1. Overview of Tay Ninh Tourism during Lunar New Year
In recent years, Tay Ninh tourism during Lunar New Year has increasingly become a familiar choice for many families and groups of friends in the Southern region. Not as bustling as major tourist cities, Tay Ninh offers a relaxing feeling with a harmonious blend of spiritual tourism, nature, and local culture. Early in the year, attractions simultaneously organize festivals and vibrant spring decorations, creating an atmosphere that is both sacred and fresh, very suitable for a short spring outing.
Besides the advantage of its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City and the Southeastern provinces, Tay Ninh also scores points for its reasonable travel costs, ease of travel – accommodation – and experience. Visitors can flexibly arrange itineraries from 1–3 days while still exploring many outstanding attractions, suitable for the Tet holiday when time is limited.
1.1. Why is Tay Ninh a popular destination during Tet?
The first reason Tay Ninh becomes a favored destination during Tet is its system of famous spiritual tourist spots, notably Ba Den Mountain and the Cao Dai Holy See. Early in the year, the demand for pilgrimages to pray for peace and luck increases, while these locations offer spacious areas, beautiful scenery, and many traditional festival activities, creating an experience that is both spiritually meaningful and suitable for sightseeing.
Tay Ninh is an ideal destination for a short Lunar New Year trip (Source: Collected)
Besides spiritual aspects, Tay Ninh also boasts many natural destinations suitable for spring travel such as Dau Tieng Lake, Ma Thien Lanh, or suburban ecological tourist areas. After days of Tet family reunions, many families choose to combine visiting pagodas with resting and relaxing amidst the airy space of mountains, forests, and lakes, making the trip a balance between spirituality and leisure.
Another undeniable advantage is the convenient transportation and easy roads, suitable for both self-guided travel by motorbike or personal car, as well as short tours. This makes Tay Ninh Lunar Tet tourism suitable for many groups, from the elderly to families with young children.
1.2. Tay Ninh Weather during Lunar Tet
The Lunar New Year period usually falls when Tay Ninh enters its dry season, with stable weather, little rain, light sunshine, and a quite pleasant atmosphere. The skies are clear during the day, which is favorable for outdoor sightseeing activities such as mountain climbing, taking the cable car, visiting lakes, picnicking, or wandering around ecological tourist areas.
Tay Ninh weather during Lunar New Year is very favorable for outdoor activities (Source: Collected)
In the morning and evening, the temperature is not too high, making it very suitable for traveling between destinations as well as participating in early spring festival activities. This is also an ideal condition for taking photos, sightseeing, and enjoying the fresh spring atmosphere, unlike the crowded and hot conditions at many beach tourist spots or large cities.
Thanks to the favorable weather, the Tay Ninh tourism Lunar New Year itinerary can be more flexible, not interrupted by rain or bad weather, helping tourists easily combine many attractions in one day while ensuring a complete experience.
1.3. Featured types of experiences during the early year journey
One of the attractions of Tay Ninh tourism Lunar New Year is the diversity of experiences within a single trip. Tourists can start their day with pilgrimage activities, visiting spiritual sites, praying for peace and luck for the new year, then continue their journey to explore nature and relax.
Besides spiritual tourism, Tay Ninh is also suitable for those who love ecological and discovery tourism. Mountainous areas, valleys, and lakes offer an ideal space for light trekking, day camping, picnicking, or simply enjoying the peaceful scenery after busy Tet days.
Additionally, local culinary experiences are an indispensable part of the early year journey. Specialties such as banh trang phoi suong, young beef, shrimp salt, or characteristic snacks contribute to the unique impression of the spring trip, allowing tourists to both visit and fully experience the flavors of Tay Ninh in the early new year days.
2. Must-visit destinations when traveling to Tay Ninh during Lunar New Year
The spring journey in Tay Ninh will be more complete when tourists combine visits to spiritual sites, ecological areas, and characteristic natural landscapes of this land. Each destination has its own charm, suitable for various groups of tourists, from families, friends, to the elderly seeking a peaceful space at the beginning of the year.
2.1. Ba Den Mountain
Ba Den Mountain is considered the tourism symbol of Tay Ninh and an important stop on the Tay Ninh tourism Lunar New Year journey. At the beginning of the year, this place attracts a large number of tourists to pilgrimage, pray for peace, health, and luck for the whole year. The bustling festival atmosphere combined with the majestic mountain scenery creates an experience that is both sacred and emotionally rich.
Tourists participate in the lantern offering ceremony at Sun World Black Lady Mountain to pray for peace and happiness (Source: Collected)
Currently, tourists can choose to travel by modern cable car system to reach the mountaintop and spiritual areas, making the journey easy and suitable for both the elderly and young children. On the mountaintop, you can visit spiritual structures, the central square, and admire the panoramic view of Tay Ninh from a height of 986m, which is especially beautiful on clear, lightly sunny early spring days.
2.2. Holy See of Tay Ninh
The Holy See of Tay Ninh is the center of the Cao Dai religion, standing out with its unique architecture blending Asian – European styles, creating a one-of-a-kind religious structure in Vietnam. During Tet, this place often welcomes many groups of visitors to tour, learn about religious culture, and attend New Year's rituals in a solemn and pure atmosphere.
Tay Ninh Holy See is a prominent destination during the early spring (Source: Collected)
When visiting the Holy See, visitors should choose polite attire and maintain a respectful attitude towards the spiritual space. Besides admiring the architecture, you can also learn more about the doctrines and activities of Cao Dai religion, making the trip Tay Ninh Lunar New Year travel not only a spring outing but also a journey to discover the unique local culture.
2.3. Dau Tieng Lake
Dau Tieng Lake is an ideal destination for those who love open spaces and want to find some peace after the crowded Tet holidays. With its vast lake surface, fresh natural scenery, and open views, this place is very suitable for light picnics, photography, and relaxation.
In the early year, many families and groups of friends choose to visit Dau Tieng Lake for day picnics, enjoying the cool atmosphere and the slow pace of life. This is also a perfect balance point for the Tay Ninh Lunar New Year travel itinerary, helping the trip not only revolve around spiritual sightseeing but also allow time for rest and rejuvenation.
2.4. Ma Thien Lanh
Ma Thien Lanh is compared to a 'miniature Da Lat' of Tay Ninh thanks to its cool climate, lush green mountains, and wild scenery. This area is suitable for nature lovers who want to experience light trekking, explore streams, valleys, and forest paths in the pleasant early spring air.
Green natural space at Ma Thien Lanh attracts many visitors at the beginning of the year (Source: Collected)
During Tet, Ma Thien Lanh still retains its tranquility, not too crowded like spiritual sites, making it very suitable for young groups or tourists seeking a private space to relax. Combining Ma Thien Lanh in the Tay Ninh Lunar New Year travel itinerary will offer a more diverse experience, ranging from spiritual to exploration and relaxation.
2.5. Lo Go – Xa Mat National Park
Lo Go – Xa Mat National Park is an important nature reserve of Tay Ninh with a rich ecosystem, many rare flora and fauna species, and characteristic forest landscapes of the border region. This is a suitable destination for tourists who love ecotourism and wish to learn about nature in the early days of the year.
When visiting the national park, visitors can experience forest trails, observe birds and wildlife, and learn about the local ecosystem. Combining this destination in the Tay Ninh Lunar New Year travel itinerary adds depth to the trip, making it not just a spring tour but also a journey connecting with nature and the sustainable values of the Tay Ninh region.
3. Festivals and Special Activities During Tay Ninh Lunar New Year Travel
3.1. Spring Festival at Sun World Ba Den Mountain Tourist Area
At the beginning of the year, the Ba Den Mountain tourist area becomes the province's largest festival center, attracting numerous tourists and Buddhists for pilgrimage, sightseeing, and participating in traditional rituals. This is an important highlight in the Tay Ninh Lunar New Year travel itinerary, as spiritual, cultural, and artistic activities are continuously organized throughout January.
3.1.1. Vía Ceremony of Buddha Maitreya (1st day of the first lunar month)
According to Buddhist scriptures, Bodhisattva Maitreya is the Buddha who will appear in the future, continuing the path of enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha to teach sentient beings. In folk belief, Buddha Maitreya is often depicted with a benevolent physique and a gentle smile, symbolizing joy, peace, and prosperity.
Statue of Bodhisattva Maitreya at Sun World Ba Den Mountain (Source: Collected)
The Vía ceremony of Buddha Maitreya is held on the first day of the first lunar month – the moment of the new year's beginning, when people express wishes for peace, luck, and happiness. At the summit of Ba Den Mountain, the Vía ceremony is often associated with the New Year's Eve ritual, creating a sacred and solemn atmosphere. Visitors can participate in offering incense, chanting mantras, and praying before the Buddha statue, with the belief that a joyful and virtuous mindset will bring a prosperous and joyful new year.
3.1.2. Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival (from the 4th to the 16th day of the first lunar month)
The Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival is a major traditional festival, associated with the worship of Linh Son Thanh Mau – a figure honored by the people from the legend of Ly Thi Thien Huong, who maintained her virtue and sacrificed herself for loyalty. Admiring that virtue, the people of Tay Ninh organize the Spring Festival annually to commemorate and express their reverence.
Artistic activities during the Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival impress many visitors (Source: Collected)
During the festival, the spring travel atmosphere at Ba Den Mountain becomes extremely bustling with pilgrimage activities, worship, sightseeing of mountains and forests, and enjoying cultural and artistic programs. The opening ceremony is usually held on the evening of the 4th day of Tet with many special performances, contributing to a vibrant highlight for the early year festival season. This is also the peak time in the journey of Tây Ninh Lunar New Year travel , when the number of visitors to Ba Den Mountain increases sharply.
3.1.3. Kim Quang Cave Traditional Festival (14th day of the first lunar month)
Unlike the purely spiritual atmosphere of other festivals, the Kim Quang Cave traditional festival carries strong historical and revolutionary significance. Kim Quang Cave was once an important base for the Tây Ninh revolutionary forces during the resistance war against America, thanks to its strategic location and terrain favorable for concealing forces.
The festival is held annually to commemorate heroes and martyrs and recall the resilient struggle tradition of the local army and people. The ceremony part is solemn with a traditional speech, a statement from youth representatives, and a incense offering ritual at the memorial. The festival part creates a community space, helping visitors better understand the historical depth of the Ba Den Mountain region, thereby enriching their experience in the Tây Ninh Lunar New Year travel journey.
3.2. Cultural – Religious Activities at Cao Dai Holy See
During the Tây Ninh Lunar New Year travel journey, the Tây Ninh Holy See is a destination with special significance in terms of belief and culture. At the beginning of the year, this place welcomes a large number of followers and tourists to attend peace-praying ceremonies, learn about doctrines, and admire the most unique religious architectural space in the South.
3.2.1. New Year Peace-Praying Ceremony at the Holy See
The New Year ceremonies are solemnly organized according to the rituals of the Cao Dai religion, taking place at fixed times during the day. Followers and tourists can attend to pray for peace, health, and smooth sailing for their families in the new year. The atmosphere inside the holy chamber always maintains tranquility and solemnity, creating a sense of peace and serenity for attendees.
Peace-praying rituals take place solemnly at the Cao Dai Holy See (Source: Collection)
Participating in these rituals not only carries spiritual significance but also helps visitors understand more about the local community's religious life, thereby deepening the spring travel experience in Tay Ninh.
3.2.2. Visiting the architecture and learning about Cao Dai culture
Besides religious activities, the Tay Ninh Holy See also attracts visitors with its splendid architecture, harmoniously combining many Eastern and Western religious and cultural schools. During Tet, the holy land's grounds are solemnly decorated, creating an impressive space for sightseeing and photography.
Visitors can combine sightseeing with listening to introductions about the history of Cao Dai, religious symbols, and the followers' way of life. This is a highly educational and cultural experience, helping the journey of Tet Lunar New Year tourism in Tay Ninh not only be a sightseeing trip but also an opportunity to explore the spiritual identity of this land.
3.3. Spring festival programs and local community events
Besides large-scale festivals at Ba Den Mountain and the Cao Dai Holy See, many areas in Tay Ninh city and surrounding districts also organize spring festival programs, Tet fairs, and community activities, contributing to a vibrant Tet atmosphere throughout the province during the Tet Lunar New Year tourism in Tay Ninh period.
3.3.1. Spring fairs and Tet culinary spaces
In the early days of the year, spring fairs are often held in the city center or crowded residential areas, selling local specialties, handicrafts, and traditional Tet dishes. This is an ideal destination for visitors to enjoy street food, buy souvenirs, and feel the close Tet rhythm of the people of Tay Ninh.
Visitors admire the brilliant fireworks display at the early year Spring Fair (Source: Collected)
The atmosphere at fairgrounds is usually very lively yet friendly, suitable for families with young children or groups of friends who want to experience Tet in an everyday, rustic way.
3.3.2. Cultural and folk game activities for visitors
Many localities also organize spring celebration cultural performances, sports competitions, and folk games to serve residents and visitors throughout the Tet holiday. Musical performances, lion dances, and traditional art shows contribute to preserving cultural identity and creating a joyful, community-bonding atmosphere.
Participating in these activities helps visitors gain more experiences beyond familiar attractions, while also more clearly feeling the hospitable spirit and rich cultural life of the local people during their Tay Ninh Lunar Tet travel journey.
4. Suggested 2-day 1-night Tay Ninh Lunar Tet travel itinerary
With a short timeframe after family gatherings, a 2-day 1-night itinerary is an ideal choice for both spring travel, early year pilgrimages, and relaxing in nature without being too rushed. This itinerary is suitable for families, groups of friends, or couples who want a change of scenery at the beginning of the year while ensuring convenient travel and reasonable costs.
- Day 1: Travel Ho Chi Minh City – Tay Ninh, attend Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival, explore Sun World Ba Den Mountain, stroll through Tay Ninh night market
In the morning, visitors depart from Ho Chi Minh City to Tay Ninh by private car or bus, with a travel time of about 2.5–3 hours. It is advisable to leave early to avoid Tet traffic jams and have more time for sightseeing during the day. The first stop is the Sun World Ba Den Mountain tourist area, where the Nui Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival activities take place on the 4th day of Tet with a bustling festive atmosphere, many cultural programs, and early year spiritual activities attracting a large number of visitors.
Tourists flock to Black Lady Mountain (Nui Ba Den) to pray for peace during the Black Lady Mountain Spring Festival (Hoi xuan Nui Ba) (Source: Collected)
After sightseeing, pilgrimage, and participating in festival activities, at noon, you can have a buffet at Van Son restaurant right in the tourist area. This is a convenient choice that saves travel time, while also providing a comfortable resting space in the middle of the tour. The buffet menu is diverse, suitable for both families and large groups.
In the afternoon, continue exploring the prominent spiritual sites at Sun World Ba Den Mountain such as temple clusters, Buddha statues, and the central square. The spacious area, airy landscape, and panoramic views from above help tourists enjoy the scenery and the fresh spring atmosphere. This is also an ideal time for check-in photos and relaxation after a morning of continuous movement.
Majestic spiritual complex at Sun World Ba Den Mountain (Source: Collection)
In the evening, after checking in and resting briefly, visitors can visit Tay Ninh night market to stroll and enjoy local cuisine. The bustling night market offers many characteristic snacks such as mixed rice paper, grilled rice paper, shrimp salt, along with small shopping stalls, which is very suitable for ending the first day of the Tay Ninh Lunar New Year travel itinerary in a gentle and pleasant way.
- Day 2: Visit Dau Tieng Lake – Return to Ho Chi Minh City
On the morning of the second day, visitors can depart early for Dau Tieng Lake to enjoy the peaceful and airy space. This is one of the largest artificial lakes in Vietnam, possessing an open landscape, suitable for walking, taking photos, light picnics, or simply sitting and relaxing, enjoying the fresh air at the beginning of the year.
The lakeside area has many beautiful viewpoints, especially in the morning when the sun is still gentle and the water surface is calm. If traveling in a group, you can prepare light food for a breakfast or picnic coffee, creating a closer experience with nature before ending the trip.
By noon, visitors return to Tay Ninh center for a meal and depart for Ho Chi Minh City. With a concise, not too packed itinerary, the 2-day 1-night trip allows you to have time for spring travel without being tired, which is very suitable for a short New Year holiday in the Tay Ninh Lunar New Year travel itinerary.
With a harmonious combination of spiritual tourism, nature exploration, and local cultural experiences, Tay Ninh Lunar New Year travel offers a complete spring travel journey, suitable for many types of tourists, from families, groups of friends to the elderly. Not too far from major centers, reasonable cost, and flexible itinerary are also advantages that make Tay Ninh an ideal destination for the New Year holiday.
