1. Why is Tet Tay Ninh always "attractive to visitors"?

1.1. Tay Ninh during Tet: vibrant festivals, a blend of tradition and modernity

It's not by chance that what to do in Tay Ninh during Tet is always a topic that attracts a large number of tourists nationwide. In the early days of spring, this place welcomes the Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival, one of the major festivals in the Southeast region, with a large number of pilgrims and visitors. The festival atmosphere here is a unique blend between traditional beauty and the modern spirit of performing arts and street music.

Musical performances, lion and dragon dances, along with the rhythm of Chhay dam drums and Khmer dances, contribute to making the festival space more vibrant and colorful. Visitors immerse themselves in the echoing sounds of gongs and drums throughout the mountains, listening to graceful folk songs, interspersed with the youthful melodies of modern singers.

Throughout the streets, vibrant and bustling makeshift markets, spring flower markets, selling many kinds of fruits, specialties, and organizing traditional culinary activities. All this creates a lively, reunion-filled picture characteristic of Tet. The harmonious combination of tradition and modernity has created a unique charm for this land, meeting all expectations of visitors when they come at the beginning of the year.

Tay Ninh is famous for its unique festivals. (Source: Collected)

1.2. Convenient location, beautiful nature, hospitable people

Located about 100 km from Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh easily becomes an ideal destination for tourists traveling by bus, personal car, or motorbike to explore. The weather during Tet is usually dry and cool, very convenient for visiting natural landscapes. Lush green mountain ranges like Ba Den Mountain and the vast waters of Dau Tieng Lake serve as a romantic backdrop for memorable souvenir photos.

One of Tay Ninh's great advantages is the friendly and hospitable nature of its people, who always warmly welcome tourists. Whether they are street vendors or restaurant owners, everyone enthusiastically shares stories and patiently guides visitors to prominent attractions. This warmth makes every tourist feel welcomed at home, creating a sense of closeness, ease of integration, and leaving many beautiful and unforgettable impressions.

Tay Ninh is famous for its majestic natural scenery. (Source: Collected)

2. What to play in Tay Ninh during Tet? Special events and festivals to experience during Tet

2.1. Nui Ba Den Spring Festival

Speaking of what to play in Tay Ninh during Tet, you definitely cannot miss the Nui Ba Den Spring Festival, a special spiritual event of Tay Ninh province. Starting from the 4th day of the first lunar month, the Nui Ba Den National Tourist Area, Binh Minh ward, welcomes a large number of pilgrims, making this place the center of the festival atmosphere.

Traditional rituals are solemnly organized with activities such as incense offering, presentation of offerings, and chanting prayers for peace. Besides spiritual activities, a series of art programs such as dragon-lion dance, Chhay dam drumming, Khmer dance are performed by famous artists, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere lasting throughout the first lunar month. The peak of Nui Ba Den is also decorated with hundreds of thousands of vibrant tulip pots, along with eye-catching spring miniatures, offering visitors many impressive photo opportunities.

Image of offering lanterns at Ba Den Mountain spring festival. (Source: Collected)

Maitreya Buddha Ceremony

Maitreya Buddha Ceremony, held on the first day of the Lunar New Year, is one of the important holidays in Buddhism, especially emphasized at pilgrimage sites at the beginning of the year. Maitreya Buddha symbolizes happiness, joy, and peace, so many Buddhists come to pagodas to pray for a new year full of joy and good karma. In Tay Ninh, visitors can admire the giant Maitreya Buddha statue on top of Ba Den Mountain. Not only carrying spiritual significance, the ceremony is also an occasion for everyone to practice compassion, let go of worries, and move towards inner peace.

Glistening images at the ceremony of worshipping Buddha Maitreya on Ba Den Mountain. (Source: Collected)

2.3. Kim Quang Cave Traditional Festival

The Kim Quang Cave traditional festival, held on the 14th day of the first lunar month at Ba Den Mountain, is one of Tay Ninh's unique festivals. Kim Quang Cave is considered a sacred place associated with the ancient worship of the Mountain God. During the festival, tourists and local people will participate in traditional worship rituals, praying for favorable weather, good harvests, and prosperous lives. The festival not only carries spiritual elements but also showcases ancient cultural beauty through folk rituals, processions, and characteristic cultural activities. Visitors coming here can combine visiting the pagoda cluster on the mountain, exploring the natural landscape, and experiencing the unique festival atmosphere.

2.4. New Year's Eve Fireworks

New Year's Eve in Tay Ninh always lights up with spectacular fireworks displays taking place in many locations. At the center of Tay Ninh Square 30/4, a peak fireworks performance is performed at the exact moment of the New Year transition. Additionally, Trang Bang ward is also an ideal place to watch fireworks in a spacious area, convenient for fully enjoying the New Year's Eve atmosphere. To get an ideal viewing spot, visitors should arrive early and fully comply with safety regulations, ensuring order when participating in the event.

Visitors can enjoy spectacular fireworks displays. (Source: Collection)

2.5. Duc Chi Ton's Birthday Festival

Duc Chi Ton's Birthday Festival is one of the largest festivals of the Cao Dai religion, attracting a large number of followers and tourists to Tay Ninh annually. Held on the 9th day of the first lunar month, the festival signifies gratitude to the Supreme Being, the creator of the universe according to Cao Dai religious beliefs. During this time, the Tay Ninh Holy See becomes magnificent with solemn rituals such as offering sacrifices, praying for peace, attending ceremonies, and admiring the unique architecture of the Holy See.

The solemn yet colorful atmosphere of faith creates a special attraction, making the event a typical spiritual cultural feature of Tay Ninh. Besides its religious significance, Duc Chi Ton's Birthday Festival is also an opportunity for tourists to learn about the philosophies of "Tam giao quy nguyen" (Three religions return to the origin) and "Ngu chi hiep nhat" (Five branches unite), the core values that define the unique identity of Cao Dai.

Famous Nhang Dragon Dance activity at the festival. (Source: Collected)

2.6. God of Wealth Day

The God of Wealth's commemoration day, which falls on the 10th day of the first lunar month, is considered an important occasion to pray for luck, prosperity, and a smooth start to a new year. According to folk beliefs, the God of Wealth is the deity in charge of money and prosperity, therefore, many families and businesses prepare elaborate offerings to express their sincerity. On this day, people often buy gold for good luck, clean the altars of the God of Wealth and the Earth God, and prepare offerings such as flowers, fruits, roasted meat, and cakes to wish for prosperous business.

God of Wealth Day is an occasion for people to pray for good luck. (Source: Collected)

2.7. Full Moon of the First Lunar Month

The Full Moon of the First Lunar Month (Tet Nguyen Tieu) is considered the "biggest full moon festival of the year", signifying prayers for peace and completeness for the first month of the new year. This is when people from all over flock to pagodas to offer incense, perform ceremonies for peace, repent, and pray for health and luck for their families. In Tay Ninh, the Full Moon of the First Lunar Month becomes even more special thanks to festivals, offerings, and worship activities at sacred sites like Ba Den Mountain.

Many tourists choose to visit Ba Mountain to experience the spiritual atmosphere in spring, participating in activities such as offering flowers, visiting Hang Pagoda, Linh Son Tien Thach Pagoda, and immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere. Besides religious significance, the Full Moon of the First Lunar Month is also an occasion for family bonding through pure vegetarian meals, aiming for a peaceful and virtuous new year.

3. Checklist of the "hottest" sightseeing and entertainment spots in Tay Ninh during Tet

3.1. Ba Den Mountain

Conquering the peak of Ba Den Mountain is an unmissable activity for those who want to discover what to do in Tay Ninh during Tet . You can choose to travel by modern cable car to admire the panoramic view of Tay Ninh from above. Sacred worship sites such as Quan Am Pagoda, Linh Son Thanh Mau Temple,... on the mountain peak always attract a large number of pilgrims each year. The tallest statue of the Goddess of Mercy in Asia stands majestically amidst the grand nature, creating a space that is both solemn and intimate.

The best time to visit the mountain peak is in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sunlight is gentle, especially convenient for photography. Tourists can choose bright colored outfits to stand out in the flower square, among the spring miniatures, and don't forget to experience checking in at the heaven's gate, the most popular spot in this area.

Nui Ba Den with the statue of the Bodhisattva of Tay Bo Da Son amidst a sea of clouds. (Source: Collected)

3.2. Toa Thanh Cao Dai Tay Ninh

The Toa Thanh Cao Dai Tay Ninh impresses with its architecture, a delicate blend of Eastern and Western styles. Gentle pastel colors and spaciousness create a sense of elegance and peace, making it an important spiritual center for the Cao Dai religion in Vietnam.

Visitors can attend major ceremonies at noon or on special occasions during Tet holidays to gain a deeper understanding of Tay Ninh's unique religious culture. When visiting, please pay attention to choosing neat attire and avoid wearing shorts or short skirts when entering the sanctuary area to show respect for the sacred place.

The Cao Dai Holy See "shines" under the rainbow. (Source: Collected)

3.3. Long Dien Son Tourist Area, Dau Tieng Lake

Long Dien Son is an ideal stopover for families with young children thanks to its large swimming pool system and thrill rides such as roller coasters or carousels. In the evening, the water music stage with attractive performances will bring complete relaxation moments after a long day of exploration.

3.4. Dau Tieng Lake

Dau Tieng Lake stands out with its vast lake surface and beautiful sunrise and sunset scenery, ideal for camping, picnics, or gatherings of nature-loving friends. Around the lake, there are also services for renting coracles and kayaks, allowing you to freely explore the scenery from many unique angles. This is also a photo-worthy spot loved by many tourists, with the vast water surface and clear blue sky as the background.

Picturesque Ho Dau Tieng Lake in the holy land. (Source: Collected)

3.5. Tet Flower Market, Walking Street

The Tet flower market in the Tay Ninh riverside area is divided into three separate zones: the ornamental plant area, the souvenir area, and the Tet specialty food area. The market operates from 7 AM to 9 PM throughout the Tet holiday, becoming an indispensable shopping and entertainment destination during Tet.

At the central walking street of Tay Ninh province, street art performances take place vibrantly in the evening, gathering local artists and invited guests. This space is very suitable for groups of friends or families to stroll and enjoy the cheerful and bustling atmosphere of early spring.

4. Tay Ninh Specialties and Cuisine to Try During Tet

4.1. Dew-dried Rice Paper, Tay Ninh Shrimp Salt

Tay Ninh rice paper is famous for its thinness and chewiness, along with the characteristic fragrant flavor of glutinous rice, processed according to the long-standing traditional family recipes of craft villages. The dew-drying process creates rice paper that is both crispy and chewy, and eating it with shrimp salt allows you to experience a unique delicious flavor.

Meanwhile, Tay Ninh shrimp salt has long been a renowned specialty of the sunny and windy southern land. Thanks to the exquisite blend of dried shrimp, rock salt, red chili, and traditional spices, the shrimp salt has a rich, spicy flavor yet retains its characteristic aroma. This is not only a 'national' dipping sauce for fruits like mango, ambarella, and guava, but also an excellent seasoning for other attractive dishes such as mixed rice paper, crispy rice, or grilled items.

Tourists should buy rice paper at the Trang Bang craft village or reputable stores like Long Hoa market or famous places like Ut Hue, Nam Dung in Tay Ninh. Reasonable prices range from 30,000 to 70,000 VND per pack of rice paper, and shrimp salt ranges from 15,000 to 45,000 VND per jar, making them very suitable as Tet gifts.

Banh trang phoi suong is a traditional dish of the people of Tay Ninh. (Source: Collected)

4.2. Bo to, nem buoi, street food dishes of Tay Ninh

Tay Ninh bo to is processed from tender young beef, retaining its natural sweetness. The meat can be grilled, steamed with rice paper rolls, or made into hot pot. The flavor of bo to here has its own characteristics, different from other regions.

Famous eateries like Bo To Nam Sanh, Bo To 5 Muoi, and Bo Gia restaurant are always chosen by many diners for their food quality and dedicated service style.

Nem buoi is a unique vegetarian dish, made from fermented pomelo peel, eaten with betel leaves, pepper, and rice powder, creating an attractive nutty and aromatic flavor. Wandering around the spring market fairs, you will easily find Banh Canh Trang Bang with its sweet broth, crispy and fresh Oc xu nui Ba Den snails from Ba Den Mountain, fragrant and refreshing Che thot not, along with many special traditional cakes. These dishes not only satisfy the palate but also evoke memories of the traditional flavors of the Southern region.

An appealing dish of young beef steamed with sesame from Tay Ninh. (Source: Collected)

4.3. Experiencing the Spring Market

The spring market in Tay Ninh is always bustling with cheerful sounds, vibrant colors of fruits, souvenirs, and diverse cakes and jams. The market atmosphere seems to recreate the daily life of local people during Tet.

Visitors have the chance to enjoy Banh Can, Banh Khot, and green bean sweet soup with coconut milk right at the stalls. Choosing Tet gifts becomes more enjoyable when participating in folk games or watching street art performances, which last throughout the holiday.

Notably, the spring market is not only a place for shopping but also for cultural exchange, helping visitors deeply feel the customs and daily life of the people of Tay Ninh in the early days of the year.

5. Tips for a Safe and Complete "Tet in Tay Ninh" Experience

When immersing yourself in festival activities in Tay Ninh, visitors should pay attention to respecting local customs, especially when visiting pagodas. Polite, modest attire and maintaining order in sacred places are necessary. Move gently, avoid crowding at crowded spots to ensure safety for yourself and others.

The weather during Tet in Tay Ninh is usually pleasant, but there can be temperature differences between day and night. Visitors should prepare a light jacket for evening outings, and bring sunscreen, hats, and drinking water for daytime activities.

When traveling, prioritize public transport or book vehicles in advance for convenience. Always keep personal belongings safe, and buy specialties from reputable stores to ensure quality. Additionally, pay attention to food safety and hygiene, and limit eating at stalls with unclear origins to maintain your health throughout the trip.

Above is the most complete answer to the question: "What is there to do during Tet in Tay Ninh?" . Every Tet season, Tay Ninh truly offers many captivating experiences, from traditional festivals, natural scenery, to rich cuisine. Prepare well for your journey to explore this sacred land to fully enjoy the early days of the new year!