Tay Ninh Travel Guide: Where Faith, Culture & Nature Converge

As a tour guide in Vietnam, I often recommend Tay Ninh to travelers seeking a journey that blends spiritual discovery, natural wonders, and authentic local life. Located just 100 kilometers northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh remains one of southern Vietnam’s most intriguing and peaceful destinations.
 

From the grandeur of the Cao Dai Holy See to the breathtaking views atop Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh is an underrated gem waiting to be explored.

📍 Where is Tay Ninh?

Region: Southeast Vietnam

Borders: Cambodia to the west, Binh Duong and Ho Chi Minh City to the east

Capital: Tay Ninh City

Distance from Ho Chi Minh City: ~2–3 hours by car

Its proximity to the Cambodian border gives Tay Ninh a unique blend of Vietnamese, Khmer, and Chinese influences.

🌟 Why Visit Tay Ninh?

✅ Home of Caodaism – a unique indigenous religion
✅ Stunning nature at Ba Den Mountain and Dau Tieng Lake
✅ Peaceful countryside life with rice fields and canals
✅ Proximity to Ho Chi Minh City – perfect for weekend trips
✅ Authentic local cuisine and friendly communities

🚗 How to Get to Tay Ninh

🚌 By Bus

Buses from Mien Tay Bus Station or An Suong Station in Ho Chi Minh City

Regular services, takes 2.5–3 hours

🚗 By Private Car or Motorbike

Travel via National Highway 22 or CT2 Expressway

Ideal for flexible travelers or road trip lovers

🏞️ Top Attractions in Tay Ninh

1. Cao Dai Holy See – Center of a Unique Faith

Tay Ninh is the birthplace of Caodaism, a syncretic religion blending Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, and Confucianism.

Highlights:

The Great Divine Temple – a kaleidoscope of colors and spiritual symbols

Noon Mass Ceremony – open to tourists, includes vibrant chanting and music

Architectural Wonders – dragon pillars, all-seeing eyes, divine murals

Learn about the religion’s saints, including Victor Hugo and Sun Yat-sen

Visiting the Cao Dai Temple is not just a sightseeing experience—it’s a profound cultural encounter.

2. Ba Den Mountain (Black Virgin Mountain)

Nicknamed “The Roof of Southern Vietnam”, Ba Den Mountain is the highest peak in the southern region at 986 meters.

Things to Do:

Ride the Ba Den Cable Car – stunning views over rice paddies and Tay Ninh city

Trek to the summit – challenging but rewarding

Visit Ba Pagoda, Hang Pagoda, and Linh Son Tien Thach Pagoda

Explore caves and rock formations

This sacred mountain is popular with both pilgrims and adventure lovers.

3. Dau Tieng Lake – Tranquility by the Water

One of the largest man-made lakes in Vietnam, ideal for relaxation and photography.

Calming scenery with distant mountains

Great for picnics, bike rides, and sunset views

Local fishing villages and small temples along the banks

4. Lo Go – Xa Mat National Park

Located near the Cambodian border, this park is a rich biodiversity reserve.

Forest treks and birdwatching

Home to rare langurs, hornbills, and hundreds of plant species

Can be explored with a ranger or eco-guide

Close to Xa Mat border gate

Perfect for eco-tourists and wildlife enthusiasts.

5. Long Hoa Market

A bustling local market near the Cao Dai Holy See.

Try Tay Ninh’s famous shrimp salt (muối tôm)

Discover dried fruits, herbs, and traditional medicine

Sample local snacks like banh trang me (sesame rice paper)

🧭 Cultural & Religious Significance

Tay Ninh’s identity is deeply tied to Caodaism, which emerged here in the 1920s. The Cao Dai Temple is the faith’s headquarters and draws pilgrims from across Vietnam and overseas.

The province also hosts Buddhist temples, ancestor halls, and spiritual sites scattered throughout towns and villages.

🏘️ Local Life & Ethnic Groups

While predominantly Kinh (Vietnamese), Tay Ninh is also home to:

Khmer communities in western districts

Cham minorities

Chinese-Vietnamese families engaged in trade and farming

Rural life in Tay Ninh is peaceful and rhythmical, shaped by agriculture, fishing, and religious customs.

🍲 What to Eat in Tay Ninh

Tay Ninh’s cuisine reflects its rural roots and religious diversity.

Must-Try Dishes:

Banh Trang Phoi Suong (dew-wetted rice paper) – signature snack

Bo Cuon La Lot (beef wrapped in betel leaf) – fragrant and grilled

Muối tôm Tay Ninh (shrimp salt) – perfect for fruits or rice paper rolls

Banh Canh Trang Bang – tapioca noodle soup with pork

Che Bap (sweet corn dessert) – often served cold

Tay Ninh’s dishes are often light, herbaceous, and seasoned with locally made sauces and salt.

🏨 Where to Stay in Tay Ninh

Tay Ninh City:

Sunrise Hotel Tay Ninh – modern, centrally located

Vinpearl Hotel Tay Ninh – top-tier comfort with views

Huong Mai Hotel – affordable and clean

Near Ba Den Mountain:

Ba Den Mountain Resort – close to nature and cable cars

Local Guesthouses in Long Hoa or Phan district for homely stays

📅 Best Time to Visit Tay Ninh

Avoid major holidays like Tet if you prefer fewer crowds, though temples are vibrant during these times.

🏮 Festivals in Tay Ninh

1. Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival (Lễ hội Xuân Núi Bà Đen)

Held during the Lunar New Year

Pilgrims flock to pray for luck and health

Traditional performances and food stalls line the mountain path

2. Cao Dai Grand Festival (Hoi Yen Dieu Tri Cung)

Celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month

Held at the Cao Dai Holy See

Full of rituals, music, and thousands of devotees

🗓️ Suggested 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Morning: Depart from Ho Chi Minh City

Noon: Visit Cao Dai Holy See and Long Hoa Market

Afternoon: Check in at hotel, explore Tay Ninh City

Evening: Enjoy local dishes and relax

Day 2:

Morning: Take the cable car or trek up Ba Den Mountain

Afternoon: Picnic near Dau Tieng Lake or visit Lo Go-Xa Mat Park

Return to Ho Chi Minh City by evening

📸 Best Instagram Spots

Interior of Cao Dai Temple during the noon ceremony

Ba Den summit sunrise or clouds rolling over cliffs

Reflections at Dau Tieng Lake

Aerial views from the cable car

Traditional rice paper making scenes in local villages

🧳 Travel Tips

Dress modestly when visiting temples

Bring water and sunscreen for mountain treks

Try to attend the noon mass at Cao Dai Temple for the full experience

Learn basic Vietnamese greetings to connect with locals

Respect spiritual customs—some temples do not allow flash photography

🏁 Final Thoughts

Tay Ninh is a place where faith, culture, and nature harmoniously coexist. It’s not just a destination—it’s a spiritual retreat, a trekking adventure, and a culinary escape rolled into one.

Whether you’re seeking meaning, peace, or exploration, Tay Ninh opens its arms with warmth and wisdom.