I traveled to Vietnam by plane, and Ho Chi Minh City was my first stop. Therefore, I decided to explore the culture of the Mekong Delta region first. I chose Tay Ninh because it is a peaceful province, making it a great choice after spending a few bustling days in a big city. My trip to Tay Ninh, organized with the help of Autour Asia, started from Ho Chi Minh City, passed through Cu Chi, and ended in Tay Ninh. My 3-day trip to Tay Ninh was filled with unforgettable experiences.
So, what to do in Tay Ninh? On the first day, I departed from Ho Chi Minh City and passed through Cu Chi, where I had the opportunity to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels — a historical site in Vietnam. That afternoon, I arrived in Tay Ninh and rented a homestay near the city center. I visited many famous attractions here, such as Ba Den Mountain, Dau Tieng Lake, and the Tay Ninh Holy See.
Tay Ninh has a serene and pristine beauty, contrasting with the vibrancy of Ho Chi Minh City. If you love nature or are looking for a place to relax and unwind, you can consider my plan for 3 days in Tay Ninh. Visit Tay Ninh, it’s like an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, free from worries and stress.
Morning: Visit the Cu Chi tunnels
I began my 3-day itinerary to Tay Ninh in Ho Chi Minh City. On the morning of the first day, I had breakfast in Ho Chi Minh City and then traveled by car to the Cu Chi Tunnels, which took about an hour and a half. The Cu Chi Tunnels are one of Vietnam's most famous historical landmarks, closely associated with the resistance against French colonialism, and a site you simply cannot miss. Today, this site has been preserved and developed into a tourist destination where visitors can learn about history. It features two main areas: Ben Duoc and Ben Dinh.
The Cu Chi Tunnels are extensive, stretching over 200 kilometers. Here are things to do in Cu Chi: I explored the intricate tunnel system with its complex network of hidden bunkers and ingenious traps. I also watched documentaries and observed models of Cu Chi soldiers from the past, as well as reconstructed areas showcasing the desolate and war-torn Cu Chi landscape ravaged by bombs and bullets. Everything was recreated so vividly that I felt as if I was witnessing firsthand the life and struggles of the soldiers in Cu Chi during the devastating war. This was truly a memorable experience during my trip to Tay Ninh.
In addition to 3 days in Tay Ninh, I participated in other activities at the Cu Chi Tunnels, such as cycling around the lake, kayaking, and shooting sports. I found the shooting activity particularly fun and exciting. There are two separate areas: one for solo travelers like me and another for group shooting activities. Then, I enjoyed rustic dishes rich in the flavors of the countryside, including the specialty "Khoai Mi Cu Chi" (Cu Chi Cassava) – a dish often eaten by soldiers and Vietnamese people during the war.
Afternoon and evening: Visit Tay Ninh - Holy See of Tay Ninh - Tay Ninh Night Market
After having lunch in Cu Chi, I continued my journey to Tay Ninh, which took about two hours. I rested for a while at the homestay before visiting the Tay Ninh Holy See, located about 4 km from the city center. The Tay Ninh Holy See is one of the unique religious architectural works of Caodaism. If you are interested in exploring religious cultural features, the Tay Ninh Holy See is a must-visit destination during your 3-day journey to Tay Ninh.
What to do in Tay Ninh in the evening? If you stay in Tay Ninh for 3 days, I recommend visiting the night market. It’s open from the afternoon until midnight, so you can shop and explore the local culture and cuisine. It’s a very interesting experience. I tried many Southern specialties there at very affordable prices. After exploring the market, I walked around a bit more and then returned to the homestay to rest, ending a long but really fun day.
Morning: Black Virgin Mountain
Conquering Ba Den Mountain (Black Virgin Mountain) is one of the top things to do in Tay Ninh, as it is the highest mountain in the southeast region of Vietnam, with an altitude of 986 meters. This makes Black Virgin Mountain a most famous tourist destination in Tay Ninh.
At an ideal altitude, many young climbing enthusiasts choose to conquer this mountain through trekking routes or by walking up the stairs. However, I wanted to try the cable car to the summit to comfortably enjoy the surrounding natural scenery. This experience was amazing, and I felt like I was floating through the clouds and even touching them.
At the top, the scenery was even more stunning, with thick layers of clouds surrounding the peak, leaving me in awe. I spent a lot of time admiring the natural views from the summit, from forests and streams to small temples. I also admired the statue of the Buddha Tay Bo Da Son amidst a sea of white clouds. The scene was even more majestic than I had imagined from photos on the Internet. I took many pictures at the summit and participated in some spiritual activities at the palace dedicated to the goddess Black Virgin, which makes my Tay Ninh trip unforgettable.
I also visited Nui Da Lake, located next to the tourist complex of Black Virgin Moutain. This site is easy to explore and is a fairly popular destination for a 3-day itinerary to Tay Ninh. I was immediately impressed by the peaceful and wild natural landscape of the lake. The water is very clear and green, giving a refreshing and pleasant feeling.
Afternoon and evening: Go Ken Pagoda - Long Trung Ecotourism Area
As a person who loves to explore religious tourist destinations, I visited another pagoda in my 3-day Tay Ninh tour - Go Ken Pagoda. This pagoda is not too far from the center, so I went back to my homestay to rest and have lunch, then started my afternoon journey. Go Ken Pagoda, also known as Thien Lam Pagoda, is not only a symbol of Tay Ninh but also the oldest pagoda here, over a hundred years old.
The pagoda has a solemn and sacred beauty, making me feel very peaceful in my soul. I was able to see the statue of Buddha Quan Am standing on a lotus pedestal placed in the middle of a lake inside the pagoda grounds. In particular, this pagoda is located in the middle of a large rice field, so the surrounding scenery is also very poetic.
If you’re wondering what to do in Tay Ninh, consider my next destination during my 3-day Tay Ninh trip: Long Trung Ecotourism Area. Located about 3 kilometers from Go Ken Pagoda, I quickly decided to visit this spot afterward. It turned out to be a great choice as I got to enjoy a Southern Vietnamese vibe with thatched huts on the lake, bamboo bridges, fish ponds, and lush gardens. I felt like I was relaxing in a peaceful countryside setting.
I mainly spent my time sightseeing and resting here, but you can also join fun outdoor activities, especially if you’re traveling with children, such as boating, cycling on wooden planks, or sitting in water hammocks. My favorite experience was feeding the fish—it was so enjoyable.
I had dinner right at the ecotourism area and got to taste rustic Southern Vietnamese dishes. You can try Tay Ninh specialties here, such as beef salad, caramelized fish, grilled fish, fish hotpot, fried chicken, and some other seafood dishes. It was a perfect way to end the second day of my tour to Tay Ninh.
What to do in Tay Ninh? I saved a rather distant destination for the last day – Dau Tieng Lake. That morning, I had a bowl of noodle soup Trang Bang, the most famous specialty of Tay Ninh. If you spend 3 days in Tay Ninh without trying this soup which you can find at local markets or some street food stalls, your trip wouldn’t be complete.
After that, I headed to visit Dau Tieng Lake. This is one of the must-visit places in Tay Ninh as it is the largest irrigation lake in Vietnam. If you’re looking for a spot to enjoy the scenery, camp, and chat, Dau Tieng Lake has everything you need. You can choose to camp at Bai Da Trung (Egg Rock Beach) or Dao Nhim (Hedgehog Island), where you can fully admire the beauty of Dau Tieng Lake. However, I wanted a quieter and more intimate place, so I went deeper into the forest and camped near Truc Stream. I relaxed, waded in the stream, and found the water crystal clear and cool.
This was also the last stop on my 3-day itinerary to Tay Ninh. From Dau Tieng Lake, I went straight back to Ho Chi Minh City that afternoon. I rested at the hotel and explored Bui Vien walking street in the evening.
Best time to visit Tay Ninh: It is advisable to plan your Tay Ninh tour in 3 days during the dry season, from December to April of the following year. At this time, it rarely rains and the climate is dry, making it ideal for traveling and sightseeing.
Packing: If you plan to climb a mountain, don’t forget to bring the necessary items. Prepare a pair of suitable shoes and comfortable clothes. When moving between tourist sites during the day, bring glasses, a hat and extra clothes, in case you get wet while participating in outdoor activities or walking by the river.
Local Food: What to eat in Tay Ninh? You can go to the markets or some local restaurants. Tasting Tay Ninh specialties such as Trang Bang noodle soup, snails, rice paper and Tay Ninh shrimp salt is one of the top things to do in Tay Ninh. You can also buy them as a gift for your family and friends.
Recommended travel agency: For a 3-day itinerary in Tay Ninh, you can check out the Vietnam agency Autour Asia, which earned our full trust during this trip. Their advisor was professional and friendly, and the drivers as well as the guides were very skilled. Thanks to them, our stay in Tay Ninh was an unforgettable experience!
If you wish to explore the cultural identities of cities in southern Vietnam, plan a 3-day trip to Tay Ninh. This region will undoubtedly offer you unforgettable experiences with its natural beauty, iconic tourist attractions, and delicious culinary specialties. Don’t forget to seek the assistance of a reputable Vietnam travel agency, such as Autour Asia, to enjoy a complete and seamless journey.
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