1. Overview of Ba Den Temple during Tet
1.1. Introduction to Ba Den Temple
Nestled within the grounds of Linh Son Tien Thach Pagoda, located atop Ba Den Mountain, Ba Den Temple is a sacred place honoring Linh Son Holy Mother with a special black bronze statue. The statue is believed to be cast from the Lady's essence and is associated with the Linh Son Tien Thach Cave. Ba Den Mountain, standing at 986m, is known as the 'roof of Southern Vietnam', always attracting a large number of pilgrims at the beginning of the year thanks to its ancient spiritual sites and modern cable car system. The majestic natural beauty combined with ancient architecture creates an unforgettable allure for those seeking to return to their roots.
Ba Temple is located next to Ba Den Pagoda. (Source: Compilation)
1.2. The legend of Linh Son Thanh Mau and its spiritual significance during Tet
The legend of Linh Son Thanh Mau originates from the story of Lady Ly Thi Thien Huong, also known as Thach Nuong, the daughter of the governor of Trang Bang during the Nguyen Dynasty. Renowned for her filial piety, devotion, skill in literature and martial arts, she often ascended Mount Mot (now Ba Den Mountain) to worship Buddha and recite scriptures. During one instance, when pursued by evil individuals, she threw herself into a deep abyss to preserve her chastity. Afterward, her spirit miraculously appeared in a dream to the monk at the mountain pagoda, guiding him to find her body and bury it.
According to legend, she appeared in dreams three times: showing the way for Lord Nguyen Anh (King Gia Long) to escape pursuit by the Tay Son army, guiding Le Van Duyet to successfully cross the mountain, and appearing before the monk. These auspicious signs contributed to her being bestowed the title Linh Son Thanh Mau and a bronze statue being enshrined in the cave.
Worship area of Linh Son Holy Mother. (Source: Collected)
Journey to Tay Ninh Ba Den Temple during Tet
2.1. Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Tay Ninh
Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Tay Ninh Ba Den Temple (located about 11 km northwest of Tay Ninh city center) is quite convenient thanks to National Highway 22 passing through Cu Chi and Trang Bang. The 100 km journey usually takes about 2 to 3 hours. Tourists can choose personal vehicles like motorbikes, cars, or select a coach that suits the weather conditions and needs. Tet 2026 tours usually depart from 6 AM at gathering points in Ho Chi Minh City, with reference prices ranging from 590,000 VND or more per passenger, including shuttle bus, cable car ticket, and a guide accompanying the entire journey.
2.2. Traveling from Tay Ninh to Ba Den Mountain
From Tay Ninh city center, it only takes tourists about 30 - 45 minutes to travel to Ba Den Mountain tourist area by road, which is very convenient for spring travel and early year pilgrimages. The foot of the mountain area is well-organized with parking lots, service areas, and clear sightseeing routes, making movement easy for the whole family and pilgrimage groups.
From here, tourists can continue their journey by the Chua Hang cable car route, one of the prominent cable car routes taking tourists to the Chua Hang area, a familiar spiritual stop at the foot of the mountain, before continuing to visit the structures above. Combining travel by vehicle and cable car helps optimize time, while also providing a leisurely yet emotionally rich spring travel experience when admiring the Tay Ninh landscape from above in the festive atmosphere.
Hang Pagoda cable car station. (Source: Collected)
3. Special experiences when visiting Ba Temple Tay Ninh during Tet
3.1. Rituals and how to visit Ba Temple at the beginning of the new year
First, visitors park their vehicles at the foot of the mountain and prepare offerings including incense, fresh flowers, and fruits. From here, visitors travel by cable car line 1 to Dien Ba Linh Son Thanh Mau Temple to offer incense for peace. The usual visiting order is to visit Dien Ba, then continue to visit Thanh Long Cave, Huyen Khong Cave, Hang Gio, and the Ancient Tower. Tour guides will truthfully recount the legend of Ba, helping visitors better understand the spiritual value of this relic.
A suitable itinerary for the Tet holiday is to visit the temple early in the morning to enjoy the quiet atmosphere; in the afternoon, one should spend time exploring other spiritual sites on the mountain. When offering incense, visitors must maintain a solemn attitude and a respectful heart to show respect for Linh Son Thanh Mau.
3.2. Immerse yourself in the spring festival of Ba Den Mountain
The Tet atmosphere on Ba Den Mountain is extremely bustling, with long lines of pilgrims and offerings solemnly placed before the altar. Flower gardens burst with vibrant colors in the spring sunshine, and the fresh air like a paradise amidst the mountains and forests creates a special highlight of the local festival culture. Everyone together wishes for prosperity and good luck beside the ancient architecture of the pagoda and before the statue of the Goddess of Mercy amidst the swirling white clouds.
These sacred moments bring a sense of peace and connect people with nature and traditional beliefs. The chime of temple bells blending with the mountain wind creates a solemn and sacred atmosphere unique to Ba Temple Tay Ninh during Tet.
The festive atmosphere is vibrant at the spring festival of Mount Ba Den. (Source: Collected)
3.3. Common Prayers and Notes When Asking for Blessings from Ba During Tet
Most visitors come to offer incense, entrusting their wishes for peace for their families, praying for wealth and prosperity for the new year, and wishing good health for their loved ones. Prayers should come from the heart, regardless of status or living conditions. Suitable offerings include incense, fresh flowers, and clean fruits, showing respect for the sacred place.
When visiting the Ba Temple of Tay Ninh, visitors should maintain a serious attitude, protect the scenic and historical site, and follow staff instructions to maintain general order. Maintaining order and speaking softly when others are offering incense is a sign of civilization and respect for the sacred space.
4. Suggestions for Other Places to Visit at Mount Ba Den
4.1. Paying Homage to the Statue of Cau Na Ham Mau Ni
Paying homage to the statue of Buddha Cau Na Ham Mau Ni on the summit of Mount Ba Den is one of the unique spiritual experiences for tourists during Tet in Tay Ninh. The statue of Buddha Cau Na Ham is sculpted in a majestic seated posture under a fig tree that is decades old. The statue of Buddha Cau Na Ham is 7.2m high, crafted using high-pressure processing technology with red copper material, and its surface is coated with 24k gold leaf.
Not only bringing blessings for peace, health, and prosperity for the new year, visiting here also helps tourists feel the blend between spiritual culture and scenic value, contributing to the attraction of the early year pilgrimage journey in Tay Ninh.
Cau Na Ham Mau ni Statue on the summit of Nui Ba Den. (Source: Collected)
4.2. Offering lamps and praying before the Tay Bo Da Son Lady Buddha statue
Offering lamps and praying before the Tay Bo Da Son Lady Buddha statue is a spiritual activity chosen by many tourists when visiting Nui Ba Den at the beginning of the year. The Lady Buddha statue is placed in a solemn architectural space on the mountainside, combined with lights, flowers, and natural scenery, creating a serene atmosphere suitable for a journey praying for peace and prosperity in the new year.
During the Nui Ba Den Tet festival season, this place welcomes a large number of pilgrims from all directions to offer lamps, light incense, and pay homage, contributing to a vibrant festival atmosphere but still retaining the solemnity of Tay Ninh's spiritual culture. For many tourists, the experience of offering lamps not only carries the meaning of praying for peace but also evokes a sense of peace, being a moment of reflection amidst the early year spring travel journey.
Overview of the flower offering ceremony before the statue of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva Tay Bo Da Son. (Source: Collected)
4.3. Visiting the Statue of Maitreya Bodhisattva
The Maitreya Buddha statue in the Ba Den Mountain tourist area, with its radiant smile welcoming visitors, combined with vibrant flower gardens and cool mountain-top climate, is an ideal resting place to relax and capture beautiful photos during the pilgrimage.
The statue of the smiling Maitreya Buddha on Ba Den Mountain. (Source: Collection)
4.4. Explore the Bat Nha Scripture Pillar
The Bat Nha Scripture Pillar, located within the relic complex on Ba Den Mountain, contributes to enriching the spiritual journey, allowing visitors to explore unique caves and grottoes. The special design of the scripture pillar creates a Buddhist cultural imprint amidst the natural mountain scenery.
The "surreal" beauty of the Prajnaparamita Sutra Pillar. (Source: Collected)
5. Tips and golden advice for visiting Mieu Ba Tay Ninh during Tet
Visiting the temple in the early morning between 6 and 9 AM helps visitors avoid crowded times and hot, humid weather. Park conveniently at the foot of the mountain area for a reasonable fee, and always be mindful of your personal belongings when using the cable car. Dressing neatly and respectfully is essential to show reverence for this sacred place when visiting Mieu Ba Tay Ninh .
Always maintain general hygiene and comply with the regulations of the tourist area to ensure a safe and complete trip. When using the cable car in crowded conditions, follow staff instructions to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.
A pilgrimage to Mieu Ba Tay Ninh during Tet holds profound meaning, praying for peace and prosperity from the sacred legend of Linh Son Thanh Mau, combined with majestic scenery and Southern Vietnamese spiritual culture. This is truly a worthwhile experience to start the new year with a pure soul and good wishes for the future.
