1. Overview of the Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue on Ba Den Mountain

1.1. Location and Spiritual Significance

The Maitreya Bodhisattva statue is located on the top of Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh Province, at an altitude of nearly 900 meters above sea level. This is the highest peak in the entire Southern region, making the statue a great spiritual symbol and easily visible from afar.

This location not only has geomantic value but also creates a sacred and tranquil space, helping visitors deeply feel the connection between humans and nature. From the top of the mountain, you can take in the vast landscape of Tay Ninh and neighboring provinces.

Maitreya Bodhisattva statue majestically on top of Ba Den Mountain - a symbol of peace (Image: Collected)

According to Buddhist beliefs, Maitreya Buddha is the future Buddha, a symbol of perfect happiness, prosperity, and overflowing joy. It is believed that the presence of Maitreya Buddha brings peace, good luck, and success in life.

Placing the Maitreya statue on the highest peak in Southern Vietnam is like sending a message, spreading positive energy, hope, and peace to everyone, especially the residents of the Southeast region.

1.2. Impressive Specifications of the Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue

The Maitreya Bodhisattva statue on Ba Den Mountain is a massive and magnificent work of art:

• Height: 36 meters, from the base of the statue to the top of the head.

• Greatest width: 45 meters.

• Weight: A total of 5,112 tons.

• Material: 6,688 carefully selected sandstone blocks, ensuring both durability and harmony with the natural mountain landscape.

These figures not only make the statue one of the largest Buddha statues in Vietnam but also a source of pride for Tay Ninh in particular and the Southern region in general. The enormity and unique location allow the Maitreya Bodhisattva statue to be seen from afar, creating a focal point for this culturally and spiritually rich land.

1.3. Construction and Inauguration History

The construction of the Maitreya Bodhisattva statue on Ba Den Mountain was completed after 9 months of construction with the participation of nearly 120 skilled engineers and workers. The construction process was not simple, as it had to overcome the challenges of difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions on the high mountain peak.

The inauguration ceremony of the statue was solemnly held on January 28, 2024, attracting the participation of thousands of tourists and Buddhist devotees from all over the country. This event marks a significant milestone in the development of spiritual tourism in Tay Ninh province, opening up new opportunities for pilgrimage journeys combined with nature exploration.

2. Unique Architectural Features of the Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue

2.1. Sandstone Arrangement Art in Terraced Rice Paddy Style

Terraced art creates a sacred look for the Buddha statue amidst the mountains and clouds (Image: Collected)

The unique highlight that creates the mysterious beauty of the Maitreya Bodhisattva statue on Ba Den Mountain is the art of arranging sandstone in a terraced rice paddy style, subtly blending with the surrounding natural scenery. The layers of stone are stacked on top of each other in layers, not only creating solidity but also providing a wonderful aesthetic effect, like a vivid work of art in the mountains and forests.

Each layer of stone is meticulously arranged, with careful calculations of distance and angle, allowing sunlight to stretch and meander across each stone throughout the day. The subtle interplay of light and shadow creates gentle nuances, as if the Bodhisattva statue is softly changing its expression, conveying a sense of intimacy and sacredness.

The terraced effect not only highlights the softness of the statue's lines but also harmoniously connects the structure with nature, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the serenity and peace of the mountains. This is truly a masterpiece of art, showcasing not only the skill of human hands but also conveying a message of harmony between nature and spirituality.

When visiting the Bodhisattva Maitreya statue on Ba Den Mountain, you will not only admire a sacred statue but also experience a journey of observing exquisite sandstone art, an endless source of inspiration for those who love nature and art.

2.2. Modern BIM Construction Technology

The application of BIM (Building Information Modeling) technology in design and construction has improved the quality and accuracy of the project. This technology allows for detailed 3D simulation of each part of the statue, ensuring aesthetics and technical safety.

Thanks to BIM technology, engineers have optimized the installation of each stone block, ensuring construction progress in the harsh weather conditions of the mountainous region.

2.3. The Harmonious Combination of Art and Spirituality

The Bodhisattva Maitreya statue on Ba Den Mountain is a wonderful testament to the subtle blend of modern sculptural art and the profound spiritual values of Eastern tradition. The Bodhisattva's face, full of compassion, with a gentle smile, seems to illuminate the entire space, conveying a message of tolerance and inner peace.

The Bodhisattva statue sits majestically, facing East, seemingly embracing the entire Southeast region in its vast gaze. This posture not only evokes stillness and serenity but also opens up a breathtaking view for visitors each time they arrive.

Stepping closer, you will feel the harmony between art and spirituality – where each carved line is not only the exquisite skill of the artisan's hand but also a gentle message of peace, faith, and hope. The Bodhisattva Maitreya statue is not only a destination for those seeking peace but also an endless source of inspiration, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the sacred space, to find lightness of heart amidst the majestic nature.

The journey to admire the statue of Maitreya Bodhisattva on Ba Den Mountain is therefore not only a geographical journey but also a profound spiritual experience, opening the door to connect art and faith.

3. Guide to visiting the Maitreya Bodhisattva statue

3.1. How to get to the top of Ba Den Mountain

To reach the Maitreya statue on top of Ba Den Mountain, visitors can choose one of the following two ways:

• Modern cable car: The cable car system operates from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, taking only about 15 minutes to reach the top of the mountain, very convenient for all types of visitors. Ticket prices range from 350,000 to 730,000 VND/adult depending on the service. You can book tickets quickly here.

How to get to the top of Ba Den Mountain by cable car (Image: Collected)

• Climbing the stairs: For those who like challenges and want to enjoy the fresh natural space, they can climb to the top of the mountain, but they need to ensure they have enough health.

=> Reference: Latest Ba Den Mountain cable car ticket price

3.2. The most beautiful check-in points around the Maitreya Bodhisattva statue

The best check-in spot around the Laughing Buddha statue at Cau Uoc Bridge (Image: Collected)

The area around the Maitreya Bodhisattva statue on Ba Den Mountain is designed as a check-in paradise with many beautiful photo spots, providing an unforgettable experience for tourists.

Cau Uoc Bridge in front of the Buddha statue is an ideal place to capture the majestic panoramic view of the giant statue and the vast sky and mountains, creating a magnificent and stunning natural painting.

50 meters long, Cau Uoc Bridge is like a walkway in the clouds, giving you a soaring feeling in the air. With a 360-degree view, from here you can fully admire the vast beauty of the Southeast region. This is the "hot" check-in point that makes many photography lovers fascinated.

Surrounding the statue, artificial waterfalls flow murmuringly and architecture bears a strong spiritual imprint. This romantic space is a great place for you to unleash your creativity with unique photos, both gentle and deeply sacred.

3.3. Ideal time to visit and take photos

The golden time to visit the Maitreya Bodhisattva statue of Ba Den Mountain is from 6 am to 8 am, from 4 pm to 5:30 pm, especially in the evening when all the sparkling lights are turned on combined with a water music show with a Zen style. During the daytime hours, the low-angle sunlight creates a beautiful lighting effect for photography and is not too hot for travel.

Early mornings often have a light fog covering the mountaintop, creating a magical scene like a fairyland. Late afternoons bring a beautiful sunset with the glorious golden light of the setting sun.

During the dry season from November to April, the weather is less rainy and the clear view is the ideal time for sightseeing and photography.

4. Spiritual Experiences at the Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue, Ba Den Mountain

4.1. Praying for Blessings

Praying to Maitreya Bodhisattva for blessings (Image: Collected) 

The area in front of the Buddha statue is where visitors and Buddhists can perform the traditional Buddhist rituals of prayer and supplication for peace and happiness. 

Many people who come here share a feeling of peace and tranquility after performing the ritual, feeling renewed with positive energy and serenity of mind.

4.2. Prayer Ritual and Releasing Wishing Lanterns

One of the most popular spiritual activities is the ritual of releasing wishing lanterns. Visitors can receive free lanterns from the tourist area, write their wishes on them before releasing them into the water in front of the statue.

According to tradition, the wishes written on the lanterns will be blessed by Maitreya Bodhisattva.

5. Water Music Show

Evening water show (Image: Collected) 

The waterfall surrounding the Maitreya Bodhisattva statue is a special highlight with a water, light, and music show held in the evenings. The show lasts about 20 minutes, combining modern technology with traditional Buddhist music.

The water from the waterfall is controlled to the rhythm of the music, creating unique artistic images. Combined with a multi-colored LED lighting system, the show offers a wonderful visual and auditory experience for tourists.

6. Admire the panoramic view from the Wishing Bridge

Wishing Bridge – “floating” in the sky, offering a panoramic view of the plains (Image: Collected) 

The Wishing Bridge - a 50-meter-long bridge in front of the Maitreya Bodhisattva statue - is a must-see when visiting Ba Den Mountain. Standing on the bridge, visitors feel like they are floating in the air with a panoramic view of the entire Southeast region.

From the Wishing Bridge, visitors can admire the Maitreya statue from a completely different angle, feeling the majesty and sacredness of the giant statue.

7. Spiritual tourism experiences at Ba Den Mountain

7.1. Notes on clothing and behavior

Maintain serenity and respect when visiting the spiritual area at Nui Ba Den Mountain (Image: Collected)

When visiting Nui Ba Den Mountain, visitors should choose polite attire, avoiding revealing or excessively short clothing. Choose subdued, elegant colors to show respect for the spiritual space.

Avoid taking selfies in inappropriate poses in front of Buddha statues to show respect.

7.2. Meaningful souvenirs

In the Nui Ba Den Mountain area, visitors can buy many souvenirs with spiritual meaning such as small statues of Maitreya Bodhisattva, Maitreya Buddha medallions, feng shui bracelets, or handicrafts made from local precious wood.

Incense and scented candles are also suitable choices for home worship.

7.3. Combining visits to other tourist attractions in Tay Ninh

A spiritual journey to Nui Ba Den Mountain is not only limited to venerating the statue of Maitreya Bodhisattva or enjoying the serene atmosphere of the sacred mountain, but also opens up many rich experiences when combining visits to nearby attractive destinations. Only about 15km from Nui Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh Holy See – the center of Cao Dai religion – is an ideal stop for those who want to explore a unique and distinctive religion of Vietnam.

Tay Ninh Holy See architecture stands out with its blend of Eastern and Western styles (Image: Collected)

The Tay Ninh Holy See stands out with its harmoniously blended Eastern and Western architectural styles. Every carving, every color, bears a strong imprint of spirituality and profound culture. Upon arrival, visitors can not only admire the magnificent beauty of the structure but also feel the spiritual harmony between people and faith, creating a rare peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.

For history buffs, about 60km away lies the Cu Chi Tunnels – a symbol of the resilience of the Vietnamese people during the anti-American resistance war. The intricate and extensive tunnel system will take you on a journey to deeply understand the perseverance, creativity, and courage of the heroes. This is a place to further appreciate and understand the glorious history of the country.

After these emotional tours, Dau Tieng Lake will be the perfect resting place to relax and recharge. It not only boasts a fresh and green natural landscape but is also famous for its flavorful local specialties, offering visitors an unforgettable culinary experience.

This combined journey of spiritual pilgrimage, cultural discovery, and relaxation is truly a complete experience, helping you not only find inner peace but also broaden your horizons and gain a deeper understanding of the history and people of this place.

The Maitreya Bodhisattva of Ba Den Mountain is not only a majestic spiritual symbol but also an ideal destination to find peace and appreciate the majestic natural beauty. Visit once to experience the sacred atmosphere and preserve memorable moments on your journey to discover Tay Ninh.