Menu
A day trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Tay Ninh province typically features two main attractions: the Cao Dai Temple and Ba Den Mountain. These tours offer a unique blend of cultural and natural experiences, usually lasting about 10-12 hours.
Most tours start early in the morning, with pick-ups from hotels in central Ho Chi Minh City districts between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM. The journey to Tay Ninh takes around 2-3 hours by air-conditioned vehicle, often including a stop for breakfast featuring local specialties like Banh Canh Trang Bang.
Upon reaching Tay Ninh, visitors usually explore the Cao Dai Temple first. This colorful and ornate temple is the center of the Cao Dai religion, where tourists can learn about this unique Vietnamese faith and sometimes witness a prayer ceremony. The architecture and symbolism of the temple are often highlights of the trip.
Ba Den Mountain, also known as Black Virgin Mountain, is typically the next stop. Many tours include a cable car ride to the mountain’s summit, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. At the top, visitors can explore temples, caves, and enjoy the scenery. Some tours may include lunch at a restaurant on the mountain or in a nearby tourist area.
These day trips generally cost between $40 and $120 per person, depending on the specific itinerary and inclusions. Most packages cover transportation, guide services, entrance fees, cable car tickets, at least one meal, and water. However, it’s always wise to check the exact inclusions, as some tours may have optional activities at additional cost.
The return to Ho Chi Minh City usually begins in the late afternoon, with arrival back in the city around 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Some tours may include brief stops at local markets or specialty shops on the return journey.
While these trips are suitable for most travelers, they do involve a fair amount of walking and standing, particularly at Ba Den Mountain. Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and staying hydrated are important considerations for visitors. The combination of the Cao Dai Temple and Ba Den Mountain provides a diverse experience, offering insights into Vietnam’s unique religious culture and natural beauty in a single day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.
Tay Ninh province, located about 90 kilometers northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, is a region rich in cultural and natural attractions. This area is particularly known for two major sites that draw visitors from around the world: the Cao Dai Temple and Ba Den Mountain.
Tay Ninh is home to the Cao Dai religion, a unique Vietnamese faith that was founded in the 1920s. The religion blends elements of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Taoism, and Confucianism, reflecting Vietnam’s diverse spiritual heritage. The Cao Dai Temple, also known as the Holy See Temple or Tay Ninh Holy See, is the most important pilgrimage site for followers of Caodaism and a remarkable architectural wonder.
The Cao Dai Temple is a striking structure that immediately catches the eye with its vibrant colors and intricate designs. The exterior features a mix of styles, including Gothic, Baroque, and Oriental influences. The temple’s façade is adorned with dragons, phoenixes, and other symbolic creatures. Inside, the temple is equally impressive, with soaring ceilings, ornate pillars, and a mesmerizing array of symbols and decorations. The main hall is dominated by a large blue globe with the divine eye, the primary symbol of Caodaism, painted on it.
Visitors to the temple can often witness daily prayer ceremonies, which occur four times a day. These ceremonies are a colorful spectacle, with worshippers dressed in white, yellow, blue, or red robes, each color representing a different religion that influenced Caodaism. The rituals involve chanting, music, and elaborate movements, providing a unique insight into this syncretistic faith.
Not far from the Cao Dai Temple lies Ba Den Mountain, also known as Black Virgin Mountain. At 986 meters above sea level, it’s the highest peak in southern Vietnam. The mountain has been a site of spiritual significance for centuries and is now a popular destination for both pilgrims and tourists.
Ba Den Mountain is actually a complex of three peaks: Huynh Dai Son (the highest), Phu Son, and Cao Son. The mountain is shrouded in legend, particularly the tale of Ly Thi Thien Huong, a young woman said to have committed suicide on the mountain rather than marry against her will. Many believe her spirit protects the mountain and its visitors.
The journey to the top of Ba Den Mountain has been made considerably easier in recent years with the installation of a modern cable car system. The cable car ride itself is an attraction, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including vast fruit orchards and the distant skyline of Ho Chi Minh City on clear days.
At the summit, visitors find a complex of Buddhist temples and pagodas, including the Linh Son Tien Temple and the Pagoda of the Lady Buddha. These religious sites attract many pilgrims, especially during festival times. The mountain is also home to several caves, such as Thanh Long Cave and Ong Temple Cave, which add an element of natural wonder to the spiritual atmosphere.
The combination of Cao Dai Temple and Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh province offers visitors a unique blend of cultural, spiritual, and natural experiences. The Cao Dai Temple provides insight into a fascinating and relatively young religion that is quintessentially Vietnamese in its syncretic approach. Ba Den Mountain, with its mix of natural beauty, legendary tales, and religious significance, offers both spiritual enrichment and outdoor adventure.
Together, these sites encapsulate much of what makes Vietnam such a compelling destination: a rich tapestry of spiritual beliefs, a landscape steeped in myth and natural beauty, and the juxtaposition of ancient traditions with modern developments. A visit to Tay Ninh, exploring the Cao Dai Temple and Ba Den Mountain, provides a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s diverse cultural heritage and the ongoing importance of spirituality in Vietnamese life.
©2025 all rights reserved Guided Day Trips
