1. Overview of Southern Vietnam tourism on the occasion of the 10/3 holiday
Hung Kings' Commemoration Day on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month is one of the important holidays in the cultural and spiritual life of Vietnamese people. This is an occasion to commemorate the merits of the Hung Kings in building the nation, and also a time when many people choose short trips to relax and find balance in their spiritual lives.
In recent years, the trend of combining tourism with pilgrimage on this holiday has become increasingly popular. Instead of just sightseeing, many tourists want to visit sacred spaces for worship, pray for peace, and experience tranquility. Such trips not only offer a sense of relaxation but also help people connect more deeply with cultural and spiritual values.
The South is an area with many suitable destinations for tourism on the 10/3 holiday. The travel distances between provinces are quite convenient, especially from TP.HCM, where many famous landmarks can be easily reached within a few hours. Besides, this region boasts many ancient spiritual sites, associated with the religious life of the Southern people. Moreover, the diverse natural landscapes, from mountains and islands to river delta regions, also offer many attractive options for tourists.
Thanks to the combination of natural elements and spiritual culture, many places in the South become ideal choices for tourists to both visit and worship during the Hung Kings' Commemoration holiday.
2. Notable destinations to visit in the South on the 10/3 holiday
2.1 Ba Den Mountain
Ba Den Mountain (Nui Ba Den) is a prominent destination for spiritual tourism in the South and is considered a symbol of Tay Ninh province. With a height of over 900 meters, it is the highest mountain in the South, attracting a large number of tourists for sightseeing and pilgrimage each year, especially during major holidays.
The area of Ba Den Pagoda has long been renowned for its sacredness in the spiritual life of the Southern people. Many people come here to offer incense, pray for peace, and express their reverence. Besides its spiritual significance, Ba Den Mountain (Nui Ba Den) also attracts tourists with its majestic natural scenery and tranquil atmosphere on the mountain.
Ba Den Mountain Spiritual Complex (Tay Ninh) – a famous pilgrimage site in the South. (Source: Collected)
Upon arrival, visitors can visit Ba Pagoda, worship Buddhist structures on the mountaintop, admire the vast natural scenery from above, and experience the modern cable car system to explore the panoramic view of the mountain area.
2.2 Ba Chua Xu Temple of Chau Doc (An Giang)
Ba Chua Xu Temple in Chau Doc is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the Mekong Delta (Tay Nam Bo). It is associated with ancient folk beliefs, attracting millions of visitors each year seeking peace, health, and prosperity.
Mieu Ba Chua Xu Nui Sam (Chau Doc, An Giang). (Source: Collected)
The temple is located at the foot of Nui Sam, creating a space that is both sacred and close to nature. When visiting Chau Doc, tourists can not only visit the Mieu Ba Chua Xu but also combine it with exploring famous surrounding attractions such as Tay An Pagoda, Thoai Ngoc Hau Mausoleum, or the Nui Sam landscape.
2.3 Con Dao (Ba Ria - Vung Tau)
Con Dao is not only famous for its natural island beauty but also a destination with deep spiritual significance. Many tourists come here to pilgrimage at Hang Duong Cemetery, the resting place of many heroes and martyrs, including the tomb of Co Vo Thi Sau.
The peaceful atmosphere of Con Dao creates a sense of tranquility and solemnity, suitable for trips combining pilgrimage and relaxation. Besides paying homage, tourists can also explore beautiful beaches, primeval forests, and many important historical sites.
2.4 Buu Long Pagoda (Ho Chi Minh City)
Buu Long Pagoda is one of the prominent pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City with architecture in the Theravada Buddhism style. The pagoda impresses with its large stupa, characteristic golden roof, and serene space within a spacious campus.
Buu Long Pagoda with its distinctive Southern Buddhist architecture. (Source: Collected)
Although not too far from the city center, Buu Long Pagoda still retains a rare tranquility, creating a relaxing feeling for visitors. This is a suitable place for short day trips or for those who want to find a quiet space for worship and relaxation.
3. Suggestion for a 2-day 1-night travel itinerary combined with pilgrimage during the 10/3 holiday
With a not-too-long holiday break, many tourists choose short trips to both sightsee and pilgrimage for peace. From Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding provinces, there are many suitable 2-day 1-night itineraries, combining nature exploration, local cultural experiences, and worship at famous spiritual sites in the South.
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Tay Ninh – Pilgrimage to Ba Den Mountain
Visitors can depart from Ho Chi Minh City early in the morning, traveling to Tay Ninh in about two to three hours. A prominent stop on this journey is the spiritual complex of Ba Den Mountain, which is considered one of the major pilgrimage centers of the Southern region.
View from above of the summit of Ba Den Mountain (Source: Collected)
Here, visitors can begin their pilgrimage to the Buddhist structures on the mountain, offer incense for peace, and enjoy the solemn spiritual atmosphere. Besides its pilgrimage significance, Ba Den Mountain also attracts visitors with its vast natural landscape and impressive views from the summit. The tour can combine experiencing the cable car system, admiring the scenery of the Tay Ninh plains from above, and exploring the mountain resort area.
After sightseeing and pilgrimage, visitors can stay overnight in Tay Ninh or return to Ho Chi Minh City depending on their personal itinerary.
Day 2: Explore more spiritual destinations in the Southern region
On the second day, visitors can choose to continue their journey exploring other spiritual sites in the Southern region. If traveling towards the Southwestern region, the itinerary can include a visit to Mieu Ba Chua Xu Chau Doc (An Giang) – one of the famous pilgrimage sites in the area. Here, visitors can offer incense for peace and visit the Nui Sam area along with nearby ancient pagodas.
For trips closer to Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can also visit Chua Buu Long to find a tranquil space in the heart of the city. Additionally, if time permits, the spiritual journey can extend to Con Dao, where many people visit to pay respects at Nghia trang Hang Duong and discover the peaceful beauty of the islands.
Regardless of the chosen itinerary, combining sightseeing and pilgrimage during the Ancestor Worship Festival offers a trip that is both relaxing and spiritually meaningful. Spiritual destinations like Nui Ba Den or other famous sites in the Southern region not only attract visitors with their natural landscapes but also with their solemn pilgrimage spaces, making each trip a journey to find inner peace.
4. Experience and notes when visiting during the Ancestor Worship Festival
4.1 Plan early
As this is a public holiday, many spiritual tourist destinations often receive a large number of visitors. Planning early for the itinerary, transportation, and visiting times will help visitors be more proactive in their trip. For itineraries combining multiple destinations, preparing in advance also helps save time and avoid overcrowding at popular sites.
4.2 Choose a reasonable visiting time
The time of visit also significantly affects the visitor experience. Early morning or late afternoon are usually suitable times for visiting and worshipping at spiritual sites, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are not too large. Choosing a reasonable time also allows visitors to fully enjoy the quiet and solemn atmosphere of the pilgrimage sites.
4.3 Prepare appropriate attire
When visiting spiritual sites, visitors should choose polite and modest attire to show respect for the sacred space. Additionally, as many attractions are large or require a lot of walking, preparing comfortable and convenient footwear will also make the trip easier. At pilgrimage sites, maintaining solemnity and respecting general regulations is very important. Visitors should follow the instructions at the attraction, maintain a polite attitude, and avoid making noise to preserve the tranquil atmosphere of these sacred places.
The Ancestor Worship Festival is a time when many people choose short trips to relax and find peace in their spiritual lives. The Southern region boasts many attractive destinations where visitors can explore natural landscapes and experience pilgrimage activities at sacred sites. Among these, the spiritual complex of Nui Ba Den Tay Ninh is considered one of the prominent destinations for spiritual tourism in the Southern region. With its majestic scenery, solemn pilgrimage atmosphere, and diverse sightseeing experiences, it offers visitors a journey combining exploration, contemplation, and finding inner peace during the Ancestor Worship Festival.
