1. General Introduction to Linh Son Tien Thach Tu
1.1. Geographical Location and Route to Linh Son Tien Thach Tu
Linh Son Tien Thach Tu is located in Ninh Son ward, Tay Ninh city, at an altitude of about 350 m above sea level, on the slopes of Ba Den mountain. From Ho Chi Minh City, visitors need to travel nearly 86 km, while from the center of Tay Ninh city it is only about 10 km, so travel is quite convenient with many transportation options.
This special location makes the guide to Linh Son Tien Thach Tu essential information for every visitor. The pagoda is located in one of the typical spiritual sites in the South, associated with local folk beliefs and is a meaningful pilgrimage destination for many. Each year, this place welcomes a large number of Buddhists and visitors from afar to worship and pray for peace.
The area around the pagoda also features many prominent attractions such as Ma Thien Lanh Valley, Turtle Head Rock, and Suoi Mon Base, creating a journey that combines spiritual sightseeing with experiencing fresh, pristine nature.
The pagoda is located in the spiritual tourist area of Ba Den mountain, Tay Ninh. (Source: Collected)
1.2. Architecture and historical value of Linh Son Tien Thach Tu
This pagoda was founded in 1745 by Zen Master Dao Trung – Thien Hieu of the Lieu Quan Zen sect, and is the oldest pagoda within the complex of pagodas on Ba Den mountain. The establishment of Linh Son Tien Thach Tu marked the time when Buddhism was introduced to the land of Tay Ninh, contributing to the formation of the spiritual cultural foundation here.
The overall architecture of the pagoda has an ancient, harmonious style with traditional Vietnamese details. The pagoda space is about 210 m², with a width of 14 m and a length of 15 m. The main hall enshrines the statue of Duc Trung Ton in the center, alongside the statues of Di Da Tam Ton, Bodhisattva Quan The Am, and Dai The Chi. Notably, this place also preserves the Buddha's Sarira – a precious sacred treasure of the pagoda.
The Ancestor Tower area includes stupas such as To Tam Hoa Tower, To Giac Phu Tower, To Giac Dien Tower, along with two To Truong Tung and To Thanh Tho towers on either side. In front are two green stone pillars carved in 1919, each 4.5 m high, nổi bật with intricately carved, winding dragon motifs that bear strong artistic imprints.
Adjacent to the pagoda is the Temple of Ba Linh Son Thanh Mau, located in a natural cave with a ceiling height of 2.5 m and a door width of 6 m. In front, there is an additional man-made structure 8 m long, which houses the altars for Linh Son Thanh Mau, Than Tai, and Tho Dia, creating a sacred space for visitors to worship. Having undergone several renovations and been bestowed the title Linh Son Thanh Mau by King Gia Long, the pagoda still retains great value in terms of history and Vietnamese Buddhist architecture.
The Dien Ba area is right next to the pagoda. (Source: Collected)
2. Guide to Linh Son Tien Thach Tu from Ho Chi Minh City and other provinces
2.1. Going to Linh Son Tien Thach Tu by limousine, coach, bus
The coach route departing from An Suong Bus Station (Ho Chi Minh City) to Tay Ninh is one of the most popular and economical options for the guide to Linh Son Tien Thach Tu . Ticket prices vary depending on the vehicle type, from 60,000 to 80,000 VND per person. The route starts from An Suong, follows National Highway 22A towards Hoc Mon, continues through Cu Chi, and then reaches Tay Ninh.
Quality bus companies serving this route include Phuoc Thanh, Kumho Samco, Dong Phuoc, with continuous schedules from 5:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with a frequency of 30 minutes between trips. The average travel time is about 2 – 2.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Limousine buses from companies like Dong Phuoc, Kumho Samco offer convenience and comfort, suitable for small groups or families. Limousine bus fares are higher than regular coaches, ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 VND, in return for more spacious seating. Additionally, bus number 703 connects Ho Chi Minh City with Tay Ninh is also very suitable for those who enjoy a sense of freedom, stopping at transfer stations along the way.
Buses are the most popular choice. (Source: Collected)
2.2. Traveling by private vehicle: Motorbike, Car
Choosing a motorbike or private car will give you more flexibility when following the directions to Linh Son Tien Thach Pagoda. From Ho Chi Minh City, follow National Highway 22A towards Tay Ninh, then turn onto DT784 – DT790 to reach the foot of Ba Den Mountain. This route is quite easy to navigate, with a flat road surface and many gas stations and restaurants serving tourists along the way.
Some suitable stops include Cu Chi (suitable for those who want to visit the tunnels), Trang Bang (famous for traditional banh canh), and resorts around the central roundabout of Tay Ninh. This route is also quite familiar to the biker community and young people who love exploring.
Remember to thoroughly check your vehicle before the trip, bring necessary documents, water, and a jacket because the temperature can change when going up the mountain or when going early in the morning or late in the evening. The cost of fuel for a round trip from Ho Chi Minh City is approximately 150,000 – 200,000 VND, depending on the type of vehicle used.
Tourists can travel by motorbike. (Source: Collected)
2.3. Traveling by plane
Tourists from the North or Central regions can choose to fly to Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City), then continue their journey to Tay Ninh by bus, limousine, or self-driving. The distance from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Tay Ninh is 86 km, with a travel time of about 2 hours.
From the airport, you can book a taxi or a ride-hailing service to travel directly to Tay Ninh with costs ranging from 700,000 to 900,000 VND. If you want to save money, move to An Suong Bus Station then take a bus to Tay Ninh, however, the time may be slightly longer.
Sun PhuQuoc Airways offers a refreshing experience. (Source: Collected)
3. Experience visiting Linh Son Tien Thach Pagoda by cable car
The Ba Den Mountain cable car is modernly designed, ensuring safety for the journey to Linh Son Tien Thach Pagoda. The cable route is 1,225 m long and 600 m high, taking visitors from the foot of the mountain straight up to near the pagoda area in about 18 minutes, saving time and preserving energy.
Cable car ticket prices range from 150,000 to 250,000 VND per trip, depending on the type of standard ticket or sightseeing combo ticket. The cable car operates daily from 6 AM to 6 PM, serving continuously even during festivals. Each cabin can accommodate 8 to 10 passengers, with a spacious interior.
The cable car's advantage is its suitability for all ages, especially convenient for the elderly, children, or those not accustomed to strenuous activity. When taking the cable car, visitors also have the opportunity to take in the panoramic views of Tay Ninh and surrounding areas from above. Note that during festivals and weekends, there may sometimes be larger crowds, so visitors might need to arrange for waiting turns, especially during Tet and full moon days.
Modern cable car at Sun World Ba Den Mountain. (Source: Collected)
4. Ideal time to visit Linh Son Tien Thach Pagoda
Thanks to the mild tropical climate of Tay Ninh, Ba Pagoda can welcome visitors all year round. However, to have the most suitable trip according to the guide to visiting Linh Son Tien Thach Pagoda, you should consider choosing the time depending on the purpose of the trip.
Major festival seasons such as Lunar New Year (Tet Nguyen Dan), the 15th day of the first lunar month (Lantern Festival), and Ba Den's death anniversary festival (the 23rd day of the 4th lunar month) are the most vibrant times, bringing unique cultural and spiritual colors and a sacred atmosphere. This is when the pagoda organizes many peace-praying activities and festivals, attracting a large number of people and tourists.
From November to April next year is the dry season, with beautiful weather, little rain, cool air, and clear scenery, convenient for photography and sightseeing. If you want to find a quiet space, you should choose to visit on weekdays or outside of festival seasons. The hours from 6 AM to 8 AM and 4 PM to 5 PM are the coolest and most convenient times for strolling and worshiping.
5. Experience visiting and worshiping at Linh Son Tien Thach Pagoda
5.1. Architecture, landscape, and sacred space
As soon as you step into the premises of Linh Son Tien Thach Pagoda, you will feel the ancient architectural space mixed with the lush green nature of the mountains. The main hall with traditional Vietnamese curved roofs, intricate dragon and phoenix motifs, and two 4.5m high green stone pillars, carved with dragons, create a special highlight right at the entrance, leaving a deep impression on visitors.
Linh Son Tien Thach Cave is a natural rock overhang formed over a long time, with gentle light filtering through the rock crevices further enhancing its mystical and sacred aura. Inside the cave is where Linh Son Holy Mother and other deities are worshipped; the quiet and solemn atmosphere creates a sense of purity for worshippers.
The surrounding landscape of the pagoda is surrounded by ancient trees hundreds of years old, natural rock cliffs, and the fresh air of the mountains. From the pagoda's courtyard, you can admire the vast Tay Ninh plains in the distance, a particularly captivating scene at dawn or dusk when golden sunlight covers everything.
The exterior architecture of the pagoda. (Source: Collected)
5.2. Worship and Offer Incense at the Pagoda
Worship at Linh Son Tien Thach Tu is performed according to Mahayana Buddhist rituals, with a solemn and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors often enter the main hall to offer incense before the Buddha statues and Bodhisattvas, then proceed to the cave shrine of Bà (the Goddess) to offer incense and pray for family peace.
Before offering incense, you should wash your hands, tidy your attire, show reverence when offering incense, and focus your mind on good wishes. The appropriate times to offer incense are early morning or late afternoon when the air is fresh and there are not too many people.
The sacred space requires maintaining order, refraining from talking or using phones in the main hall and the Bà shrine cave to preserve solemnity. Praying with sincerity will make the pilgrimage meaningful, conveying wishes for luck and peace for oneself and family.
6. Suggestions for Combining Experiences within the Sun World Ba Den Mountain Ecosystem and Tay Ninh Tourist Destinations
Linh Son Tien Thach Tu is located within the Sun World BaDen Mountain tourism ecosystem, making it very convenient to combine with exploring other experiences. Nearby are Cave Pagoda (Chua Hang) with its large cave space, the solemn Quan Am Pagoda (Chua Quan Am), and Linh Son Phuoc Trung Pagoda (Trung Pagoda) (Linh Son Phuoc Trung (Chua Trung)), all easily forming a complete spiritual journey for visitors.
Tay Ninh cuisine leaves a mark with its characteristic delicacies such as Trang Bang Noodle Soup (Banh Canh Trang Bang), Tay Ninh Shrimp Salt (muoi tom Tay Ninh) with its rich sour and spicy flavor, and Grilled Rice Paper (banh trang nuong) – all tied to the characteristics of this land. Eateries around the foot of the mountain serve many light vegetarian dishes, suitable for the serene atmosphere of this spiritual destination.
Additionally, the Sun World ecosystem offers many modern services such as luxurious restaurants, resorts, outdoor games, and check-in spots on the mountaintop. You can wake up early to hunt for clouds, enjoy the natural beauty from the summit of Ba Den Mountain, combining spiritual experiences with entertainment exploration in a single journey.
Experience the Van Son buffet with a variety of dishes. (Source: Collected)
7. Important experiences and notes when visiting Linh Son Tien Thach Tu
Clothing when visiting Linh Son Tien Thach Tu should ensure modesty, politeness, and comfort for easy movement. It is advisable to choose flat shoes and a light jacket as the temperature on the mountain in the early morning or late afternoon can change, helping you adapt better to the weather conditions.
Prepare sufficient drinking water, hats, raincoats, motion sickness medication, and necessary personal documents. Those planning to trek should bring specialized shoes, gloves, flashlights, and other supporting equipment. For the elderly, children, or those with unstable health, it is recommended to prioritize using the cable car for safety.
Respecting the spiritual space is an important principle when visiting pagodas, always maintaining a solemn attitude, not speaking loudly, not littering, or taking photos arbitrarily in the worship areas. Adhering to these rules demonstrates respect for the culture and contributes to preserving the sacred space of the locality.
For a smooth trip, you should proactively depart early, choose quality transportation, plan a clear itinerary, and avoid peak festival seasons if you wish to enjoy a quiet atmosphere. The area at the foot of the mountain has many affordable guesthouses, small hotels, and a variety of local eateries serving visitors. Environmental protection is the shared responsibility of all tourists; always maintain cleanliness, do not pick flowers, do not take items from the worship areas, and together contribute to protecting the heritage and landscape for future generations.
Linh Son Tien Thach Tự is a spiritual destination associated with the historical depth and culture of the Tay Ninh region. We hope that the detailed information in this article will help you have a meaningful, smooth, and peaceful trip. Prepare your belongings to begin the journey of experiencing the sacred space amidst the Ba Den mountain forest!
