, I often take an effort to get a deeper understanding of places that I visit by talking to locals. The language barrier was a major hurdle to this in most places I visited in Vietnam. The reception staff at the ecolodge were very friendly, spoke good English, and live in nearby villages.

How to Get There

Mua Cave Ecolodge is located in Khe Ha Village, Ninh Xuan commue, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. It’s 15 to 20 minutes away from the city center. When arriving at the bus terminal, the taxi or moto driver may be more familiar with the place as “Hang Mua.” Hang in Vietnamese means cave.

Book Your Stay

You may enjoy your own experience at Mua Cave Ecolodge by contacting them directly through these channels:

• Website: http://www.muacaveecolodge.com/en/
• Email: [email protected]
• Mobile: (+84) 904301028
• Landline: +(84)(030) 3619679
• Fax: +(84)(030) 3618754

You may also book your room online on Agoda or Booking.com, and read reviews on TripAdvisor.

Disclaimer: My stay was sponsored by Mua Cave Ecolodge. Rest assured, all opinions stated above are solely my own.