Tay Ninh Travel Guide
Cao Dai Great Temple
The Cao Dai Great temple is the cathedral of the Cao Dai religion and is the main attraction in Tay Ninh. The temple, buil between 1933 and 1955, is located more specifically in Long Hoa, 5km south-east of Tay Ninh.
The building is 140m long and 40m wide. The construction is harmonious fusion of Asian and European styles. The interior consists of a huge decorated hall ans sanctuary The two rows and columns are decorated with dragons and are coated in white, red and blue paint.
The domed ceiling is divided into nine parts similar to a night sky full of a stars and symbolizes heaven, Under the dome is a giant star-speckled blue globe with the Divine Eye painted on it: This is the official symbol of CaoDaism. Followers worship Jesus Christ, Confucius, Laotze and Buddha, and also believe to be in touch with such deceased celebrities as Shakespeare, Joan of Arc and Victor Hugo.
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►►► Tours to Tay Ninh
Dau Tieng Lake
Dau Tieng Lake is located on the way to Tay Ninh, Cao Dai Great Temple, and Ba Den Mountain, 20 km from Tay Ninh. The lake covers 27,000 ha and has a water reserve of 1,5 billion m3, irrigating Tay Ninh province as well as neighbouring provinces.
Dau Tieng Lake’s beautiful landscape of mountains, its mysterious islets, and its fresh and pure atmosphere shall give visitors an agreeable feeling. Visitors shall also appreciate the food specialities of the locality.
Ba Den Mountain
Ba Den mountain, the highest elevation in the south at 986m, is the last peak in the Truong Son mountain range. It is located 15km north -east of Tay Ninh. The area is a historical and beautiful site, and covers more than 24 sq.km.
Centuries ago Ba Den mountain became the place of worship for the local population. Perched on the mountain in front of a lake is Van Son pagoda.
The mountain overlooks the whole province, like a conical hat rising from the plains. From here visitors can see Cau mountain to the east and the Heo and Phung mountains to the north-west. Besides, picturesque grottoes and caves are scattered in the mountain.
Ba Den mountain is also the location of three preservation parks that serve as outdoor museums which display relics and photographs depicting the life and activities of the Vietnamese Liberation Forces during the American war. Ba Den mountain is always very crowded and lively on holidays and festivals.
Nui Ba Festival
Nui Ba (Ba Mountain) is often called Ms. Den Mountain. According to a legend, the mountain was named after a young woman called Denh, but who was referred to as Den. She was the devout daughter of a guard officer of the Mien ethnic minority group. Den left her house to enter a monastery in the mountains. She became a nun due to family pressure to marry a guard officer’s son from the Trang Bang Area. She remained at the monastery until she died. After her death, the Nguyen Dynasty ordered that a mould of her be cast in black bronze in her honour as the Linh Son Thanh Mau (Saint Linh Son).
During the spring until the afternoon of the 30th day of the 1st lunar month, and especially on the day of the full moon of the first month, tourists from Sai Gon and the provinces of the south pilgrimage to worship and sightsee. Starting at the bottom of the mountain, tourists climb one half of the mountain to Saint Linh Son’s communal house and then follow a path that leads to a pagoda. This pagoda offers vegetarian meals. Tourists can eat as much as they want, but should donate some money to the pagoda; the amount of the donation depending on the budget of the tourist.
Hotels in Tay Ninh
Anh Dao Hotel
Add: 146 Blv. 30/4, Ward 1, Tay Ninh Town, Tay Ninh
Tel: (84-66) 827 360/ 827 399
Rooms: 18
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Hoa Binh Hotel
Add: 210 Blv. 30/ 4, Ward 3, Tay Ninh Town, Tay Ninh
Tel: (84-66) 821 315/ 820 304
Rooms: 87
Price (USD): 15-28
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Lien Nga Hotel
Add: Ninh Tan Hamlet, Ninh Son Commune, Tay Ninh Town, Tay Ninh
Tel: (84-66) 824 177
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Anh Diep Guesthouse
Add: 100 Blv. 30/ 4, Ward 3, Tay Ninh Town, Tay Ninh
Tel: (84-66) 815 000
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Hoa Binh Guesthouse
Add: 15 Cach Mang Thang Tam, Ninh Thanh Commune,
Tay Ninh Town, Tay Ninh
Tel: (84-66) 825 682
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Thanh Phong Guesthouse
Add: Ninh Loi Hamlet, Ninh Thanh Commune, Tay Ninh Town, Tay Ninh
Tel: (84-66) 620 024
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Thuy Duong 1,2 Guesthouse
Add: Ninh Son Commune, Tay Ninh Town, Tay Ninh
Tel: (84-66) 823 378
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Tourist Union Guesthouse
Add: 815 Cach Mang Thang Tam, Ninh Thanh Commune,
Tel: (84-66) 822 393
