1. Overview of the journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Ba Den Mountain
The journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Ba Den Mountain is about 100 km long, with an average travel time of 2.5–3 hours depending on the vehicle and traffic volume. This is a familiar route for many Southern tourists, especially on weekends or during the Ba Den Mountain Festival season which takes place every January, the time when Tay Ninh welcomes the largest number of pilgrims of the year.
Besides motorbikes, private cars, or package tours, bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Ba Den Mountain is a suitable option for those who want to optimize costs, limit self-driving, and prioritize safety. The journey usually ends at Sun World Ba Den Mountain tourist area in Tay Ninh, where visitors continue to take the cable car, visit spiritual sites, and explore the panoramic view of the “Roof of the South” from an altitude of nearly 986 m.
Taking a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Tay Ninh to explore Ba Den Mountain. (Source: Collected)
2. Overview of the bus route from Ho Chi Minh City to Tay Ninh
Among the travel options by bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Tay Ninh, route 70-2 is currently the most convenient and direct choice for visitors wishing to go to Tay Ninh Holy See or the Ba Den Mountain tourist area. The route starts at Cu Chi Bus Station, runs along National Highway 22, takes passengers through the center of Tay Ninh before stopping at Sun World Ba Den Mountain tourist area, for those who want to conquer Ba Den Mountain or experience the cable car to the summit.
Route 70-2 operates regularly every day, with a frequency of about 20–30 minutes/trip, and an average travel time of about 105 minutes for the entire route. Thanks to its frequent service and drop-off point right next to the tourist area, this bus route is especially suitable for those going for worship, tourists who do not want to drive long distances, or young people who prefer an economical, safe, and easy-to-follow travel method. Whether traveling on weekdays or during festival occasions, visitors can still travel conveniently and proactively continue their sightseeing journey at Ba Den Mountain.
Bus travel option from Ho Chi Minh City to Tay Ninh is a cost-effective and safe solution for tourists. (Source: Collected)
3 . Experience when traveling by bus to Ba Den Mountain
3 .1. Suggested day trip itinerary
Starting early by bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Ba Den Mountain Tay Ninh helps tourists make the most of a full day of exploration. Depart around 5:30 AM from Cu Chi Bus Station via bus route number 70-2, an ideal pick-up point to continue the journey to the Ba Den Mountain tourist area.
Around 10:00 AM, tourists will reach the foot of the mountain and can spend from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM taking the cable car, visiting the mountain peak, enjoying the scenery, and immersing in the spring festival atmosphere, then gently descending to the foot of the mountain.
In the late afternoon, before 5:00 PM, tourists should return to the bus stop to catch the last bus from Ba Den Mountain back to Cu Chi Bus Station, ensuring not to miss the bus, as the last bus from Ba Den Mountain departs at 5:00 PM.
3 .2. Small tips for traveling
When choosing the bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Ba Den Mountain Tay Ninh, prepare tickets and small change in advance to avoid delays when boarding. According to the latest information, route number 70-2 from Cu Chi Bus Station to Ba Den Mountain tourist area has ticket prices ranging from approximately 10,000 – 40,000 VND per trip depending on the stop.
Notes when traveling by bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh. (Source: Collected)
Bring drinking water, hats, and a light jacket because although the morning journey has light sunshine, it can get chilly at higher altitudes or in the afternoon. The first trip of route 70-2 is expected to depart from Cu Chi Bus Station at 5:30 AM, the last departure from Cu Chi is at 7:00 PM, and the last departure from Ba Den Mountain back is at 5:00 PM.
Keep your ticket throughout the journey and, if possible, take a photo of the license plate and the phone number of the driver or bus company in case you need to change routes or ask for assistance. Avoid leaving luggage or valuables in plain sight while on the bus. If you are traveling in a large group, renting a private car from Tay Ninh station to Ba Den Mountain (approximately 100,000 – 150,000 VND/4-seater car) is also a worthwhile option for more flexibility.
4 . Experiences after arriving at Ba Den Mountain
4.1. Admire the panoramic view of Tay Ninh from a height of 986 m
The journey to admire the panoramic view of Tay Ninh begins as soon as you enter the modern cable car system of Sun World Ba Den Mountain. The enclosed, completely safe cabins are equipped with transparent glass, allowing visitors to have a 360-degree view during the 8-minute ascent to the mountaintop.
As the cabin leaves the station, the scenery gradually expands: straight rice fields, the vast blue Dau Tieng Lake, the majestic Ba Den Mountain range, and cloud-covered valleys create a deeply layered natural landscape. This is one of the experiences that allows visitors to relax while admiring the beauty of Tay Ninh from an altitude of nearly 986 m.
Sun World Ba Den Mountain offers a complete experience for the journey to conquer Ba Den Mountain. (Source: Collected)
4.2. Worship the Tay Bo Da Son Buddha Mother Statue
On the mountaintop, the majestic 72m-high Tay Bo Da Son Buddha Mother Statue is the most sacred stop. The cool air, the resonating temple bell sounds, and the cloud-covered space create a rare sense of peace. This is also where many tourists send their New Year wishes for peace, upon conquering the rooftop of the South.
4.3. Visit Famous Pagodas
The spiritual complex of Ba Den Mountain includes Ba Pagoda, Hang Pagoda, Linh Son Tien Thach Pagoda… The stone steps, ancient pagoda roofs, and the scent of incense create a characteristic solemn atmosphere, helping your journey become more reflective. The pagodas are located at different altitudes, suitable for tourists to combine visiting, worshipping, and taking photos.
4. 4. Check-in Flower Gardens and Seasonal Displays
Depending on the time of year, the mountaintop is decorated with different flower themes: spring tulips, zinnia daisies, imported roses, vibrant flower hills… Bringing a good camera or phone, visitors can easily capture photos filled with the sunshine, wind, and sky of Tay Ninh.
4. 5. Experience Dining Amidst the Clouds and Sky
At an altitude of nearly 1,000m, amidst the cool clouds and sky of Ba Den Mountain, Van Son Buffet Restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience with over 80 Asian and European dishes. From steaming bowls of pho, fresh spring rolls to delicious fresh seafood, BBQ grilled dishes, and pure vegetarian options, all senses are elevated. The restaurant's space overlooks a silk-like sea of clouds, with large glass windows allowing you to dine while gazing at the scenery.
If visitors want a more local taste experience, Sol Kitchen is an ideal choice. Here, Tay Ninh specialty dishes such as Trang Bang noodle soup, rolled rice paper, and shrimp salt are elaborately prepared in a modern space while retaining their rustic countryside spirit. In the cool highland weather, a bowl of piping hot noodle soup or rolled rice paper with wild vegetables and a sour and spicy dipping sauce will make visitors remember the flavors of the holy land.
Taking a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Ba Den Mountain Tay Ninh is a choice that makes the exploration journey easier, more economical, and safer. In just one day, you can experience the cable car amidst clouds and sky, worship at spiritual sites, and enjoy unique cuisine on the mountaintop. Ba Den Mountain not only offers spectacular scenery but is also a place to find peace again amidst the busy pace of life.
