Scaling Mua Mountain to Admire the Green Rice Season

June has not yet arrived, but exploration enthusiasts are still eagerly anticipating the ripe rice season along the Ngô Đồng River to flock here. However, the May rice brings its own unique beauty, with lush green blending into the mountainous backdrop.

Exploring Ninh Binh: Hiking up Mua Mountain to Admire the Green Rice Season

During holidays, people flock to admire and explore Trang An, Bai Dinh, or Tam Coc – Bich Dong. Ninh Binh's natural beauty captivates us when the landscape is not obstructed by bustling crowds.

Drifting along Tam Coc on a boat is a wonderful experience, but seeing it from above to sense the grandeur of the limestone formations and the insignificance of humans adds a fresh perspective to the journey of exploring Ninh Binh.

Upon your recommendation, I sought out Mua Cave – a complex of caves and limestone mountains located in the Tam Coc – Bich Dong area in Ninh Xuan commune, Hoa Lu.

The origin of the name Mua Cave remains a mystery, but legend has it that it was a favorite haunt of King Tran, who often came here to listen to the melodious songs of the palace maidens, hence its appellation.

In the late afternoon of May, the sunlight cascades like gold upon Mua Mountain. Gazing up from its base, one feels transported into a realm of ancient splendor reminiscent of historical dramas. A winding path meanders around the mountain leading to the summit, crowned with towering spires that stand resolute like the mountain's sentinels.

Few tourists venture here, leaving the atmosphere serene and tranquil. Occasionally, a few visitors come and go, their presence barely disturbing the ethereal ambiance, as if fearing that even the slightest noise could shatter this poetic sanctuary.

For those unaccustomed to physical exertion, ascending the over 400 stone steps from the mountain's base to its summit presents a genuine challenge. As one ascends higher, the vast expanse below seems to shrink into the distance.

Amidst the radiant sunlight, verdant rice fields emerge under the shadow of towering rocky peaks. Farther in the distance lie villages and gradually developing cities. The towers gradually recede from sight, except for the highest peak, which remains a daunting challenge.

Spurred on by the captivating scenery overlooking Tam Coc on the other side of the mountain, we find the motivation to complete the final flights of stairs.

After nearly half an hour, the summit of the mountain came into view. The scenery from the peak of Mua mountain is astonishing.

At the mountain's summit stands a statue of Quan Âm Bodhisattva. At the foot of the mountain lies the Ngô Đồng River, winding around limestone mountains, embracing lush green rice fields. Boats sway gently on the water, ferrying tourists through three natural mountain caves.

From above, the boats resemble tiny dots, embellishing the canvas woven from mountain rocks, green rice fields, and flowing water.

Turning in every direction reveals different landscapes. Ahead lies the courtyard of Mua mountain with its lake and ornamental trees; to the right and behind are the Ngô Đồng River and the majestic mountains, while to the left stretch endless rice fields and peaceful villages.

Amidst the river's flow, the boatmen's songs blend with the sound of water hitting the boat roofs, carried by the wind to the mountain peak.

After a while, we had to descend to explore the remaining places. On the left side of Mua mountain, there is a cave with two entrances serving as a resting place for tourists. There is a small path right at the entrance of the cave called Ngọc stream.

In reality, it's an underground river inside the cave where I dared only to tiptoe by the water's edge. Peering towards the light at the end of the cave, I speculated where it might lead, yet without a torch, we merely paused midway before retracing our steps.

On the opposite side of the cave's entrance lies a rice field and a narrow dirt path winding along the mountainside with signs pointing to 'Tam Cốc Scenic Route'. Earlier rain showers had turned the path into a muddy mess. No one ventures here as the path disappears into the overgrown grass towering above head height.

The deeper we ventured, the more engulfed the path became in mud. Eventually, we could only admire the river from afar, obscured behind a patch of fields. In just over a month, the entire field will be cloaked in golden hues, tourists on boats will be enchanted by the picturesque mountain scenery, adorned with the golden glow of ripening rice.

Occasionally, a few tourists on boats spot us and call out in curiosity. It feels like stepping into a different world where one can peacefully contemplate the meandering river about to slip into the cave.

We stroll back into the evening sunlight casting shadows over the courtyard embraced by Mua mountain and the caves. In the center lies a mossy green pond with an arched bridge spanning the river and ancient banyan trees casting shade over its surface.

The scenery still holds its allure, enticing tourists to linger, reluctant to depart.

According to Youth

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For reference: Travel guide from Mytour