Mo Luong Cave Guide: Mai Chau’s Hidden Gem & Sustainable Tours in Phu Tho

A Mystical Underground Wonder in Phu Tho

Mo Luong Cave, nestled in Mai Chau Ward, Phu Tho Province, is a captivating eco-tourism and historical site 135 km northwest of Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, drawing over 50,000 visitors annually. Tucked within Phu Ka Mountain, this 500-meter-long cave system features stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and cathedral-like chambers, offering a wonderland of natural formations. With entry fees at $1.50–$2.50 (40,000–60,000 VND), Mo Luong Cave is a must-visit for adventure seekers and eco-tourists exploring Mai Chau’s rural charm.

Beyond its geological splendor, Mo Luong Cave holds historical significance as a former base for Vietnamese soldiers during wartime, used for meetings and arms storage. Sustainable practices, such as guided tours to protect the cave’s ecosystem and biodegradable materials, align with Phu Tho’s green tourism goals, set in a temperate climate (dry season: November–April, 16–26°C or 60.8–78.8°F; rainy season: May–October, 23–33°C or 73.4–91.4°F). Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours guide you through this subterranean gem, blending adventure, history, and culture. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!

Administrative Update

Following Vietnam’s administrative restructuring, Hoa Binh Province merged into Phu Tho Province, with Mai Chau reclassified as Mai Chau Ward. This simplifies navigation using ward-based maps, while Mai Chau remains a top eco-tourism destination.

Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering curated eco-adventure tours in Phu Tho for travelers seeking thrilling and authentic experiences. Our tours use low-impact transport like electric vans or bicycles, led by English-speaking guides who share historical insights, Thai cultural stories, and green practices, ensuring a safe, enriching journey. Supporting local communities, we align with Phu Tho’s eco-tourism initiatives. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, planning is seamless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and explore Mo Luong Cave responsibly!

Located in Mai Chau Ward, 135 km from Hanoi, Mo Luong Cave is a geological and historical treasure within Phu Ka Mountain, established as a tourist site in the 1990s. Its four main chambers, adorned with shimmering stalactites and stalagmites, create a surreal landscape, while its historical role as a wartime hideout adds depth. Surrounded by Mai Chau’s 120-hectare valley of rice paddies and forests, the cave supports biodiversity, including 300+ plant species and wildlife like hornbills. Activities like guided cave tours, rice field cycling, and Thai homestays, combined with sustainable measures like minimal lighting to preserve formations, make Mo Luong a model of eco-tourism, offering an adventurous escape from urban Hanoi.

These eco-friendly activities, costing $0–$8, blend caving and culture:

1. Explore Mo Luong Cave

Join a guided tour through Mo Luong’s chambers, best at 9:00 AM, for $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND), marveling at stalactites and learning its wartime history.

• Cost: $3–$5; entry $1.50–$2.50 (40,000–60,000 VND).

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Guided tours protect formations; avoid touching stalactites.

• Tip: Wear sturdy shoes; included in Legend Travel Group’s Mo Luong Cave Tour ($50–$80).

2. Cycle Around Mai Chau Valley

Pedal rice field trails near the cave, best at 8:00 AM, with bike rentals at $2–$3/day (50,000–75,000 VND), spotting Thai villages and karsts.

• Cost: $2–$3; entry $1.50–$2.50.

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Bikes reduce emissions; stay on trails to protect crops.

• Tip: Rent at homestays; included in Legend Travel Group’s Mai Chau Eco-Tour ($45–$75).

3. Experience Thai Stilt House Stay

Stay overnight in a Thai stilt house, best booked for 6:00 PM, for $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND), enjoying “rượu nếp” (rice wine) and folk music.

• Cost: $12–$18; entry $1.50–$2.50.

• Hours: Check-in 2:00 PM; check-out 12:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Supports Thai families; uses sustainable materials.

• Tip: Book via Legend Travel Group for cultural performances; included in Mai Chau Overnight Eco-Tour ($90–$140).

4. Visit Ban Lac Village

Walk through Ban Lac in Tan Mai Ward, best at 10:00 AM, for $0–$2 (0–50,000 VND), exploring Thai weaving and local crafts.

• Cost: Free–$2; entry $1.50–$2.50.

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Supports artisans; avoid littering.

• Tip: Bring cash for crafts ($2–$10); included in Legend Travel Group’s Mai Chau Culture Tour ($45–$75).

5. Thai Cooking Class

Learn to cook “xôi nếp” or bamboo shoot dishes, best at 11:00 AM, for $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND), using local ingredients.

• Cost: $5–$8; entry $1.50–$2.50.

• Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Uses organic produce; supports farmers.

• Tip: Book at homestays; included in Legend Travel Group’s Mai Chau Culinary Tour ($50–$80).

Visit from November to April for cool, dry weather (16–26°C or 60.8–78.8°F), ideal for caving and cycling. The rainy season (May–October) may cause slippery cave paths, requiring caution and rain gear. Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) see fewer crowds (150–300 daily visitors) than weekends (600–1,200), especially during Tet (January/February), when locals visit. Early mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) offer cooler cave conditions and better lighting for photography, while afternoons (2:00–5:00 PM) are great for village activities.

Mo Luong Cave, in Mai Chau Ward, Phu Tho, is 135 km from Hoan Kiem Ward, reachable in 3–3.5 hours:

• By Private Car: Drive 3 hours via QL6, costing $35–$55 (875,000–1,375,000 VND) round-trip for 4 people. Book via Legend Travel Group.

• By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): Eco-friendly VinFast taxis, 3 hours, $30–$40 (750,000–1,000,000 VND) one-way; $60–$80 (1,500,000–2,000,000 VND) round-trip. Use Xanh SM app.

• By Private Motorcycle: Ride via QL6, 3–3.5 hours, $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND) fuel; rental $6–$12/day (150,000–300,000 VND). Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).

• By Public Bus: Bus from My Dinh to Mai Chau Ward (3.5 hours, $2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND), departing 6:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM.

• By Bicycle (Adventurous): Rent in Hoan Kiem Ward ($3–$6/day), 6–7 hours via QL6, not recommended for novices due to traffic.

• By Private Tour Bus (Legend Travel Group): Group bus from Hoan Kiem Ward, 3 hours, $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND)/person for 20+ people, including guide.

• From Noi Bai Airport: Private car ($45–$60 or 1,125,000–1,500,000 VND, 3.5 hours, 160 km); Xanh SM taxi ($40–$50 or 1,000,000–1,250,000 VND); or Airport Bus No. 86 to Hoan Kiem Ward ($1.40 or 35,000 VND, 50–60 min) + private car ($25–$35 or 625,000–875,000 VND). Navigation Tip: Save “Mo Luong Cave, Mai Chau Ward, Phu Tho” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow signs from Mai Chau center. Parking: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Xanh SM taxis or group buses reduce emissions; cycling minimizes impact.

• Safety: Wear helmets on motorcycles; secure valuables. Confirm fares for taxis.

Photo @mytour

Pack these essentials for a sustainable visit:

• Clothing: Light layers, sturdy shoes for cave paths; waterproof jacket ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) for rainy season; hat for sun protection.

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses.

• Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), mosquito repellent ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), hand sanitizer ($0.50).

• Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM/BusMap apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).

• Outdoor Gear: Small backpack, flashlight for caves, camera for stalactite shots.

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for snacks ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.

• Extras: Snacks for trails; cash for small vendors.
  Tip: Carry small VND notes for entry ($1.50–$2.50), activities ($2–$8), or snacks ($0.50–$3); secure valuables in caves.

Costs for Visiting Mo Luong Cave

Entry and Activity Fees

• Entry: $1.50–$2.50 (40,000–60,000 VND) adult; $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND) child under 1.3m.

• Mo Luong Cave Tour: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$3/day (50,000–75,000 VND).

• Thai Stilt House Stay: $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND).

• Ban Lac Village Walk: Free–$2 (0–50,000 VND).

• Thai Cooking Class: $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND).

• Local Snacks (e.g., Sticky Rice): $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).

• Drinks (Water, Tea): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).

• Souvenirs (e.g., Thai Weavings): $2–$10 (50,000–250,000 VND).

• Guided Eco-Adventure Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).

Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hoan Kiem Ward)

• Private Car: $35–$55 (875,000–1,375,000 VND).

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $60–$80 (1,500,000–2,000,000 VND).

• Private Motorcycle: $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND) fuel; rental $6–$12/day.

• Public Bus: $4–$6 (100,000–150,000 VND).

• Bicycle Rental: $3–$6/day (75,000–150,000 VND).

• Private Tour Bus: $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND)/person.

• Airport to Mai Chau: $45–$60 (1,125,000–1,500,000 VND).

• Parking: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND).

• SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $12–$22 (bus, entry, snacks).

• Mid-range: $35–$55 (private car, cave tour, guided tour).

• Luxury: $90–$140 (Xanh SM taxi, stilt house stay, premium tour).
  Tip: Budget for entry ($1.50–$2.50), activities ($2–$8), and transport ($4–$80); carry cash for tickets and vendors (no cards accepted).

• Timing: Visit at 7:00–10:00 AM for cooler cave conditions; November–April for dry paths. Weekdays for fewer crowds (150–300 vs. 600–1,200 on weekends). Avoid Tet for quieter trails.

• Booking: Buy entry tickets on-site (QR code e-tickets); reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead for cave tours or homestays. Book activities at homestays.

• Sustainability: Stay on cave paths to protect formations; bring reusable bottles to reduce plastic. Support Thai vendors for snacks ($0.50–$3) or crafts ($2–$10).

• Navigation: Save “Mo Luong Cave, Mai Chau Ward, Phu Tho” in offline maps; ask locals in Mai Chau for signs. Avoid night rides due to rural roads.

• Safety: Wear sturdy shoes in caves; secure valuables. Confirm fares for taxis.

• Weather: Dry season for safe caving; rainy season needs rain gear ($3–$6) and waterproof bags ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND). Check AccuWeather.

• Cultural Respect: Dress modestly in homestays (cover shoulders/knees); say “xin chào” to locals. Respect cave sanctity; avoid touching formations.

• Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer.

Our eco-friendly tours showcase Mo Luong Cave and Mai Chau’s wonders:

• Mo Luong Cave Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Private car to Mai Chau for cave exploration, cycling, and village visit, with lunch ($2–$5). Includes guide, transport.

• Mai Chau & Pu Luong Adventure ($90–$140/person, 2 days): Mo Luong Cave, Pu Luong’s forests, Thai homestay ($15–$25/night). Includes meals, guide.

• Phu Tho & Ninh Binh Explorer ($220–$350/person, 3 days): Mo Luong Cave, Ninh Binh’s Trang An, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!

Mo Luong Cave in Mai Chau Hamelt, Hoa Binh Region, Phu Tho Province, an eco-tourism and historical gem 135 km from Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, enchants over 50,000 visitors yearly with entry fees of $1.50–$2.50 (40,000–60,000 VND). This 1,000-meter-long cave, filled with stalactite chambers and ancient rock formations, offers a poetic escape, complemented by Thai stilt house stays ($12–$30/night, 300,000–750,000 VND) in Lac Village. Sustainable practices like local-guided tours and eco-friendly lighting preserve its natural and historical allure. Legend Travel Group’s Hoa Binh Tours guide you through this underground wonder, ensuring an adventurous, green Hoa Binh Travel experience with activities like caving and savoring rượu nếp (sticky rice wine). Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to discover Mo Luong Cave in Mai Chau, Hoa Binh Province? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources:

• Mo Luong Cave Information: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group