1. What's special about traveling to Tay Ninh for the 2026 Lunar New Year?

1.1. Why should you travel to Tay Ninh during the Lunar New Year?

Tay Ninh possesses a favorable geographical location, bordering Cambodia and standing out with the "roof of Southern Vietnam," Ba Den mountain, which is 986 m high. This land is not only known for its magnificent natural scenery but also as a convergence point for many religions, becoming a major spiritual center of the country with the presence of Buddhism, Cao Dai, and traditional beliefs.

Traveling to Tay Ninh for the Lunar New Year is an opportunity to immerse oneself in the characteristic festival atmosphere of Southern Vietnam, lasting from early January. Visitors will have the chance to visit sacred sites such as Ba Den mountain, Cao Dai Holy See, Go Ken pagoda, sending wishes for peace and prosperity for the new year. Especially, the Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival in the early days of the year is always a notable highlight, attracting a large number of pilgrims and tourists.

Besides its spiritual significance, Tay Ninh also makes a strong impression on diners thanks to its rich cuisine such as Trang Bang noodle soup, sun-dried rice paper, shrimp salt. Many folk cultural activities and traditional art performances also contribute to creating a unique and vibrant Tet atmosphere here.

Tay Ninh stands out in spring with many festivals. (Source: Collected)

1.2. Guide to traveling to Tay Ninh

Starting from Ho Chi Minh City and the southern provinces, visitors can easily choose many suitable means of transport. Buses are a popular choice with companies like Phuong Trang, Thanh Buoi, Tan An Phat serving from Mien Tay Bus Station, An Suong Bus Station. The travel time takes about 2-3 hours via National Highway 22 or the Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong - Tay Ninh Expressway with ticket prices ranging from 80,000 to 120,000 VND per trip.

If choosing a personal vehicle, visitors can flexibly move between attractions, enjoying a proactive spring trip to Tay Ninh during Lunar New Year. Most major attractions have spacious parking areas, especially the Ba Den Mountain and Cao Dai Holy See areas.

For visitors from the North and Central regions, the most convenient option is to fly to Tan Son Nhat Airport, then continue the journey to Tay Ninh by bus or taxi. The distance from the airport to Tay Ninh city center takes about 2-3 hours, with taxi costs ranging from 800,000 to 1,200,000 VND. During Tet, the number of tourists increases, so booking bus tickets or accommodation in advance is necessary to ensure uninterrupted travel plans.

2. Other outstanding cultural festivals and destinations for a spring trip to Tay Ninh

2.1. Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival

The Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival is a major cultural and spiritual event in Tay Ninh, usually taking place from the night of the 4th day of Tet until the end of the 19th day of the first lunar month. In 2026, the festival is expected to be held from February 1st to February 17th, turning Ba Den Mountain into a gathering place for numerous pilgrims.

The opening ceremony is held with spectacular fireworks, along with special artistic performances such as Chhay Dam drum dance, Khmer dance, Ngu Am music, combining traditional and modern singing, dancing, and music. Here, visitors can also enjoy a diverse Van Son buffet, visit colorful tulip gardens, and many interesting check-in spots.

The modern cable car system takes visitors to the summit of the 986m mountain to worship the 72m tall Buddha Tay Bo Da Son statue and the 20m tall Buddha Maitreya statue. Folk cultural programs and art performances take place continuously, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere while maintaining the inherent solemnity of the spiritual space.

Bustling atmosphere at the Spring Festival. (Source: Collection)

2.2. Kim Quang Cave Traditional Festival

On the 14th day of the first lunar month each year, Kim Quang Cave in Tan Dong commune, Tan Chau district, bustles with a sacred traditional festival atmosphere. This festival is associated with the legend of Lady Chua Xu, attracting many people and tourists to offer prayers for peace in the new year.

While the Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival has a vibrant character, the Tay Ninh Lunar New Year spring tour at Kim Quang Cave is rich in tradition with solemn rituals. This is also an opportunity to enjoy local specialties sold around the festival area.

Kim Quang Cave is located deep within the natural rock mountain, creating a cool and tranquil space. The unusual stalactite formations are illuminated by a lighting system, making the scenery here mysterious and very attractive to those who love exploring nature.

Kim Quang Cave once blazed brightly. (Source: Compilation)

2.3. Le Ky Yen Festival

From the 14th to the 16th of the 3rd lunar month, the Tay Ninh Cao Dai Holy See becomes the focal point of the year's largest religious festival. The Le Ky Yen Festival gathers tens of thousands of Cao Dai followers and pilgrims to participate in unique rituals, rich in spiritual significance.

Although organized after the Lunar New Year, the Le Ky Yen festival remains one of the prominent highlights for an extended Tay Ninh Tet (Lunar New Year) spring tour. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness many characteristic rituals of the Cao Dai religion, and learn about the meaning of “Tam Giao Quy Nguyen” – the convergence of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism.

The architecture of the Cao Dai Holy See, with its cross-shaped Prayer Hall, two prominent tall towers, and the Tam Quan gate, creates a particularly sacred space. During the festival days, this place is illuminated by lanterns and flowers, creating a brilliant scene when night falls.

Experience the unique and special Ky Yen festival. (Source: Collected)

2.4. Duc Chi Ton's Birthday Ceremony

Duc Chi Ton's Birthday Ceremony is one of the most important spiritual events of the Cao Dai religion, held annually on the 9th day of the first lunar month at the Tay Ninh Holy See. This is an occasion for followers and visitors to express their reverence for Duc Chi Ton – the Creator according to Cao Dai belief. In a solemn atmosphere, participants immerse themselves in traditional rituals, admire the unique architecture of the Holy See, and feel the harmonious spirit of the community of believers. The festival not only carries profound spiritual meaning but also offers an opportunity to explore the culture and history of the Cao Dai religion in Tay Ninh.

A lively and bustling atmosphere at the festival. (Source: Collected)

2.5. Than Tai Day

Than Tai Day (the 10th day of the Lunar New Year) is considered a "golden" time by Vietnamese people to pray for fortune, attract wealth, and wish for a prosperous and smooth year. On this occasion, many families and businesses prepare offerings for Than Tai, buy gold for good luck, and perform rituals to pray for peace and favorable business. Gold and silver shops, and offerings stores become significantly more bustling. With a long-standing spiritual belief, Than Tai Day has become a familiar cultural practice at the beginning of each year, conveying wishes for abundance and prosperity for the new year.

2.6. Full Moon of the First Lunar Month

The Full Moon of the First Lunar Month (Tet Nguyen Tieu) is one of the most important full moon days of the year, signifying prayers for peace, luck, and a smooth start. Many Vietnamese people believe that "The Full Moon of the First Lunar Month is the biggest full moon," so they often visit pagodas to worship Buddha, offer incense, and pray for their families to be protected, healthy, and peaceful. The atmosphere in pagodas and temples on this day is always solemn and serene, attracting many Buddhists and visitors. It is also an occasion for people to turn their hearts towards goodness and send wishes for a fulfilling year.

2.7. Recommended Stops When Traveling to Tay Ninh During Lunar New Year

The Cao Dai Holy See in Tay Ninh is one of the unmissable attractions due to its architecture harmonizing Eastern and Western styles. The Prayer Hall can accommodate up to 2,000 people, and the space always maintains solemnity and tranquility. Visitors can attend ceremonies at 6 AM, 12 PM, or 6 PM to fully experience the spiritual atmosphere.

Thien Lam Go Ken Pagoda, about 10 km from Tay Ninh center, is a prominent ancient pagoda, built in 1958. The highlight of the pagoda is the 12-meter-high statue of Goddess of Mercy (Quan Am) and its large, airy grounds. Spending Lunar New Year in Tay Ninh here brings a sense of peace and tranquility amidst the ancient space.

Chang Riec Forest, part of Lo Go - Xa Mat National Park, will be an ideal choice for nature lovers and those who want to explore the primary forest ecosystem. It preserves many rare flora and fauna species, creating a cool green space and fresh air characteristic of the border region.

Explore the ecosystem of Lo Go - Xa Mat National Park. (Source: Collected)

3. Ideal Itinerary for Spring Travel to Tay Ninh during Lunar New Year

The first day should be dedicated to exploring the Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival, the most important highlight of the Tay Ninh spring travel itinerary during the Lunar New Year. Departing at 7 AM helps to fully enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, participate in the prayer ceremony at the foot of the mountain before taking the cable car to the summit. The 2.6 km cable car route takes about 15 minutes and will reveal the panoramic view of the Tay Ninh region.

On the summit, visitors can worship the statue of Lady Buddha Tay Bo Da Son, the statue of Maitreya Buddha, and visit the ancient Linh Son Pagoda. The vibrant tulip garden along with unique photo spots will help capture many memorable moments. In the afternoon, enjoy the Van Son buffet with a rich menu, followed by immersing yourself in cultural and artistic programs at the festival area.

The second day begins with a visit to the Tay Ninh Cao Dai Holy See in the morning, and visitors can attend the 12 PM ceremony to feel the solemn atmosphere of the Cao Dai religious rituals. The afternoon is the ideal time to explore local cuisine such as Trang Bang noodle soup, dew-kissed rice paper at famous eateries. The Tay Ninh spring travel itinerary during the Lunar New Year will be complete with shopping experiences, strolling around the night market, immersing yourself in the joyful rhythm of life of the local people.

The Sun World Ba Den Mountain cable car offers a unique experience. (Source: Collected)

4. Special Cuisine and Accommodation for Spring Travel in Tay Ninh during Lunar New Year

4.1. Must-Try Dishes When Traveling in Tay Ninh

Trang Bang Noodle Soup (Banh Canh Trang Bang) is a typical specialty of Tay Ninh with a sweet and clear broth, simmered from pork bones and dried shrimp. The chewy, soft noodle strands are served with fish cake, boiled pork, and aromatic herbs, creating an unforgettable flavor. Chi Ba's Banh Canh restaurant on Cay Thong street and Ut Nhi restaurant near Trang Bang market are popular spots with prices ranging from 25,000 to 35,000 VND per bowl.

Tay Ninh Dew-Dried Rice Paper (Banh Trang Phoi Suong Tay Ninh) is famous throughout the Southern region for its characteristic thin, soft, and chewy texture. The traditional way to eat it is to roll it with fresh herbs, Vietnamese pork sausage, and grilled meat, and dip it in sweet and sour fish sauce. When traveling in Tay Ninh during Lunar New Year, visitors should not miss this dish at roadside eateries or night markets, priced around 15,000 to 20,000 VND per serving.

Tay Ninh Shrimp Salt (Muoi Tom Tay Ninh) is made from fresh river shrimp, combined with traditional spices, creating a characteristic savory and rich flavor. This seasoning is perfect with fruits such as green mango, guava, and pineapple. Visitors can buy shrimp salt as a gift at Tay Ninh market for 50,000 to 80,000 VND per kilogram.

During the Tet holiday, traditional sweet soups like three-color sweet soup (che ba mau) and mung bean sweet soup (che dau xanh), along with cam leaf sticky rice cakes (banh tet la cam), appear frequently on the streets. These dishes contribute to creating a rich culinary picture with the strong flavors of Southern Tet during the spring travel journey in Tay Ninh for Lunar New Year.

Banh Canh soup promises to make the spring trip more interesting. (Source: Collected)

4.2. Suggestions for convenient hotels and resorts during the Lunar New Year

In the center of Tay Ninh City, tourists can choose quality hotels such as Muong Thanh Luxury Tay Ninh with 120 4-star standard rooms, with prices ranging from 800,000 to 1,200,000 VND per night. Hoang Gia Tay Ninh Hotel is located right in the center, near the Cao Dai Holy See, with room prices from 500,000 to 700,000 VND per night.

Near Ba Den Mountain, the Sun World Ba Den Mountain accommodation system offers a resort experience with a majestic mountain view. Villas and bungalows are modernly designed, fully equipped, priced from 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 VND per night depending on room type and time.

Those who want to be close to local life can choose homestays in Trang Bang, Tan Dong commune. Staying at a homestay, the experience of a Tay Ninh Lunar New Year spring trip becomes more complete by immersing oneself in daily life, with accommodation prices usually ranging from 200,000 to 400,000 VND per person per night. During the Tết holiday, it is advisable to book at least 2-3 weeks in advance to find suitable accommodation.

Experience luxury with Melia Vinpearl Tay Ninh. (Source: Collected)

4.3. Experience Sun World Ba Den Mountain Services

The Sun World Ba Den Mountain cable car system is a highlight of Tay Ninh tourism with two modern cable car routes. The main route is 2.6 km long, capable of serving 2,000 guests per hour, allowing visitors to easily admire the panoramic view from above. The round-trip cable car ticket price is 200,000 VND for adults and 120,000 VND for children, including admission to the mountain peak area.

At the top of Ba Den Mountain, Van Son buffet offers over 100 attractive dishes ranging from traditional to international cuisine. Spring travel in Tay Ninh during the Lunar New Year is even more complete here thanks to the rich Tet menu, with buffet prices ranging from 380,000 to 450,000 VND per adult depending on the time.

The play area at Sun World Ba Den Mountain features a 2,000 m² tulip garden with thousands of vibrant flowers, a children's entertainment area, and many unique check-in spots. Music and art performance programs take place continuously, creating an exciting festival atmosphere. Especially during Tet, visitors can also participate in traditional cultural activities such as lion dances and traditional Vietnamese opera, offering a colorful cultural experience.

Culinary experience in Tay Ninh at Sol Kitchen restaurant. (Source: Collected)

5. Tips and notes for spring travel to Tay Ninh during the 2025 Lunar New Year

During Tet, Tay Ninh's weather is quite pleasant with temperatures ranging from 22-30°C, however, visitors should choose appropriate attire for each type of activity. When visiting spiritual sites like Ba Den Mountain or Cao Dai Holy See, dress modestly with long-sleeved tops, long pants, and suitable footwear. It is advisable to bring a light jacket as the temperature on top of Ba Den Mountain is usually 3-5°C lower than in the area at the foot.

Etiquette to note when spring traveling to Tay Ninh during Lunar New Year should be strictly observed. At Cao Dai Holy See, before entering the Sanctuary, visitors must remove their shoes, maintain a quiet demeanor, and queue orderly. When offering incense at Ba Den Mountain, prioritize bringing offerings such as fresh fruits, candies, and incense; avoid inappropriate items like alcohol.

Some beautiful photo spots include the 986m milestone on top of Ba Den Mountain, and the Sun World tulip garden during the best sunlight from 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM. At Cao Dai Holy See, the Tam Quan gate area and the main courtyard are prominent photo spots, however, be mindful not to take photos during ceremonies. The Tay Ninh night market, with its colorful stalls and diverse food, is also an ideal place to capture the local life.

A spring trip to Tay Ninh during the 2026 Lunar New Year will bring visitors profound spiritual, cultural, and culinary experiences. Plan carefully to fully enjoy a new year filled with peace and luck in this land rich in tradition.