Tay Ninh Tour: Cao Dai Temple, Black Mountain & Cu Chi Tunnels

Ho Chi Minh City , Vietnam

Tay Ninh Tour: Cao Dai Temple, Black Mountain & Cu Chi Tunnels

Active

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Escape Ho Chi Minh City for a full-day adventure to Tay Ninh and Cu Chi. Witness the colorful noon prayer ceremony at the Cao Dai Holy See, then ride the cable car up Ba Den Mountain (Black Virgin Mountain) for panoramic views and sacred pagodas. End the day at the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, where you’ll learn how locals lived and fought underground during the war. Choose a private tour for a flexible pace or a small-group option for great value—both with hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a knowledgeable English-speaking guide.

Available options

Private Tour

Private Tour Guide, Flexible Time, and Private Car<br/>Pickup included

Group Tour Black Mountain and Cao Dai Temple

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Admission fee

English Speaking Guide

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Travelers will visit the Cao Dai Holy See in Tay Ninh, the spiritual center of Caodaism, one of Vietnam’s most unique indigenous religions.

During the visit, travelers will admire the colorful and symbolic architecture of the temple, which blends elements of Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, Confucianism, and Islam. The guide will explain the meaning behind the temple’s design, including the Divine Eye symbol, the ornate columns, and the balanced layout representing harmony among religions.

If timing allows, travelers may observe a daily Cao Dai prayer ceremony, where worshippers dressed in traditional white robes gather in silence. The guide will provide cultural context and explain the rituals, beliefs, and philosophy of Caodaism, helping travelers better understand this distinctive faith and its role in Vietnamese spiritual life.

There will be time to walk around the temple grounds, take photos, and appreciate the peaceful atmosphere before continuing the journey.

Travelers will visit Black Virgin Mountain (Ba Den Mountain), the highest mountain in southern Vietnam and an important spiritual and cultural landmark of Tay Ninh province.

Upon arrival, travelers will take a modern cable car system to the mountain’s summit, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, rice fields, and nearby towns. At the top, they will explore sacred sites such as Ba Den Pagoda and other Buddhist statues and shrines, learning about local legends and the religious significance of the mountain from the guide.

There will be free time at the summit for sightseeing, taking photos, and walking around the complex at a relaxed pace. Travelers can appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, mountain scenery, and impressive architecture before descending by cable car and continuing the journey.

Stop 3

Travelers will visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used during the Vietnam War.

During the visit, travelers will learn about the daily life of soldiers who lived and fought underground, as well as the strategies and conditions of wartime survival. The guide will explain how the tunnels were constructed and used, showing hidden entrances, underground living areas, storage rooms, and defensive systems.

Travelers will have the opportunity to walk through the site, view historical displays and preserved sections of the tunnels, and see examples of traps and wartime equipment. Those who wish may crawl through a short and widened section of the tunnels to experience the confined space firsthand. Participation is optional and based on personal comfort.

There will be time to explore the area, take photos, and gain a deeper understanding of this important historical site before continuing the journey.

What's not included

Tips

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest metropolis, is a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity. Known for its rich history, bustling markets, and French colonial architecture, it offers a dynamic travel experience with its lively street food culture, historical landmarks, and energetic nightlife.

Top Attractions

War Remnants Museum

This museum provides a sobering look at the Vietnam War and its impact on the country. It houses a collection of war machinery, photographs, and artifacts.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Cu Chi Tunnels

A network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore the tunnels, learn about their history, and see various war relics.

Historical Half-day tour Moderate (tour prices vary)

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

A beautiful example of French colonial architecture, this cathedral is a prominent landmark in the city. It is a peaceful place to visit and offers a glimpse into the city's religious heritage.

Religious 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Ben Thanh Market

One of the most famous markets in Ho Chi Minh City, offering a wide variety of goods, including food, clothing, souvenirs, and handicrafts. It's a great place to experience local culture and shop for bargains.

Market 1-2 hours Budget to Moderate

Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck

Offers panoramic views of the city from the 49th floor. The Skydeck provides a unique perspective on Ho Chi Minh City's skyline and landmarks.

Observation Deck 1 hour Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pho

A traditional Vietnamese noodle soup made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and various toppings such as meat, herbs, and bean sprouts.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Banh Mi

A Vietnamese sandwich made with a baguette, filled with various ingredients such as grilled meat, pâté, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.

Lunch Vegetarian options available

Com Tam

Broken rice served with grilled pork, a fried egg, and various accompaniments like pickled vegetables and fish sauce.

Lunch Vegetarian options available

Goi Cuon

Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, pork, herbs, and rice vermicelli, served with a peanut or fish sauce dipping sauce.

Appetizer Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Golfing at Long Thanh Golf Resort Exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels Boat tours in the Mekong Delta Beach relaxation in Vung Tau Nature walks in Cần Giờ Mangrove Forest Spa and wellness treatments Visiting historical sites like the War Remnants Museum Exploring local markets and temples

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season with lower humidity and less rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be quite hot.

25-35°C 77-95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Vietnamese
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other areas

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and at night

Ho Chi Minh City is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and at night. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Bargain for better prices at markets

Getting there

By air

Tan Son Nhat International Airport • 7 km from city center

By train

Saigon Railway Station

By bus

Mien Dong Bus Station, Mien Tay Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are an affordable way to get around, but they can be crowded and slow due to traffic. Routes are numerous and well-marked.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab, Gojek

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

District 1 District 3 District 5 (Chinatown) District 7 Phu Nhuan District

Day trips

Mekong Delta

130 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Full day

The Mekong Delta is a vast network of rivers, canals, and islands known for its lush landscapes, floating markets, and traditional villages. It offers a unique glimpse into rural Vietnamese life.

Cu Chi Tunnels

60 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Half day

A network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore the tunnels, learn about their history, and see various war relics.

Vung Tau

120 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Full day

A coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, seafood, and relaxed atmosphere. It's a popular destination for a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.

Festivals

Tet Holiday (Vietnamese New Year) • January or February (varies each year) Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival • December (varies each year) Mid-Autumn Festival • September or October (varies each year)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek for convenient and affordable transportation
Bargain for better prices at markets and street vendors, but do so politely and with a smile
Try street food and local eateries for an authentic and delicious culinary experience
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the midday heat