Where is the Ba Den Mountain?
Ba Den Mountain (Black Virgin Mountain), known as Núi Bà Đen in Vietnamese, is a prominent landmark located in Tay Ninh Province, southern Vietnam. And the distance from Moc Bai border gate to Ba Den Mountain is only 40km. It's the highest mountain in the region, standing at about 986 meters (approximately 3,235 feet) above sea level.
This mountain holds significant cultural and historical value, being a famous pilgrimage site with the Linh Son Thanh Mau Temple situated on its peak, attracting visitors from across the country, especially during the festival season in the first lunar month.
Black Lady
The area around Ba Den Mountain has been developed into a tourist attraction, featuring not only religious sites but also recreational activities. For example, there's a cable car system that offers visitors an easier way to reach the top and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The mountain is part of a larger national park, which serves as a biodiversity reserve and a destination for eco-tourism and adventure activities like hiking and exploring caves.
The location is relatively accessible from Ho Chi Minh City, about 100 km, making it a popular weekend getaway for both locals and tourists seeking to immerse themselves in nature and spirituality. The unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and recreational opportunities makes Ba Den Mountain a must-visit destination in Vietnam.
- Address: Thạnh Tân, Tây Ninh province
- Opening Hours: All hours
- Ticket price: Adults: 16,000 VND; Children (1 - 1.4 meters in height), elderly people (over 60 years old), and people with disabilities: 8,000 VND; Children under 1 meter: free
- Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nrXRw4wRyTvPk1iz5
About Ba Den Mountain
The mountain itself is part of a larger national park, Ba Den Mountain National Park, which encompasses a rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes.
The park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike, offering opportunities for hiking, trekking, and exploring caves. The mountain's terrain varies, with lush forests, streams, and waterfalls dotting the landscape, creating a serene and picturesque setting for visitors.
Ba Den Mountain is steeped in legends and history, most notably associated with the legend of the Black Lady, after whom the mountain is named.
It is a place of pilgrimage for many Vietnamese, who visit the Linh Son Thanh Mau Temple located at the peak. This temple, along with others scattered across the mountain, is a site for worship and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
The annual festival held in the first lunar month attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists, who come to pray, offer incense, and seek blessings. The festival atmosphere is vibrant, with cultural performances, traditional food stalls, and a bustling crowd.
Adventure sports and activities like mountain biking, paragliding, and zip-lining have also been introduced, catering to the growing demand for eco-tourism and adventure travel.
Giant Buddha statue
In recent years, the area around Ba Den Mountain has seen significant development to enhance the visitor experience without compromising its natural and cultural essence.
Among the additions is a cable car system that provides an easy and scenic way to reach the top, making the site accessible to a broader audience, including those unable to hike the trails.
Ticket price for the cable car to Ba Den Mountain:
| Ticket Type |
Adult Price |
Child Price |
| Round-trip cable car ticket to Van Son Peak |
400,000 VND |
300,000 VND |
| Round-trip cable car ticket to Hang Pagoda |
250,000 VND |
150,000 VND |
| Round-trip cable car ticket to Tam An |
400,000 VND |
300,000 VND |
| Round-trip cable car ticket to Hang Pagoda |
600,000 VND |
450,000 VND |
| Round-trip cable car ticket to Tam An |
600,000 VND |
400,000 VND |
| Round-trip cable car ticket to Hang Pagoda |
800,000 VND |
600,000 VND |
Note:
- Ba Den Mountain cable car ticket price includes VAT.
- Free cable car tickets for children under 1m.
Best time to visit Ba Den Mountain
The best time to visit Ba Den Mountain largely depends on your preferences for weather and activities. Generally, the most favorable time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from November to April.
During these months, the weather is cooler and less humid, making it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. The skies are clearer, offering stunning views from the mountain top.
If you're interested in cultural experiences, visiting around January or February, which corresponds to the Lunar New Year period, can be particularly rewarding. This is when the Ba Den Mountain Festival takes place, attracting thousands of pilgrims and visitors.
The festival is vibrant, filled with traditional rituals, performances, and a bustling atmosphere. However, it's worth noting that this period can also be quite crowded, as it's a peak time for domestic tourism.
For those looking to avoid the crowds and perhaps enjoy a more serene experience, the months just before or after the festival, such as December or March, might be preferable.
The weather is still pleasant, and while the festival buzz has either not yet started or has just died down, the spiritual and natural beauty of the place remains.
Keep in mind that the rainy season, from May to October, can make hiking more challenging due to slippery trails and obscured views. However, the landscape becomes lush and green, which could also offer a different type of beauty for those willing to brave the less predictable weather.
How to get Ba Den Mountain?
To visit Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh Province, Vietnam, from major cities like Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), you have several options, each offering a different experience depending on your preferences for convenience, adventure, and local immersion.
By Bus
Public Bus: You can take a public bus from Ho Chi Minh City's Mien Tay Bus Station to Tay Ninh Bus Station. From there, local taxis or motorbike taxis can take you to Ba Den Mountain. This option is economical and gives you a chance to experience local transportation.
Tourist Bus/Shuttle: Some travel agencies offer direct shuttles to Ba Den Mountain or Tay Ninh, which might include a tour package. This is a convenient option if you prefer a more structured trip with fewer worries about navigation.
Milestone at Ba Den Mountain
By Motorbike or Car
Motorbike: Renting a motorbike and driving to Ba Den Mountain offers the ultimate freedom and adventure. The journey is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) and takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. This option lets you enjoy the scenic route at your own pace.
Car Rental: Renting a car with or without a driver is more comfortable, especially for groups or families. It provides flexibility in travel times and stops. You can see more at our Cu Chi Tunnels - Cao Dai Temple - Black Virgin Mountain Tour 1 Day
By Taxi or Ride-Hailing Services
Taxi: You can hire a taxi for a direct trip to Ba Den Mountain, but it's the most expensive option.
Ride-Hailing Services: Apps like Grab offer long-distance rides that can be more economical than traditional taxis and provide the convenience of door-to-door service.
