1. Why choose Tay Ninh as a tourist destination during Tet?

1.1. Convenient location, quick connection from Ho Chi Minh City and Southern provinces

Tay Ninh is located at the gateway of the Southeast region, only about 90 km by road from Ho Chi Minh City via National Highway 22. Its proximity makes Tay Ninh particularly suitable for short spring trips. Tourists from other southern provinces can also reach Tay Ninh easily after just 2-3 hours of driving. Thanks to its geographical advantages, families can proactively depart early in the morning and return the same day, or stay overnight for more time to experience.

1.2. Diverse experiences: spiritual tourism, nature, culture, cuisine

Those looking for Tay Ninh travel experience during Tet will feel the richness of activities here. Nui Ba Den, 986m high, is considered the most sacred mountain in the South, attracting many visitors seeking peace and blessings in the early days of the year. The Cao Dai Holy See impresses with its unique architecture, blending traditional and modern elements, contributing to a distinct spiritual cultural space. Additionally, Dau Tieng Lake, with an area of 27,000 hectares, and Lo Go – Xa Mat National Park, covering over 18,765 hectares, offer close-to-nature experiences, suitable for picnics and ecological exploration.

1.3. Unique festival atmosphere, many events held throughout Tet

During the Lunar New Year, Tay Ninh dons a new coat with a vibrant and colorful festival atmosphere. Tourist areas are brightly decorated with thousands of spring flowers such as peach, apricot, chrysanthemum, and orchid, creating a brilliant landscape.

Many unique artistic activities take place continuously at prominent tourist spots, notably at the Nui Ba Den Tourist Area with folk performances, traditional opera (hat boi), and water puppetry that are rich in local identity. The liveliness of the festival helps tourists clearly feel the difference and excitement when visiting Tay Ninh during this time.

Tay Ninh during Tet has many prominent festivals and activities. (Source: Collected)

2. Guide to traveling to Tay Ninh during Tet

2.1. Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City and southern provinces to Tay Ninh

The most popular travel route from Ho Chi Minh City to Tay Ninh is to follow National Highway 22, starting from Binh Trieu Bridge, passing through Cu Chi district, and arriving at Tay Ninh city center. Travel time by private car usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the traffic volume on the road. During Tet, it is advisable to start before 7 AM for a smooth journey, to avoid peak hours.

Limousine cars offer a comfortable experience, with ticket prices usually ranging from 150,000 to 200,000 VND per person, departing from Mien Tay bus station or pick-up points in District 1, District 3. Traditional buses are more reasonably priced, around 80,000 to 120,000 VND/ticket, but travel time may be longer due to stops at multiple locations. Provinces like Can Tho, Long An can choose to travel directly to Ho Chi Minh City, then continue along National Highway 22 or travel directly on National Highway 1A then turn towards Tay Ninh.

2.2. Traveling from the North and Central regions to Tay Ninh

Tourists coming from Hanoi or Da Nang can choose to fly directly to Tan Son Nhat Airport. After landing at the airport, you can use a taxi or a bus to continue traveling to Tay Ninh. Another option is to take bus number 152 from the airport to Mien Tay bus station, then take a bus to Tay Ninh. Total travel time usually takes 2.5 to 3 hours, including transfer legs.

Airplanes are a popular choice for tourists from the North and Central regions. (Source: Collected)

3. Tay Ninh travel experience during Tet: Must-visit attractions

3.1. Ba Den Mountain

Ba Den Mountain – the highest mountain in the Southern region with an altitude of 986 m – is a symbol of spirituality and belief in Tay Ninh. The modern cable car system makes the journey to the mountaintop more convenient for tourists, taking only about 10 minutes.

A new highlight in the Tay Ninh travel experience during Tet is the recently inaugurated statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, 72 m high, recognized as the tallest Buddha statue in Southeast Asia. The Tam Ton Tuong, consisting of three large statues, creates a solemn and sacred space. Linh Son Tien Thach Tu (Ba Pagoda), over 200 years old, stands out with its ancient architecture amidst the primeval forest. The 33 m high bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy here is also a pilgrimage site attracting many people.

Black Lady Mountain sparkles at night. (Source: Collected)

3.2. Cao Dai Holy See Tay Ninh

Cao Dai Holy See in Long Hoa Ward, Tay Ninh City is associated with the development history of the Vietnamese Cao Dai religion. The construction began in 1927 and was completed in 1955, nổi bật with architecture blending East Asia and Western Europe. Inside, the main sanctuary can accommodate up to 2,000 people, with 28 round columns 8m high intricately carved with dragons and lotus flowers.

Main prayer times are held at 6 AM, 12 PM, and 6 PM daily. At the beginning of the new year, rituals for peace and prosperity often attract many visitors. Visitors are welcome free of charge, asked to wear modest attire, leave shoes outside the sacred area, and maintain silence during the ceremony. From Ho Chi Minh City, you can travel by bus route 650 or taxi, with an estimated travel time of about 1.5 hours.

Discover the unique architecture and space at the Holy See. (Source: Collected)

3.3. Go Ken Pagoda

Go Ken Pagoda, also known as Thien Lam Tu Temple, is located on National Highway 22B, Hoa Thanh ward. It is one of the oldest pagodas in Tay Ninh, with a history of over 100 years. The pagoda is built in the traditional Southern Vietnam style, with a 500 m² main hall, a spacious pagoda yard, and is covered with green trees.

A special feature of the pagoda is the 6m high bronze Buddha Di Lac statue cast in 1920 and a set of ancient bronze bells weighing 500 kg with a deep, resonant sound. During Tet, the pagoda organizes prayer ceremonies for peace, distributes lucky money, and many meaningful charitable activities. The most convenient time to visit is from 6 AM to 5 PM daily, especially on the morning of the first day of Tet when many people come to ask for good fortune at the beginning of the year.

Visiting Go Ken Pagoda in spring is a great choice. (Source: Collected)

3.4. Dau Tieng Lake

Dau Tieng Lake is Vietnam's largest artificial lake, with a water surface area of up to 27,000 ha, spanning three provinces: Tay Ninh, Binh Duong, and Binh Phuoc. This place is very suitable for those who love water activities such as SUP boarding, kayaking, or recreational fishing.

Rubber forests planted along the lake create rows of lush, straight trees, providing an ideal backdrop for souvenir photos. Sunset, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, is the most beautiful time for sightseeing and photography. Tourists can rent a boat to go to the middle of the lake for a cost of about 200,000 to 300,000 VND per trip (4-6 people). For those who want to stay overnight, lakeside resorts are ready to serve food, accommodation, and full amenities.

Admire Dau Tieng Lake at sunset. (Source: Collection)

3.5. Lo Go – Xa Mat National Park

Lo Go – Xa Mat National Park is located on National Highway 22B, Tan Binh commune, Tan Bien district, about 40 km from the center of Tay Ninh city. With an area of over 18,765 hectares, it is a nature reserve of great value in the Southeast, preserving a typical primary forest ecosystem.

Recommended experiences include trekking along a 3 km trail to explore the tropical forest, bird watching with over 150 recorded species, and overnight camping in designated areas with tent rental costing 100,000 VND/night. Notably, a natural 15m high waterfall hidden in the forest is a peaceful highlight, bringing a sense of relaxation amidst the quiet space.

4. Festive atmosphere and special Tet holiday experiences

4.1. Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival

The Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival is the most vibrant New Year opening event in Tay Ninh, taking place annually from the 4th to the 16th of the first lunar month, attracting a large number of pilgrims and tourists during Tet. The festival is held at the Ba Den Mountain National Tourist Area with numerous cultural and traditional art activities, stage performances, and rituals for New Year blessings.

Besides paying homage to the gold-plated Cau Na statue on the mountaintop, visitors can immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere at the square, the cable car, and modern check-in spots. This is also an occasion to introduce local cultural identity, contributing to promoting the image of Tay Ninh to distant tourists.

Lively atmosphere at the Ba Den Mountain spring festival. (Source: Collected)

4.2. Maitreya Buddha Veneration Ceremony

Maitreya Buddha Veneration Ceremony is solemnly held at the beginning of the year on the 18th day of the 12th lunar month in the Ba Den Mountain area. It is a festival rich in Buddhist values, aiming for peace, luck, and prosperity. In a serene space, visitors participate in rituals of chanting, reciting mantras, offering prayers, and seeking blessings.

The Buddha statue on the mountaintop becomes a prominent pilgrimage site, creating a great attraction for pilgrims every spring. Besides the spiritual aspect, the veneration ceremony is also a unique cultural experience, contributing to maintaining the beautiful traditions of the Buddhist community in Tay Ninh.

4.3. Kim Quang Cave Traditional Festival

The Kim Quang Cave Traditional Festival is an event associated with an important spiritual relic of Tay Ninh, reflecting the local spiritual life and folk traditions. The festival is organized according to traditional rituals, combining solemn ceremonies with joyful festivities, bringing a close, rustic yet culturally rich atmosphere. Many pilgrims seek out Kim Quang Cave to pay homage, pray for peace, and participate in meaningful community activities. This is one of the typical cultural highlights in the journey to explore Tay Ninh every early spring.

5. Dining and Culinary Experiences in Tay Ninh during Tet

5.1. Tay Ninh Specialties to Try During Tet

Trang Bang dew-dried rice paper is one of the most famous specialties of this region, made from finely ground rice, thinly coated and dried overnight in the dew until it achieves a chewy texture, a slightly sweet taste, and is crispy when eaten with sweet and sour fish sauce. The price of a pack of rice paper is usually from 60,000 to 120,000 VND.

Tay Ninh noodle soup stands out with its clear broth, cooked from pork leg bones, and the noodles are made from rice flour with a moderate chewiness. The dish is made more attractive by crispy roasted pork and fresh snakehead fish cake. Pomelo spring rolls consist of shrimp, boiled pork, rice paper, and green-skinned pomelo, creating a balance between sour, sweet, and salty flavors. Tay Ninh shrimp salt has a characteristic dark purple color and a strong aroma, used for dipping fruits or as a seasoning for dishes.

Rice paper is often eaten with boiled meat. (Source: Collected)

5.2. Suggestions for outstanding specialty food addresses

Co Ba's Banh Canh Eatery at 123 Nguyen Hue street, Tay Ninh city, serves from 6 AM to 2 PM, known for its generous bowl of banh canh priced at 35,000 VND. Hoa Sen Vegetarian Restaurant at 456 Cach Mang Thang 8 specializes in exquisite vegetarian dishes, open from 10:30 AM to 9 PM, with prices ranging from 50,000 to 150,000 VND.

Tay Ninh Night Market from 6 PM to 11 PM at the central square gathers many stalls selling grilled pork sausage, banh xeo, and various types of bean sweet soup. Trang Bang Specialty Store at 789 National Highway 22 is the place to buy authentic sun-dried banh trang at factory prices, operating from 7 AM to 7 PM daily. Additionally, there is the very famous Long Hoa Market with a diverse range of goods from cuisine to souvenirs for tourists to choose from.

Long Hoa Market is located in the center of Tay Ninh, facing many roads. (Source: Collected)

6. Useful experiences and tips for traveling to Tay Ninh during Tet

It is advisable to prepare breathable, sweat-absorbent clothing as daytime temperatures in Tay Ninh during Tet usually range from 32-35°C, while evenings can drop to 22-25°C, so prepare a light jacket. For convenience in climbing and walking activities, non-slip sports shoes will be a reasonable choice.

When visiting spiritual sites such as Ba Den Mountain and Cao Dai Holy See, pay attention to dressing modestly, avoiding short shorts or off-the-shoulder tops. Maintain order, silence your phones, and do not touch religious objects in sacred areas. When taking photos, ask for permission and avoid using flash in restricted areas.

Outstanding check-in spots for Spring 2026 include the milestone of Ba Den Mountain with the sign "Ba Den Mountain Peak 986m", Tam Ton Statues with three large statues, and gardens of tulips and Japanese cherry blossoms at the foot of the mountain. The best times for photos are from 6:30-8:30 AM and from 4:30-6:00 PM during sunset. Don't forget to bring a power bank as taking photos and videos often consumes a lot of phone battery.

Tet travel tips for Tay Ninh will offer a series of cultural and spiritual experiences, from the sacred Ba Den Mountain peak with its new Buddha statue to the unique space at the Cao Dai Holy See. The bustling festival atmosphere along with a modern tourism ecosystem make Tay Ninh an ideal destination for a family spring trip. Plan carefully to explore the diverse beauty of this land during Tet At Ty 2026, cherishing memorable moments with loved ones.