Ba Den Mountain – Tây Ninh’s spiritual and natural gem

Ba Den Mountain (Tây Ninh), at 986 m the highest peak in Southern Vietnam, is both a natural landmark and one of the region’s most important spiritual sites. Only about 100 km from Ho Chi Minh City, it is an ideal day trip: ride the cable car above the clouds, visit the Lady Pagoda and see the giant Buddha statue on the summit.

Quick facts

1. Address: Ba Den Mountain Tourist Area, Ninh Phu Quarter, Binh Minh Ward, Tay Ninh Province.
2. Cable car hours: roughly 5:30 am – 9:00 pm, depending on the line and weekday/weekend (Tam An line about 6:30 am – 7:00 pm).
3. Heritage site entrance fee: 10,000 VND per person (free for children under 6 or under 1 m tall).
4. Parking: available at the foot of the mountain.
5. Time needed: half a day to a full day.
6. Sun World Ba Den Mountain hotline: 0327 222 227.

Cable car prices (round trip, 2026 reference)

1. Van Son line (to the summit): adults 450,000 VND – children 350,000 VND.
2. Chua Hang line (to the Lady Pagoda): adults 250,000 VND – children 150,000 VND.
3. Tam An line: adults 450,000 VND – children 350,000 VND.
4. Combo Van Son + Chua Hang + buffet: adults about 800,000 VND – children about 600,000 VND.

Children under 1 m ride free; children 1 – 1.4 m pay the child fare. Prices may change by season and holidays – book online in advance on Sun World’s official website.

What to see at Ba Den Mountain

1. Lady Temple (Chua Ba): halfway up the mountain, dedicated to the Holy Mother Linh Son – where visitors pray for peace, health and prosperity.
2. Sun World cable car: about 10 minutes to the top, with panoramic views of Tay Ninh and Dau Tieng Lake.
3. Tay Bo Da Son Buddha statue: a 72 m bronze statue on the summit – the top photo spot, best when the sea of clouds rolls in.
4. Hang, Trung and Thuong Pagodas: an ancient pagoda complex; Hang Pagoda sits inside a natural rock cave.
5. Trekking and caves: the trail to the summit is 4 – 5 km and takes 3 – 4 hours; stop by Gio and Cop caves, once used as wartime bases.
6. Local food: dew-dried rice paper, Trang Bang noodle soup, Tay Ninh shrimp salt and vegetarian dishes.

Festivals

The Ba Mountain Spring Festival runs from the first day of Tet to the end of the first lunar month, peaking on the 15th. There is also the Lady’s Anniversary (4th – 6th day of the 5th lunar month) and the Vu Lan season in the 7th lunar month. These are the busiest pilgrimage periods.

Best time to visit

1. November – April (dry season): clear, dry weather – the best time for the cable car, trekking and views.
2. May – October (rainy season): lush greenery and frequent sea of clouds on early mornings after rain; trails are slippery, so take the cable car.
3. First lunar month: the most festive atmosphere but very crowded – go on weekdays and start early.
4. Best time of day: 5:30 – 8:00 am for clouds and sunrise; late afternoon for sunset.

Getting there from Ho Chi Minh City

1. Car/motorbike: about 100 km via National Road 22, 2 – 3 hours.
2. Coach: take a Ho Chi Minh City – Tay Ninh bus, then a taxi or ride-hailing car to the mountain.
3. Tour: the easiest way to combine the Cao Dai Holy See and Ba Den Mountain in one day.

Travel tips

1. Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) in pagodas; wear shoes with good grip if trekking.
2. Bring a hat, sunscreen and water; the summit can be cool and windy in the early morning.
3. Do not trek alone, in the rain or after dark; stay on marked trails.
4. Cable car tickets are valid only on the date printed and are non-refundable; do not buy tickets from strangers.
5. Keep food and bags secure – there are monkeys on the mountain.
6. Keep quiet and do not litter at places of worship.

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