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Black Virgin Mountain

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Landmark
—°13
Black Virgin Mountain (Vietnam)

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Nui Ba Den, famously known as the Black Virgin Mountain, is the highest peak in Southern Vietnam, reaching an altitude of 986 meters above the plains of Tay Ninh Province. This extinct volcano is a prominent spiritual landmark for both Buddhists and Cao Dai followers. The mountain's name is derived from the legend of Ly Thi Thien Huong, a devoted woman from the 18th century who is enshrined as the mountain's protective goddess. A vast complex of pagodas and shrines, most notably the Ba Temple, is located on the mountainside and attracts millions of pilgrims annually, especially during the spring festivals following the Lunar New Year. In 2021, the summit underwent a major transformation with the installation of a 72-meter-tall bronze Lady Buddha statue, the highest of its kind in Asia atop a mountain peak. Modern cable car systems now provide easy access to the summit, which features landscaped gardens and panoramic views of the Dau Tieng Reservoir, Vietnam's largest man-made lake. The mountain also played a strategic role during the Vietnam War, and several historical markers remain on its slopes today.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272931323028272727272726
Rain mm10715441382051751661711869227

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Black Virgin Mountain (Núi Bà Đen) is a sacred mountain with temples and pagodas, visitable year-round. The summit is accessible by cable car or hiking trails.
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Typical hours
The cable car and temple complexes are typically open daily from early morning to late afternoon. Hikes should be done in daylight as there is no artificial lighting on the mountain.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in the temple areas and along the paths. Inside sacred interiors, avoid flash and be respectful.
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Time needed
A visit to the mountain including the cable car ride and temple visit takes about 3 to 4 hours. Hikers should plan for a half day.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with a trip to the Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh, just a short drive away. The region also gives rice paddies and local markets.
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Getting there
The mountain is in Tay Ninh province, about 95 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. It is reachable by car or bus via National Highway 22.
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Insider tip
Arrive early morning to avoid crowds and experience sunrise above the clouds. Wear sturdy footwear, as paths can be slippery.

Geography

Coordinates
11.37800, 106.17300

Facts

  • The mountain stands at an elevation of 986 meters.
  • The Lady Buddha statue on the summit is 72 meters tall.
  • It is located approximately 11 kilometers from Tay Ninh city.
  • The Sun World Ba Den Mountain cable car holds capacity records.
  • The mountain serves as a holy site for millions of pilgrims yearly.
  • The summit bronze statue is composed of over 6,600 individual pieces.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Tây NinhTây Ninh8 km · SExplore →
Manhattan Special Economic ZoneManhattan Special Economic Zone9 km · EExplore →
BavetBavet10 km · SEExplore →
Ap Bac BattlefieldAp Bac Battlefield30 km · NEExplore →
Củ Chi TunnelsCủ Chi Tunnels32 km · NExplore →
SnuolSnuol35 km · NWExplore →
My ThoMy Tho38 km · NEExplore →
KratieKratie38 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Black Virgin Mountain (13)

Khu du lịch Núi Bà Đen🎡 recreation

A major cultural theme park centered around the sacred Black Virgin Mountain, known for its cable cars and scenic pagodas.

Caodaism Holy Land⛪ religious

The spiritual center of the Cao Đài religion, featuring a colorful Great Temple that blends elements of Buddhism, Taoism, and Catholicism.

🕒 24/7

Phòng Xem phim Tư liệu🏛 museum

A documentary screening room detailing the religious and cultural history of the Cao Đài faith and the Black Virgin Mountain area.

Đài Liệt sĩ🏺 historical

A towering martyrs' monument commemorating the fallen soldiers of the region with a solemn architectural design.

Stupa of Pope - Le Van Trung🏺 historical

A decorative stupa marking the resting place of Lê Văn Trung, the first acting Pope of the syncretic Cao Đài religion.

5. Cơ Thánh Vệ🎭 culture

A dedicated performance venue used for specific religious ceremonies and cultural displays within the Cao Đài holy complex.

Thanh Tân🎭 culture

A local theatre staging animated cultural and traditional Vietnamese performances near the sacred mountain.

Minh Cảnh Thánh Đức Đàn⛪ religious

A Cao Đài religious facility distinguished by its architecture, used for worship, prayer, and spiritual gatherings.

Prajñā Boat House of Caodaism⛪ religious

A symbolic boathouse structure sheltering the Prajna (Wisdom) Boat, used fundamentally in elaborate Cao Đài funeral ceremonies.

Chợ Phước Ninh🎭 culture

A lively community market in Phước Ninh selling a variety of fresh agricultural goods and daily household necessities.

Great Divine Temple📍 landmark

The Great Divine Temple is a prominent religious attraction near Nui Ba Den, functioning as a central worship space.

🕒 24/7

Enlightenment Bodhi📍 landmark

The Enlightenment Bodhi is an attraction near Nui Ba Den featuring a sacred tree that represents spiritual awakening.

Prince Siddhartha Guatama Riding a Horse📍 landmark

This attraction near Nui Ba Den features a striking equestrian statue of Prince Siddhartha Gautama.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How to get up the mountain?
There is a modern cable car for a quick ascent.
Is it a religious site?
Yes, the mountain houses many temples and pagodas.
How much time to allocate?
Half a day is usually plenty.
Is there parking?
Yes, there are large parking areas at the foot.
Is the trail difficult?
The hiking trails on foot are very steep and demanding.
Black Virgin Mountain: where is it located?
Black Virgin Mountain is located in Vietnam.
Black Virgin Mountain: what is there to see?
Highlights include Khu du lịch Núi Bà Đen, Caodaism Holy Land, Phòng Xem phim Tư liệu.
Black Virgin Mountain: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Black Virgin Mountain: why is it worth visiting?
Nui Ba Den, famously known as the Black Virgin Mountain, is the highest peak in Southern Vietnam, reaching an altitude of 986 meters above the plains of Tay Ninh Province.
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