Tây Ninh Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, sights to see, and places to stay in Tây Ninh, Vietnam.


Introduction to Tây Ninh

Nestled in the southwest of Vietnam, Tây Ninh is a province that mesmerizes tourists with a rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and peaceful countryside. It’s an ideal destination for those who love exploring vibrant cities, natural wonders, and religious sites. The province is home to Cao Dai, a unique indigenous religion that combines elements of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Tây Ninh City, the capital of the province, is a bustling and lively metropolis that attracts visitors with its cultural diversity, traditions, and culinary scene.

List of Places to Visit in Tây Ninh

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Cao Dai Holy See: The center of Cao Dai belief, the Cao Dai Holy See is a grand and exquisite temple that features vibrant colors and intricate designs. It’s a must-see attraction that offers a glimpse into the unique religion and beliefs of the people of Tây Ninh.

  2. Ba Den Mountain: A sacred mountain that symbolizes the religious beliefs of the region, Ba Den Mountain is a popular pilgrimage destination and a perfect spot for hiking and trekking.

  3. Nui Ba Den Historical Site: The site comprises a series of tunnels and bunkers that were used during the Vietnam War.

Natural Attractions of Tây Ninh: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Dau Tieng Lake: A serene and tranquil lake located 30 km from Tây Ninh City, Dau Tieng Lake is an ideal spot for relaxation and enjoying the scenic beauty of the region.

  2. Lo Go Xa Mat National Park: The park is located in the southern region of Tây Ninh and features a diverse range of flora and fauna. It’s an excellent destination for a wildlife safari and bird watching.

  3. Gon and Ba Ra Mountains: The two mountains offer breathtaking views of the region and are popular spots for hiking, photography, and nature exploration.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tây Ninh

  1. Ba Den Mountain: The mountain offers multiple trails for hiking, trekking, and mountaineering, ranging from easy to challenging.

  2. Hoa Dinh Trail: The trail connects Ba Den Mountain and Dau Tieng Lake and is an ideal spot for biking and hiking.

  3. Xa Mat Trail: The trail offers a unique and unforgettable biking and hiking experience along the border between Vietnam and Cambodia.

Best Things to Do in Tây Ninh: Activities and Tours

  1. Experience Cao Dai Religion: Attend a Cao Dai ceremony to learn more about this fascinating religion and witness the daily rituals of its followers.

  2. Hot Air Balloon Ride: Take a hot air balloon ride to enjoy panoramic views of Tây Ninh’s stunning landscape and natural landmarks.

  3. Culinary Tour: Sample Tây Ninh’s local delicacies, such as Banh Trang Tron, and learn more about the culinary traditions of the province.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tây Ninh

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit Cao Dai Holy See and attend a ceremony
Day 2 Hike to the top of Ba Den Mountain
Day 3 Explore the tunnels and bunkers at Nui Ba Den Historical site
Day 4 Go bird-watching at Lo Go Xa Mat National Park
Day 5 Enjoy a hot air balloon ride over Tây Ninh’s countryside
Day 6 Visit Dau Tieng Lake and take a boat ride
Day 7 Shop for souvenirs and explore the local markets

Food and Drink Scene of Tây Ninh

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Banh Trang Tron: A delectable snack made with rice paper, dried beef, and quail eggs.

  2. Banh Xeo: A savory pancake filled with shrimp, bean sprouts, and herbs.

  3. Nem Nuong: Grilled pork sausage served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce.

Local Beverages

  1. Sugarcane Juice: A refreshing and sweet beverage made from freshly pressed sugarcane.

  2. Bia Loc: A locally brewed beer that features a unique and flavorful taste.

  3. Vietnamese Coffee: A strong and flavorful coffee that’s served with sweetened condensed milk.

Where to Stay in Tây Ninh: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Saigon Kim Cuong Hotel: A top-rated hotel in Tây Ninh City with modern amenities and comfortable rooms.

  2. Hoa Mai Hotel: A budget-friendly hotel located near Ba Den Mountain and other tourist attractions.

  3. Lief Pulo Tây Ninh: A tranquil and charming guesthouse surrounded by lush greenery and scenic views.

What to Buy in Tây Ninh: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Cao Dai Religious Items: Purchase Cao Dai prayer beads, statues, and other religious items as souvenirs and to remember your trip.

  2. Rice Paper Products: Tây Ninh is famous for its rice paper, and you can buy various rice paper products, such as rice paper rolls and rice paper cakes.

  3. Local Handicrafts: You can buy intricately designed embroidery, woven baskets, and other handicrafts as souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Tây Ninh

Tây Ninh is home to the Cao Dai religion, which has a strong influence on the local culture and customs. Visitors should dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering Cao Dai temples. Also, it’s considered respectful to greet people with a slight bow and a smile.

Best Time to Visit Tây Ninh

The best time to visit Tây Ninh is from December to April when the weather is dry and pleasant. Avoid visiting in the rainy season, which lasts from May to November, as it can disrupt outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tây Ninh

Do:

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites
  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages

Don’t:

  • Disrespect religious beliefs and practices
  • Engage in negative behavior or comments

Safety and Health

Safety in Tây Ninh

Tây Ninh is a relatively safe destination for tourists. However, visitors should take precautions against pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.

Health in Tây Ninh

Tourists should drink only bottled or boiled water and maintain basic hygiene practices such as washing hands before eating. Also, take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever.

Getting to Tây Ninh: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Tây Ninh

The nearest airport to Tây Ninh is Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. From there, visitors can take a taxi to reach Tây Ninh.

Bus Stations Near Tây Ninh

Tây Ninh Bus Station is the main terminal where buses arrive and depart to and from nearby cities and provinces.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel by train from Ho Chi Minh City to Tây Ninh.

How to Get Around in Tây Ninh

The best way to explore Tây Ninh is by hiring a motorbike or a bicycle. You can also take a taxi or a bus to get around the region.

Where to Go Next from Tây Ninh: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam’s largest city, located about 96 km from Tây Ninh.

  2. Cu Chi Tunnels: A network of underground tunnels used by Vietnam’s communist guerrilla soldiers during the Vietnam War.

  3. Cambodia: Tây Ninh is near the border with Cambodia, and there are several border crossings in the region.

Conclusion

Tây Ninh is a unique and fascinating destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the religious and cultural traditions of Vietnam. From historic sites to natural wonders, Tây Ninh has something for every type of traveler. With its friendly locals, delicious cuisine, and picturesque landscape, Tây Ninh is a destination that visitors should not miss.

Garden of Cao Dai Temple Garden of Cao Dai Temple Inside Cao Dai Temple Inside Cao Dai Temple Dau Tieng Reservoir Dau Tieng Reservoir Long Hoa Market Long Hoa Market