Tay Ninh, Vietnam: A Spiritual Tourism Destination Near Ho Chi Minh City

In recent years, Tay Ninh Vietnam has become a popular tourist destination near Ho Chi Minh City because of its convenient transportation, flat terrain, and numerous attractions. Tay Ninh offers a spiritual and natural travel experience you should not miss. Join Lua Viet Tours to explore the beauty of this region!

Majestic scenery on Black Virgin Mountain, Tay Ninh, Vietnam. (Image Source: Internet)

Overview of Tay Ninh, Vietnam

Situated in an ideal location, just over an hour’s drive from Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh Vietnam has been attracting more and more visitors to marvel at its natural beauty and participate in Buddhist pilgrimages.

This region is where the Central Highlands’ mountainous terrain meets the Mekong Delta’s flatlands, resulting in a unique blend of highland and lowland landscapes. This combination creates diverse scenic views, from majestic mountains to lush green rice fields.

Tay Ninh, Vietnam is renowned for its rich cultural and spiritual activities. It is the birthplace of Caodaism – known for its unique architecture, and home to the mysterious Black Virgin Mountain, full of intriguing stories that tourists cannot miss!

The diverse scenic views of Tay Ninh City. (Image Source: Internet)

6 Famous Tourist Attractions In Tay Ninh

Known as the holy land in southern Vietnam, Tay Ninh has many ideal places for tourists who want to find inner peace. Below are 6 famous tourist attractions in Tay Ninh, Vietnam:

1. Cao Dai Holy See (Cao Dai Temple)

This is a large-scale architectural work of Caodaism, a religion that originated in Tay Ninh. The Cao Dai Holy See is a unique architectural complex unlike any other. While other large buildings often require architects to design construction blueprints, the Cao Dai Holy See was built entirely under the guidance of Duc Pham Ho Phap without any preliminary sketches, relying solely on the hands and creativity of the workers. 

The Cao Dai Holy See is a unique architectural complex unlike any other. (Image Source: Internet)

The total area of the Cao Dai Holy See spans 12 square kilometers and includes 12 entrances. Each gate is intricately carved with the Four Sacred Animals and lotus flowers. Notably, the main gate, known as the “Chanh Mon” features a special decoration of two dragons vying for a precious pearl.

The beauty inside the Cao Dai Holy See is certain to amaze you with its meticulous and sophisticated craftsmanship:

• Two rows of columns: intricately carved with dragons soaring through the clouds, winding around the columns.
• The large globe in the center: symbolizes the vast universe.
• The “Thien Nhan”: a symbol of Caodaism, intriguing and impressing visitors.
• Long Ma on the Nghinh Phong Dai: a dragon-shaped horse standing to greet the wind.
• And many other fascinating details await your discovery.

2. Ba Den Mountain (Black Virgin Mountain)

Ba Den Mountain or Black Virgin Mountain is renowned for its pristine natural beauty and ancient spiritual architecture. Standing at 986 meters, this mountain is dubbed “the roof of Southern Vietnam”.

The majestic panorama view of the Black Virgin Buddha. (Image Source: Internet)

The pagoda system here includes many long-standing pagodas that attract millions of pilgrims: 

At the foot of the mountain, you’ll find the first pagoda Linh Son Phuoc Trung (Trung Pagoda) in the system, established in the 18th century and located at an altitude of 250 meters. It is dedicated to the “Black Virgin”, who is believed to protect and assist the local people. Don’t forget to admire the colossal white statue of Shakyamuni Buddha entering Nirvana on the way to Hoa Dong Pagoda.

• Linh Son Tien Thach Tu Pagoda: The oldest pagoda
• Cave Pagoda: associated with the story of a split rock that left a passage to the pagoda.

On the way up to Black Virgin Mountain. (Image Source: Internet)

Visitors can take a cable car to the mountain peak, where a newly developed tourist complex offers many attractions:

• A colossal 72-meter-high statue of the Buddha, cast from 170 tons of red bronze. The statue stands on a four-tiered concentric pedestal, with various Buddhist exhibition spaces inside.
• Kinh Bat Nha Pillars: Descend underground by escalator to discover five gleaming Kinh Bat Nha Pillars. Each pillar is constructed from sparkling black granite, engraved with golden Tibetan script, and surrounded by a beautiful water fountain.
• Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue: This enormous statue stands 36 meters tall, weighs 5,112 tons, and is composed of thousands of handcrafted sandstone blocks, making it a truly impressive sight.

This enormous Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue stands 36 meters tall on the Black Virgin Mountain. (Image Source: Internet)

• Vo Nga Garden: This expansive garden is adorned with flowers, foliage, and statues of serene novice monks. The garden provides a peaceful atmosphere, helping visitors to relax and recharge.

>>> Explore Black Virgin Mountain and Cao Dai Holy See with Lua Viet Tours!

3. Dau Tieng Lake

Dau Tieng Lake is a vast artificial reservoir spanning the provinces of Tay Ninh and Binh Duong. It is the largest irrigation lake in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

The expansive scenery of Dau Tieng Lake and feel the gentle breeze through your hair. (Image Source: Internet)

When visiting Dau Tieng Lake, you can relax on the expansive green grasslands by the lake, perfect for watching the sunrise and sunset. Groups of visitors can also choose to stay overnight, set up camp, and enjoy a BBQ.

Groups of visitors can also choose to stay overnight, set up camp, and enjoy a BBQ. (Image Source: Internet)

A unique check-in spot here is the striking pink lighthouse. At this location, you can take in the vast, expansive scenery of Dau Tieng Lake and feel the gentle breeze through your hair.

4. Go Ken Pagoda

On the way back to Ho Chi Minh City from Tay Ninh, visitors can stop by Go Ken Pagoda located on National Highway 22B. The pagoda is easy to recognize from afar by the giant white Bodhisattva statue standing tall amidst the vast surrounding rice fields.

Surrounding the pagoda are numerous rice fields tended by local farmers, adding to the grandeur and majesty of this temple. (Image Source: Internet)

The pagoda’s architectural complex is divided into several areas such as the Main Hall, Bell Tower, various statues, and gardens. Notably, there is a 25-meter tall statue of Bodhisattva riding a dragon, placed prominently on a white lotus, and a 25-meter-long statue of the reclining Buddha, both of which are incredibly impressive.

5. Ma Thien Lanh Valley

Ma Thien Lanh is well-known for being a peaceful and clean valley, making it a great destination for people seeking a total escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A brook running down the valley lends charm and beauty to the environment. Exotic yet intriguing rock groupings line both sides of the stream, providing excellent photo backgrounds.

Visit Ma Thien Lanh to take beautiful photos with nature backgrounds. (Image Source: Internet)

6. Lo Go Xa Mat National Park

Lo Go Xa Mat National Park, located an hour’s drive from Tay Ninh Vietnam, spans up to 18,765 hectares and is divided into three areas: conservation, ecological restoration, and services. The wildlife is highly diverse, including several uncommon natural species such as Pygathrix nigripes, Nycticebus pygmaeus, Trachypithecus germaini, and a number of red-listed bird species.

Lo Go Xa Mat National Park is an ideal place for tourists who love exploring nature. (Image Source: Internet)

There are many outdoor activities available in the national park, including cycling through the forest, night camping, touring the park via river route, and visiting landmarks like as the Vam Co Dong River, Da Ha Stream, and Nang Grassland.

Best Time to Visit Tay Ninh Vietnam

The best time to visit Tay Ninh is during the dry season (December – April). The dry and sunny weather with minimal rainfall makes it ideal for tourists to explore, take in the scenery, engage in outdoor activities, and enjoy entertainment options. This season offers a range of Tay Ninh Vietnam attractions, including natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural experiences that cater to various interests.

Come to Tay Ninh in the dry season to hunt for stunning photos. (Image Source: Internet)

However, booking flights and hotels might become more challenging, and the prices for accommodations and tourist services during the dry season could be higher. You can consider traveling to Tay Ninh between September and November when hotel prices are generally the lowest.

Tips When Traveling To Tay Ninh

For a more fulfilling travel experience, please consider the following information:

When traveling to ecological and natural sites

• Avoid picking flowers, breaking branches, or hunting wild animals, as this can disrupt the ecosystem.
• Do not litter or start fires indiscriminately, as this can cause environmental damage.
• Ensure your health, and equip yourself with essential knowledge and tools when hiking.

When visiting spiritual sites 

• Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and avoid being overly revealing.
• Minimize noise and disorder.

When exploring cultural sites and enjoying local cuisine

• Respect the differences in language and customs of the locals.
• Avoid taking photos in restricted areas.
• Additionally, tourists should wear comfortable clothing to better explore Tay Ninh.

That’s all about Tay Ninh, Vietnam. We hope this information will enhance your travel experience. Come and visit this sacred land to find peace and relaxation. Tay Ninh will surely bring you unforgettable experiences and memories. Book a Tay Ninh tour with Lua Viet Tours to explore this holy land!

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