A TRAVELER’S GUIDE TO TAY NINH: A JOURNEY TO THE SACRED LAND

Tay Ninh, a province known as a “miniature of Southern Vietnam,” serves not only as a significant trade gateway but also as a major spiritual hub, attracting visitors with its majestic natural beauty and unique religious architectural works. For esteemed guests seeking a destination to rejuvenate the soul and find tranquility, no place is more fitting than this sacred land.

The Ideal Time to Explore Tay Ninh

Esteemed guests may visit Tay Ninh at any time of the year, but the ideal period is the dry season, from November to April. During this time, the weather is sunny with little rain, creating favorable conditions for sightseeing and exploration.

Additionally, for those who wish to experience the vibrant festival atmosphere, consider visiting on these occasions:

• Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival: Held throughout the first lunar month.
• Linh Son Thanh Mau (Holy Mother of the Mountain) Festival: Held in the fifth lunar month.
• Dieu Tri Cung Grand Festival at the Holy See: Held on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month.

Unmissable Destinations

1. Ba Den Mountain – The “Roof of Southern Vietnam”

Considered the symbol of Tay Ninh tourism, Ba Den Mountain is a renowned cultural and historical monument complex, standing at an elevation of 986 meters.

• Conquering the Summit: Esteemed guests can challenge themselves by trekking the mountain trails or opt for the modern Sun World cable car system to reach the summit and admire the panoramic views of the prosperous Tay Ninh region.
• Visiting Sacred Pagodas: The mountain is home to many ancient pagodas such as Ba Pagoda, Hang Pagoda, and Trung Pagoda, where visitors come to pray for peace and pay homage.
• Iconic Statues: Do not miss the opportunity to admire the bronze statue of the Bodhisattva Tay Bo Da Son, the tallest in Asia, and the grand statue of Maitreya Bodhisattva, one of the largest in the world carved from sandstone.

2. Tay Ninh Holy See – The Heart of Cao Dai

The Tay Ninh Holy See is a truly unique religious architectural work and the holy land of the Cao Dai religion.

• Unique Architecture: The structure is a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles, featuring symbols and colors rich with profound meaning.
• Ceremony Times: The main daily ceremony takes place at 12:00 PM (noon). Visitors are welcome to enter and observe the solemn rite from the second-floor gallery.
• Dress Code Notice: When entering the main temple, esteemed guests are required to wear modest and respectful attire (long trousers/skirts, sleeved shirts), remove their shoes, and follow the regulations for separate entrances (men to the right, women to the left).

Other Fascinating Destinations

Beyond the two iconic landmarks of Ba Den Mountain and the Tay Ninh Holy See, this land holds many other peaceful and interesting destinations awaiting your discovery.

• Dau Tieng Lake – The “Inland Sea” of the East With its vast water surface, Dau Tieng Lake is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in Southeast Asia, offering breathtaking views of clear blue water and expansive scenery. It is an ideal location for weekend excursions. Esteemed guests can camp overnight on its shores, host a barbecue, go kayaking, or simply find a quiet spot to watch the sunset over the water—a truly romantic and peaceful scene.
• Ma Thien Lanh Valley – A Call of the Wild Known as the “Valley of Absolute Love” of Tay Ninh, Ma Thien Lanh is a destination for souls who cherish pristine nature and adventure. Nestled between three mountains, the valley boasts a diverse ecosystem, babbling brooks, and a serene, clear lake. The path into the valley is quite rugged and requires thorough preparation, but the reward is a space completely detached from the outside world, pure and refreshing.
• Go Ken Pagoda (Thien Lam Pagoda) – A Century of Ancient Beauty As one of the oldest pagodas in Tay Ninh with a history of over a century, Go Ken Pagoda possesses an architectural beauty that blends classic and modern styles. The pagoda’s atmosphere is incredibly serene and spacious. A special highlight here is the statue of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, standing dozens of meters tall, majestic against the sky. Here, esteemed guests will find moments of peace and spiritual cleansing.
• Tay Ninh Vineyards – A Novel Check-in Spot Breaking the stereotype of Tay Ninh as a land of only sun and wind, lush green vineyards have recently become an attractive destination. Esteemed guests can stroll beneath trellises heavy with fruit, hand-pick ripe grape clusters, and capture beautiful photos reminiscent of European countrysides. It is a gentle and relaxing experience, particularly suitable for families and young people.

Savoring the Exquisite Local Cuisine

A journey is incomplete without the experience of local cuisine. The food of Tay Ninh is rustic and simple, yet it holds a strange allure. Do not forget to try these renowned specialties:

• Trang Bang Noodle Soup (Banh Canh Trang Bang): A dish that has become the trademark of the region. A hot bowl of noodle soup with noodles made from fragrant rice, a clear and sweet broth simmered from bones, served with boiled pork and a platter of various wild herbs offering sour, acrid, sweet, and bitter flavors, creating an unforgettable symphony of tastes.
• Tay Ninh Young Beef (Bo To Tay Ninh): The cattle are free-range, resulting in meat that is incredibly tender, sweet, and fragrant. The best dishes include grilled young beef, steamed young beef with ginger, and young beef hotpot. Each dish offers a unique flavor while preserving the original freshness of the meat.
• Dew-Soaked Rice Paper Rolls with Pork (Banh Trang Phoi Suong): This is a national culinary treasure. Soft, pliable layers of rice paper that require no dipping in water are rolled with a slice of boiled pork belly, various herbs, and dipped in a specially prepared fermented anchovy sauce. Everything combines to create a simple yet sophisticated dish.
• Ba Mountain’s Xu Snails (Oc Xu Nui Ba): A rare delicacy found only in the rock crevices on Ba Den Mountain. The snails have a sweet, chewy texture and are often prepared steamed with lemongrass, stir-fried with tamarind, or stir-fried with garlic, carrying the distinctive flavor of the mountains.
• Pomelo Spring Rolls (Nem Buoi): A unique vegetarian delight from Tay Ninh. Made from pomelo peel, these rolls have a light sweet-and-sour taste, a chewy texture, and are fragrant with vong leaves or banana leaves, making them a popular snack and gift.
• Tay Ninh Shrimp Salt (Muoi Tom Tay Ninh): The number one specialty to bring home as a gift. The large salt crystals are spicy with chili and fragrant with shrimp, an indispensable condiment for fruits, especially mangoes, guavas, and ambarella.

Essential Tips and Advice for Your Tay Ninh Trip

To ensure your pilgrimage and exploration are as convenient and fulfilling as possible, Saco Travel would like to share some important experiences:

1. Preparing Your Luggage

• Attire: Prioritize modest, discreet clothing (long pants, sleeved shirts) for visiting the Holy See and pagodas. The material should be light and sweat-absorbent.
• Footwear: A pair of comfortable sneakers or flat shoes is the best choice, as there will be a considerable amount of walking.
• Sun Protection: Tay Ninh is known for its hot, sunny climate. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential items.
• Rain Preparation: If traveling during the rainy season (from May to October), an umbrella or a light raincoat will be a lifesaver for sudden downpours.

2. At Spiritual Sites

• At Ba Den Mountain:
  • Check the Cable Car Schedule: Before your trip, it is advisable to check the latest operating hours and ticket prices on the official Sun World Ba Den Mountain website to plan your itinerary proactively. It can be very crowded on weekends and holidays, so an early start is recommended to avoid long waits.
  • Maintain Your Health: Even when using the cable car, you will still walk significantly between the pagodas on the mountain. Please walk at a leisurely pace and stay hydrated.
• At the Tay Ninh Holy See:
  • Respect the Regulations: This is a highly revered place. Please maintain silence and walk softly. Strictly adhere to the dress code and the separate entrance rules for men and women when entering the main sanctuary.
  • Photography: You may take photos outside, but inside the main sanctuary, especially during ceremonies, please be discreet and avoid using flash.

3. Shopping and Dining Tips

• Buying Specialties: Shrimp salt and rice paper are sold in many places. It is recommended to purchase them at large, reputable establishments (such as the rest stops suggested on tours) to ensure quality and fair prices.
• Cash: You should carry some cash for small services, local food stalls, and souvenir shopping.

Experience Tay Ninh to the Fullest with Saco Travel

Planning a trip yourself can be enjoyable, but it often requires significant time and effort. To ensure your journey to the sacred land is relaxing, complete, and emotionally rich, allow a professional organizer to accompany you.

Saco Travel is proud to offer meticulously designed Tay Ninh tours that harmoniously blend sightseeing, exploration, and spiritual experiences. With a fleet of modern vehicles, knowledgeable local guides, and all-inclusive services, we are committed to providing you with a memorable journey.

In particular, with our 1-Day Tay Ninh Tour by luxury Limousine, esteemed guests will enjoy:

• Comfortable and elegant transportation.
• An all-inclusive cable car ticket to the Van Son peak at Ba Den Mountain.
• A buffet lunch with over 80 exquisite dishes at the mountain summit.
• A visit to the Tay Ninh Holy See and other prominent destinations without any logistical worries.

Let your exploration of Tay Ninh be easier and more meaningful than ever before.

Contact Saco Travel today for consultation and tour booking: 

📞 Hotline: 1900 6027 – 0913 72 72 72 

🌐 Website: sacotravel.com