Conquering the Rooftop of Southeast Vietnam – Mount Black Lady, Tây Ninh

Mount Black Lady in Tây Ninh not only boasts the highest peak in the Southeastern region but also is renowned for spiritual tourism – home to temples perched on the sacred mountain slopes so revered that locals call it the “sacred mountain”. With just these two aspects, Tây Ninh mountain tourism has attracted countless visitors from far and wide. Join Mytour to explore the unique points of this mountainous area.

1. Overview of Mount Black Lady, Tây Ninh

1.1 Location

Where is Mount Black Lady, Tây Ninh? Mount Black Lady, Tây Ninh is situated in the northeastern mountainous region of Tây Ninh province. Specifically, the mountainous area is located in Thạnh Tân commune, Tây Ninh city, partly in Suối Đá commune, Phan commune of Dương Minh Châu district. The Mount Black Lady area is only about 11km from the city center. Tourists can combine their journey to conquer Mount Black Lady with other recreational activities nearby such as camping at Dau Tieng Lake.

Mount Black Lady, Tây Ninh, is one of the mountains within the historical and cultural heritage complex of Mount Black Lady. With an elevation of 986m, it is dubbed the rooftop of Southeast Vietnam as it is also the tallest mountain in Southern Vietnam.

Mount Black Lady shrouded in mist atop the mountain.

The other mountains in this area include Heo Mountain and Phụng Mountain. Visiting the Mount Black Lady area, tourists can not only conquer the highest peak in Southeast Vietnam but also visit temples and go on pilgrimages – the most popular tourist activities in Tây Ninh province due to the presence of sacred temples like Trung Temple, Bà Temple, and Hang Temple.

According to ancient documents, Mount Black Lady was originally called Mount Bà Dinh and is surrounded by many legends. One prominent story is about Lady Lý Thị Thiên Hương and the events that occurred here.

When is the best time to visit Mount Black Lady, Tây Ninh? The perfect time for tourists to visit Mount Black Lady, Tây Ninh, is from December to April as this is the dry season in the South. The dry, sunny weather makes it easy for tourists to have a perfect mountain climbing trip. Additionally, during the lunar January, visitors can participate in typical festivals such as the Spring Festival at Mount Black Lady or the Pilgrimage Festival often held in May (lunar calendar).

How to reach the “roof” of Southern Vietnam - Mount Black Lady, Tây Ninh

The ideal time for tourists to explore Mount Black Lady, Tây Ninh, is from December to April, as this period marks the dry season in the South. The dry weather and beautiful sunshine make it easy for tourists to have a perfect mountain climbing experience. Additionally, during the lunar January, visitors can also participate in various traditional festivals such as the Spring Festival at Mount Black Lady or the Pilgrimage Festival, which usually takes place in May (lunar calendar).

How to get to Mount Black Lady

If tourists depart from Ho Chi Minh City, they can travel by car or motorbike and have the following options:

Tourists can travel along National Highway 22A, then at the Trảng Bàng intersection, turn right onto Road 782 and continue to the Tây Ninh city roundabout. From this roundabout, continue for another 11km to reach Mount Black Lady. The total travel time for this journey is approximately under 3 hours, so tourists should consider traveling by car, especially during the hot season, to ensure their health for subsequent activities.

The route to Mount Black Lady is also relatively easy for tourists traveling independently.

Embark on the second path with a similar starting point as the first. Upon reaching the Trang Bang intersection, veer left onto the road in the Gò Dầu town. Proceed to highway 22B, leading to Mount Bà Đen. This route boasts stunning scenery, perfect for both admiring the landscape and capturing memorable snapshots.

Travelers can also opt for public transportation to reach Mount Bà Đen Tây Ninh. Take the Ben Thanh - Gò Dầu bus route, then transfer to a bus heading to Long Hòa station in Tây Ninh.

If departing from Tây Ninh bus station, travelers have two choices:

If opting for a bus ride, head directly to Mount Bà Đen Tây Ninh.

2.2.1 On Foot - Mountain Trekking

The road from the foot of the mountain to its peak is often explored and conquered by adventure-seeking travelers. Routes such as mountain trekking, favored by backpackers and trekking enthusiasts, include:

• Phụng Mountain Trail: This is arguably the most challenging trekking route as travelers must traverse Phụng Mountain before reaching Bà Đen Mountain.

• Ma Thiên Lãnh Trail: An enticing route for trekking enthusiasts due to its almost non-existent trails. It is advisable for travelers to have a guide to ensure they do not get lost and remain safe.

• Water Pipe Route: This route is considered to have moderate difficulty among the five Bà Đen mountain trekking routes. It is named the Water Pipe Route because travelers have to pass through a dangerous water pipe section. Therefore, having a guide is recommended when choosing this route.

In the Bà Đen mountain area, there are numerous attractive trekking routes for travelers who enjoy conquering challenges.

The Electric Column Path: With clear staircases and marked signs along the way, this route is considered relatively easy. Ideal for beginners in mountain climbing or those seeking a gentle trek.

The Temple Trail: Known as the easiest road to Mount Ba Den, this path has been a popular choice for many, forming a well-trodden trail up the mountain over time. Travelers can even take breaks, grab a drink, or enjoy a light meal at roadside stalls. Perfect for mountain climbers and pilgrims alike.

2.2.2 Taking the Cable Car

Cable Car Routes in the Mount Ba Den Area: To facilitate easier and quicker travel from the mountain base to the summit, the Mount Ba Den tourist area has invested in a cable car system consisting of two routes: the Van Son cable car route and the Chua Hang cable car route.

Not only does it offer greater convenience for travel to Mount Ba Den, Tây Ninh in 2024, but visitors can also admire the majestic scenery of the entire mountainous region in Southeast Vietnam. Each cable car cabin can accommodate up to 10 people, making it suitable for group outings or family trips. Specifically, travelers can choose from one of the two cable car routes:

Vân Sơn Cable Car Route: If visitors want to check in at the summit of Mount Ba Den and admire the mountainous landscape from above, they should choose the Vân Sơn cable car. This route runs from the base of Mount Ba Den to the summit with a total length of approximately 1847 meters. The Vân Sơn cable car has a considerable elevation difference of about 886 meters.

Taking the cable car up Mount Ba Den allows visitors to enjoy the scenery while ascending the mountain more quickly.

Chùa Hang Cable Car Route: Conversely, if visitors wish to climb the mountain for pilgrimage to the Hang Pagoda, this will be an optimal choice as this route takes visitors directly from the mountain summit to Hang Pagoda, also known as Bà Pagoda. The total length of this route is shorter than the Vân Sơn cable car, at 1210 meters, and the elevation difference between the departure and arrival stations is also lower, approximately 259 meters.

Latest Updates on Mount Ba Den 2024 Cable Car Prices 

In addition to the entrance fee to the tourist area, visitors also need to pay for the cable car ticket to enjoy a scenic ride from above and ascend the mountain in just 8 minutes. The ticket prices for each route are as follows:

• Cable Car Ticket Price for the Hang Pagoda Route:

• Adult ticket price: 150,000 VND/one-way and 250,000 VND/round-trip

• Child ticket price for children over 1m tall - 1.4m tall: 100,000 VND/one-way and 150,000 VND/round-trip

• Children under 1m tall: Free of charge

• Mount Ba Den Summit Cable Car Ticket Price:

• Adult ticket price: 300,000 VND/round-trip

• Child ticket price for children over 1m tall - 1.4m tall: 200,000 VND/round-trip

• Children under 1m tall: Free of charge

• In addition, Mount Ba Den cable car also offers VIP tickets and Combo tickets including other exciting services such as private cable car access and complimentary drinks.

3. What to Do at Mount Ba Den, Tây Ninh

3.1 Temple Visit on Mount Ba Den

Mount Ba Den, Tây Ninh is especially renowned for spiritual tourism, drawing pilgrims to its revered temples known for their sacredness. Consequently, the majority of visitors come here to pay homage to the temples, seeking blessings and good fortune. Some of the sacred temples welcoming millions of visitors each year on Mount Ba Den include:

• Bà Đen Temple: Also known as Linh Sơn Tiên Thạch Temple, this temple is one of the most visited in the Mount Ba Den, Tây Ninh area. Dedicated to the worship of Bà Đen, it has a history of over 300 years. It can be said that this temple marks the arrival of Buddhism in Tây Ninh province. The temple is located about halfway up Ba Den mountain.

Bà Đen Temple attracts millions of visitors for pilgrimage every year.

Chùa Bà Đen not only echoes with sanctity but also boasts unique and ancient architectural features. For instance, in the forecourt, there are two meticulously carved dragon columns made of green stone dating back to the early 20th century, or the solemn and elaborate altar in the main hall, adorned with gold leaf paintings. The statues of Buddha exude solemnity yet equally resplendent.

Apart from Chùa Bà Đen, the Bà Đen Mountain in Tây Ninh is also home to other temples such as Linh Sơn Hòa Đồng Temple, Hang Temple (also known as Linh Sơn Long Châu Temple), Trung Temple (also known as Linh Sơn Long Châu Temple), and most notably, Quan Âm Temple - where the famous statue of Bodhisattva Quan Âm stands with the title 'The highest bronze Buddha statue in Asia atop a mountain peak'.

3.2 Participate in festivals at Bà Đen Mountain, Tây Ninh

A pilgrimage trip to Bà Đen, Tây Ninh will be even more magnificent if visitors come during the festival season.

• The first festival that visitors should not miss is the Spring Festival at Bà Đen Mountain. This festival is usually held from the 4th to the end of the Lunar New Year. It mainly revolves around traditional revolutionary festivals and religious activities. This is also the time when Bà Đen Mountain in Tây Ninh welcomes the most tourists as everyone wants to come to pray for peace and luck for the new year. 

The festivals at Bà Đen Mountain are lively. 

• Another famous festival at Bà Đen Mountain that visitors should experience is the Vía Bà Festival. This is considered the most important festival at Bà Đen Mountain every year. The festival takes place from dawn on the 4th to the end of the 6th of the Lunar New Year. The most important rituals, 'Trình thập cúng,' will take place on the 5th day - the main day of the Vía Bà Festival. The remaining days usually feature folk games and rituals as well as offerings and repentance prayers for the departed souls. 

To fully enjoy the trip to Bà Đen Mountain in Tây Ninh, visitors can choose to go during the festival times.

3.3 Check-in at the peak of Bà Đen Mountain

Aside from its fame as a pilgrimage destination, visitors to Bà Đen Mountain in Tây Ninh can also conquer the peak of Bà Đen Mountain. With a height of nearly 1000m, this is one of the tallest mountains in the South. Visitors can trek along challenging trails as described by Mytour.

If you aspire to conquer this 'roof,' visitors can check-in at the rocky outcrop at the mountain peak. This seemingly desolate rocky outcrop is an excellent spot not only for visitors to admire Tây Ninh from above but also to enjoy spectacular cloud hunting.

Checking in at the milestone column at the peak of Bà Đen Mountain is something every visitor enjoys when conquering this mountainous area. 

Additionally, visitors can also check-in at the milestone column on the balcony of Bà Đen Mountain in Tây Ninh. This balcony captivates visitors with its scenery enveloped in clouds year-round and gentle sunlight from nearly a thousand meters high. Surrounding this milestone column area is a flower garden with various species of flowers. Visitors can also take interesting check-in photos with this high-altitude flower garden.

3.4 Explore Ma Thiên Lãnh 

Not only Bà Đen Mountain in Tây Ninh, but in this area, there is also a mountainous area and a pristine lake, romantically famous in the backpacking and trekking community, recently known as Ma Thiên Lãnh. Ma Thiên Lãnh is also in Thạnh Tân, so visitors can combine exploring this place with a trip to Bà Đen Mountain.

Ma Thiên Lãnh is considered a beautiful valley in Tây Ninh thanks to its possession of a crystal-clear lake resembling a giant mirror, adjacent hills, and winding treacherous roads but full of allure for those who love to conquer challenges. 

Ma Thiên Lãnh with its pristine beauty is truly breathtaking. 

Visitors can experience camping here to enjoy the tranquil space amidst rugged hills and check-in at the crystal-clear mountain lake after crossing the Seven-day Pit. 

3.5 Visit Bà Đen Station

Bà Đen Station is considered the representative station for stations in the Bà Đen Mountain area due to its scale and grandeur. Bà Đen Station is built on a fairly large area, up to about nearly 11,000 square meters, and has a very large capacity, up to about 8,800 people per hour. Although crowded during peak season, visitors can still check-in at the station's forecourt to capture photos with its modern architecture.

In front of Bà Đen Station is also a beautiful check-in spot. 

Bà Đen Station holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest cable car station. From this station, visitors can purchase tickets to take the cable car to destinations such as Hang Temple or the peak of Bà Đen Mountain. 

3.6 Visit Vân Sơn Station

If Bà Đen Station is famous for being the largest cable car station, then Vân Sơn Station attracts tourists with its architectural and interior design, full of artistry. Inside Vân Sơn Station is a combination of modern and classical architectural styles and colorful vibrant arches. Overall, this station exudes the breath of European architectural landmarks.

Visitors can freely check-in inside Vân Sơn Station. 

Any corner within the Vân Sơn Station area can become a beautiful check-in spot for visitors. Therefore, visitors to Bà Đen Mountain can also take the time to visit Vân Sơn Station for sightseeing. 

3.7 Camp at Dau Tieng Lake

Not far from there, Dau Tieng Lake is a favorite tourist destination for young people from Saigon. This lake exudes romantic and pristine beauty, to the point where it gives visitors an extremely relaxing feeling when camping here on weekends. Especially since it's not too far from Ho Chi Minh City, making it convenient for visitors to visit Bà Đen Mountain in Tây Ninh and camp out here. 

Dau Tieng Lake is a great place for gatherings with friends. 

4. Accommodation options for traveling to Bà Đen Mountain in Tây Ninh

If your trip lasts more than a day, visitors can consider the following hotels: 

• Vinpearl Hotel Tây Ninh: A 5-star hotel with upscale services right in the heart of Tây Ninh City. 

Vinpearl Hotel Tây Ninh is luxurious and full of amenities. 

• Victory Hotel: offering panoramic views of Tây Ninh City

• Sunrise Hotel with modern architecture and various amenities such as swimming pool, bathtub

• Vườn Cau Tây Ninh Hotel not only provides quality accommodation but also various attractive activities such as fishing area, playground, garden area,...

While lacking the romantic and sentimental landscapes like many other tourist destinations, Bà Đen Mountain in Tây Ninh still continues to attract millions of visitors every year. Visitors can combine pilgrimage tourism with exploring and conquering the surrounding areas of Bà Đen Mountain for a more memorable trip. To make your journey easy and comfortable, visitors can preview reviews of Bà Đen Mountain, Tây Ninh 2024 and choose Mytour as your companion in conquering Bà Đen Mountain. Therefore, contact Mytour now via hotline Mytour for detailed itinerary advice.