Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh: Discover the Highest Peak in Southern Vietnam
In recent years, Ba Den Mountain has emerged as a tourism symbol of Tay Ninh Province, making it an ideal destination for adventure seekers, spiritual travelers, and those looking to conquer new heights. This iconic mountain is not only renowned for its breathtaking landscapes amidst the clouds but also holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, with a sacred pagoda perched at its summit. Whether you choose to hike, experience the modern cable car system, or simply take a peaceful stroll through the lush forests, every moment here promises an unforgettable experience. Join SVietnam Travel as we explore the wonders of Ba Den Mountain in this article.
Learn more: Cao Dai Temple (Tay Ninh Holy See), Tay Ninh
Overview of Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh – A Prominent Spiritual Destination
Ba Den Mountain is located in the northeast of Tay Ninh City, approximately 11 km from the city center, within the territory of Thanh Tan Commune. Covering an area of about 24 km², the region consists of three mountains: Heo Mountain, Phung Mountain, and Ba Den Mountain.
With an elevation of 986 meters, Ba Den Mountain is known as the “Roof of Southeastern Vietnam”, making it the highest peak in southern Vietnam. From the summit, visitors can take in panoramic views of vast plains, an intricate river system, and rolling hills. Beyond its breathtaking natural beauty, the mountain is also home to a rich ecosystem, making it an ideal destination for trekking and outdoor exploration.
There are multiple ways to conquer Ba Den Mountain: visitors can either hike up 1,500 stone steps or take the modern cable car ride. Along the ascent, travelers will encounter several sacred temples, including Trung Pagoda, Ba Pagoda, and Hang Pagoda, which attract numerous pilgrims each year.
At the summit, Ba Den Pagoda stands out with its ancient architecture and sacred atmosphere. This temple is dedicated to Linh Son Thanh Mau, also known as Ba Den, a revered deity associated with a legendary tale of loyalty and self-sacrifice. In addition to Linh Son Thanh Mau, the summit also features shrines dedicated to other deities such as Quan Thanh De Quan (Guan Yu) and Than Tai (God of Wealth), creating a spiritually rich environment deeply rooted in Vietnamese folk beliefs. The mystical and sacred nature of Ba Den Mountain has made it an important pilgrimage site, drawing thousands of visitors annually.
Beyond its spiritual significance, Ba Den Mountain is also a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With its combination of stunning landscapes, spiritual legends, and exciting outdoor activities, Ba Den Mountain is truly a must-visit destination in Tay Ninh.
Best Time to Visit Ba Den Mountain
There are two ideal times to visit Ba Den Mountain:
- Lunar January: This is when the Spring Festivals take place in Tay Ninh, attracting Buddhist followers who come to pray for a peaceful and prosperous new year. Visiting Ba Den Mountain during this time allows you to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and take part in spiritual rituals.
- November to May (Dry Season): This is the best period for hiking and exploring the outdoor attractions of Ba Den Mountain. The weather is more pleasant, with cooler temperatures, minimal rainfall, and dry, safe trekking paths.
How to Get to Ba Den Mountain
Ba Den Mountain is located approximately 110 km from Ho Chi Minh City, and you can reach it by motorbike, bus, or car.
By Motorbike or Car
Take National Highway 22A, then turn right at Trang Bang Intersection onto Provincial Road 782. Continue for about 62 km, and you will arrive at Ba Den Mountain.
By Bus
Traveling by bus takes approximately 3 hours, with a total fare of around 60,000 VND for two rides.
- Option 1: Take bus 703 (Ben Thanh – Moc Bai route), then transfer to bus 5 to reach Tay Ninh.
- Option 2: Take bus 13 (from Ben Thanh), bus 94 (from Cho Lon), or bus 74 (from An Suong) to Cu Chi Bus Station. From there, take bus 603 to Tay Ninh.
By Airplane
If you are traveling from other cities, you can fly to Ho Chi Minh City and then continue your journey to Tay Ninh by road.
How to Reach the Summit of Ba Den Mountain
There are two main ways to reach the summit: hiking or taking the cable car.
Hiking Routes
You can choose from three hiking trails:
- Pagoda Trail: The easiest route, featuring stone steps. This path is ideal for visitors who want to stop by Ba Den Pagoda before reaching the summit.
- Power Pole Trail: If you want to experience mountain climbing but are still a beginner, follow this trail. The path is marked by previous hikers, and you can count 113 power poles along the way to track your progress to the summit.
- Ma Thien Lanh Trail: For those seeking a challenging and adventurous hiking experience, this is the most difficult route, suitable for experienced climbers.
Cable Car
Ba Den Mountain features a modern cable car system, providing an effortless and scenic ride to the top. If you prefer not to hike, this is a great way to enjoy the panoramic views of Tay Ninh’s lush mountains and forests.
Notably, Ba Den Mountain is home to the world’s largest cable car station, with around 100 cabins and the capacity to transport over 4,000 passengers per hour. The cable car ride takes only 8 minutes to reach the summit.
Things to Do at Ba Den Mountain
Explore the Temple Complex on Ba Den Mountain
Ba Den Mountain is a renowned spiritual destination, home to a diverse complex of temples. Among them, two of the most famous temples worth visiting are:
- Ba Den Pagoda – Linh Son Thien Thach Tu: The largest temple on the mountain, located at an altitude of 350 meters and with a history spanning over 300 years. The revered deity Ba Den (Linh Son Thanh Mau) is worshipped inside a 5m² rock cave. In addition to Linh Son Thanh Mau, the pagoda also enshrines Shakyamuni Buddha, Maitreya Bodhisattva, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, Tieu Dien, and the Eighteen Arhats, along with other Bodhisattvas in the main hall.
- Linh Son Phuoc Trung Pagoda (Chua Trung): Situated at the foot of the mountain near the cable car station, this temple played a historic role in the Resistance Forces Conference against the French and the Tay Ninh Farmers’ Conference in 1946. A memorial statue inscribed with “Ba Den Mountain Warriors” stands here to commemorate the sacrifices of Tay Ninh’s militia forces during wartime.
Other notable temples on Ba Den Mountain include Hang Pagoda, Quan Am Pagoda, and Linh Son Hoa Dong Pagoda.
Check-in at the Summit of Ba Den Mountain
Reaching the summit of Ba Den Mountain is an unmissable achievement, and many visitors celebrate their accomplishment by taking a photo at the altitude marker of the highest peak in Southern Vietnam. So, don’t forget to capture a stunning photo to mark your conquest!
Admire the Giant Tay Bo Da Son Buddha Statue
Unveiled in early 2020, the Tay Bo Da Son Buddha Statue stands at 72 meters tall, made entirely of pure copper, and sits majestically atop Ba Den Mountain. Since its inauguration, the statue has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to pray for peace, good fortune, and spiritual cleansing.
Visit the Impressive Buddhist Exhibition with Advanced Technology
From the square at the foot of the Buddha statue, you can take either the elevator or stairs to reach the Buddhist Exhibition Center, covering a total area of 4,410m².
This center displays hundreds of Buddhist artifacts, including bronze statues, paintings, and bas-reliefs. A highlight of the exhibition is the Prayer Wheel Room, featuring Tru Kinh Luan (Prayer Wheels), which hold significant spiritual meaning in Buddhist culture.
Most notably, on the first-floor grand hall, visitors can experience a 3D Dome Projection, showcasing a spectacular digital depiction of the Buddhist concept of the universe’s formation, using world-class visual and audio technology.
Camping at the Summit of Ba Den Mountain
Camping at the summit is often paired with a trekking adventure, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the cool mountain air after a challenging journey.
Additionally, camping overnight provides the perfect opportunity to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Ba Den Mountain, offering a once-in-a-lifetime view from the highest peak in Southern Vietnam.
Entrance Fees for Ba Den Mountain Tourist Area
To visit Ba Den Mountain Tourist Area, you will need to purchase an entrance ticket with the following prices:
- Adults: Approximately 16,000 VND per ticket
- Children (1m – 1.4m in height), seniors (over 60 years old), and people with disabilities: Approximately 8,000 VND per ticket
- Children under 1m: Free of charge
Cable Car Ticket Prices to Ba Den Mountain Summit
Round-trip Ticket:
- Adults or children over 1.4m: Approximately 250,000 VND for a standard ticket and 400,000 VND for a VIP ticket
- Children (1m – 1.4m): Approximately 150,000 VND for a standard ticket and 250,000 VND for a VIP ticket
One-way Ticket:
- Adults or children over 1.4m: Approximately 140,000 VND per ticket
- Children (1m – 1.4m): Approximately 80,000 VND per ticket
The cable car system operates from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily (Monday to Sunday), except for Saturday, when it runs 24/7.
Important Tips for Visiting Ba Den Mountain
If you are exploring Ba Den Mountain for the first time, especially for trekking, keep these useful tips in mind:
- Wear comfortable and lightweight clothing to make hiking or moving under the sun easier.
- If camping overnight at the summit, bring warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly at night.
- Prepare essential supplies, including insect repellent, medicine for stomach aches, colds, and basic first aid items.
- Carry enough water and light snacks to maintain your energy levels while trekking up Ba Den Mountain.
Ba Den Mountain is an emerging spiritual tourism destination, known for its sacred temples and spiritual significance. With the recent investment from Sun Group, the area has been upgraded with modern tourism infrastructure, offering a more diverse and enjoyable experience for visitors.
SVietnam Travel hopes that the information provided will help you better understand this unique destination and prepare well for your trip to Ba Den Mountain!
