1. General introduction to the attractions at Ba Den Mountain
1.1. Location and special value of Ba Den Mountain
Located in Tay Ninh city, about 100 km from Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Den Mountain, with a height of 986 meters above sea level, is likened to the 'roof of the South'. This landmark is not only a national relic but also a spiritual cultural symbol of Tay Ninh. In the consciousness of the people, Ba Den Mountain is associated with the legend of Lady Ly Thi Thien Huong, a beautiful girl who gave up her love to choose the path of renunciation. The remaining historical traces from the resistance periods against the French and Americans further enhance the significance of this mountain.
1.2. Why visit Ba Den Mountain in 2025
In 2025, Ba Den Mountain continues to affirm its position as a destination attracting a large number of tourists. With a modern cable car system, it only takes you about 15 minutes to reach the summit, instead of having to hike for many hours. The 'Huong Sac Tay Ninh 2025' event promises to bring a vibrant and diverse folk art space. The attractions at Ba Den Mountain have been meticulously invested in, making this place a prominent spiritual tourist complex on the Vietnamese tourism map.
Ba Den Mountain tourist area is the largest spiritual complex in Tay Ninh. (Source: Collected)
2. Guide to traveling to Ba Den Mountain
2.1. Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and neighboring provinces
The distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Ba Den Mountain is about 100 km, taking 2 to 3 hours by private car or motorbike via National Highway 22. Alternatively, you can choose a bus departing from Mien Tay bus station with ticket prices ranging from 80,000 to 120,000 VND per trip. If starting from Hanoi, the reasonable option is to fly to Tan Son Nhat airport and then continue traveling by road or book a 2 to 3-day package tour. Visitors from Dong Nai, Binh Duong, and Long An can opt for a private motorbike, which is both convenient and cost-effective.
2.2. Traveling from Tay Ninh center to attractions at Ba Den Mountain
From the center of Tay Ninh city to the foot of Ba Den Mountain is only about 15 km, taking about 20 minutes by motorbike or taxi. At the foot of the mountain, a modern cable car system with 30 cabins, each accommodating 8 people, allows you to easily reach various stops. The first cable car station stops at an altitude of 350 meters near the Ba Pagoda area, while the next station takes you directly to the mountain peak at an altitude of 986 meters. Round-trip cable car ticket prices range from 220,000 to 350,000 VND depending on the route you choose.
3. Details of attractions at Ba Den Mountain
3.1. Tay Bo Da Son Lady Buddha Statue
Located on the peak of Ba Den Mountain, the 72-meter-tall Tay Bo Da Son Lady Buddha Statue stands out amidst the mountainous landscape. The structure is crafted from solid white granite, becoming a significant highlight among the attractions at Ba Den Mountain . The Lady Buddha sits on a 36-tiered lotus pedestal, symbolizing the 36 heavens in Buddhist teachings, creating a majestic presence between heaven and earth. Visitors can come here to worship, take souvenir photos, and enjoy the vast expanse of the Southern Vietnam plains stretching out below the mountain.
Statue of Lady Buddha Tay Bo Da Son is built on the summit of Ba Den mountain. (Source: Collection)
3.2. The Ba Pagoda Complex and Ancient Shrine on Ba Den Mountain
At an altitude of 350 meters, Ba Pagoda (Linh Son Tien Thach Tu) preserves over 200 years of history. The structure bears the hallmarks of traditional Vietnamese architecture with its yin-yang tiled roof and graceful lines. Inside the pagoda, it is dedicated to Ba Linh Son Thanh Mau, a deity revered by locals for blessings of peace and luck. The pagoda's serene atmosphere, with the scent of incense and the sound of bells, creates a sacred and peaceful ambiance.
Additionally, hidden deep within a rock cave on the mountainside, Hang Pagoda impresses with its architecture integrated into nature. The space here is both sacred and mystical, with soft light filtering through the rock crevices, creating moments of tranquility. Many Buddhists visit Hang Pagoda to meditate and pray in a peaceful atmosphere, completely detached from the outside world.
Ba Den Mountain gathers many ancient temples. (Source: Collected)
3.3. Statue of Bodhisattva Maitreya
Located near the summit at an altitude of 900 meters, the sandstone statue of Bodhisattva Maitreya attracts attention with its benevolent smiling face. The statue is 20 meters high, representing compassion and gentleness. From this position, you can gaze out at the vast Song Tien plain, feeling the peace amidst nature. The space around the statue is arranged with stone steps and comfortable resting places, suitable for prayer and relaxation.
Statue of Bodhisattva Maitreya with a gentle smile at Ba Den Mountain. (Source: Collected)
3.4. Buddhist Exhibition Center
The Buddhist Exhibition Center on Ba Den Mountain displays over 100 precious artifacts, reflecting the history of Buddhism in Vietnam. The exhibition space is modernly designed, equipped with a vibrant lighting and sound system, helping visitors easily explore Buddhist schools, as well as the development of Buddhism through many periods. Especially, the area displaying ancient Buddha statues and precious scriptures attracts the interest of those who love spiritual culture.
3D mapping performance inside the exhibition. (Source: Collected)
3.5. Sky Gate (Cong troi)
The Sky Gate (Cong troi) at Ba Den Mountain (Nui Ba Den) is built in an East Asian architectural style, standing out with its soft curves and exquisite dragon and phoenix motifs. This is a favorite photo spot for many young people, with a backdrop of clouds and sky creating a feeling of standing in a fairyland. On sunny days, one can see the Cambodian border and Ba Ra Mountain (Nui Ba Ra) in the distance from here. This area also features a glass bridge, a carousel, and restaurants to serve visitors' needs for rest and culinary enjoyment.
3.6. Reclining Buddha Shakyamuni (Phat Thich Ca Mau Ni Thiet Ban)
The 20-meter-long Reclining Buddha Shakyamuni (Phat Thich Ca Mau Ni Thiet Ban) statue is depicted in its final resting posture, symbolizing the Buddha's entry into Nirvana. The statue is made of granite, skillfully carved with soft lines and a serene face. This is one of the attractions at Ba Den Mountain (Nui Ba Den) with profound spiritual significance, chosen by many Buddhists as a place for worship and chanting. Surrounding the statue is a meditation space with crystal-clear water, green trees, creating a pure atmosphere, ideal for contemplation.
Reclining Buddha Statue at Ba Den Mountain. (Source: Collection)
4. Festivals at Ba Den Mountain
4.1. Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival
When spring arrives, the Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival becomes a major spiritual and cultural event from the 4th to the 16th day of the first lunar month. All paths leading up the mountain are covered in spring flowers, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can immerse themselves in traditional activities such as Hat Van (spiritual singing), lion dances, and folk art performances from the Southwest region. The highlight of the festival is the lantern floating ceremony on the full moon night of the first lunar month, creating a shimmering and magical scene amidst the mountains.
Xuan festival on Ba Den mountain with many cultural and artistic activities. (Source: Collection)
4.2. Ba Linh Son Thanh Mau Veneration Ceremony
From the 4th to the 6th day of the 5th lunar month, the Ba Linh Son Thanh Mau Veneration Ceremony attracts a large number of visitors from all directions for pilgrimage. The ceremony to worship Ba is solemnly organized with the ritual of carrying palanquins from the foot of the mountain to Ba Pagoda, accompanied by the resounding sounds of drums and gongs throughout the region. On the main festival days, visitors can also watch performances of hau dong, mua bong roi, and many traditional folk games. The atmosphere of the festival is both solemn and vibrant, bringing an unforgettable spiritual cultural experience to everyone.
The Bà Veneration Ceremony attracts a large number of tourists and pilgrims. (Source: Collected)
4.3. Festival of Maitreya Buddha
The Maitreya Buddha Veneration Ceremony at Bà Đen Mountain takes place on the 1st day of Tết, marking the beginning of a new year of peace and joy. According to Buddhist teachings, Maitreya is the Buddha of the future, carrying messages of joy, compassion, and prosperity. On the festival day, pilgrims ascend the mountain to pray for good luck, health, and peace, and receive positive energy from the sacred space. Incense smoke, temple bells, and streams of worshippers create a fulfilling start to the year's spiritual journey.
4.4. Festival of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva's Birth
The Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva Birth Veneration Ceremony is held on the 19th day of the 2nd lunar month, one of the three most important festivals for Avalokiteśvara in Vietnamese Buddhism. At Bà Đen Mountain, rituals of incense offering, sutra chanting, and releasing captive animals are performed solemnly, reminding attendees of Her boundless compassion. Visitors come here not only to pray for peace and health but also to find tranquility and serenity amidst the mystical and pure mountainous landscape of Tây Ninh.
4.5. Buddha's Birthday Festival
The Buddha's Birthday Festival on the 15th day of the 4th lunar month is a major Buddhist event, commemorating the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha. At Bà Đen Mountain, the festival is vibrant yet solemn, with rituals such as bathing the Buddha, Dharma talks, prayers for national peace and prosperity, and many charitable activities. Many Buddhists and pilgrims from all directions come to this sacred mountain to pay homage, listen to the sutras echoing in the mountain wind, and feel the peace spreading with every pilgrim's step.
4.6. Festival of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva's Enlightenment
The 19th day of the 6th lunar month is the Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva Enlightenment Veneration Ceremony, a time to commemorate Her milestone of enlightenment. At Bà Đen Mountain, the ceremony takes place in a tranquil atmosphere, where the sounds of wooden fish (mõ) and bells blend with the breath of the mountains and forests. Pilgrims come here to pray for wisdom and clarity, and the ability to overcome life's challenges. The sacred and pure atmosphere makes everyone feel as if they are recharged with energy to cultivate goodness and inner balance.
4.7. Vu Lan Festival of Filial Piety
The Vu Lan Festival of Filial Piety, held on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, is a season of gratitude towards parents and ancestors. Bà Đen Mountain is a sacred destination during the Vu Lan season, where thousands of Buddhists participate in the rose-pinning ceremony, chant sutras for the departed, and offer tributes of filial piety. Amidst incense smoke and chanting, feelings of love and gratitude are strongly evoked. The sacred mountain atmosphere helps everyone pause, to cherish family bonds more deeply and turn towards their roots with sincere hearts.
5. Tips and Secrets for Exploring Attractions at Bà Đen Mountain
To make your pilgrimage more complete, you should prepare non-slip sports shoes, a light jacket for the cool weather at the summit, and a sun hat. Ideal times for photography are from 6 AM to 8 AM when the sunlight is gentle, and from 4 PM to 6 PM to capture the beautiful sunset. Attractions at Bà Đen Mountain, such as the Sky Gate or the area of the Goddess Buddha statue, are always excellent choices for vibrant photos.
When visiting sacred spaces, maintain a solemn attitude, limit loud talking or excessive laughter. It is advisable to bring a personal trash bag to protect the environment, and refrain from writing or drawing on architectural structures. During the festival season, you should go early to avoid long waits at attractions. Booking cable car tickets online saves time, while choosing a package tour that includes a cable car ticket, lunch buffet, and a guide will make the journey more convenient and offer more experiences.
Bà Đen Mountain in 2025 is not only a sacred spiritual destination but also a convergence of culture and wonderful nature of the Southeast region. Attractions at Bà Đen Mountain, from the Tây Bổ Đà Sơn Goddess Buddha statue to the Sky Gate, all offer unique and meaningful experiences. Plan your pilgrimage to the "roof of the South" to fully experience its spiritual beauty and majestic scenery!
