1. Overview of Ba Den Mountain
Located in Tay Ninh, about 100 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Den Mountain is the highest mountain in Southern Vietnam with an altitude of 986 m, known as the “roof of Southern Vietnam”. This place is not only famous for its majestic natural landscape and fresh air but also one of the most sacred spiritual destinations in the South.
The summit now hosts the modern and large-scale Sun World Ba Den Mountain tourist complex, offering an experience that combines spirituality, culture, and relaxation. The tourist area has welcomed millions of visitors, especially vibrant during the early spring festival season, when tens of thousands of Buddhists and tourists make pilgrimages, worship, and enjoy the serene beauty amidst the clouds and sky of Tay Ninh.
2. How many kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City to Ba Den Mountain?
From Ho Chi Minh City to Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh, the average distance is about 100 km, equivalent to a travel time of 2 to 3 hours depending on the mode of transport. This is not a very long distance, making it very suitable for short trips or weekend getaways.
The route from Ho Chi Minh City to Tay Ninh is convenient via many expressways, shortening travel time to just over 2 hours. (Source: Collection)
Visitors can choose various modes of transport such as motorbikes, private cars, or coaches, each offering a unique experience. The most popular and convenient route is National Highway 22 – Trang Bang – Go Dau – Tay Ninh – Ba Den Mountain, with a wide road, easy to travel, and many rest stops. This journey is not only convenient but also allows visitors to admire the peaceful countryside scenery along the way.
3. Detailed guide to travel routes
3.1. Route 1: Ho Chi Minh City via QL22 to Trang Bang to Tay Ninh center
Starting from Ho Chi Minh City center, visitors follow National Highway 22 towards Cu Chi to Trang Bang, connect to QL22B to Tay Ninh center, and continue for about 10 km to reach Sun World Ba Den Mountain. The distance is about 100 km and the average travel time is 2 – 2.5 hours (by car) when traffic is favorable. This is a familiar route with clear signposts, suitable for both motorbikes and cars.
The travel route from Ho Chi Minh City to Tay Ninh is only nearly 100 km. (Source: Collected)
3.2. Route 2: HCMC - Moc Bai Expressway
If traveling by car or tour bus, tourists can choose the National Highway 22 route towards Moc Bai, one of the most beautiful and convenient routes currently. From the center of HCMC, go straight along National Highway 22 through Hoc Mon, Cu Chi, Trang Bang, then turn into National Highway 22B to reach the center of Tay Ninh City. The distance is about 100–110 km, with an average travel time of 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic density. Along the route, there are many rest stops, gas stations, and convenient eateries, suitable for a short day trip.
3.3. Route 3: Traveling by Bus or Limousine
For tourists who do not want to drive themselves, choosing a bus or a tour from HCMC to Ba Den Mountain is a convenient and safe option. There are currently many reputable bus companies such as Hoang Minh, Kim Ngan, Dong Phuoc, Dong Tien departing daily from An Suong, Mien Dong, Mien Tay bus stations. Ticket prices range from 150,000 – 230,000 VND/way, depending on the type of vehicle and travel time.
The bus stops at Tay Ninh bus station, from where tourists can take a taxi or shuttle bus for about another 10 km to reach Sun World Ba Den Mountain. Most routes operate continuously throughout the day, convenient for those who want to go on a pilgrimage or travel on weekends.
4. Suitable Means of Transportation
4.1. Motorbike
With a distance of only about 100 km, a motorbike is a choice favored by many young tourists when traveling from HCMC to Ba Den Mountain Tay Ninh . This journey offers a free and flexible experience and the opportunity to admire peaceful countryside scenery, rice fields, and tree-lined roads. Round-trip fuel cost ranges from 150,000 – 200,000 VND, very suitable for a day trip.
Tourists should depart early from 5:30 – 6:00 AM to avoid the sun and have time to rest along the way. Don't forget to stop in Trang Bang to enjoy the famous banh canh dish on the journey to Tay Ninh.
4.2. Personal Car
For families or friends who want to travel comfortably and safely, a personal car is an ideal means of transport. The National Highway 22 route through Trang Bang to Tay Ninh city center has a wide, easy-to-drive road surface, suitable for both small and large vehicles. Round-trip fuel cost is about 400,000 VND, which may vary depending on the vehicle type.
At Sun World Ba Den Mountain, there is ample, secure parking with a dedicated area for tourist cars. Tourists can combine the journey HCMC – Dau Tieng Lake – Ba Den Mountain – Long Hoa Market to both worship and explore more of Tay Ninh's beautiful scenery and local cuisine.
4.3. Bus and Premium Limousine
If you don't want to drive yourself, tourists can choose a bus or limousine to travel. Many bus companies such as Hoang Minh, Kim Ngan, Dong Tien, Dong Phuoc depart frequently from An Suong, Mien Dong, Mien Tay bus stations. Ticket prices range from 150,000 – 230,000 VND/way, with travel time approximately 3 – 3.5 hours.
Buses and limousines are familiar choices for many tourists traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Tay Ninh. (Source: Collected)
Upon arrival at Tay Ninh bus station, tourists can take a taxi or shuttle bus for about 10 km to reach Sun World Ba Den Mountain. This option is suitable for those who want to save costs, relax throughout the journey without worrying about finding the way.
4.4. Day tours
If tourists want a complete experience without too much preparation, a day tour from Ho Chi Minh City is an ideal choice. Popular tours such as “Ho Chi Minh City, Cao Dai Holy See, Ba Den Mountain and Sun World Ba Den Mountain” often include door-to-door pick-up, a tour guide with commentary, and a package cable car ticket.
Tour prices range from 650,000 – 950,000 VND/person, depending on services and timing. This is a perfect choice for families, groups of friends, or elderly tourists, making the 100 km journey easier, more comfortable, and more memorable.
5. How to get around Sun World Ba Den Mountain
At Sun World Ba Den Mountain, tourists can choose to take a modern cable car or hike up the mountain depending on their physical condition and experience preferences. Each mode of transport offers a different perspective on the beauty of the 'roof of the South'.
The Ba Den Mountain cable car system is invested to meet international standards, including:
- Van Son cable car route: takes tourists from the foot of the mountain directly to the summit, where the Tay Bo Da Son Lady Buddha statue, the tallest bronze Buddha statue in Asia, is located. The journey takes only about 8 minutes but opens up a spectacular view as you glide over seas of clouds, mountains, and the panoramic view of Tay Ninh city in the distance.
- Chua Hang cable car route: leads to the complex of Ba Pagoda, Hang Pagoda, Trung Pagoda, which are sacred pilgrimage sites. This is an ideal choice for tourists who want to worship and feel the serene atmosphere on the mountainside.
- Tam An cable car route: connects Hoa Dong station (mid-mountain) to Tam An station (summit). This is the steepest cable car route in the world, offering an exhilarating experience and impressive views as the cabin glides through the white clouds.
To Tay Ninh, visitors can take the cable car to the summit of Ba Den Mountain. (Source: Collected)
For visitors who enjoy physical activity, hiking up Ba Den Mountain is still a worthwhile experience. The hiking trail is safely planned, with rest stops and scenic spots along the way. It takes about 3 – 4 hours to climb, this journey allows visitors to fully appreciate the natural beauty of Tay Ninh and the pride of conquering the “roof of the South” with their own feet.
6. Suggested 1-day travel itinerary from Ho Chi Minh City to Ba Den Mountain
Visitors should depart from Ho Chi Minh City at 6:00 AM, traveling along Route QL22 – Trang Bang, Tay Ninh, taking about 2.5 hours to reach Sun World Ba Den Mountain tourist area. Around 8:30 AM, upon arrival, visitors can park their vehicles, rest, and prepare for the exploration journey. At 9:00 AM, take the Van Son cable car to the summit, pay homage to the statue of Lady Buddha Tay Bo Da Son and visit the flower garden, Hang Pagoda, Trung Pagoda to enjoy the fresh air and the sky and cloud scenery of Tay Ninh.
Around 11:30 AM, visitors can have lunch at Van Son Buffet restaurant or Sol Kitchen on the mountaintop, which offers a spacious atmosphere and serves Tay Ninh specialties such as young buffalo, sun-dried rice paper, and shrimp salt. After lunch, rest, enjoy coffee amidst the clouds, and admire the panoramic view of Tay Ninh.
Visitors can have lunch at the Van Son Buffet restaurant with over 80 Asian and European dishes. (Source: Collected)
Around 2:00 PM, visitors can stroll around the square area, check-in at the most beautiful photo spots of Sun World Ba Den Mountain before descending by cable car. At 3:30 PM, leave the tourist area and visit Long Hoa market to buy Tay Ninh specialties such as shrimp salt, tamarind rice paper, and dried palm sugar. Expected between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM, visitors will return to Ho Chi Minh City, concluding a complete journey.
7. Experience and notes when going to Ba Den Mountain from Ho Chi Minh City
To make the trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Ba Den Mountain convenient and complete, visitors should depart early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the harsh sun. Prepare adequate hats, sunscreen, drinking water, and light, polite clothing when visiting the pagoda and Buddha statue areas. Especially, book cable car tickets online in advance to save queuing time, particularly on weekends or during festival seasons.
Throughout the journey, maintain cleanliness, respect the spiritual space, speak softly, and limit filming and photography in the ritual areas. A little preparation and awareness will help the visit to Ba Den Mountain become gentle, peaceful, and in the spirit of civilized tourism.
The journey to explore Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh from Ho Chi Minh City is not only a trip to a sacred land but also an opportunity for visitors to find peace amidst the clouds and sky of the "rooftop of the South". With a distance of only about 100 km, majestic scenery, along with cultural and spiritual experiences at Sun World Ba Den Mountain, this place is always a worthy ideal destination for those who want to fully enjoy the beauty of the peaceful and rich Tay Ninh land.
