We visited this site as part of the Ninh Binh day tours which cover Hoa Lu, Trang An and Mua caves. Mua caves has to be highlight of the 3 sites as part of the Ninh Binh day tour package. There are about 500 steps to the top. There are 2 climbs, one climb will lead you to a small feature token pagoda (not one where it can house people). The other climb is to the Dragon. The Dragon climb has a statue of Goddess of Mercy in front of the dragon's head. Some of the stairs are quiet steep. The overall climb can be a bit strenuous physically and that we were instructed by the tour guide to be back in the bus after 40 mins did not help. There were many tourists in this site. It is impossible when we were there to take a photo without someone being it it. There was also a queue on the way up the top of the Dragon peak. If you are short of time, the Dragon climb is better one, it is higher and has more challenging steps. The 40min given to us by the tour guide was simply not enough. I would spend perhaps 2 hours for this site alone, to adequately cover both peaks, catch your breath and enjoy the scenery. Pros: High recommended for the physical activity and the view at the top of the climb. One of the many reasons to visit Ninh Binh. Cons: Too many tourists. There is literally a human traffic jam on the way up the 2 peaks.

Every step on those 500 stairs we’ll get you closer to magnificent views! A very good exercise I’d do every day. Go early to avoid the tours coming from Hanoi. Also do the little Peak too, so you’ll have a better view of the tallest one.

The hike up isnt to tough, i would say moderate fitness you will be fine. We went for sunrise on a sunny day and were not disappointed, spectacular. WARNING about the parking area if you come by scooter or bicycle. Vendors will try to get you to park in their spots. There is parking inside the gate but it is limited So the vendors outside do provide a needed service. Unfortunately they are way over aggresive and some not all that honest. They charge 15000 dong for a scooter “it is 10000 inside the gate”. A couple gave buddy 150000 dong by mistake and soon realized it he and pretended not to know what they were taking about. A big argument but it was pointless he didnt give back any change. We were parked in his stall and the scooter was still there when we got back so thats a plus. A shame as you could tell his parking spot is taken care of, it is the one on the right just as you reach the gate. They will jump right out in front of you and yell to get you into their stall. Be aware and try not to be intimidated.

We went in December so we couldn’t enjoy the green rice field’s however the view was still nice but rather brown. The steps are a bit slippery are poorly maintained. Weird given you pay a decent amount to get in. Overall I would consider this a must do in the Ninh Binh area along with the Trang An boat tour. It’s the only place here that gives a high vantage point.

We cycled to the Mua Caves from our local accommodation, it is 5 vnd parking per bike. The entry fee is 100 vnd and soo worth it. When you enter the complex it is beautiful with little decorative ponds, views and swings and restaurants. It is a short walk to the start of the lying dragon mountain steps (view point). There are 500 steps, although wide, it is quite a steep ascend to the top and quite uneven. It is perfectly do able with good footwear and water and shouldn’t take too long if you have a good fitness level. The views are next level beautiful, really breathtaking. You have a view across the mountains but also down to the river where you can see the boats pass! A very rewarding climb! We would recommend getting there early to best the sun and the crowds for a more leisurely time.

Mua caves has a very nice entrance area leading up to the stairs. Do ignore the people trying to flag you down as you get close to the attraction. We simply said "No" and veered around them and they didn't bother us. We were charged 10k each to park our bikes just outside the entrance to the attraction. The stairs are steep and uneven so should be attempted by relatively fit people. Gorgeous view from the top. I recommend this attraction if you're in the area.

Parking with your scooter costed us 15,000. Make sure you just drive right up to the entrance and don’t use the shop vendors earlier on, no matter how much they wave at you and walk in front of your scooter. There are two viewpoints to see, one with the pagoda and one with the dragon overlooking the river. Can be done with moderate fitness and well worth the hike to the top.

Definitely a place to visit when in the area. From Tam Coc, the place is easily accessible.on bike or motorbike. When arriving, many people try to stop you in order for you to park at their place. The further you can go with your bike/motorbike, is just before the gate before the ticket office. The parking.spot.costs between 10-15kD. The entrance costs 100kD/person, and it is absolutely worth it! You will have to climb around 500 uneven stairs, made of a slippery rock. At a given point you can turn left and reach the top, with the Dragon and a wonderful view over Tam Coc, or right and have another impressive view.

Came here as a family of four, and as we arrived by car we did not get any of the hassle described by previous reviewers arriving by car. Once you have paid and entered there are some nice viewing seats/swings with good views, as well as bathrooms which are fine if you bring your own toilet roll. We started the climb to the viewing point about 4.30m, it was not too busy, we liked the fact that the stairs were very wide allowing two way traffic without it being too busy. I appreciated the many stop points on the way up for breath and taking photos. Didn't make it right to the top, but seeing as I was q hot mess by that point and have no intracranial account to add photos too that was just fine

We rode a scooter out in the morning. Had read earlier reviews about the parking scam but didn’t find it to be an issue this morning. There was a woman trying to wave us down, but we were able to ride past her easily. There are shops selling dresses on the street as you lead in. Wish I had taken a bit more notice as it’s traditional dress that you can wear up the steps and take some beautiful photos in. It’s only about 600,00 Duong for the dresses so if you want something extra special for your photo have a look at them. Definitely Instagram worthy. Yes there are about 1000 steps and everyone of them is worth it. Due to the beautiful nature you stop every 20-40 steps to take photos and take it all in so you don’t feel completely out of breath (a little sweaty depending on the temperature). The view at the top is magnificent and worth the effort. The dragon is not all that accessible but the view is still spectacular.