Known as a pilgrimage tourism destination, in recent years, Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh has become a favorite spot for trekking enthusiasts. Annually, aside from welcoming millions of tourists to visit the pagoda, it also attracts numerous adventurers to conquer the roof of the Southern house and enjoy the stunning scenery of Ba Den Mountain peak.
1. Tip 1 to conquer the scenery of Ba Den Mountain peak: Locate Ba Den Mountain
Where is Ba Den Mountain Tay Ninh? Ba Den Mountain is a part of the Ba Den Mountain cultural and historical relic complex. This complex consists of three peaks: Heo Mountain, Phung Mountain, and Ba Den Mountain.
According to ancient documents, Ba Den Mountain was once called Ba Dinh Mountain or sometimes Ba Denh Mountain. Most of these names originate from the story of a woman passed down through generations.
There are many versions of the legend of Ba Den Mountain. One of the most famous versions is about Lady Ly Thi Thien Huong, who unfortunately fell down the mountain. After her death, she appeared several times in a somewhat darkened form. Through these apparitions to the monks, she became associated with the mountain and was named Ba Den Mountain.
The peak of Ba Den Mountain hidden in the mist.
Not only home to sacred temples, but Ba Den Mountain also captivates many adventurers with its nearly 1000m height. Thanks to this height, Ba Den Mountain offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, allowing travelers to admire the entire scenery of the Ba Den Mountain peak and the city of Tay Ninh from afar.
Another interesting point is that when travelers arrive at the peak of Ba Den Mountain in the early morning, besides witnessing the sunrise on the mountain, they can also chase clouds.
2. Tip 2 for conquering the scenery of Ba Den Mountain peak: The path to the peak of Ba Den Mountain
Today, more and more people are fond of conquering the scenery of Ba Den Mountain peak through trekking. Therefore, new mountain climbing routes are emerging in this area.
In particular, the mountain climbing routes in Ba Den Mountain are divided into different levels from easy to difficult. Whether travelers are professional adventurers or beginners in mountain climbing, they can all conquer the scenery of Ba Den Mountain peak - the highest mountain in the southern region of the country.
2.1 Route to Ba Den Mountain area in Tây Ninh 2023
To admire the scenery of Ba Den Mountain peak, travelers first need to pay attention to the route to Tây Ninh province and the Ba Den Mountain area. Travelers can take the following routes to reach the Ba Den Mountain area:
If travelers depart from Ho Chi Minh City, they can take one of the following two routes:
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Follow National Highway 22A to Trảng Bàng intersection. Then, turn onto provincial road 782 to continue to Ba Den Mountain.
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Travel on National Highway 22A but turn left at Gò Dầu town and then turn right onto National Highway 22B. However, this route will be longer and take more time compared to the route above. This will be a suitable route for travelers who enjoy admiring the scenery, as the scenery along both sides of the road is very beautiful and romantic.
Travelers can easily ride a motorbike from Ho Chi Minh City to reach Ba Den Mountain.
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If travelers come from other provinces to Tây Ninh bus station or Gò Dầu bus station, they can continue by taking a bus at the station to reach the Ba Den Mountain area. If travelers ride a motorbike, they can easily reach the Ba Den Mountain area nearby.
2.2 Route to Ba Den Mountain peak
To reach the summit of Ba Den Mountain, travelers can take the cable car to Ba Den Mountain. However, for the fullest mountain climbing experience, Mytour recommends travelers to climb the mountain through trekking.
The Ba Den Mountain trekking trails consist of 6 routes ranging from easy to difficult: temple route, power pole route, Ma Thien Lanh route, Heo Mountain route, Phung Mountain route, and White Rock route.
In order, the temple route is the easiest. If travelers lack mountain climbing experience, they should choose the temple route to conquer the scenery of the Ba Den Mountain peak while ensuring safety.
2.2.1 Temple route
The Temple route is located behind the Ba Den Mountain. Along this route, there are often signposts to help travelers navigate easier. Some sections of the road will have local stalls and drink shops by the roadside. Travelers can stop to rest, hydrate, and recharge for the next journey. For those who want to visit the Ba Temple before reaching the summit of Ba Den Mountain, they can choose the Temple route.
The temple route is the easiest path to ascend Ba Den Mountain.
2.2.2 Power Pole Route
The next route classified as easy, suitable for non-professional adventurers or those who are new to trekking, is the Power Pole Route. It is also known as the favorite trekking route of adventurers when conquering the scenery of Ba Den Mountain peak.
Trekking Ba Den Mountain via the Power Pole Route, travelers won't have to worry about getting lost. Although the Power Pole Route is quite long, travelers may spend more time. But thanks to the evenly distributed arrows and numbers along the way, travelers can easily follow them to reach the summit of Ba Den Mountain.
Specifically, the tree trunks along the Power Pole Route are numbered from 1 to 117. This route is similar to the forest trail but may have sections with stairs, so it's not too difficult for travelers to choose this path.
Compared to other routes, the Power Pole Route is also quite easy to hike.
Along the Power Pole Route, travelers will pass through mango and banana forests. Travelers can stop at milestone columns number 55 and 65 to rest, drink water along the way, and prepare for the journey to conquer the scenery of Ba Den Mountain peak ahead. If choosing to hike along the Power Pole Route, travelers may take about 3 hours to complete the section and reach the summit of Ba Den Mountain.
2.2.3 Ma Thien Lanh Route
Following the Chua and Power Pole routes, the Ma Thien Lanh route presents a fairly challenging trek up Ba Den Mountain. Unlike the previous routes, Ma Thien Lanh has no established trails. Instead, this route features many rocky slopes, considered quite treacherous.
Opting to conquer the scenery of Ba Den Mountain peak via the Ma Thien Lanh route, travelers will experience the true essence of mountain climbing, requiring ascent over large rocks and steep inclines. There are sections where one side is a steep abyss and the other side is filled with perilous tree branches.
The Ma Thien Lanh route is extremely rugged and hazardous.
2.2.4 Phung Mountain Route
The next challenging route to conquer the scenery of Ba Den Mountain peak is named the Phung Mountain Route. True to its name, travelers choosing this route must overcome Phung Mountain to reach the summit of Ba Den Mountain.
This is a newly discovered route by hikers in recent times, so there are no established trails. Travelers must climb over steep terrain. Moreover, as they have to cross an entire mountain, the journey to the summit of Ba Den Mountain also takes quite a bit of time. On average, it takes about 1 - 2 days.
2.2.5 White Rock Route
While the Phung Mountain Route requires travelers to climb over an entire mountain within the Ba Den Mountain complex, the White Rock Route is considered the most treacherous route.
To conquer the scenery of Ba Den Mountain peak via the White Rock Route, travelers must traverse two difficult and perilous sections. In the first section, travelers have to climb over large, stacked rocks, making it extremely challenging to reach the Stone Tabletop area.
The towering cliffs are highly renowned among the hiking community.
From the Stone Tabletop area onward, travelers continue their journey with the famous 700 Rock Slope. The 700 Rock Slope is the most famous steep slope in the Ba Den Mountain area. Most of those who conquer this slope are experienced hikers.
3. Top Instagrammable spots when trekking Ba Den Mountain
Although the journey to conquer Ba Den Mountain involves crossing many challenging terrains, the scenery of Ba Den Mountain peak with its rugged landscapes and rocky outcrops is highly appealing to hikers.
3.1 Turtle Head Rock
This is one of the most ideal check-in spots for travelers visiting Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh. It's named Turtle Head Rock because it protrudes, perched on the high mountain ridge, resembling the head of a turtle when viewed from afar.
The precarious yet sturdy rocky outcrop clings firmly to the mountainside, seemingly on the verge of collapse at any moment. That's why most travelers to Ba Den Mountain are eager to take photos and check in with this unique rock formation.
Don't forget to check-in with the Turtle Head Rock.
Standing on Turtle Head Rock, travelers can admire the panoramic view of Ba Den Mountain and Tay Ninh city. Moreover, adventurous travelers can even reach out and touch the clouds while standing on Turtle Head Rock!
3.2 Stone Table Area
Stone Table Area is located along the White Stone Trail - the most challenging route to conquer the scenery of Ba Den Mountain in the area. Therefore, to reach this Stone Table Area, travelers must overcome the daunting White Stone Trail.
Stone Table Area is a large and relatively flat rock slab located roughly in the middle of the White Stone Trail. Therefore, Stone Table Area is often chosen as a stopping point, a camping site for overnight stays by adventurers conquering Ba Den Mountain.
The most wonderful experience is when travelers camp overnight at Stone Table Area and witness the sunrise in the early morning. At this time, the drifting clouds and the distant scenery shrouded in mist mesmerize countless travelers.
>> Read more: Conquering the Rooftop of Southeast Vietnam - Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh
3.3 Ba Den Mountain Summit, Tay Ninh
The summit of Ba Den Mountain, accurately measuring 986 meters in height, is a dream destination for many. At the summit, travelers can check in with a coordinate marker, leaving their mark on the conquest of the 'Rooftop of Southern Vietnam'.
Moreover, the summit of Ba Den Mountain has been developed into a sunny balcony adorned with a garden full of daisies and buckwheat flowers. As a result, it has become a check-in paradise in the 2023 Ba Den Mountain reviews in Tay Ninh. Travelers can unleash their creativity amidst the breathtaking scenery from nearly a thousand meters above.
The summit of Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh - the Rooftop of Southern Vietnam.
Additionally, travelers can go cloud hunting in the early morning or bask in the first rays of sunlight at this summit. All of these are exciting activities that every adventurer surely loves. This is the ultimate spot to admire the stunning scenery from the top of Ba Den Mountain.
4. What to Consider When Hiking to Conquer the Summit of Ba Den Mountain
Whether it's your first attempt to conquer the trail or you're an experienced hiker, there are still some points to note. This will help ensure the safety and smoothness of your journey.
4.1 Prepare Sufficient Food, Water, and Medication
Hiking can be physically demanding, leading travelers to expend a lot of energy. Furthermore, it's rare to find eateries or drink stalls along the hiking trails. Therefore, before setting off, travelers should prepare an ample supply of food, water, and medication to replenish energy whenever needed.
Besides, medication is an indispensable item for every journey. Especially when trekking, medication becomes more important than ever. Additionally, first aid supplies and wound treatment tools are also essential.
4.2 Prepare Comfortable Clothing and Hiking Shoes
To facilitate movement, travelers should choose neat and lightweight clothing. Moreover, long-sleeved clothing is recommended to avoid direct sunlight, which can cause fatigue and prevent insect bites.
Travelers should wear comfortable clothing for ease of climbing, moving around.
In addition, wearing suitable hiking shoes that provide comfort and easy movement is crucial for a trek to the summit of Mount Ba Den. Surely, no one wants sore and swollen feet after the trip, right?
4.3 Prepare Physical and Mental Fitness Before Departure
As mentioned in previous sections, most paths to the mountain peak involve large rocks and extremely difficult mountain trails. Therefore, hikers need to have endurance or train their fitness beforehand to ensure they can keep up with the journey.
Moreover, for challenging trails like Ma Thien Lanh, Phung Mountain, or White Stone Path, patience is also essential. Only with patience can travelers fully complete their itinerary.
4.4 Research the Route or Find a Guide
To ensure a complete mountain climbing trip, travelers should make sure they know the route. Especially when trekking on difficult paths like Ma Thien Lanh, Heo Mountain, or Phung Mountain.
Travelers must have an experienced trekking companion or guide who understands the terrain here to ensure that no one in the group gets lost. Getting lost in the mountains is extremely dangerous.
Travelers should follow the guidance of the guide.
5. Other Tourist Attractions at Ba Den Mountain
Once you're here, you can explore some other famous attractions at Ba Den Mountain. Let's find out what they are!
5.1 Temple Complex in Ba Den Mountain Area, Tay Ninh
The temple complex at Ba Den Mountain includes Ba Temple, Hang Temple, Trung Temple, Linh Son Hoa Dong Temple, Quan Am Temple, and more. The temple complex at Ba Den Mountain is renowned as the most sacred in the Southern region, attracting many pilgrims and tourists to come and worship.
The Ba Den Pagoda attracts the most visitors during festivals.
Moreover, the temples at Ba Den Mountain are where important festivals are held annually, such as the Ba Mountain Spring Festival (from the 4th to the end of the 1st lunar month) and the Ba Mountain Pilgrimage Festival (from the 4th to the 6th of the 5th lunar month). These are the liveliest festivals of the year, attracting visitors from all corners to this sacred land.
5.2 Ba Den Mountain Cable Car, Tay Ninh
In addition to being renowned for its temples and the highest peak in the Southern region, Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh, also entices visitors with a modern cable car system. If just visiting Ba Den for religious purposes, tourists can take the cable car up the mountain.
Ba Den Mountain cable car consists of two lines: Van Son Line - which takes tourists from the foot of the mountain up to admire the Ba Den Mountain peak. And the other line is the Chua Hang cable car, taking tourists from the foot of the mountain up to Chua Hang Pagoda located halfway up the mountain.
Moreover, the Ba Den Mountain cable car boasts three stations with unique architectural features. Including the Ba Den station, Van Son station, and Chua Hang station. Among them, the Ba Den station has the largest area, setting a record as the largest cable car station in the world with a total area of 10,959 m2.
A modern cable car system in the Ba Den Mountain area.
Tourists can also admire the unique architecture of the Van Son station. Along with that, the Chua Hang station with its unique architectural design resembling a pagoda is also a place that tourists should visit when traveling to Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh.
If travelers also enjoy experiencing adventurous activities, don't hesitate to form a team to conquer the nearly thousand-meter-high peak of the South. Here are all the information and experiences in mountain climbing, conquering the scenery of Ba Den Mountain. For advice and booking tours to Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh, contact the Mytour hotline Mytour for special offers.