1. Introduction to the Tay Ninh trekking journey
Trekking Tay Ninh is always a journey that evokes many emotions for those who love to travel. Located just over 100 km from Ho Chi Minh City, this land nestled between mountains and lakes brings a sense of spaciousness right from the first roads. As you drive along the straight highway, on both sides are vast fields and rows of lush green rubber trees, the space gradually opens up, allowing you to clearly feel the breath of the Southeast region.
Tay Ninh's landscapes captivate the soul.
The combination of vast nature and distinctive spiritual culture makes exploring Tay Ninh a familiar choice for those who love freedom. Mountains, lakes, and forests intertwine, creating a natural picture that is both rustic and full of vitality. Along the way, you can proactively stop to enjoy the gentle breeze in the fields, capture everyday moments on village roads, or simply rest for a moment before continuing the journey.
Besides the scenery, exploring Tay Ninh is also attractive for its cultural depth. Destinations like the Sun World Ba Den Mountain complex or the Tay Ninh Holy See offer many perspectives on local spiritual life. The way locals blend simplicity in daily life with the solemnity of religion creates a unique space that adventure lovers can hardly find elsewhere.
Those who prefer flexibility often choose to explore Tay Ninh because the journey is not bound by a fixed itinerary. You can conquer the mountain in the morning, rest by the lake in the afternoon, or find a small roadside eatery to enjoy local cuisine. Each stop allows you to feel the land at your own pace, slowly but inspiringly.
2. Tay Ninh Exploration Routes
Route 1: Ho Chi Minh City – National Highway 22A – Trang Bang – Provincial Road 782 – Tay Ninh
This route is suitable for those who want to experience the characteristic scenery of the Trang Bang area and the peaceful countryside before entering Tay Ninh center. From Ho Chi Minh City, head towards National Highway 22A; the road surface is flat and open, allowing you to easily maintain a stable speed. Upon reaching Trang Bang, the space opens up with rows of houses peeking out from behind trees, creating a relaxing feeling before turning onto Provincial Road 782 to reach Tay Ninh center. The route has many beautiful straight sections, suitable for stopping to rest and capture rustic scenes of the Southern countryside.
Route 2: Ho Chi Minh City – National Highway 22A – Go Dau – National Highway 22B – Tay Ninh
If you want to admire the vast rubber plantations or open fields, many people choose the route via Go Dau. After departing from Ho Chi Minh City via National Highway 22A, continue to Go Dau and then turn onto National Highway 22B. This route offers a quieter feel, suitable for a leisurely journey, enjoying the countryside breeze and clear sky. Many travelers rate route 22B as quite pleasant thanks to the wide road surface and few heavy trucks, making motorcycle travel easier.
Route 3: Traveling by bus from Mien Dong Bus Station or An Suong
For those who want to save energy or limit long-distance travel by motorcycle, choosing a bus from Mien Dong Bus Station or An Suong is a suitable option. Buses run continuously throughout the day, taking you to Tay Ninh center within a stable timeframe. Upon arrival, you can rent a motorbike to continue exploring each destination flexibly. This mode of travel is particularly useful for groups of friends or travelers who want to dedicate more energy to trekking, mountain climbing, or exploring local culture.
Pack thoroughly to ensure a safe trekking trip. (Source: Collected)
3. Experiencing nature and culture on a trekking journey
3.1. Trekking and mountain climbing in Tay Ninh
Among outdoor activities, trekking is the most anticipated experience for many trekkers when visiting Tay Ninh. Ba Den Mountain is a familiar destination to conquer thanks to its prominent height, diverse climbing routes, and natural scenery that changes with altitude. When following the mountainside, climbers can clearly feel the breath of the forest, the sound of wind whistling through the cliffs, and the cool green patches of trees, creating an interesting contrast with the bustling atmosphere at the foot of the mountain.
Besides, Ma Thien Lanh valley offers another challenge, gentler but inspiring. The wild space with wide rocky areas, clear small streams, and morning mist creates a feeling of stepping into a private realm. This is an ideal place for you to trek and enjoy the rustic beauty of nature, while capturing impressive photos with the surrounding mountains.
3.2. Exploring unique culture and religion
During a trekking journey in Tay Ninh, the cultural space is always the part that makes visitors want to linger. Sun World Ba Den Mountain complex blends spirituality with sightseeing experiences, helping you find peace and gain new perspectives on the religious life of the Southern region. From the square to the worship areas, each section creates a solemn atmosphere amidst the open nature.
Next, the Tay Ninh Holy See is an unmissable stop for those who want to learn about Cao Dai culture. The structure, with its distinctive architecture and exquisite layout, offers a unique visual experience, allowing you to feel the depth of the largest indigenous religion in Vietnam. Along the pathways, decorative details with symbolic meanings create a clear distinction compared to many other religious structures in the Southern region.
Additionally, Binh Thanh Ancient Tower is a relic that records ancient architectural imprints, lying silently amidst the modern living context. The simplicity in design along with the ancient walls evokes a nostalgic feeling, suitable for tourists who love destinations with a touch of time.
3.3. Camping and picnic activities by the lake
Dau Tieng Lake is an ideal place to stop and rest after a journey of exploring nature. The calm water surface, wide grassy areas, and distant trees create a gentle feeling as soon as you set foot on the lake shore. Many groups of friends often choose this place for picnics or camping, enjoying the sparkling sunlight on the water and the cool breeze blowing from the lake. For visitors who prefer tranquility, this is a place where you can easily find a private corner to relax after a day of activity.
Lo Go – Xa Mat National Park offers a completely different experience, blending with the primeval forest nature. The vast area with a diverse ecosystem allows you to cycle through the forest or walk along small paths under the canopy. The feeling of breathing fresh air, hearing birds calling each other in the quiet space is a worthy reward for those who want to temporarily escape the city.
4. Special cuisine for trekkers
4.1. Tay Ninh Beef Salad (Goi Bo Bop Thau)
Goi Bo Bop Thau is a dish associated with a mild and fresh flavor. The combination of thinly sliced beef, herbs, and the refreshing sourness of lime creates a harmonious whole, suitable for breaks after long journeys. When enjoying it, you can clearly feel the tenderness of the meat and the characteristic aroma of garden herbs, carrying the familiar rustic charm of the Southern region. This dish helps many trekkers recharge their energy before continuing their journey to explore Tay Ninh.
4.2. Tay Ninh Young Beef
Tay Ninh young beef is always mentioned as an indispensable part of the culinary journey for visitors. The young beef is raised naturally, so it retains its tenderness and mild aroma. Not only nutritious, young beef is also suitable for processing into many different dishes.
Among them, the sweet and sour young beef hot pot impresses with its mild, easy-to-eat broth, suitable for many groups of customers. Besides, grilled young beef has its own charm by retaining the natural sweetness of the meat. On the dining table, each piece of beef with a light smoky aroma combined with wild vegetables makes the experience more complete, especially after hours of trekking or exploring the mountains and forests.
4.3. Oc Xu Nu Ba Snails
Oc Xu Nu Ba snails are a specialty of Tay Ninh, often sought out by many tourists when they visit Ba Den Mountain. These snails live in rock caves and only appear during the rainy season, creating curiosity for those who love unique flavors. Because they eat herbs growing on the mountainside, the snail meat has a natural aroma and a characteristic crispness.
Reference price is about 270.000 đồng/kg, suitable for groups of friends who want to experience a local specialty. With common preparation methods such as steaming or light stir-frying, the dish retains its original flavor, creating a memorable experience during the Tay Ninh trekking journey.
4.3. Ba Den Mountain Lizards
Ba Den Mountain lizards are a dish for tourists who like to explore unusual flavors. This is a specialty often found in drinking sessions, as the meat is fragrant and easily combined with many spices. Some popular preparation methods include stir-frying with pepper served with rice paper, deep-frying served with herbs, or dipping in tamarind fish sauce.
Each preparation method highlights the characteristic taste of the meat, both novel and interesting, suitable for trekking groups looking for new experiences. During the Tay Ninh trekking journey, this dish is often mentioned as a culinary highlight for those who enjoy flavor challenges.
5. Suggested flexible Tay Ninh trekking itinerary
5.1. One-day trekking itinerary
Morning:
Depart from Ho Chi Minh City along National Highway 22A to Ba Den Mountain, starting the Tay Ninh trekking journey. Riding a motorbike through rice fields, rubber tree rows, or peaceful villages will bring visitors a comfortable, enjoyable feeling, as if all fatigue disappears.
Upon arriving at Ba Den Mountain, visitors can choose to conquer the summit of Ba Den Mountain via the modern cable car system or challenge themselves with the trekking route up Ba Den Mountain. Ba Den Mountain also offers visitors a unique cloud-hunting experience.
Noon
Experience lunch at the Van Son Buffet restaurant on the summit of Ba Den Mountain. The restaurant serves over 80 famous delicacies from all regions, with a diverse menu from Asian to European, ready to satisfy the tastes of all visitors.
Afternoon
Visitors ride their motorbikes for about 30 minutes from Ba Den Mountain to Dau Tieng Lake. This is a popular picnic and check-in spot eagerly sought after when visiting Tay Ninh. Visitors can camp by the lake, breathe in the fresh air, enjoy the cool climate by the lake, and watch the romantic sunset descend behind the Ba Den Mountain range.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City
The sparkling and magical beauty of Ba Den mountain.
5.2. 2-day 1-night itinerary
Day 1: Exploring Ba Den Mountain
Depart early from Ho Chi Minh City by motorbike along National Highway 22A, gliding past rice fields and lush rubber plantations, kicking off an exciting Tay Ninh motorbike trip.
Upon arriving at Ba Den Mountain, visitors can choose to take the cable car to admire the panoramic view of the Southern region from above or trek to conquer the mountain peak, hunt for clouds, and feel the fresh air of the "roof of the South".
As the afternoon descends, visitors take the cable car down to worship at the Ba Den Mountain pagoda complex.
Return to Tay Ninh city center to rest, stroll through the night market, enjoy grilled young beef, sun-dried rice paper, and coffee in the small streets.
Day 2: Trekking Ma Thien Lanh – Picnic at Dau Tieng Lake
In the morning, ride motorbikes to the Ma Thien Lanh valley, trekking through the forest, listening to the babbling stream and breathing in the fresh air.
Continue to Dau Tieng Lake, set up tents, have a picnic, and watch the sunset reflected on the tranquil water.
Before returning, don't forget to stop by Trang Bang to buy sun-dried rice paper as souvenirs, concluding the complete 2-day 1-night Tay Ninh motorbike trip, offering both nature and cuisine, filled with the freedom of experience on every road.
6. Important tips and notes for your Tay Ninh motorbike trip
Start early to visit more places in a day.
Check your motorbike thoroughly before departing, ensure the fuel tank is full and the brakes are working well.
Maintain cleanliness, do not litter at tourist attractions or rest stops.
Dress modestly when visiting pagodas or the Holy See to show respect.
Bring a light jacket, water, and a power bank for convenience throughout the journey.
Motorbiking in Tay Ninh always brings a sense of freedom and inspiration to those who love adventure. From natural landscapes to unique cultural spaces, each stop has its own charm. If you are looking for a journey that is both gentle and powerful, a Tay Ninh motorbike trip will be an ideal choice to start your next adventure.
