The Cao Dai Holy See is the spiritual headquarters of Caodaism, a Vietnamese syncretic religion founded in 1926, and its ornately colorful temple hosts a midday ceremony that visitors can observe from a gallery above the main hall. Because Tay Ninh is a longer drive than most other day trips, this is almost always combined with the closer Cu Chi Tunnels into a single full-day itinerary departing early and returning by early evening.
| Distance | 100 km / 62 mi from central Ho Chi Minh City |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 2-2.5 hours by road each way |
| Getting there | Organized full-day bus tour or private car from District 1 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Address | Long Hoa Ward, Hoa Thanh Town, Tay Ninh Province |
How to get there
- Full-day combo tour with Cu Chi Tunnels, ~₫450,000-800,000 (~$17-31) per person
- Private car with driver, ~₫2,000,000-2,800,000 (~$77-108) round trip for up to 4 people
Suggested itinerary
- 6:30am depart District 1; 9:00am Cu Chi Tunnels tour; 11:00am depart for Tay Ninh; 12:00pm arrive and view the Cao Dai ceremony; 1:00pm lunch and temple grounds; 2:00pm depart; 4:30-5:00pm return to District 1
Location
Long Hoa Ward, Hoa Thanh Town, Tay Ninh Province
11.2942, 106.1131 View on map
Highlights
- Midday ceremony with robed worshippers
- Ornate pastel temple interior
- Combination with Cu Chi Tunnels earlier in the day
- Nearby Nui Ba Den for those extending the trip further
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before noon to catch the main daily ceremony
- Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering the temple hall
- Book the combo tour with Cu Chi to make the long drive worthwhile
When to visit
Late morning for the noon ceremony
Accessibility
Ground floor relatively flat; crowded during the ceremony.
Frequently asked questions
Can this be visited without Cu Chi Tunnels?
Yes, standalone tours exist, but given the 2+ hour drive, most operators and travelers combine it with Cu Chi Tunnels in a single day.