Ba Den Mountain Festival 2025: Activities, Dates, and Highlights

Experience the spiritual heart of Vietnam at the annual Ba Den Mountain Festival, where ancient traditions meet modern festivities. Celebrated annually as the "Black Virgin Mountain Festival" this festival offers cultural, spiritual, and leisure activities attracting thousands of guests annually.

Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh province is revered in Vietnamese society for representing faith, history, and natural beauty.

This page offers a thorough guide to enable you to organize your trip to the Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival 2025 thereby guaranteeing an unforgettable and enriching experience.

 

Significance and History of Ba Den Mountain

Ba Den Mountain, often referred to as Black Virgin Mountain, is more than just a natural landmark in Tay Ninh province. Rising to a height of 986 meters, it is the tallest mountain in Southern Vietnam and has been a spiritual sanctuary for centuries.

This majestic peak is closely tied to Vietnamese culture and folk beliefs, particularly through the legend of Linh Son Holy Mother.

According to local lore, Linh Son Holy Mother was a young woman known for her piety and devotion. Her life story, marked by trials of love and sacrifice, has inspired countless generations.

Linh Son Holy Mother's statue

Today, her spirit is believed to reside on the mountain, and the Ba Den Mountain Festival serves as a grand tribute to her legacy. Pilgrims from across Vietnam ascend the mountain to offer prayers, seeking blessings, guidance, and spiritual peace.

This sacred site also holds historical significance, as it served as a strategic point during Vietnam’s resistance wars.

The fusion of spiritual and historical elements makes Ba Den Mountain a symbol of endurance and faith, attracting visitors who wish to connect with the cultural roots of the region.

The origins of the Ba Den Mountain celebration date back several centuries. Initially a small gathering of local villagers honoring Linh Son Holy Mother, the festival has grown into one of the largest spring events in Southern Vietnam.

Each year, the mountain comes alive with the sound of prayers, the vibrant colors of ceremonial offerings, and the warmth of community spirit.

The festival is deeply rooted in the customs of Vietnamese folk beliefs, blending Buddhist traditions with local culture. Over time, the event has expanded to include not only religious rituals but also cultural performances, craft markets, and food fairs.

Read more: All Things You Need to Know About Vesak Day in Vietnam

 

Ba Den Mountain Festival dates and highlights

Best time to visit Ba Den Mountain Festival

Complementing the Lunar New Year festivities, the Ba Den Mountain Festival 2025 is scheduled for January 29 to February 27.

This time adds even more asmotphere celebration since guests may enjoy the cultural diversity of the New Year in Vietnam together with the vivid spring season. With cold mornings and bright afternoons, the nice temperature at this season makes it perfect to appreciate Ba Den Mountain.

Buddha statue in Ba Den mountain

 

Must see activities

1. Religious ceremonies

The religious ceremonies honoring Linh Son Holy Mother form the center of the Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival. These events comprise the great procession of Linh Son Holy Mother's statue, chanting sessions guided by Buddhist monks and nuns, and serious incense offerings.

Seeing devotees climbing the mountain with offerings while wearing traditional Vietnamese clothing generates a really touching and spiritual experience.

2. Cultural performances

The event honors Southern Vietnam culture in addition to being a spiritual gathering. Theater acts, folk dances, classic music, lion dance performances bring Tay Ninh to life. Local musicians displaying centuries-old customs.

3. Local delicacies

From the well-known bánh tráng phơi sương (dew-dried rice paper) to freshly made vegetarian cuisine serving pilgrims, the celebration presents a sensory feast. Around the base of the mountain, food booths provide a range of traditional cuisine reflecting the tastes of Southern Vietnam.

4. Markets and Handcrafts

An energetic and vivid feature of the Ba Den Mountain festival are the festival markets. Stalls offering handcrafted goods, traditional mementos, and regional products let visitors peruse.

For those wishing to bring a bit of the celebration home, these marketplaces feature a wealth of treasures ranging from well made jewelry to deftly weaved baskets.

You can read more about Ba Den Mountain at link https://vietnambudgetcarrental.com/where-is-the-ba-den-mountain-the-roof-of-the-southern-ho-chi-minh.html

Gate of Ba Den mountain

 

Planning your trip

1. How to get from Ho Chi Minh to Ba Den mountain?

About 100 kilometers from the mountain, Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City is the closest big airport for visitors arriving.

From the HCM airport, you could rent a car with driver from Vietnam Budget Car Rental, ride a bus or taxi Ho Chi Minh to Ba Den mountain, Tay Ninh.

 You can see more at our Cu Chi Tunnels - Cao Dai Temple - Black Virgin Mountain Tour 1 Day

Regular buses and shuttle services from Ho Chi Minh City to Tay Ninh provide a great choice for people trying to cut expenses. Frequent operation of these busses offers a reasonably priced and comfortable approach to arrive at the festival.

Renting a private car or motorbike gives you freedom to explore the surrounding areas at your own speed if you would want. A motorbike ride from Ho Chi Minh City to Ba Den Mountain provides exciting vistas of Southern Vietnam's countryside for adventure lovers.

2. Where to stay at Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh?

During the Ba Den Mountain Festival, Tay Ninh provides a range of lodging options to fit every budget and taste, therefore making sure every guest finds a pleasant place to stay.

Near the base of the mountain, hotels and guesthouses give visitors looking for convenience quick access to the festival events. These choices include reasonably priced family-run guesthouses to mid-range hotels featuring contemporary conveniences.

If you would want a different experience, think about lodging at one of the surrounding eco-lodges or camping grounds near Sun World Ba Den Mountain. These lodges let you enjoy the calm surroundings and breathtaking mountain views since they surround you in nature.

Particularly well-liked during the event is camping, which provides an opportunity to interact with other guests and take in the celebratory mood under the sky.

For those who value comfort, Tay Ninh City, a short drive from the mountain has several first-rate hotels and resorts. These venues are perfect for individuals who want to combine leisure with their festival visit since they provide a wide spectrum of activities, including spas and excellent dining.

3. What to bring?

• Particularly if you intend to trek or explore the mountain, you really must have comfortable, strong shoes.
• To guard yourself from the sun, pack sunglasses, a cap, and sunscreen.
• Offerings for Rituals: If you want to take part in religious events, think about bringing incense or another gift, which the festival sells as well.
• Dress modestly to respect the cultural and religious value of the event whether attending ceremonies or visiting holy sites. 

Ba Den Cab Carble

Ba Den Mountain cable car ticket prices (Effective from January 1, 2025)

 

Ticket Type	Adult	Children (1m – 1.4m)
Round Trip to Van Son Peak	400,000 VND	300,000 VND
Round Trip to Chua Hang	250,000 VND	150,000 VND
One-Way Ticket to Chua Hang	150,000 VND	100,000 VND
Round Trip to Tam An	400,000 VND	300,000 VND
Combo: Van Son Peak + Chua Hang (Round Trip)	600,000 VND	450,000 VND
Combo: Van Son Peak + Buffet Nam Chau (Round Trip)	600,000 VND	400,000 VND
Combo: Van Son Peak + Chua Hang + Buffet Nam Chau	800,000 VND	600,000 VND

Notes:

Children under 1m: Free admission.

Discounts for Tay Ninh residents:

• Round Trip to Van Son Peak: 350,000 VND (adult), 250,000 VND (child).
• Round Trip to Chua Hang: 200,000 VND (adult), 120,000 VND (child).
• Requirement: Present a valid ID card or proof of residence in Tay Ninh.

Free Admission:

• Monks and Nuns: Upon presenting certification from the Buddhist Sangha.
• Elderly above 80 years: Present ID card or passport.

After 5 PM Ticket Prices:

• Van Son Peak – Chua Hang Route: 200,000 VND/ticket.
• Chua Hang (Round Trip): 150,000 VND (adult), 100,000 VND (child).

Tickets can be purchased on the official website of Sun World Ba Den Mountain or directly at the ticket counter.