How to Plan a Day Trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Tây Ninh

A day trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Tây Ninh requires about 2 to 2.5 hours of travel each way. The most efficient plan is to hire a private car or take a limousine bus starting at 7:00 AM. This timeline allows you to visit both Ba Đen Mountain and the Cao Đài Holy See before returning by late afternoon. Traveling by public bus is possible but adds significant transit time. Private transfers start from $80 (approximate) for a day trip. You can contact a Trip2VN specialist to get a quote for a customized itinerary.

Ba Đen Mountain is the highest peak in southern Vietnam. First-time visitors should use the modern cable car system to reach the summit. There are two main cable car lines: one goes directly to the peak, and the other goes to the ancient Bà Pagoda. Ticket prices vary depending on the route and package you choose. At the summit, you will find a large bronze Buddha statue and landscaped gardens. Temperatures at the top are usually cooler than at the base. We recommend checking current ticket prices with a Trip2VN specialist before your trip.

The Cao Đài Holy See is the center of the Cao Đài religion, located in Hòa Thành district. Visitors can observe the daily prayer ceremonies, which usually take place at noon. When visiting, you must wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. You must also remove your shoes before entering the temple sanctuary. Men and women enter through separate doors and sit on different sides of the hall. Please remain quiet and do not block the pathways of the worshippers during the ceremony.

Tây Ninh is famous for specific local dishes that you should try during your visit. The most well-known local specialty is Trang Bang dew-wetted rice paper, usually served with boiled pork and fresh wild herbs. Another local favorite is Tây Ninh vegetarian noodle soup. For souvenirs, visitors often buy local shrimp salt, which is used for dipping fresh fruits. There are different grades of spice and quality available in the local markets. Ask your Trip2VN guide to show you the best shops to purchase authentic local products.