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  6. Nui Ba Den (Black Virgin Mountain)

Day Trips · Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City

Nui Ba Den (Black Virgin Mountain)

  • Distance100 km / 62 mi from central Ho Chi Minh City
  • Travel time2-2.5 hours by road each way
  • TransportPrivate car or organized tour from District 1
  • DifficultyModerate (Easy if using the cable car)
  • Rating★ 4.4
  • Best seasonDry season, December-April

Southern Vietnam's tallest mountain combines a Buddhist pilgrimage site, a large golden Buddha statue near the summit, and a modern cable car system alongside a genuine hiking trail for those who want to climb rather than ride. Its height gives panoramic views over the flat Tay Ninh plains and, on clear days, toward the Cambodian border, and its proximity to the Cao Dai Holy See Temple makes it easy to combine both into one Tay Ninh-focused day.

Southern Vietnam's tallest mountain combines a Buddhist pilgrimage site, a large golden Buddha statue near the summit, and a modern cable car system alongside a genuine hiking trail for those who want to climb rather than ride. Its height gives panoramic views over the flat Tay Ninh plains and, on clear days, toward the Cambodian border, and its proximity to the Cao Dai Holy See Temple makes it easy to combine both into one Tay Ninh-focused day.

Practical information for Nui Ba Den (Black Virgin Mountain)
Distance 100 km / 62 mi from central Ho Chi Minh City
Travel time 2-2.5 hours by road each way
Getting there Private car or organized tour from District 1
Difficulty Moderate (Easy if using the cable car)
Address Nui Ba Den Cultural and Historical Relic Site, Tay Ninh City, Tay Ninh Province

How to get there

  • Day tour combining Nui Ba Den and Cao Dai Temple, ~₫600,000-1,000,000 (~$23-38) per person
  • Cable car ticket (Sun World Ba Den Mountain) purchased on site, ~₫250,000-300,000 (~$10-12) round trip

Suggested itinerary

  1. 6:30am depart District 1; 9:00am arrive Nui Ba Den; 9:00am-12:00pm cable car or hike to summit and pagoda visit; 12:30pm lunch; 1:30pm depart for Cao Dai Temple or return; 4:30-5:00pm return to District 1

Location

Nui Ba Den Cultural and Historical Relic Site, Tay Ninh City, Tay Ninh Province

11.3652, 106.1706 View on map

Highlights

  • Cable car and hiking trail options to the summit
  • Golden Buddha statue and pagoda complex
  • Panoramic views over Tay Ninh province
  • Cave shrines tied to local folk legend

Tips for visiting

  • Take the cable car if short on time; hike if seeking a physical challenge
  • Combine with the Cao Dai Holy See Temple, about 15 km away
  • Start early to avoid the worst midday heat if hiking

When to visit

Morning

Accessibility

Cable car provides accessible summit access; the hiking trail is not wheelchair accessible.

Frequently asked questions

Do visitors need to hike, or is the cable car sufficient?

The cable car covers nearly the full ascent and is used by the majority of visitors; hiking is an option for those specifically seeking the trek.