Hang Mua (Mua Cave)
Many people recommend visiting this place for sunrise or sunset. I wanted to do both but could only visit at dusk. I ride a bicycle from Tam Coc. It's about a 25-minute trip.
It is true that you are stopped by women to park your bicycle or motorcycle at their house. On the way down, I was physically stopped 3 times. It's annoying, and I can see why people give up and pay them. I know that there are only 5,000 parking spots at the entrance, so I refuse them all and drive every time.
I paid an entrance fee of 100,000 and started my trip to the beginning of the climb. You pass by stalls, coffee shops, restaurants, and restrooms.
You definitely need water for hiking. The stairs are okay to climb, but some are very steep. I did the hike quite well but passed an old Vietnamese couple that took their time.
I hope I arrived early enough to go the right way and have time to see the scenery there. Many people say they prefer the view of the river and lotus fields from there over the dragon's view. But sunset was approaching, and I wanted to reach the dragon. There are a few viewpoints on the way up, all of which are amazing.
When you arrive at the pagoda below the dragon, refuel with liquid.
Unfortunately, some of us couldn't sit on top of the dragon. It was really crowded, and there was no longer a safe way to hold it. I'm sure the view would have been more amazing than what I saw, but it's still worth the hike. The ascent is a bit scary in the dark. The stairs are mostly lit below, and for the parts that aren't, I use my torch in line!
The cycle back to Tam Coc is a small adventure, with no lights on the bicycle, and many parts are unlit.